Angeline was clearly taken aback by the new condition Bryan had proposed. However, she didn't respond and simply left Bryan's house. Bryan, on the other hand, only watched her expressionlessly.
The next day, Angeline was already at the police station. She looked as though she had been holding back tears ever since she arrived. Shortly afterward, her brother Michael was released, and he immediately hugged Angeline, tears of sorrow streaming down his face.
"I'm sorry, Sis. I was too naive to fall for their offer. You must have been through so much because of me," Michael said, regretting what he had done.
"It's okay. I know this isn't your fault. Let's go get something good to eat. You must be hungry." Angeline released him and smiled resolutely.
They went to an upscale restaurant, and Michael was puzzled. It was unusual for Angeline to take him somewhere so expensive and let him order anything he wanted.
"Why are you being so quiet? Come on, eat. You said you really wanted steak." Angeline cut a piece from the steak on her plate and traded it for the piece on Michael's plate.
"Is this for real? Can I eat it, Sis? You've worked so hard to get me out of jail. Sis... don't tell me you borrowed money from loan sharks?" Michael hesitated to eat the expensive meal.
"No, I didn't. You see, I found a high-paying job. Because I signed a contract, I have to leave in a week, and I won't be coming back for a year."
"A year? Isn't that too long? What about Mom? She has to undergo dialysis once a week, and I can't take care of her all the time because I need to work too."
"You don't have to work anymore. I'll send you money every month for your expenses and Mom's. Just focus on your studies so you can graduate and go to college."
"But—"
"Since I have to leave, you have to take care of Mom. And... Mom just had surgery. She'll get better after the operation. She won't be in pain anymore."
"Is all of this real, Sis?" Michael's eyes welled up with tears again. He couldn't believe his life was getting better, even though he had spent five days in confinement.
"Yes, so finish your meal, and we'll visit Mom after we eat." Angeline beamed, trying to reassure Michael that everything would be all right.
Michael wiped away his tears and began eating eagerly. Angeline was delighted and joined him. They even sampled every dish on the table.
At the hospital, they entered the VIP room. Michael was speechless when he saw his mother's spacious room, complete with amenities like a hotel suite.
"Is this really Mom's room, Sis? Not a hotel room?" Michael asked again in amazement.
"Mom... how are you feeling? The doctor said the operation was successful, and you don't need dialysis anymore," Angeline asked her mother, who had regained consciousness after the surgery.
"I feel much better. I'm not weak anymore. Angeline... you must have been through so much all this time. I'm sorry for being a burden to you. I feel like I've failed you because I forced you to become the breadwinner and suffer alone," their mother said, tears in her eyes.
Angeline held back her tears and tried to stay strong, forcing a broad smile. "Mom... after Dad's departure, Angeline became the head of the household. But Angeline has never regretted any of it. Angeline was only afraid that she wouldn't be able to make Mom well and raise Michael properly. From now on, our lives will change for the better. So, Mom, you just need to focus on your health, and Michael can focus on school."
"Big sister Angeline..."
"Mom hopes you find your happiness and aren't burdened by your responsibilities."
"Angeline is already very happy to see Mom recovering, and Michael can go to school like other kids."
Angeline cried in her mother's embrace, and Michael joined them, hugging Angeline tightly. The three of them wept tears of joy after enduring endless suffering.
A week later, Angeline was getting ready to leave. She explained that she had found a job overseas and wouldn't be able to come home for a year. She asked her mother and brother to carry on with their lives, even though they might not hear from her often.
"Do I really not need to take you to the airport?" Michael asked sadly.
"You have school today, don't you? You have exams in three months," Angeline said as she prepared to leave with her suitcase.
"I could skip school."
"Angeline, eat breakfast first. Take some food with you for the journey. I heard Europe is very far away, and it takes more than ten hours to get there," their mother said, looking refreshed as she brought out a large amount of food.
"Mom, this is a feast, not breakfast," Angeline said, looking at the table covered with her mother's cooking.
"It's okay. A year will pass quickly. But you'll probably get lonely because you'll be all alone there."
Angeline tasted her mother's dishes, all of which were her favorites and ones her mother hadn't cooked in a long time. She could no longer hold back her tears. It was incredibly difficult for her to leave her family. But if she didn't go, she had no idea what Bryan would do.
After breakfast, Angeline said goodbye in front of their house. A taxi had been waiting there for some time. She loaded her suitcase into it, then hugged her mother and cried again.
"I'll be back. A year is really quite short. Mom, take care of your health. And Michael, I'm sorry I can't be there for your graduation," Angeline said as she bid them farewell.
"You don't need to apologize. Just take care of yourself there. I won't do anything foolish again," Michael said awkwardly.
"That's right. You need to take care of your health too and avoid getting sick. Be careful, okay?" their mother said as she released Angeline from her embrace.
Angeline got into the taxi after wiping away her tears. She gave them a warm smile and made sure her mother and brother would stay healthy even without her. The taxi carrying Angeline drove away, leaving behind the home she would dearly miss.
During the journey, Angeline couldn't stop crying. She knew this was her own choice. After reassuring herself, she wiped away her tears and steeled herself to do her job as best she could.
Before long, Angeline arrived at Bryan's house. She got out of the taxi with her suitcase and entered the estate. Angeline took a deep breath and walked forward with confidence.
"Welcome, Miss," several servants greeted her as they stood neatly in formation.
Angeline hadn't expected to be greeted like this. A servant took her suitcase and led her into the main hall. Bryan had been waiting there for some time.
Slowly, Angeline walked toward Bryan, who was looking at her expressionlessly. Angeline tried to smile. However, just as she was about to reach him, Bryan walked past her without a word, leaving Angeline baffled.