10
The evidence was irrefutable. The plaintiff
became the defendant. Lily was arrested.
Her look at me was full of resentment.
Leaving the courthouse, it felt surreal.
The sun was warm, dispelling the gloom.
Reporters swarmed, asking about my feelings.
I was overwhelmed.
David appeared, shielding me, escorting me
to the car.
Confused, I asked, “Mr. Miller, I’m penniless.
Why did you help me?”
David drove, calmly replying, “A lawyer’s duty
is to uphold justice.”
“I’m your lawyer. Whether you have money or
not, I’ll do my job.”
“And I owe you my life.
وو
I froze. “You owe me your life? When?”
David showed the bracelet.
“You gave this to me thirteen years ago.”
“Forest Sea Waterpark. Don’t you
remember?”
A lightbulb went off.
At four, our family went to Forest Sea Park.
Lily wasn’t adopted yet; I was the favorite.
At the pool, I saw a boy’s foot trapped in the
grate, struggling.
I shouted for help, trying to pull him out.
Two adults heard me, rescuing the boy.
As he was taken to the ambulance, I gave him
my bracelet.
“Don’t be scared; the doctor will help you. “The shot won’t hurt. Be brave.”
“”
David said softly, “Your comforting words, your gesture of brushing your hair…I’ll never forget it.”
“Without you, I’d be dead.”
“I searched for you, remembering your face,
but I couldn’t find you. The internet wasn’t
advanced then.”
“I kept the bracelet, like a treasure.
“When I investigated, your gesture was the same, so I showed you the bracelet.”
“You were vague, but I confirmed you’re the
girl who saved me.”
I understood, but still wondered, “But Lily’s
your girlfriend?”
“Yes,” David nodded. “I loved her. I was
planning to propose.”
“But this case…after investigating, I saw her
true self. I was heartbroken.
“She’s truly monstrous!”
“Do you know why she hired those men?”
I shook my head.
David explained Lily was extremely jealous
and possessive.
Because of the appeal, she thought David
liked me.
So, she hired thugs to ruin me.
“Lily grew up in an orphanage. She craved love, pathologically.”
“But she’s smart, good at hiding it.”
“Mrs. Davis said after being adopted, she
acted sweet and innocent.
دو
“I don’t know why Lily did this. Maybe she
was jealous of you, your happy life.”
“I asked the woman; she was surprised a
child would pay for that.”
“Lily will be punished; she deserves it.”