Chapter 43

Her words hit a sore note in my soul, and I have to bite my bottom lip to curb the urge to cry. I am warmed by her affection that feeds a craving I’ve had for so many years, unfulfilled. To feel seen and have someone care about me. To experience real familial love again. I know Yoonah cares, but it’s always been a selfish love, where he wanted me romantically and clung to me while expecting me to solve all his life problems. Yoonha was needy and wanted a mother figure because his real one sucked.

“I’m not innocent. I’ve been an awful person and done so many things. I was hateful. If I do nothing, the money just disappears. With that, I could rebuild the village, buy you ten thousand of these shacks and start a chain. Make your life completely different so we’d never have to worry about money again. Pay my dues for being a cold, heartless bitch for so much of my life.” I point out and watch as her expression crumbles.

“I don’t want it. Money caused this, and money is why