Chapter 2The Debt of a Life

"Riley is up, so early, any plans today?"

"Mm, going to school, internship ending soon."

Mrs. Sterling brought out oatmeal, face kind, "Any plans after graduation?"

"Speaking of which you are same age as Lucas, stayed in ivory tower for so long, entering society later, need to make more friends, avoid being lonely alone."

I understood Mrs. Sterling's words, nothing more than wanting me not to pester Lucas.

Mr. Sterling said more than once, hoping I could marry Lucas in future. Mrs. Sterling disagreed.

Mr. Sterling angry, said that would be ungrateful.

That day I was outside the study all along, eavesdropping their quarrel.

I understand Mrs. Sterling's meaning. Hearing it then, indeed somewhat sad.

Young girl's mind, anyone could see, I had feelings for Lucas.

Not only because my dad saved him, but also because, Lucas treated me really well back then.

I was alone in strange Sterling house, it was Lucas accompanying me out of haze, going to school and back with me.

At first my grades were bad, also Lucas teaching me tirelessly.

Later hearing Mrs. Sterling's words, I understood.

In her eyes, Sterling family raised me so big, these kindnesses all paid off, no need to be like before.

But I also want to say, I don't need them at all, what so-called kindness, I just want my dad back.

If not they didn't listen to advice, insisting on camping in that place, Lucas wouldn't be swept away.

Now Mrs. Sterling says this, I smiled: "Mrs. Sterling, actually I wanted to tell you long ago, Sterling family raised me so big, I'm already adult, I want to move out."

Mrs. Sterling stunned instantly, "Riley, you..."

"My dad said when he was around, people have to rely on themselves. Mountain falls, water dries, only relying on oneself can be strong."

"Sterling family took me in for so long, these ten plus years you paid a lot, I can't bite the hand that feeds me, so I decided it's time to live independently."

"Last night I also wanted to have a showdown with Lucas, but I thought his mood unstable. I only tell you this, trouble you keep secret for me, I have to leave day after tomorrow."

Hearing this Mrs. Sterling instantly somewhat surprised, "So urgent!"

She didn't say some high-sounding words, only said so urgent, means she also wanted me to leave.

Probably realizing her attitude, Mrs. Sterling quickly made up: "I mean isn't it too rushed, still many things not organized."

"If Lucas knows, afraid he will make a scene."

"Then trouble Mrs. Sterling explain to him clearly, tell him after I leave."

Hearing this Mrs. Sterling's face eased a bit, "Okay, Riley, you always sensible, found job? Live where?"

"Found already, being a teacher, report day after tomorrow, place to live not found yet."

"Good, very good."

Mrs. Sterling's mood jumped up immediately, soon went upstairs, came down holding a property deed, "This condo is right in city center, subway station at door, convenient to go anywhere."

"For you, Riley, you living alone also pay attention to safety, don't share rental."

I accepted.

My dad's one life worth their family's payment these years, and this house.

I'm not stupid, teaching conditions hard, still need money. With this house, coming back at least have a place to stay.

I accepted.