Chapter 8

I looked up at Ariana, surprised. "You've already heard about it, huh?" She nodded, her gaze intense as she stared at me. "Yes. I know everything about you." Before I could respond, she moved to sit on the edge of my bed. "Joshua, I also know you're not like the rumors say. You're putting up with all this at the Smith family—for your sister's medical treatment. Isn't that right?" As our eyes met, I sensed a different emotion in her gaze. That long-suppressed feeling seemed about to burst forth. "Why would you still care about me, even from abroad?" I asked with difficulty. Ariana just laughed, waving it off. "You were my deskmate—I know you too well. You would never sacrifice your dignity purely for money. Something serious must've happened to force you into this." Her words struck me to the core. At that moment, she wasn't just a classmate but a friend who understood and valued my struggles. "Alright. Rest up. Let me know what you'd like to eat tomorrow morning. I'll go home e