I had just gotten back to my dorm room from classes when I saw my comforter lying on the floor.
On my bed, a stylishly dressed girl was sitting.
My roommates were all gathered around her, gushing over her.
When she saw me, she pulled out a five-hundred-dollar bill from her designer wallet with a cold, haughty look and tossed it onto the floor:
“I’m Willow, I just transferred to your class. I wanted to try out dorm life for the experience. So, this bed is mine now. You can go rent an apartment.
“My dad is Mr. Sterling, CEO of Sterling Corp. You don’t have a problem with that, do you?
My heart sank as I looked at the girl in front of me, who bore a striking seven-tenths resemblance to my own father.
My dad… he cheated?
My dad was famously devoted to his wife and adored his daughter. I never once imagined he could cheat.
But this girl in front of me looked so incredibly much like him.
I stared blankly at her for a few seconds, then picked up the five-hundred-dollar bill and calmly turned to leave the dorm.
Behind me, I heard my roommates whispering:
“Scarlett really is just some pathetic loser who’s never seen anything. Five hundred bucks and she’s already losing her mind with happiness!
“Of course! The Sterling Corp heiress wants her bed, that’s like a huge honor for her! She’ll probably post about it on SnapChat to brag later!
“Willow, isn’t that outfit the latest limited edition? I saw the launch, it must be over a million dollars! Your dad is so good to you
I ignored all the mocking and walked straight to the school parking lot.
I slipped into the waiting Rolls-Royce, always on standby, twenty-four-seven:
“Home.
Once home, I got out and handed the five hundred dollars to Mr. Davis, the driver:
“Find out everything about someone named Willow. Her fingerprints are on this money.
“I want all her information, especially her parents.
After that, I went straight to my parents’ room.
The door was ajar, and I immediately saw my mom lying quietly in her specially customized nursing bed.
My dad was sitting beside the bed, holding a bowl of porridge, carefully blowing on each spoon to cool it before gently feeding it to my mom.
His movements were tender, his gaze so soft it could melt.
I had seen this scene for ten years.
Ten years ago, my mom was paralyzed in an accident, and my dad had personally taken care of her like this ever since.
Even though we had nannies and expensive, top-tier nurses.
My dad was never truly at ease.
Feeding her, wiping her down, massaging her, turning her overas long as he was home, he would do these things himself.
No matter how busy he was with company affairs, he would always come home on time to be with my mom.
Ten years, day in and day out, without a single complaint.
My dad was a renowned entrepreneur in the city, and a universally acknowledged model husband.
He dedicated all his time and love to my mom and me.
So I simply couldn’t fathom that such a wonderful husband and father would cheat, much less have an illegitimate daughter who was my age.
Seeing me walk in, a flicker of surprise crossed my dad’s face:
“Scarlett? I thought you said you’d be staying at the dorm recently to prepare for your college entrance exams? Why are you back so suddenly?
I looked at him calmly:
“Nothing much. Just suddenly wanted to come back and see Mom, and see you too.
I walked over, naturally taking the bowl from my dad’s hand: “I’ll feed her. You can rest for a bit.
My dad didn’t insist. He handed me the bowl, looking at my mom with a pleased smile:
“See? Our daughter is so thoughtful.
I lowered my head, scooped up a spoonful of porridge, and brought it to my mom’s lips, then casually spoke:
“Dad, a pretty interesting girl transferred to our class today.
My dad’s attention was entirely on my mom. He didn’t even lift his head, asking distractedly, “Oh? What’s so interesting about her?
“She looks very familiar, especially her eyes and brows. They’re strikingly similar to yours.
After saying that, I looked deeply at my dad, asking in a calm voice:
“Dad, you haven’t secretly had a mistress and a love child, have you?
At my words, my dad’s head snapped up to look at me:
“Scarlett!
“Do you know what you’re saying?
“In my life, Mr. Sterling has only ever had two women in his heart: your mother and you!
“Ten years ago, your mom became like this because she saved me. I owe her my life. How could I possibly do anything to betray her?!
My dad’s voice trembled, his emotions raw, as if he’d been gravely wronged.
“Forget a love child. If I ever had even the slightest thought of disrespecting you and your mother, it would be an insult to myself!
Looking into his sincere and honest eyes, my heart sank.
He was right. I had seen for over a decade how much my dad loved my mom.
And his kindness to me was absolutely flawless.
When I was learning to walk, he’d cast aside all pride and dignity, crawling on the floor to let me ride on his back like a horse, just to make me smile.
Knowing I was scared of thunder, no matter how busy he was at work, he’d take time off on stormy days to come home and comfort me, telling me: “Scarlett, don’t be afraid. Dad’s here.
When I was seriously ill as a child and diagnosed with kidney failure, he donated his kidney without a moment’s hesitation.
Afraid I’d feel burdened, he kept it a secret from me for three whole years, until I discovered it during a medical check-up.
He was the best person to me in this world.
Could a man who cherished his wife and loved his daughter with his very life really have an illegitimate daughter out there?
Thinking this, my tone softened a bit:
“Dad, I was just kidding.
My dad sighed and patted my head:
“Scarlett, don’t make jokes like that anymore. Remember, your dad values this family, you and your mom, more than his own life!
“I would never, ever do anything to hurt you or your mother in this lifetime.
I nodded, not saying another word.
The next day, I went to school as usual.
When I reached the classroom, I immediately saw Willow sitting in my seat.
She was surrounded by classmates.
“Willow, is that pen a Montblanc Artist Series? I saw it in a magazine, it’s so classy!
“Willow, my family’s new resort is having its soft opening this weekend. I’d love to invite you and your friends to come hang out. Everything’s on us! Do you have time?
“Willow, my mom heard that the Sterling Corp heiress transferred to our class, so she specially asked me to give you an unlimited gift card for our supermarket. She hopes we can get to know each other better!
Willow haughtily enjoyed the compliments and flattery from everyone.
When she saw me enter, she merely lifted her eyelids, showing no intention of getting up.
Instead, my deskmate, Amber, approached me with a smirk and said haughtily:
“Scarlett, Willow wants to sit by the window to get some fresh air. Why don’t you give her this spot? You can sit over there.
As she spoke, she pointed to an empty seat in the corner of the classroom, next to the trash can.
I stood my ground, silent.
Willow glanced at me, her face full of disdain:
“Want more money, do you?
She pulled out another five hundred dollars: “Here’s another five hundred. To buy your seat. You don’t have a problem with that, do you?
Everyone in the class looked at me with amusement, expecting me to take the money and back down.
I glanced at my books, which had been carelessly tossed next to the trash can, and said with an icy expression:
“I do have a problem.
“This is my seat. Please get up.
Willow’s expression froze, and she glared at me angrily:
“What do you mean?
“It’s just a stupid seat! It’s an honor that I even want it! Do you know who my dad is?!
I spoke coolly: “Mr. Sterling, CEO of Sterling Corp. You said so yesterday.
“So?
“What does that have to do with you occupying my seat without permission and throwing my belongings on the floor?
The whole class was stunned, looking at me in shock.
“Scarlett, do you even know who you’re talking to? Who gave you the guts to speak to Miss Willow that way?
“Exactly! Last night you took five hundred bucks and practically ran out of the dorm. Today you’re acting so tough, are you trying to extort more money?
“She’s just crazy for money! Always trying to scam whenever she gets a chance!
All my classmates publicly accused and cursed me, as if I were the villain who had seized what belonged to others.
Willow was so angry she stood up, pointing a finger at my nose:
“Scarlett, you dirt-poor nobody, who are you trying to act all high and mighty for in front of me?!
“Don’t you dare test me! My dad can make a call to the school, and you won’t even have a place to study!
I smiled: “You can try.
Willow was so furious she was about to make a call right then and there.
Just then, the homeroom teacher, beaming, hurried into the classroom: “Class, I have some great news!
“Willow’s father, a student in our class, has generously supported our school’s education initiatives by donating an entire library to the school!
The teacher’s words instantly set the class abuzz.
“An entire library?! Oh my god!
“Willow, your dad is ridiculously generous!
“How much must that cost? Willow, it’s such a privilege to be your classmate!
Listening to everyone’s envious exclamations and flattery, Willow’s lips curled up in a smug smile.
She shot me a contemptuous glance: “See? My dad just casually drops a donation, and it’s a whole library. What can you, a hick like you, do against me?
The teacher excitedly continued:
“To express our most sincere gratitude, the school has decided to hold a grand donation appreciation ceremony on the sports field tomorrow morning!
“At that time, Willow’s parents, Mr. Sterling, CEO of Sterling Corp, and his wife, will personally attend!
“This is an honor for our entire school!
The classroom erupted in thunderous applause and excited chatter:
“So, we’ll get to see the CEO of Sterling Corp and his wife in person tomorrow?
“Oh my gosh, I’m so excited!
“Willow, you’re so beautiful, your mom must be a gorgeous lady too?!
The classroom atmosphere was wild, but my heart grew increasingly bewildered.
Donating an entire library.
That was indeed a lavish gesture.
Even the CEO of Sterling Corp couldn’t be so extravagant.
Because Sterling Corp was inherited from my maternal grandfather, and before he passed away, he transferred all the shares to my name.
Any major expenditure from the company’s accounts had to be approved with my signature.
My dad couldn’t just casually donate an entire building without my authorization.
Just as I was wondering, Mr. Davis, the driver, sent me a message:
“Miss Scarlett, I looked into all the information about Willow last night.
“But strangely, her identity is very well protected. I couldn’t find anything.
I didn’t reply. Instead, I looked at Willow, who had a seven-tenths resemblance to my dad.
If even Mr. Davis couldn’t find her information, it seemed her identity was indeed out of the ordinary.
After school, I immediately went home.
As soon as I walked in, I saw my dad personally simmering my mom’s favorite chicken soup.
“Scarlett’s home? Come wash your hands and get ready for dinner.
I washed my hands and sat at the table, eating silently.
My dad patiently fed my mom, his movements as gentle as if he were tending to a rare treasure.
After a while, I finally spoke up:
“Dad, our school has an appreciation ceremony tomorrow. Do you know about it?
My dad paused slightly, asking curiously, “What appreciation ceremony?
I slowly explained, “It’s about that transfer student I told you about yesterday. Her dad donated an entire library to the school, and our teacher said they’re holding a school-wide appreciation event to thank them in person.
My dad smiled with satisfaction and nodded:
“Donating a library? That’s wonderful! Supporting education is a truly commendable act. It seems your new classmate’s family has a great sense of social responsibility.
I smiled faintly: “Yes, so the school is taking it very seriously. The homeroom teacher requires all students to attend.
Just then, my dad’s phone rang.
After hanging up, he looked at me, his face filled with excitement:
“Scarlett, Professor Miles, your mom’s specialist doctor, is coming back from overseas tomorrow! He says there’s a new technique abroad that might allow your mom to fully recover! He wants to give your mom a detailed consultation.
“Will you come with me tomorrow? We can both learn about your mom’s future treatment plan!
I paused slightly, then nodded:
“Okay, I’ll ask the teacher for leave later. Mom’s health is more important than any school event.
The next morning, I woke up as usual and had breakfast with my dad.
He finished his meal with his usual expression, then picked up his briefcase:
“Scarlett, I’ve scheduled with Professor Miles for ten o’clock. It’s still early, so I’ll go to the company for a morning meeting first. After you finish eating, you can go to the hospital to talk to Professor Miles. I’ll bring your mom over a bit later.
I nodded obediently, watched my dad hurry off, then changed into workout clothes, put on a baseball cap and a mask, and took a taxi to school.
Mid-way, my dad even called me:
“Scarlett, are you at the hospital yet?
Standing at the school gate, watching the appreciation ceremony about to begin, I calmly replied:
“Yes, I’m already at the hospital, waiting for Professor Miles.
My dad’s voice was natural:
“Okay, I should be done here in about half an hour. I’ll come over as soon as I’m finished.
After hanging up, I pulled my cap lower, walked into the school, and blended into the crowd on the sports field.
The field was already packed with people. After the principal delivered an enthusiastic speech, he grandly introduced:
“Now, let us welcome our esteemed guests today, Mr. Sterling, CEO of Sterling Corp, and his wife, with our warmest applause!
Thunderous applause erupted across the field.
As everyone watched expectantly, a distinguished couple, impeccably dressed and radiating extraordinary presence, walked out side-by-side, smiling, and stepped onto the main stage.
When I clearly saw their faces, I froze on the spot!
The man, wearing an expensive custom suit, with a polished smile, waving to the audience below.
It was none other than my father, Mr. Sterling, who had told me earlier that morning he was going to a company meeting!
And the woman standing beside him, dressed in an elegant evening gown.
She wasn’t any mistress or secret lover I had imagined.
It was my mother, who had been paralyzed for ten years
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