Felicia took a week off to go home and arrange her mother''s funeral. I wanted to apany her, but she wouldn''t let me.


    She said, "We''re not married yet. I don''t want you to do these things for me. William, you don''t have to worry about me. I won''t lose hope. I will send my mother off properly. Then I''ll adjust my mood and find you at school."


    She hugged me and rested her head on my shoulder, shedding a single tear. Then, she followed her father-or rather, her adoptive father-back to her hometown.


    I sensed that she had abruptly changed.


    Her gaze had be much more determined, and her demeanor had grown steadier and stronger. It was as if she had suddenly transformed from a timid girl into a woman brave enough to face anything.


    I sighed.


    Felicia was facing such a painful separation. My words offort would be pointless and powerless. Ultimately, all I could do was send her to the station and watch her leave.


    Back in the dormitory, Iy on my bed and called my mother, telling her about Felicia''s situation.


    "Mom, do you know which big family this happened to?"


    My mother thought for a moment before shaking her head. "I haven''t heard of it. But William, this happened 20 years ago. Information technology wasn''t as developed back then, and there were many secrets inrge families. Not hearing about it is normal."


    "In what situation would arge family go to such lengths to get rid of a child? They even forced their own daughter to death."


    My mother sighed. "There are many possibilities, but I don''t want you thinking about these things. You''re still young, William. Don''t get involved with the dark side of these big families too soon. I promise to help you investigate. You just focus on studying and don''t get involved, okay?"


    "Okay."


    In truth, I didn''t want to know the


    ugly side of prominent families, but I had to ask because of Felicia. It seemed that the family had hidden things very well, as even my mom, who had excellent


    intelligence-gathering skills, hadn''t heard of it.


    In one night, Felicia lost not just one mother but two. She must be in extreme pain.


    I felt terrible as well, and I couldn''t cheer myself up. Fortunately, with thepany


    of Benjamin, Liam, and Matthew, I could smile asionally because of their jokes.


    That day, right after ss, I received a call from the bar.


    "William, right? You agreed to work at the bar. Why are you not here yet?"


    I was confused at first. But then I remembered I had identally walked into the boss'' office and saw her changing clothes when I went to the bar the other day.


    In a panic, I lied and said I was there for a part-time job interview. I had even left my contact information.


    I hadn''t been back since then. Did they actually remember me? It seemed like they really couldn''t find anyone else to hire.


    "Sorry, I''ve been busy with my studies. I''lle over now."


    The bar was in a good location. There were many customers, and business was easier to manage, so it was a good investment. I carried this intention thest time I was there but was interrupted.


    Now that I had some free time, I decided to go over and finalize things. I didn''t tell


    Benjamin and the other as I took a taxi to the bar myself.


    It was still daylight, and the bar was empty. When I entered, I saw a transfer sign on the ground.


    It seemed like the bar hadn''t been transferred yet, which meant that it was now


    mine.


    I walked straight in, but ady


    stopped me before I could turn into the hallway. "Hey, you''re William, the part-timer, right? Why are you wearing this kind of clothes? You need to wear a shirt and ck trousers to work here. Didn''t you know that?"