"Don''t refuse. Just think of it as an extra benefit for someone as capable as you," Lucas said.


    An apartment? My heart stirred.


    Ever since I realized that almost everyone knew where my new home was, I had been considering moving again. But finding a suitable ce wasn''t easy, and rent was another issue.


    If thepany provided housing, it would indeed solve my immediate problem.


    "I''ll think about it." I didn''t agree immediately.


    When I returned to the hospital ward, I saw Mom staring nkly out the window, her gaze empty and unfocused.


    I walked over and gently held her hand. It was ice-cold, making my heart ache just to touch it.


    "Mom," I called softly. "Lucas said I could work at hispany as his assistant."


    Mom turned to look at me, a spark of light shing in her eyes. "Really? That''s wonderful!"


    I nodded and continued, "He also said thepany has employee housing. We can move there. It''s close to work, and it''ll be easier for me to take care of you."


    A relieved smile appeared on her face. "That''s great. Let''s move. I don''t want to stay here another second."


    I knew exactly what she meant.


    Tucking the nket around her, I reassured her, saying, "Don''t worry, Mom. I''ll take good care of you."


    She patted my hand and said warmly, "You''ve grown up and be so sensible. I believe in you."


    ...


    The next day, Ipleted the discharge paperwork and started packing with Mom.


    Suddenly, Alex showed up. Seeing me packing, he looked surprised. "What are you doing? Moving out?"


    I nodded, not bothering to hide it. "I''ve found a job. Thepany provides housing."


    His expression changed instantly as he scrutinized me with suspicion. "What job? Whatpany? Apany that provides housing? You''re not getting scammed, are you?"


    His overly protective attitude was starting to irritate me.


    "Why do you care so much?" I said impatiently. "My life is none of your concern."


    "How could I not care?" Alex said, exasperated. "You''re a young woman. What if you get tricked? This world is full of bad people!"


    "That''s enough!" I cut off his


    nagging. If you''re really worried about me, just tell me the rentowe for all these years. I''ll write you an IOU and pay you back at market rate-not a penny less."


    I looked at him calmly and added, "Give me your bank ount number."


    Alex froze, clearly not expecting that. His face turned red with anger.


    "Serena! Don''t be so ungrateful! Is this what you think of me? After all these years together, you still don''t know what kind of person I am? If anything happens to you, don''te crying to me!"


    Watching him storm off in a fury, I felt a strange mix of emotions.


    I said nothing more and continued packing.


    Alex mmed the door on his way out, leaving behind a ringing silence and a


    mess of scattered items.


    I let out a weary sigh and kept going.


    To say I didn''t care would be a lie. After all, the Hastings family had taken Mom and me in for years. No matter what, they had been kind to us. To part on such bad terms still


    left a bitter taste.


    I carefully packed Mom''s essential medications and clothes, discarding whatever we could do without.


    Things I once treasured now seemed like nothing more than meaningless


    possessions. One by one, I sorted through them and set them aside—almost as if


    I were also letting go of the heavy past.


    The movingpany arrived quickly. The two young men efficiently carried the packed boxes downstairs.


    I helped Mom up and followed behind them.