4

The moment I threw myself into Kerwin's arms, he had already recognized me. Looking at my pleading eyes, Kerwin sighed and turned to the policewoman, “I'm her brother. Thank you for helping me find my sister.” Alfred's expression turned incredulous. “Good, very good.” He glared at me, “This isn't something I forced you into. It's your own choice. Don't regret it later.” Then he turned and left. Watching Alfred’s departing figure, a bitter sorrow welled up in my heart. Isn’t this exactly what he wanted? I won’t return to the Anderson Family. But why did he still look betrayed? After everyone had left, I whispered to Kerwin, “I’m sorry for causing you trouble.” “Isn’t he your own brother?” Kerwin asked. “If it’s a family dispute,” Kerwin advised me, “go back once you’ve reconciled.” I shook my head, flashes of my past life flickering through my mind. I couldn’t go back. Just as I was about to speak, my peripheral vision caught sight of the medicine bottle on the table that hadn’t been put away yet. After reading the label, my heart sank. Looking at the man with his head bowed and an unclear expression, I grabbed Kerwin’s hand. “You once said that if I had no family, you would be my brother and take care of me for the rest of your life.” My voice trembled, “Does that still hold true now?” Kerwin remained silent for a very long time, so long that I thought time had stopped. Finally, he nodded, “It still holds true.” I happily threw myself into his arms. “From today onward, you’re my real brother, and I’m your only sister.” I looked up at him, “We’re each other’s family.” “Now… Brother, I’m hungry. I haven’t eaten all day.” Kerwin clearly paused for a moment, “Alright, I’ll go buy some groceries. What do you want to eat?” “Creamy mushroom pasta , and anything else you want to buy is fine.” I said casually. Kerwin nodded and went out the door. I took the opportunity to pour all the medicine on the table into the drawer. Pretending I knew nothing. However, not long after, there was a knock on the door. “Why are you back so soon?” I opened the door and saw Alfred standing there with a gloomy expression. “Why are you here?” Alfred grabbed my hand without saying a word and dragged me outside. “Come with me.” I shook off his hand. “Where are you taking me?” “Home! Dolores, you can't keep pretending forever! Do you really want to stay in a stranger's house without any explanation?” Alfred’s voice suddenly sounded a bit tired. “Since we’re both back, let’s forget about what happened in the past. After you come home with me, behave yourself, and my parents and I won’t treat you badly. Don’t always think about competing with Elaine…” I interrupted Alfred. “What if I say that the condition for me to come home is that Elaine has to leave? Would you agree?” The air froze instantly. Alfred looked at me in disbelief, then his eyes filled with hatred, “I knew it! You’re truly malicious by nature! Why do you insist on driving Elaine out?” “Let me tell you, don’t even think about it. Elaine has been with Dad and Mom for so many years; in their hearts, she’s already like their own daughter!” “See?” I sneered, “I’ve only made this hypothetical suggestion, and I haven’t done anything yet, but your reaction is already so intense.” “From the very beginning, things between Elaine and me have never been fair!” My voice began to tremble, “Have you ever considered my feelings? Did I voluntarily allow myself to be trafficked? Do you know how much suffering I endured during those years I was trafficked?” “Why should I be expected to graciously accept that the love that rightfully belongs to me is being taken away by someone else?” “It was your own fault for being abducted because you were playful then!" Alfred blurted out, “Who else is to blame?” I snapped my head up, my gaze as sharp as a knife. “Are you sure it was because I was being playful?”