At that very moment, Cassandra's reddened. She struggled to wheel herself closer to us.
She pleaded, “Auntie… life here is worse than you think. The donations from kind people are limited. I was born disabled so I can’t fight with the others for food or supplies. The director prefers healthy kids because they have a better chance of being adopted. No one here really cares about me!”
“All these years, you’re the only ones who ever talked to me … whoever bought me things. If you don’t take me home today, you might never see me again …” she continued.
“I’m begging you, Auntie. I know your family is doing well. So, adding one more person to raise won’t be a burden. I’ll work for you as a nanny. I’ll take care of your daughter. I’ll clean, I’ll cook—I’ll do anything. I don’t mind suffering …”
Her voice trembled, her expression pitiful, but her calculating eyes sent a chill down my spine. I instinctively stepped back and pulled my daughter closer.
“I already said no and I meant it. Our home isn’t some charity hotel. We worked hard to get where we are and it didn’t fall from the sky. Helping you is kindness, but not helping you doesn’t make us bad people. Just because we have money doesn’t mean we’re obligated to spend it on strangers. I’m no saint.”
“Besides, we’ll be back every week and I’ll give you five seventy-five dollars for your own expenses. That should be enough for you to get by. So don’t push your luck.”
Without waiting for her reaction, I turned around and walked out while taking my daughter with me.
Aaron also followed me behind.
Although he didn’t understand why I was acting this way, as always, he supported me without question.
While he went to get the car, my daughter and I stood outside in the sunlight.
However, even with the warmth on my skin, I could feel a cold, poisonous gaze piercing my back. So, I turned around to look.
Cassandra was staring at us from the orphanage window. Her face changed in an instant, from venomous to pleading and pitiful.
However, I had seen that same expression before. I recognized the hidden cruelty behind her innocent mask. That possessive, determined glint in her eyes chilled me to the bone.
I frowned and quickly ushered my daughter into the car. I was still too scared that cold sweats broke out across my forehead.