I liked him but had never dared to say it out loud.

As an impoverished student dependent on his generosity, I felt unworthy.

Every time I saw him getting close to another girl.

A piece of me shattered.

Catherine was his current love interest.

I naively hoped this one would be fleeting, like the others. But she was special.

Jacob cherished her and even introduced her to his family.

Catherine dismissed all the maids early to prepare a surprise birthday for Jacob.

She cooked up a vast seafood feast for him.

I was super allergic to seafood, so there was no way I could eat it.

But Jacob made me finish a whole plate of shrimp to make Catherine happy.

I blacked out after that.

I woke up in a hospital bed.

My thoughts were interrupted.

When I saw Jacob returned with Catherine.

He glared at me fiercely and demanded, "Mia, apologize to Catherine!"

My eyes were bloodshot as I stared at him in disbelief.

Jacob continued, "Catherine was terrified by how scary you looked yesterday. Apologize to her now."

Catherine said gently, "Jacob, Mia didn't mean it. No need to apologize."

I blurted out without hesitation, "I can't apologize for that."

I had already told her I couldn't eat seafood.

Catherine looked heartbroken. "Do you hate me, Mia? I prepared this especially for you two."

Jacob forced me to eat those shrimp to make Catherine happy.

Catherine seemed startled by my reaction and flinched.

Jacob hugged her and slapped me with his other hand.

"If you won't apologize, then I'll make you pay!"

I was so angry that I couldn't hold it back any longer. I passed out.

The first time I met Jacob was in my rundown little house.

I came back from school wearing patched clothes.

The village chief showed up at my door with three elegant strangers. They were Jacob and his parents. He told me they'd take me back with them and sponsor my education.

I didn't know why I was so lucky, but I couldn't shake off the fear I felt around them.

I locked myself in my room and didn't dare come out. Jacob came inside, gently patting my head to comfort me.

"From now on, I'm your brother. I'll protect you. You don't have to be afraid."

At that moment, the walls I'd built around my frozen heart began to melt.

From then on, I became like a little shadow following behind him.

Memories always seemed perfect in hindsight.

I'd freeze time and live in those days forever if I could.