Seeing Ian staring blankly, Vivian Sterling couldn't resist reaching out to touch his hand.
"Ian."
Ian looked up. His face was sickly pale, yet exquisitely beautiful.
She leaned over and gently hugged him.
"Don't be sad. I'll be here for you from now on. Your family might not love you, but I can. You're my best friend."
Ian closed his eyes. "Okay."
"Vivi, you should go. I want to be alone for a while."
Vivian Sterling glanced at the porridge he had barely touched. The boy was so thin, not at all like someone who grew up in a wealthy family.
She walked out of the hospital room.
Only then did Ian curl himself into a ball.
'He remembered that rainy night.'
'Nina had shared her umbrella with him.'
'Shielding him from the wind and rain for a moment.'
'She had said, "Ian, I want you to live."'
'He had thought Nina felt some small bit of familial affection for him. He was her little brother. Even if she hated him, she wouldn't want him dead.'
