A Life Debt Repaid

At the same time, Cordy’s heart skipped a beat. She felt as if she was tugged somewhere in her body, but she could not quite describe it.

The boy then ran up to her bed and climbed up to it on his little feet without a pause, snuggling up to her and hugging her with his soft, little body. “Were you bullied, Mommy?”

He then released her and carefully wiped her tears with his stubby hands.

Cordy realized then that her tears were leaking from sheer frustration, and her heart almost melted from the boy’s comfort.

Even so, she was still positive that she did not know him.

Smiling and tousling the boy’s smooth curly hair, she spoke with unexpected mildness. “You have the wrong person, kid.”

“No, you’re my mommy. Daddy and I will protect you from now on.” The boy spoke with confidence and excitement. “Daddy has a bad temper, always pulls a long face, doesn’t like to talk, comes home late, gets stomach aches because he doesn’t eat on time, and smokes… but he’s rich and handsome. Please don’t leave us ever again, Mommy.”

Cordy was left speechless and smiling helplessly. “You’re adorable—but I’m not your mommy.”

“Dicky.”

A cold yet alluring voice spoke from the door just then.

The boy flinched and turned his little head in that direction, with Cordy following suit.

A man stood at the doorway, his white shirt unbuttoned at the collar, and he carried the air of indescribable abstinence.

His facial features seemed sculpted to perfection and his visage projected wit and composure. He stood towering and upright with a noble but nonchalant air.

None of the rich and important men she met held a candle to those bewitching looks!

“Daddy!” Timmy greeted him primly and properly.

Even as Cordy turned toward Timmy again, she realized the reason why the boy was so good looking.

the man said sternly, “Back

tamely despite his reluctance—he must have been properly disciplined back home.

have to go, Mommy. But I’m just next door, so could you

refuse him once she saw his yearning look, and she nodded.

also explain to him properly that she was not his mommy when

but everyone calls me

introducing himself, little Richard reluctantly walked over to the man, who must be over

difference made Richard appear cuter, even perfect,

took Richard’s little hand and left, he did not glance his way. However, despite that stiff and aloof demeanor, Cordy somehow did not find him

talking much, and she actually felt comfortable

out of bed then.

have grown into a habit, but she was used to being alone—even if she had

was like this, allowing her to persevere despite the prospect of facing troubled

after it took her considerable effort to leave the washroom, Cordy

startled, and the man watched as

that scary?” he asked with his deep,

just

was aloof—his

eyes, the man pursed his lips ever so slightly. “The name’s John Levine.

the chase—as the owner of the

businesslike as it was solemn. “I hence offer to cover for all your expenditure while you’re staying here in this hospital, and that includes the fees for treatment, hospitality, rehabilitation, and the like. You may also

said flatly. “Just covering my medical fees would be enough.”

little weirdly just then, whereas Cordy’s feet were

trouble moving around.

“No… Oh!”

when

was about to fall, John darted forward and