Chapter 10
Once Dora was fully awake, he walked with her into the government building. The paperwork went quickly–Byron handled everything. She just signed wherever he pointed, trusting him enough not to even glance at the documents. When everything was done, her name was officially added to the Acosta family
Byron carefully checked the documents, packed them into her backpack. one by one, and only when he was sure nothing was missing did they leave.
It was almost 1 p.m. by the time they had lunch. Dora absentmindedly poked at the steak Byron had already cut up for her, feeling like she was forgetting something.
Just then, her phone buzzed with a text. The Hendrix family was impressively efficient–she’d barely finished the paperwork, and they’d already transferred 1 million dollars to her account.
“Pretty generous of them,” Byron said, eyes on his plate as he sliced into his steak. “1 million dollars to keep your mouth shut.”
“Whatever,” Dora shrugged, setting down her fork and taking a sip of orange juice. “It’s not like I want their money. This way, they don’t have to worry about me spreading anything, and I don’t have to worry about them. making trouble. Win–win.”
After lunch and some quick business talk, Byron drove her back.
He dropped her off at the same street corner behind the market. Slinging on her backpack, Dora said, “I’m heading out.”
Byron rullled her hair, his gaze impossibly soll. “Don’t forget to submit
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your creative drawing piece.”
That jogged her memory. ‘So that’s what I’ve been forgetting,‘ she thought. “I’ll work on it tomorrow. You’ve had a long day too. Go home and rest.”
After all, he had come straight from the airport to pick her up.
“I’m touched. The princess actually cares about me now,” Byron said with a fake pout that made him look like he was begging to be smacked.
Dora laughed and shot back, “Don’t worry–I won’t next time.”
Byron couldn’t keep up the act anymore. The joy bubbling in his chest. was impossible to hide, and the smile on his face gave him away. “Go on, be careful on your way back.”
“You too.”
Dora got out of the car. It wasn’t until she disappeared into the market that Byron finally told the driver to leave.
*****
Alberto had taken on a long–haul job and wouldn’t be home for dinner. Chris packed up a portion for him separately, then called the kids to eat.
Just as she finished setting the table, Keith came home from work. He quickly washed up and joined them.
The fish was tender and silky, the pickled greens perfectly tart, and the broth was rich and flavorful. The combination of spicy, sour, and savory
notes was mouthwatering.
It was probably the most satisfying meal she’d had in seventeen years. She even went back for two bowls of soup.
Seeing how much she liked it, Chris couldn’t stop smiling. She quietly
made a note to cook it more often for Dora.
“Oh, right–Dora,” Keith said, a bit cautiously: “School starts the day after tomorrow. I called the dean at Yredo Middle School today. If you’re interested in transferring, you can take over Linda’s spot.”
He treaded carefully, unsure if mentioning Linda would upset her.
Yredo Middle School was a top–tier school, and student spots were limited. If Linda hadn’t transferred out, Dora would’ve only been able to attend as a guest student.
But the dean confirmed during the call that Linda’s student file had already been transferred. If Dora wanted to enroll, she just needed to take a placement exam at the start of the term. If she passed, she could officially transfer in.
When the topic of school came up, Chris lowered her gaze and hesitated before speaking. “Dora. the truth is, we really can’t afford to keep you at Ordstead Middle School anymore. I’m so sorry.”
Dora’s expression shifted slightly. She still couldn’t understand why the Acosta family kept apologizing to her.
They apologized for not having money, for living in a cramped home, for not being able to send her to a private school.
But what was there to be sorry for? If you wanted something, you should work for it. Depending on others would only hold you back–even if those “others” were your own family.
That was something she’d learned during her years with the Hendrix family.
“Thanks for checking on the transfer, Keith. But I’m staying at Ordstead Middle School.”
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Chapter 10
“But-” Chris tried to interject, but Dora gently raised a hand to stop her and said calmly, “Ordstead Middle School waives tuition for students. who rank first in their grade. So, Mom, you really don’t need to keep saying sorry. If there’s something I want, I’ll earn it myself. It’s my goal, and it’s not your burden to carry.”
Chris’s eyes turned red instantly. Tears welled up, but she held them back and gave Dora a proud, grateful smile.
Keith stayed quiet, sipping his bowl of fish soup. In that moment, something inside him–something that had been tight and tangled for years–finally began to ease.
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Chapter 11
