Left in Darkness

"Wendy, weren't you going to the orphanage?"

Wendy glanced at the scattered snacks on the ground.

"I came to buy some things for the kids."

Lucas tried to hide his shopping bags, but his hands were full. "I—I'm just here shopping with my boss' daughter! He's busy today, so he's asked me to accompany her. These things aren't mine."

The more he explained, the more flustered he sounded, as if trying to cover something up. Wendy's eyes fell on the shopping bags. She might not recognize those high-end brands, but a single set of lipsticks costing 14,000 dollars spoke volumes.

"Your boss is really generous."

Lucas did not respond, afraid of making things worse. He set his bags down and moved to help Wendy pick up her snacks. However, before he could, a delicate hand rested on his shoulder, stopping him.

"Wendy, he's not helping you today—even if he's your boyfriend," a sugary voice said.

"He still has to shop with me—that's his job."

Lucas hesitated, looking at Wendy.

"Wendy, it's my boss' order. I—"

"I understand," Wendy said, interrupting him.

"I can handle it. You two go ahead and enjoy your shopping."

Without another word, she crouched to gather the scattered snacks. Lucas tried to help, but in the end, he let Natelie pull him away.

At the orphanage, the children's laughter filled the air as they excitedly tore into the snacks. As she watched their bright smiles, Wendy felt a warmth she had not experienced in a long time.

Noticing she had come alone, the orphanage director asked, "Where's Lucas? He usually comes with you."

Wendy could not respond.

The director gently patted her shoulder and said, "Wendy, you grew up here. I know how much you've longed for a family of your own.

"Lucas works three jobs to save up to marry you. He stands up for you, takes care of you, and he's wonderful with the kids here. He's a good man, someone you can rely on. If you two had a fight, don't be stubborn—just talk it out."

Bitterness filled Wendy's heart.

She had never told the director about Lucas' supposed illness. No one knew she had sold a kidney to save him—only to find out it was all a lie.

Lucas had been good to her over the past two years, but she had been good to him, too.

When she got home, Lucas was already there, waiting with dinner.

"Wendy, I had no choice but to leave you there today. It was for work. Once I've earned enough money, I'll never leave you behind again. I swear," his voice was laced with guilt as if he truly regretted it.

Wendy had heard the same sentence countless times before; the words had lost their meaning. She merely hummed in response and sat down to eat.

Perhaps Lucas had nearly been caught that day; he seemed more on edge than usual. Dinner was unusually quiet.

After they were done, Lucas pulled out a small box, his face lighting up with anticipation.

"Wendy, thank you for taking care of me these past few weeks. My boss' daughter was in a good mood and gave me a bonus today. I used it to buy you a gift. Open it."

Wendy accepted the box and lifted the lid. It was a single lipstick.

It was the same luxury brand she had seen earlier at the mall—the one Lucas had gifted Natelie.

She ran her fingers along the bottom of the box, feeling the faint stickiness where a price tag had recently been peeled away. She could not help but lift the edge of her lips because of a fresh wave of sarcasm.

He had just pulled off the sticker. The gift he gave her was a freebie, while Natelie got an entire luxury set.

Perhaps a girl like her—a penniless orphan—was only worth a complimentary product in Lucas' eyes.

Lucas frowned at her lack of reaction.

"What's wrong? You don't like the color? I had the salesperson pick it out for you."

Wendy set the box aside and shook her head. She said, "You don't need to spend money on me."

After all, they would not be together for much longer. She wanted to cut ties between them.

Lucas, however, seemed relieved.

"Oh, you're just worried about money." His usual affectionate smile returned.

"It's only fair that I spend it on you. After all, you used all your savings on me, didn't you?"

Wendy curled her lips into a faint smile but said nothing.

She was exhausted from the day's events. After washing up, she went straight to bed.

The next morning, she was still half-asleep when her phone rang.

She answered it.

"Wendy, your thesis has been reported for falsifying data," Professor Wayson said, his anxious voice coming through the phone.

"The university is launching an investigation!"