Katelyn’s home was a three-story villa. At that moment, Zoey had already made her way to the window. The chill wind howled as she sat on the ledge, her legs swinging perilously outside.

“Katelyn, I have no other option. I can’t ever repay this enormous debt, not even if it costs me my life.”

Katelyn, standing a few steps away, was stunned.

“Please, calm down. Step back from the window so we can talk this over.”

She moved cautiously closer, attempting to reach Zoey. Zoey’s extreme and irrational actions took Katelyn aback once more. Katelyn was baffled by Zoey’s thought process. She had taken care of everything for her. Why did Zoey behave as if she were being driven to desperation?

Growing increasingly frantic, Zoey yelled, “If you come any closer, I’ll jump right now and end it all.”

Katelyn stopped, her eyes locked on Zoey’s reddened, tear-filled ones, and said gently, “I’ve been there for you all these years and never expected anything in return. You don’t owe me anything. It was your idea to pay back the money. I’m not holding you to that anymore. Just please, step away from the window.”

The winter air was growing colder, and the wind stronger, particularly at this late hour. Zoey, at that moment, was so vulnerable that even the slightest gust of wind could have sent her flying. Her hair was whipped about by the wind, and as tears streamed down her cheeks, she said, “I just want to change my fate on my own. Why do you keep holding me back? Why do you want me to die?”

Desperation filled her eyes. To an outsider unaware of the full story, her plight might have appeared genuine, as though she were really suffering. However, the truth was quite different. Zoey was deep in her own narrative, casting herself as the victim. She swayed, casting a nervous look at the ground far below.

Katelyn’s heart clenched with sudden anxiety. She maintained a steady tone as she said, “Zoey, consider what you’d really gain by jumping. From this height, the third floor, you might survive but could end up paralyzed. Is that the future you want? To spend your life confined to a wheelchair just as it’s starting?”

Zoey’s face turned pale, and a hint of fear flashed in her eyes—exactly the reaction Katelyn had been waiting for. Katelyn continued, “I’ve set up opportunities for you. You can achieve anything you want if you’re willing to work for it. Please, step back from the ledge. Think of yourself, even if not for your family.”

Find what you love at g?lnσν?s?

Zoey’s eyes showed her internal struggle. She didn’t truly wish to die. Who could willingly accept a life in a wheelchair? Slowly, she retracted her foot that had been dangling outside.

Katelyn breathed a small sigh of relief.

“I’ll keep my word. I’ll stay back, and you come in from the window first.”

Zoey’s jaw tensed as she stared defiantly at Katelyn.

“I need you to confess that you’re doing all this because you fear I might steal Vincent from you, that you’re worried he might fall for me!”

Katelyn was momentarily speechless, her face a mask of mixed emotions. For a second, she wondered if Zoey might be battling a persecution complex. Why else would she think that?

.

.

.