Chapter 201
Rain approached Sanya, noticing how she fidgeted nervously, her lips quivering and her eyes brimming with unshed tears even as she tried to smile. Without a word, Rain opened her arms, “come here p>
Sanya stepped forward, immediately accepting the embrace.
“I’m sorry… I’m really sorry Sanya sobbed, her voice barely a whisper.
Rain held her close, gently rubbing her back. Sanya’s grip tightened as if afraid to let go, her voice trembling. “I missed you, Rain. I’m so sorry for everything p>
Rain’s heart ached at the raw emotion in her friend’s words. She whispered back, “It’s alright, Sanya. I already forgive you. But I can’t lie… I’m disappointed. It hurt that it took you so long to reach out p>
Sanya’s voice broke, her hands trembling as she clutched Rain’s arms. “I know… I messed up. I’m so sorry, Rain. I know how much I let you down. I just… I didn’t know how to start, how to explain p>
Rain’s eyes softened, yet a trace of hurt lingered there. “Sanya, you’re not just a close friend; you’re like a sister to me. After everything we’ve been through, was our bond so shallow that you felt you couldn’t trust me? I know you can be impulsive, but I never thought you’d see me as someone you couldn’t confide in p>
Sanya took a shaky breath, her eyes welling up. “You’re right. I owe you the truth. There’s so much I should have told you p>
Rain kept her gaze steady, her hand resting gently on Sanya’s arm. “Then start from the beginning, Sanya. No more holding back. You don’t need to carry this on your own p>
Sanya nodded, her voice barely a whisper. “It’s… about my biological mother. I found her a couple of months ago. She’s in the hospital and the surgery she needs… it’s expensive.” She looked down, shame crossing her face. “I was desperate, Rain. I thought I could manage without worrying you, but… I was wrong p>
Rain’s expression softened, a mixture of understanding and sadness. “Sanya, you should have trusted me. You’re my family too. You don’t need to bear this alone, not when I’m right here p>
The relief on Sanya’s face was almost tangible as she hugged Rain tightly. “Thank you, Rain. I’m so sorry… I was just so afraid of disappointing you. But in the end, I still did p>
Rain held her close, gently rubbing her back. “It’s alright, Sanya. You’ve apologized enough. Now, stop crying and let’s get back to the kids p>
Sanya managed a watery laugh, and together they turned back, hand in hand.
As they neared the group of kids, Sanya suddenly stopped, her face flushed as if she’d just remembered something.
“What’s wrong?” Rain asked, sensing the tension in Sanya’s expression.
“I… I forgot to tell you something important.” Sanya pulled her aside to a quiet corner near the window, just out of earshot from Alexander and the kids.
Rain’s curiosity grew, especially as Sanya’s face turned an even deeper shade of pink. A sudden feeling told Rain that whatever Sanya was about to reveal would be surprising.
“I… well, I agreed to date William for a month,” Sanya finally confessed, her voice wavering but resolute. “Just to see if we click. And… if we do, then we agreed that we’ll… we’ll marry p>
Rain’s eyes widened, and she blinked rapidly, momentarily speechless.
“That brute!” Rain growled, immediately guessing that it was William who’d come up with this idea.
“Rain, don’t be mad at him. He didn’t force me into it.” Sanya’s face was bright red as she stammered, “I… I chose to do it. Besides, William is… well… he’s kind of… my type p>
Rain blinked, the frustration easing into surprise. “Your type p>
Sanya nodded, looking away as if too embarrassed to face her. “He can be intense, sure, but… he has this side of him that’s gentle and thoughtful.” She gave Rain a small, shy smile.
“Are you sure about that?” Rain asked, squinting her eyes at Sanya intently.
“Yes,” Sanya replied, her voice steady despite her flushed cheeks. Rain knew her friend well enough to see that Sanya was being truthful. The way she fidgeted and avoided eye contact only confirmed it. Rain couldn’t help but chuckle at how adorably flustered Sanya looked, her embarrassment making her all the more endearing.
“Alright, you’re old enough to make your own decisions, but it’s still wise to seek advice when you’re confused or unsure of what to do,” Rain said thoughtfully. She took a deep breath and sighed.
“We’re good now, so let’s put the past behind us. Honestly, you’re lucky that things turned out well for me and Alexander after what you did. But remember, the outcome won’t always be like this, so please don’t let it happen again. Don’t meddle in someone else’s life without their knowledge p>
Sanya bit her lip and nodded, her expression sincere. “I promise not to do that again, Rain. I’m really sorry, and thank you for giving me another chance p>
Rain nodded and held Sanya’s hand as they walked back toward Alexander and the kids, who were excitedly chatting about their gifts.
“Look what I got, Pretty Sis!” one of the children exclaimed, holding up a brightly colored toy. “It’s a race car! Can you race with me p>
“Of course! Just don’t let me win,” Rain laughed, playfully challenging the child.
“I’m faster!” Alexander chimed in with a mock pout, crossing his arms in jest.
“Faster? In your dreams, old man!” Rain teased, sticking her tongue out at him. The kids erupted in giggles, enjoying the lighthearted banter.
Just then, the atmosphere shifted as a familiar woman entered the orphanage, her presence instantly commanding attention.
“Xander?” she called out, her voice cutting through the cheerful chatter. She blinked in surprise, her eyes widening at the sight of him.
Rain gulped. It had been a while since she last saw her, the woman she looked up to, someone who had always been kind to her. She had encouraged her to pursue her dreams, no matter how difficult they seemed. She had been an inspiration in Rain’s life.
“Aunt Summer,” Alexander replied, his tone also had a hint of surprise.
Mrs. Summer Cartier swept closer, and her usual friendly smile lit up the room. “I didn’t expect to find you here, Xander!” she exclaimed with her usual warm and inviting voice.