The Protector

“Why is it Levi?” Zoey sobbed after learning the truth.

Caitlyn snatched the phone over and said, “Sweetie, we had no choice! It was Levi who volunteered to take your Dad’s place!”

“How could you do that? You didn’t even tell me! Wait there, I’m coming home now!” Zoey cried.

Shortly after, Zoey arrived home.

“Sweetie, Levi told us not to tell you!”

“It doesn’t matter if he loses a few fingers anyway, but I can’t lose any,” Aaron said.

A sob caught in Zoey’s throat.

“Sweetie, you’ll have to return the money as soon as possible. That way we can buy Levi a few more days,” Caitlyn said.

“But that just means he’ll lose a finger with every passing day!” Zoey screamed. “How could you bear to do it?”

“It’s not like we have a choice. You can’t just watch your dad suffer, can you? He’s still young so he can take it!” Caitlyn comforted.

you force him to go?” Zoey asked, staring at

free will. We didn’t

with Aaron and blurted out, “Sweetie, once we settle this

you just give him the

go unnoticed,” Aaron and

not ungrateful people. We’ll compensate him with enough money once this

“You…”

so disappointed in them

Levi! He has never been good enough for you in the first place, and now that his fingers are gone, he’s not worthy

Zoey was bemused.

so cruel to Levi just to save

spilt milk now. Just hurry up and pay off the debt if you want Levi to suffer a little

Just then, Harry arrived.

point

couldn’t contain his

do you mean, Dad?” Aaron asked