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.

go?” Zoey asked, staring at

did it of his own free will. We didn’t

and blurted out, “Sweetie, once we settle this

looked incredulous. “What? Divorce? Dad, Levi suffered in your stead! How could you just give him the brush after using him? Are we such heartless

won’t go unnoticed,” Aaron and

him with enough money once this is

“You…”

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 of you! I can never tolerate my daughter

Zoey was bemused.

they be so cruel to Levi just to save

can’t cry over spilt milk now. Just hurry up and pay off the debt

Just then, Harry arrived.

point is

couldn’t contain his

you mean, Dad?” Aaron