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.

him to go?” Zoey asked,

his own free will. We didn’t force

exchanged a look with Aaron and blurted out, “Sweetie, once we settle this debt, you should get a divorce

your stead! How could you just give him

won’t go unnoticed,” Aaron

We’ll compensate him with enough money once this is

“You…”

disappointed in them

and now that his fingers are gone, he’s not worthy of you! I can never tolerate my daughter marrying a cripple with

Zoey was bemused.

be so cruel to

and pay off the debt

Just then, Harry arrived.

turning point

contain his

mean, Dad?”