Chapter 11
Eric pov
Later that evening, Nicholas and the rest told laurel they would be staying with us for a few days.
Laurel reluctantly agreed.
"Seo Hee, you will stay in my bedroom," she said, and Seo Hee agreed happily.
She then showed me to my bedroom.
"If there is anything that isn't to your liking, let me know," she said with a smile on her face.
I smiled back and nodded.
"Goodnight," she said.
I went to sleep, but a few hours later, I woke up from a nightmare. My bedsheets were completely soaked with sweat, and my throat felt dry.
"I need some water," I said, getting out of bed and heading downstairs.
I saw a light on, and Nicholas sitting and working on his laptop. As soon as he heard footsteps, he quickly closed it.
"Hey," he said.
I didn't respond.
"What are you doing down here at this time?" he asked with a concerned look.
"I need a bottle of water," I replied.
He rushed into the kitchen and brought a bottle of water and a glass cup.
"I can do that myself. I'm not a kid," I said.
"Oh, I'm sorry," he replied as he placed the water on the table.
Then he added, "Technically, you still are. You're just 16."
I frowned my face while he just walking back to continue his work.
I stood there, looking at him as he worked.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"Working," he replied.
"Yeah, I know you're working, but what kind of work do you do?"
"I own an insurance company in South Korea," he said.
"Wow… I never knew my sister's friends were all rich," I said. "Well, not just her friends… even Laurel."
"She also owns an oil and gas company in Korea," he added.
"Then why is she in Canada? I thought this was her home," I said.
"That's because she needs experience and certification to fully own and manage the company in Korea. I'm sure she'll explain it to you herself when she's ready," he replied.
"Thank you," I said. "For the water… and for saving me. I'm glad you did."
I then went back upstairs and tried to sleep.
The next morning came, and for the first time, I felt secure. No one would kick in the door asking for half of the money I made the night before.
I walked into the bathroom, took my bath, and found some clothes in the wardrobe. I wore a green shirt and black pants.
As I went downstairs, I saw Seo Hee.
"Good morning," she said. "How was your night? Did you sleep well? I made breakfast for everyone. Would you like a cup of milk first?"
"Yes," I replied.
Seo Hee, to me, is someone who is very kind and friendly.
On my left was Lee Joon coming of his room.
"Hey," he said.
"How are you?" he asked.
"Fine," I replied.
"Have you seen my sister this morning?" I asked.
"Oh, she's preparing for work," Seo Hee answered.
Then Laurel came downstairs, holding her laptop and her bag.
"Eric," she called.
"Yes?" I answered.
"I'll be going to work this morning.
Something came up and I need to attend to it urgently. If you need anything, ask Seo Hee or anyone here," she said.
Then I asked, "Can I come with you? I can stay in the car while you work."
She looked at me for a moment, as if deciding how to respond, then said,
"Sure. In fact, that would be good. We could spend some time together."
Lee Joon and Seo Hee looked shocked.
"Only Eric gets the 'yes' card in this house," Lee Joon said.
"Since you're going with Laurel, here is your breakfast and hers. Make sure she eats," she added.
"Yes," I said.
I quickly rushed toward the door because Laurel was already outside waiting.
The drive was awkwardly silent at first.
Then Laurel asked, "What is your favorite song?"
"I don't really have one," I replied.
After a moment, I asked, "You all seem close."
"Not really," she said. "But they are good people with their own past."
We arrived at her workplace, where a man and a woman were waiting outside.
"Let's go," Laurel said.
"It's fine, I can stay in the car," I said.
"No, it's not. Come with me," she replied.
So I stepped out of the car.
"Good morning," the man said.
"Good morning," Laurel replied. "Jason, this is my younger brother Eric. Eric, this is Jason and Madison my subordinates."
"Hi," I said.
Madison then spoke. "I thought you didn't have a brother. Did you adopt him?"
"It's the other way around. I'm his adopted sister," Laurel replied..
"Welcome to the family," Madison said, then began updating Laurel on what happened during her absence.
Around 2 PM, Laurel came out holding food.
"I ordered fried chicken for you," she said.
"Thank you," I replied.
"Are you bored?" she asked.
"A little," I admitted.
"I'll be done in an hour or two. You can take a look around," she said, handing me her ID card.
"Everything here is accessible," she added before walking back inside.
Two hours later, she was done.
"Let's go," she said.
On the way home, she got me an iPhone, took me shopping, and bought many clothes before we went to a restaurant.
"How are you feeling now?" she asked while we ate.
"Good," I replied.
"You've changed a lot," she said.
"So have you," I replied.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"You're studying, working, and you even own an oil and gas company in Korea."
"Who told you that?" she asked.
"Nicholas," I replied.
"Okay," she said. "Maybe I have changed… grown. I think it's time for you to too."
I looked at her, trying to understand what she meant.
"You need to find a…," she began.
"Work," I cut in.
"Yes, I will."
"No, that's not what I meant," she said. "You need to find a school of your own choice. One you've always wanted to attend."
"Why?" I asked.
"Because you are my brother," she said.
"Through adoption."
"I don't want to inconvenience you. You've already done enough by allowing me to stay and feeding me," I said.
"Did I ever say you are inconvenient to me?" she asked.
"No."
"Whatever happened in the past will not happen again as long as I'm alive," she said firmly.
"You're going to school, live your life, being happy, and putting the past behind you. I need you to live and depend on me like a brother would depend on his sister."
She paused slightly before continuing:
"It's us against the world now. And no matter what happens, I won't let go of your hand. I promise."