Chapter 46

The villagers never accepted her, always whispering that her mother had abandoned her. The village chief, who had a kind heart, insisted that every family in the village take turns caring for her, with each household feeding her for one day.

The people in the village were poor, and even though she didn’t eat much, no one was willing to take care of her.

She only managed to go to school because she forced the village chief to agree, and the price she paid was working for the villagers to earn her tuition.

Washing clothes, cooking, feeding pigs, herding cattle—she had done it all.

From a young age, she had never known love, so she couldn’t understand the pain of losing someone close.

Even though she had lived an extra life, she still couldn’t fully empathize with that kind of loss.

But for some reason…

When she saw the sadness in Sean’s usually calm eyes, her chest tightened, and the weight of that painful emotion overwhelmed her in an instant.

So this was what it felt like when someone you cared about left you.

And it felt awful.

Josie pressed a hand to her chest and boarded the bus home.

In the afternoon, she returned to the dorm, still feeling low.

Adeline looked at her with concern. “What’s wrong? You look so down.”

“I don’t know… It’s just that when I saw Sean’s expression, I couldn’t help but feel sad too!” Josie rubbed her chest.

Adeline seemed to understand. “I knew it! Josie is the kindest, most caring little cutie. You just can’t stand seeing others upset!”

“I’m not!” Josie shook her head. “I’ve been really harsh on Aiden and the others!”

There was no way she’d ever forgive them.

“You’re so cute!” Adeline laughed and pinched her cheek.

“People who aren’t good to you deserve to be treated harshly. Anyway, I’ve got class soon, so don’t just sit here moping in the dorm. Go for a walk. Sure, Leo’s passing has made everyone sad, but it’s something we can’t change.

“Instead of feeling bad, why not spend time with your textbooks? You’re studying Reedshaw family medicine now. If you do well, you’ll bring honor to the Reedshaw family. Leo would be happy if he knew.”

Josie felt a little comforted. “You’re right. I shouldn’t be sad. I’ll focus on my studies and make sure I don’t embarrass Professor Wilcourt.”

“That’s the spirit! I’m off to class!” Adeline grabbed her bag and left.

As soon as she was gone, Josie noticed something under the desk—a wooden toy, a puzzle she had built into a rabbit. This had been a birthday gift from Vincent years ago.

She used to love this rabbit.

But now, as she looked at it, it just felt like an eyesore.

She picked it up, turned, and walked out of the dorm.

Outside, there was a large trash bin, often filled with discarded bouquets and oversized teddy bears.

These were gifts from boys who had tried to confess, only to toss them away when their confessions were rejected.

Josie looked down at the rabbit in her hand and couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. After all these years, the senior students who regarded her as a little sister never once gave her a gift worth more than thirty dollars.

Yet every year, on their birthdays, they’d pick out expensive gifts and have her buy them, claiming it saved her from having to think too hard about it.

As she looked back, the cheapest gift she’d ever given them was still worth over a hundred dollars—like the authentic game card she gave to Kyle.

In her previous life, years later, she found out that Kyle had sold that card for one hundred and seventy dollars.

She was the poorest among them—her clothes were ragged, she always chose the cheapest meals, and she never replaced anything unless absolutely necessary.

But they never seemed to see that. They bullied her whenever they wanted, took whatever they needed, and used her time, energy, and talents for their own gain.

All they ever gave her in return was the label of “David’s student.”

In the end, even that title was taken from her.

Josie stopped in front of the trash can, raised her arm, and tossed the rabbit inside.

Just as she turned around, she froze. Standing there, staring at her in shock, was Vincent.