The once-protective Leo, who was always afraid I'd get hurt, was now coldly watching everything.
"Mila, this is what you deserve."
Sofia threw a thick stack of bills at my head. "Hurry up and pay the bill."
Fighting back tears, I wiped the blood from my lip and picked up the scattered papers. "Mom, can you please tell me what really happened?"
"Mom? Your mom's dead! I'm not your mom, don't bring that bad luck on me!"
Unable to ignore my pleading gaze, Sofia finally spoke, "Your dad couldn't even drive. He crashed straight into a wall. He died, fine, but he ruined my son's life too! You'll pay for this forever. Don't think you can escape!"
Sofia wiped her tears away. In my grief, I didn't see the guilt and calculation hidden behind her actions.
Sofia refused my request to hire a caregiver.
Even though I offered to pay for it myself, so they wouldn't have to worry.
She just shot me a contemptuous glance and spat, "Money? You ruined my son, and you still think you have any? I'm telling you, all your money is going to my family."
I never blamed them for treating me like this. I thought it was my father who caused Leo to lose his leg.
I was bearing all of this for my father.
I had never cared for anyone before.
One day, I accidentally tripped while emptying Leo's bedpan, spilling it all over his face. It was right as he slept with his mouth open.
"Ah! Ah! Ah!" His screams echoed through the night.
He gagged and yelled at me to get out.
Finally, at Leo's insistence, they hired two caregivers.
One for Leo and one for Sofia.
When Sofia's lease expired, she moved into the family room.
Although I didn't have to work anymore, I still had to curl up on a recliner in the corner.
Sofia watched me every minute, not allowing me to leave.
My parents had left me a large inheritance, but it still needed to go through several legal procedures before I could get it.
Sofia said all that money would have to go to her family.
Day and night, she guarded me like I was a thief, even though I had never thought of running away.
Even now, I still felt like I loved Leo.
Even though I could clearly feel that he no longer needed my love.
He had told me more than once.
"Why didn't you die with your parents? It should have been you who lost a leg. If you're still alive, it's because fate wants you to suffer and atone for your sins!"
I thought Leo just couldn't accept the fact that he had lost his leg.