Chapter 134: Lily's New Beginning

"He's a distant uncle. When my family's tragedy struck, everyone else avoided us like the plague, but he was the first to step forward," Lily said, her smile tinged with bitterness. "He's a good man."

"But he made you do housework," Alex replied, his gaze soft as he looked at her. "You used to be afraid of even stepping into the kitchen."

Life, after all, is the best teacher.

If she didn't do housework, her aunt would yell at her, and peace would be impossible.

"After everything that happened to my family, I realized that not every household can afford maids," Lily said softly, her voice hoarse.

She had to rely on her own two hands to survive…

Getting her hands greasy in the kitchen was the only way to avoid hunger.

"Lily."

"Hm?"

Lily looked up, and as they reached the last step of the staircase, Alex hugged her. "I'll never let you step into a kitchen again, trust me."

His voice was full of pain.