113 AN ANGEL’S HAND

"I know how much you have a big heart for humanity but isn't it out of proportion? You already have a lot in your hands. You're already donating to Singapore Orphanage Foundation. In addition to that, you want to sponsor a child?"

Cayden inquired in a civil manner. 

"Aren't my funds enough?" Zoe bantered to her cousin. 

"No, it's not that. You know that Uncle has been sending you a bountiful. And you have not touched even a cent for yourself ever since. But how about you? How are you doing? You will also settle down and you need savings to sustain yourself. It's okay to love your neighbors but you must also love yourself"

Cayden scolded her like she was his younger sister when she was three years older than him. 

"Don't fret, my dear Big Brother," she sweetly replied to her cousin.

"Did I mention I just leveled up to a higher degree? I won't go bankrupt until I die." 

Zoe boasted to shoo her beloved cousin's fears away.

"And besides...." 

She was about to add "my fiance is a very rich man." But she also realized that she hasn't made a firm decision yet. Until then, she resolved to just keep mum about it.

"They really need my help. You know I can't refuse the needy ones, right?"

She added to calm him down.

"Yeah, right," Cayden answered her.

He recalled a time when the family went to a restaurant to eat. She sneaked her dinner to the beggar children outside without even touching it. 

And as soon as she went home, she attacked the refrigerator with their leftover meals.

"Fine. I just hope you know what you're doing."

Cayden gave in, knowing that he can't do anything when Zoe has already set her mind. 

"Thank you, Cayden. I appreciate it. By the way, his mother's name is Anika Feng. I'll send you her details later."

"Roger. Just keep in touch, okay? You sound like you're leaving a last will and this is the last time I can talk to you."

"D-did I?" Zoe laughed nervously. 

"Of course not, silly. I'll be back no matter what. I have to go now. Thanks again, Cayden!"

Zoe contemplated as she walked back to the rest of the team.

'Am I really leaving my world?'

"No! I just want to settle things earlier and help my new friends out."

She concluded, even though she was full of doubts in her subconscious mind.

"Zoe! Come over here. We were just talking about you."

Kristie called on her. Zoe teased her back.

"You're backstabbing me now? I thought you're my friend."

Kristie chuckled at her remarks. "Nothing to brood over. They are good things anyway."

Anika added on. 

"Yeah, congratulations Zoe. Mr. Gao is such a good catch. And you too, of course. You're perfect for each other."

Zoe gulped. She didn't know how to respond. It was too much of a major decision to make!

She settled to distract them instead. 

"By the way, Kristie, have you heard of Dr. Xiong from Cheng Medical Hospital?"

"Dr. Xiong? Is he the popular doctor who also treats celebrities and politicians in Singapore? I tried to book an appointment with him before, but I got rejected. Or maybe not. Maybe there was just a long line on his list. I got impatient and retracted it instead."

"Yeah, he is that one. I know someone who can give you an earlier schedule. And I already talked with him about it. Just try calling Dr. Xiong's line again to confirm."

"Oh, for real? That's awesome! Thank you so much, Zoe!"

She responded as she gave her a bear hug.

"I know how excellent he is. I witnessed it firsthand. Just hold on and never give up on life, okay?"

She replied and hugged her back.

"Oh, you're making me tear up."

Kristie wiped her welling teardrops away. 

Zoe then faced Anika.

"How about you, Anika? Are you feeling better now?"

"I guess it will come out eventually. I know everything kept hidden will be revealed in the open. I just didn't expect it to be this way."

Anike heaved out a deep sigh.

"Now you don't have to hide him anymore." Zoe patted her back.

Anika couldn't help but burst into tears. "We were both living in a lie. He knew I'm just his older sister. And I'm only showering him with love because he was my younger brother. As he grows up, I realized how he longs to have a mom and dad to call his own."

"I know the feeling."

Zoe sympathized with her as she remembered her own parents. She added on.

"About his sponsorship, I also made arrangements so you wouldn't have to rely on Savannah anymore. Just live your life freely from now on."

She smiled at her.

"Zoe…."

Anika was speechless at Zoe's genuine concern for her that she hasn't received from anyone. Not even Savannah who was just using her for her selfish gains. 

She threw herself at Zoe's feet. 

"I'm sorry, Zoe. I'm sorry for all the trouble we caused you. I promise I'll pay back. And I'll double it. No, I'll triple it!"

"Ssh! I'm doing this because I know life has been tough on you. And also because you're my friend now, right?"

Zoe lifted her up and fixed her hair who got disheveled as she knelt on the sands. 

Anika nodded as she sobbed.

"And if you want to pay me back, I won't stop you. I also know the feeling of not wanting to be indebted to anybody. Just live the way you want to. Don't do what you don't want and don't let anything stop you from doing what you want."

"Thank you, Zoe! You're an angel from heaven!" 

Anika squeezed her in a tight embrace. Zoe smiled as she caressed her back.

She looked around and searched for the other Norfolks.

"By the way, where is Nella?"

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A person's most beautiful asset is not

Her head that is full of knowledge

But her heart that is full of love

An ear that is willing to listen

And a hand willing to help others.

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