Zoeâs POV:
The girlâs lips pursed, her fingers gripping her skirt, broadcasting her profound displeasure.
Her gaze turned chilly as she raised her head and asked, âHarlan, who is this woman?â
Harlanâs perception was low, making him not notice the subtle transformation in her demeanor.
âDanielle, this is Zoe,â he said with a smile.
âZoe?â The girlâs brow furrowed, echoing my name as she studied me, her eyes emanating a touch of coldness.
âYes.
Zoe,â Harlan affirmed with a composed smile.
âZoe, meet my adopted sister, Danielle.
â
The revelation that Danielle was, in fact, Harlanâs sister acted as a soothing balm to my anxious heart.
I could now understand why she seemed to dislike me.
Generally speaking, girls were more sensitive and possessive.
Danielleâs reluctance to embrace me, who bore a striking resemblance to her brotherâs significant other, suddenly became comprehensible.
To quell any nagging doubts and anxious feelings, I squared my shoulders and approached them, greeting Danielle with a warm smile.
âDanielle, itâs a pleasure to make your acquaintance.
â
However, my greeting was unanswered.
She hid behind Harlan, casting me wary glances.
Harlan, slightly embarrassed, explained, âZoe, donât hold it against Danielle; sheâs always been like this.
â
He inched closer to me, embarking on the tale of Danielleâs troubled past.
âZoe, you see, sheâs endured considerable hardship.
Her brother was my colleague and met his demise during a mission many years ago.
Retaliation from nefarious individuals led to a tragic fire that consumed Danielleâs home one night.
Her parents perished, and she was the sole survivor.
â
My heart went out to her, and I felt an overwhelming sympathy.
âI understand now.
But what happened to her legs?â
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Harlan recounted, âHer legs were severely burned in the fire, rendering her disabled.
She was still a mere child, and I was just a twenty-year-old lad back then.
I adopted her as my sister, and Iâve cared for her ever since.
Sheâs been through so much at such a tender age, which accounts for her peculiar disposition when she encounters unfamiliar faces.
I hope you can look past that.
â
âOf course.
â
Now the question of Danielleâs initial hostility was answered, and Harlanâs nonchalant reaction made perfect sense.
I understood everything.
Just as Harlan walked back to Danielle, his subordinate whispered to me, âZoe, Harlan actually had a mate before.
But before they could mark each other, the lady turned down Harlan because she couldnât accept Danielle.
â
I was surprised.
Harlan, I mused, was indeed a man of rare kindness.
His generous spirit shone through, as he had chosen to look after Danielle even after his romantic relationship had soured.
Suddenly, my mind drifted to a previous incident involving Harlan, wherein he had taken care of Elena, much like a father figure, despite it being a ruse