Following his death, Annis discovered he had mortgaged their home for a so-called business venture, but he actually wasted the money on alcohol.
Annis had to sell the house to pay off the debt.
The executive, who had previously harassed her, saw an opportunity with Elinâs father out of the picture and started pursuing her aggressively.
Desperate, Annis reached out to a wealthy lady she had met before, Casey, who was Raeganâs mother.
Upon hearing about Annisâ plight, Casey invited Annis and Elin to move abroad with her family and offered Elin a role as a playmate for Raegan.
This marked the beginning of Elinâs new life with the Foster family.
The Fosters were a kind family, and Elin and Raegan quickly bonded as playmates.
Elin hoped for lasting happiness, but the mysterious disappearance of Casey and Raegan cast a shadow over the household.
Feeling awkward with the situation since it was Casey who had brought her to the Foster family, Annis expressed her wish to leave, but Mr.
Foster convinced her to stay and help with the household.
Appreciating Annisâ being efficient and organized, Mr.
Foster gave her some chores around the house.
Annis and Elin lived in the servantâs quarters, while Erick, devastated by his sisterâs and motherâs disappearance, initially fell into despair.
Scolded by Mr.
Foster, Erick eventually gathered himself, committing to his studies and personal development, hoping to find his mother and sister soon.
From a young age, Elin had seen Erickâs determined presence all day.
For her, Erick was like an idol.
Despite being outstanding in most aspects, he was always gentle, treating her and her mother with great respect.
At that time, Elin didnât realize that Erick only saw her as a sisterly figure.
As Erick grew up, his social responsibilities increased, and he often returned home drunk.
Fortunately, he had a high tolerance for alcohol.
When drunk, he merely slept soundly, never acting abusively.
During these times, Elin would leave a bowl of sobering soup by his bedside.
Erick would wake and smile at Elin, saying, âLittle Elin has grown up, even knowing to bring me sobering soup.
â
Noticing the weariness on Erickâs young face, Elin realized how hard he was working to succeed, exerting more effort than most.
Hesitantly, she advised, âMr.
Foster, please donât push yourself too hard.
Iâm sure you will find your sister and your mother.
â
Erickâs eyelids drooped, and he let out a wistful chuckle.
âI hope so.
â
Seeing his downcast look, young Elin felt a sharp pang of empathy for the first time.
She suddenly wanted to smooth out the furrows of worry that marred Erickâs youthful face.
Yet, she hesitated to reach out.
After a pause, Elin said with determination, âMr.
Foster, I will also work hard.
â
Erick rubbed his temples with graceful fingers and offered a smile.
âDo you have any dreams you wish to pursue?â