Later, when my company finally got a big order, I was overjoyed and rushed home to share the news with him, only to see our old house engulfed in thick black smoke.
It was reduced to ruins, and everything inside was gone.
That day, I experienced both great joy and profound sorrow.
I finally succeeded in my career, but my father was gone.
When I felt utterly hopeless, the little black snake crawled out from the grass at my feet.
It had escaped from home while playing and had avoided the disaster.
I wept as I held it tightly in my arms.
At that time, Joyce and I had just started dating. I didn't dare to tell her about my background, fearing that my impoverished past would earn her disdain.
But that day, unable to contain my pain, I revealed everything to her.
I thought she would break up with me, but instead, when she heard my story, her eyes turned red as she embraced me and softly promised to stand by my side for life.
At that moment, my eyes welled with tears, and I swore to myself.
I would treat Joyce well for the rest of my life.
Little did I expect that in just three years, she would change her heart.
…