When fate plays its hand

Miranda said, “We’re looking for his son.”

“Joli?”

“Yes, do you know him?”

“Not really, but he was the first kid from the village to get into college. Not just any college, but a prestigious one. Of course, I do remember him.”

Madison piped up, “We’re Joli’s classmates. Mr. Jorge, could you take us to the Clifford residence?”

Wallace gave them a strange look before nodding. “Alright, it’s on the way. I’ll drop you off near their home.”

“Thank you!”

Sebastian suddenly spoke up, “Could you tell us more about their family situation? Why is he called… Ollie the Cripple?”

“Because he’s got a bad leg. He limps when he walks, so everyone gave him that nickname, “Wallace replied.

During the conversation, they learned how bad Joli’s family situation was. His mother had a chronic illness and needed to take medication for life. His father, Ollie Clifford, was the only person able to earn a living in the family.

Years ago, he was injured at a construction site, leaving him with a crippled leg. That was why he had to return to the village to farm. In recent years, they started planting fruit trees, which occasionally yielded good harvest.

However, it wasn’t enough to support a long–term patient at home. In addition, they had a son who was studying far away in Jandersville and couldn’t contribute to the household.

After hearing this, the three fell silent.

They only knew about Joli being deceived and exploited by Sophie back then, so they guessed his family might not be well–off. Nonetheless, they hadn’t expected it to be this tough.

Soon, the pickup truck came to a stop.

“We’re here. Ollie’s house is just ahead. You can walk the rest of the way. I can’t go all the way to the door.”

“Alright, thank you.” Miranda paid him through her mobile phone.

The three of them had mixed feelings as they saw the dilapidated cottage in front of them.

425 BOINS

They had passed by another village on their ride from town, where they saw rows of self- built houses. Some were even constructed like grand villas!

Even while entering Swampert Village, they noticed some families at the entrance had built their own little brick houses.

But Joli’s house…

Honestly, Madison had only seen something like this in period dramas. In real life, even the condition of her dad’s worst and cheapest rental property wasn’t half as bad as this.

Miranda stepped forward and knocked on the tightly shut wooden door. There was no response. She turned to exchange a glance with Madison, who then stepped forward to knock as well.

This time, they could hear faint noises from inside. However, it was a soft, rustling sound.

Then, a hoarse and weathered voice came from the opposite side of the door, “Who is it? Julie, go take a look…”

“Okay!”

As the voice rang out, there was some movement behind the door. It was the sound of a latch being pulled open.

The door was opened by a little girl wearing a faded cotton jacket. She was short and bright -eyed. Her features bore some resemblance to Joli. NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

She didn’t seem to be overly trusting. Conversely, she appeared to be quite sharp. Julie only opened a small gap in the door instead of opening it fully. Seeing a group of strangers at the door, she looked a little wary and nervous. “Who are you looking for?”

Miranda didn’t feel offended despite being met with a guarded look from the young girl. On the contrary, she softened her tone and explained gently, “Hello, we’re Joli’s classmates from Bedford College. We came here specifically to see him. Is he home right now?”

She immediately turned her head and shouted toward the inner room, “Joli, your classmates are here to see you!”

A sharp sound was heard from inside the cottage. It sounded like someone had accidentally broken a bowl.