Chapter 388: Predestined

Maggie stood silently for a few moments, searching for words. Nathael waited patiently for her response.

After a long pause, Maggie met his gaze with innocent eyes and murmured, "Because you're attractive."

Nathael nearly choked. Her straightforwardness caught him off guard. "So, I have my looks to thank for this?" he asked.

Observing his reaction, Maggie softened her tone. "Being good-looking is a talent, too," she added. "And you were so tough and strong back then." She admitted his attractiveness had drawn her, leading her to want to spoil him with gifts. Even though she was broke, she shared what little she had. Besides, he was tough and strong—who wouldn't want such a friend?

"Are you implying that if someone better-looking came along, you'd ignore me?" Nathael tightened his grip on her hand, his voice chilling. His frustration was evident.

Maggie softened her gaze. "No one's more attractive than you; you're the most handsome," she reassured him.

Nathael remained unconvinced, his jaw tensing. Maggie couldn't deny his striking good looks; he seemed to deserve all the beauty in the world, and she readily would have given him everything. She wondered if her attraction stemmed from more than just his appearance, from some inexplicable aura he possessed. She couldn't explain it; she simply felt drawn to him, wanting to care for him. Perhaps she had feelings for him then, but she wasn't sure. Even if it was love, it was immature and didn't necessarily mean anything—perhaps no different from loving a pretty dress or a delicious meal.

"What about after that?" Nathael's voice broke the silence.

Maggie paused, reflecting on their relationship. She eventually came to see him as a friend. He was quieter than the other children, yet possessed a quiet strength that drew her to him. Later, he defended her against bullies and always managed to find good food. Their bond grew stronger over time. Maggie's life became richer, thanks to his protection and her growing understanding of the orphanage rules.

"After that, I realized you were genuinely a good person!"

Nathael's expression darkened; his lips pressed into a thin line as he looked toward the nearby old buildings—likely storage, separate from the main area. He had spent half a year there.

The day she left the orphanage, she visited him in new clothes, bringing delicious treats. "Hey, Little Mute, guess what? Someone adopted me! I'll finally have a home!" she exclaimed. He leaned against the wall, silently watching as she placed the gifts beside him. "Aren't you happy for me?" she asked, brimming with excitement. She was thrilled; no one wanted to stay in that gloomy place, though she felt secretly sad about leaving "Little Mute" behind. The Camerons already had a son; they wouldn't adopt him, especially now that he was older and had memories.

Nathael remained quiet for a while, struggling to express his happiness. But he sensed her joy. "Congrats," he finally said softly.

Maggie grinned. "If I can, I'll come back to visit. Just tell me if you need anything."

She wasn't sure what life with the Camerons would be like, but they seemed nice enough. As long as they weren't too strict, she could save up somehow.

"Okay," Nathael replied softly.

Maggie waved goodbye. "I'll head off now!"

Nathael watched her leave, a lump forming in his throat as he fought the urge to ask her to stay—to wait until he could leave the orphanage with her. But he couldn't. Even though he could leave and had people serving him, he knew she would be safer without him. There were dangerous people he couldn't protect himself from, let alone her.

He clenched his jaw, remaining silent. Maybe the Camerons were the right choice for her. He stood by the window for a long time, watching her leave with the Camerons and a handsome but arrogant-looking boy. He felt strangely unsettled. Only when the car disappeared did he realize she was gone for good. He wondered if she would look back, remember her promise to return. He felt a pang of regret at his youth and powerlessness.

"Alex, keep an eye on how the Camerons treat her," Nathael said, his voice hoarse with bitterness. He couldn't explain the feeling in his chest, but he couldn't shake the urge to keep her with him. Their farewell was brief—no hugs or promises, just a cheerful, "Little Mute, I'm leaving. Take care of yourself."

Later, Maggie and Nathael met at a nearby snack shop.

"I did come back to see you, but you were gone. That's when I ran into Leo nearby." Leo was a boy who always seemed battered and bruised. He wasn't as fierce as Nathael, but he was stubborn. His mother often beat him, but he refused to beg for mercy or back down. Maggie saw a reflection of her past self in him. She remembered standing by the orphanage railing, greedily eyeing a bun in his hand. He'd thrown one to her with a disdainful look—yet she still remembered the warmth, the taste, and, most importantly, his unintended kindness.

Many things seemed predestined between people. Maggie never imagined she'd meet the two most important men in her life in such a cramped, old place.

"Nathael, you still haven't told me," Maggie asked, her eyes sparkling, "Did you already have feelings for me back then?"