I took out all my savings and gave them to Daniel to pay off his debts.
Even Mary, who had always been prejudiced against me, looked puzzled, clearly not expecting me to be so forthcoming.
Wiping away my tears, I said, “Mary, Daniel and I are husband and wife. His debts are our debts, and I’ll definitely help him pay them off.”
“Good thing you still have some money. Whether we’ll be able to afford meat in the future depends on you.”
Mary immediately became alert and glared at me irritably: “I knew you had ulterior motives! That’s my retirement money- why should it be spent on you two!”
She turned and went into the house, brought out her savings, and handed them to Daniel: “Take this money and use it too.”
The two exchanged a knowing glance, and Daniel took it without hesitation, practically walking away with all the cash in the house.
I knew he wouldn’t use it to pay off debts–he’d just take the money and run, leaving me alone to bear the $130,000 debt.
But that was fine. He wouldn’t need that money much longer
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anyway.
Early the next morning, the sound of slamming doors came from outside the courtyard.
A group of tall, burly men stormed to our doorstep, all looking fierce. Their leader, Owen Freeman, had a knife scar across his cheekbone.
He kicked open the courtyard gate and struck his club heavily against the stone, creating a loud bang.
“Daniel,” he said, “time to pay up, don’t you think?”
In my previous life, when these men came to the door, he had already faked his death and escaped. This time, I wouldn’t let him succeed.
I quickly hid behind Daniel, my voice trembling as I shouted, “Who are you people? How dare you break into our home! Daniel, help me!”
As I spoke, I pushed him forward a step, making him stand at the very front.
The moment Daniel saw them, his face turned deathly pale and his body involuntarily shuddered.
His legs went weak as he swallowed hard: “Owen, $130,000 is just too much. I really can’t pay it back.”
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Owen flashed a menacing smile, the scar on his face twitching along with it.
“You can’t pay it back?” he said. “That’s not what you said when you borrowed the money. Don’t even think about defaulting!”
Our commotion attracted nearby neighbors, many of whom poked their heads out to look, though none dared approach- they only watched from a distance.
“Wasn’t Daniel’s family supposed to be well–off? Who would’ve thought they’d suddenly owe $130,000.”
“When will they ever pay that back? This business venture wasn’t worth it.”
“Great, now they didn’t make any money, and the creditors are at their door instead.”
More and more onlookers gathered, chattering among themselves.
Daniel’s face flushed red as he shouted loudly, “I don’t have money, but I have my life! If you keep pushing me, I’ll just give you this life of mine!”
Owen snorted with derision, looking at him mockingly: “You think you’re worth $130,000?”
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Everyone thought Daniel was just bluffing, but the next second, he actually pulled out a bottle of pesticide from his jacket.
“Death cancels all debts,” he said. “Fiona, for you
and Mom’s sake, I can only make up for this with my life. After I die, just put me in the coffin we already bought–don’t waste money, and bury me quickly.”
He spoke with tragic heroism, not forgetting to earn himself a good reputation.
As soon as he finished speaking, he tilted his head back and gulped down the pesticide.
He drank it urgently and forcefully, as if afraid I might stop him.
The crowd watched in shock as he threw away the bottle and began foaming at the mouth, convulsing all over.
I rushed over crying, “Daniel, don’t leave me! How can I live without you!”
Before I could get close, Mary was already wailing and threw her arms around Daniel as he collapsed: “My son! How could you kill yourself? You’re my only son!”
She pushed me away roughly: “Don’t come near! Nobody touch my son!”
I sat down on the ground, covering my face with my hands as I
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Owen frowned, looking at Daniel who kept rolling his eyes and drooling, and spat in disgust: “You’ve got guts, but don’t think death will get you out of paying. We’ll be back tomorrow!”
The debt collectors left, and Daniel lay in Mary’s arms, his breathing growing weaker and weaker.
He was covered in cold sweat, his body convulsing intermittently.
The watching neighbors were also shaken by this scene. Someone quietly advised, “You should hurry and get him to the hospital–maybe he can still be saved.”
But Mary responded coldly, “Go to the hospital for what? Those places just steal your money! Do you think our family doesn’t owe enough already?”
She held Daniel tightly, refusing to let go no matter who tried to persuade her.
