Chapter 130 Lucy’s Predicament
"Aria, I got sick not long after starting my new job. I couldn't keep working at all, so I had to stop and focus on getting better. That's when I spent all my savings."
Lucy's voice was heavy with congestion, sounding both wronged and helpless. "I borrowed money from you before, but I didn't dare tell you the truth then. You already lent me quite a bit, but it still wasn't enough. Medical treatment and living expenses both cost money."
She paused, her voice growing more choked up. "I had no job and couldn't pay rent. On one hand, I needed money for treatment, and on the other, I didn't even have a place to live. Several landlords kicked me out after learning about my situation.
I know your health isn't great either, so I didn't want to keep bothering you and adding to your burden. I just tried to get by one day at a time.
But I really can't hold on anymore. I'm at the end of my rope, which is why I dared to call and ask for your help."
Aria's fingers tightened slightly around her phone, her heart clenching. She hadn't expected Lucy's situation to be this difficult. Lucy had borrowed money from her before, and she hadn't asked many questions, thinking it was just for some urgent need. She never imagined Lucy was facing such problems.
After a few seconds of silence, her voice came out gentle yet firm. "I understand. Don't panic. Send me your account details first. I'll figure out the money."
Lucy immediately broke down in tears on the other end, thanking Aria repeatedly, her tone filled with the relief of being saved and guilt. "Aria, thank you, thank you so much. Once I get better, I'll work hard to pay you back, I..."
Aria let out a soft sigh, interrupting her sobbing with a gentle voice. "Don't say that. Just take care of yourself first. By the way, how's your condition now? Are you recovering well?"
Lucy's voice dropped, unable to hide her weakness. "Not completely better yet. I need to take medicine long-term, and I can't do work that's too tiring or demanding, or my body won't handle it."
Aria held her phone, feeling a pang in her heart. After a moment of quiet, her tone was light but certain. "Then just focus on recovering. Don't push yourself. Don't worry about the money—I'll transfer it to you shortly."
Not long after ending the call, Lucy sent over her bank account number.
Without hesitation, Aria transferred enough money to support her for a while. Watching the successful transfer notification, she leaned back gently in her chair, her brow slightly furrowed.
Constantly lending money like this wasn't a long-term solution.
Lucy needed long-term medication, couldn't do strenuous work, and had no stable income. Even if she helped this time, what about next time? And the time after that?
Lucy had been by her side for so many years, reliable and loyal. Aria couldn't bear to see her end up helpless, without even a place to live.
But she was abroad now, with limited energy herself. There was only so much she could help.
At that moment, a thought so absurd even she found it ridiculous quietly emerged.
What if... she tried reaching out to Arthur?
As soon as the thought arose, she forcefully pushed it down.
She had already distanced herself this far, finally cutting ties with the past completely. What would it mean to contact him now?
But thinking of Lucy's broken crying on the phone, Aria softened again.
She gazed at the sky outside, her fingertips tensing slightly, falling into a long silence.
Early the next morning, Lance came to see Aria carrying groceries.
Jasper had already been picked up by the school bus, leaving Aria alone at home.
Lance made his way to the kitchen with ease, skillfully preparing breakfast while casually reminding her to take care of her health and not stay up late.
Aria was used to his reminders by now. Over the years, he had always been like this, like family.
The two chatted and teased each other casually, bringing a rare sense of warmth and ease to the house.
Halfway through the meal, Aria suddenly set down her utensils, remembering Lucy's situation from last night.
She looked up at Lance and asked softly, "How are your businesses back home doing these days?"
Since Lance had been focusing his business efforts abroad in recent years, she wasn't very clear about the domestic situation.
Lance paused, looking at her with some confusion. "Everything's fine. I have people watching over things. Why are you suddenly asking about this?"
Aria then told him everything about Lucy's illness, job loss, depleted savings, and all her struggles.
"She needs long-term medication and can't do heavy work. Constantly borrowing money isn't sustainable."
Aria sighed. "She's been with me for so many years. I really can't bear to see her like this.
And I'm abroad, so there's only so much I can help. So I wanted to ask if you have any way to arrange a stable, easy job for her back home?"
Lance was surprised to hear this. He hadn't expected Lucy to have such a hard time all these years.
Without hesitation, he agreed.
"Don't worry about this anymore. Leave it to me. I happen to have some easy and stable positions back home. I'll arrange one for her and have people look after her, making sure she doesn't have to work too hard and can focus on recovery. As for housing, the company has dormitories, so no need to worry."
Lance had thought everything through, addressing all of Aria's concerns.
Aria felt relieved, genuine warmth appearing in her eyes. "Thank you, Lance."
"No need to be so formal with me."
Lance smiled, his tone somewhat helpless. "You just focus on taking care of your health here. As for things back home, I'm there. Just tell me directly if you need anything."
Aria felt warmth in her heart and responded softly, "Okay."
After they finished breakfast, as Lance was clearing the dishes, he suddenly paused, remembering something.
"Oh right, it's my grandfather's birthday in a few days. I need to go back home to celebrate with him. I'll have people finalize Lucy's arrangements in the next couple of days, before anything else comes up."
Aria's fingertips paused slightly at his words, a soft light crossing her eyes as she looked at Lance gratefully. "Okay."
Come to think of it, she hadn't seen Dylan Gray in a long time either. She used to see him often when she was younger, but after her family problems and after she got married, she saw him less. Plus, she'd been abroad these past few years. Sometimes when Dylan talked to Lance on the phone, he would ask about her.
Besides, Lance had helped her a lot over the years. Thinking about it this way, she should go back and visit him too.
She looked up at Lance, her tone calm but somewhat serious. "Actually, I don't have much going on lately, and I haven't visited him in ages. Let me go back with you."
Lance's movements suddenly stopped, the dishes making a light clinking sound.
He almost thought he'd heard wrong. He looked up at Aria, a deep surprise flashing in his eyes, followed by joy gradually spreading across his face, his tone becoming excited. "Did I hear that right? You're coming back with me?"
Aria met Lance's intense gaze, a bit puzzled. "What's wrong? Is there a problem?"