I might have sounded nonchalant, but I knew Anson would understand.

He glanced at me. "Her fate? You’re right. She’s been like a boy ever since she was a child. She would mingle with them and endure all kinds of hardship without complaining. I never spoiled her. After all, she was destined to shoulder the great responsibility that is the Huffman family."

Anson looked up and gazed blankly at the tree in the courtyard.

He looked desolate. Maybe he really did think of me as his family.

“I thoug