Love Unbreakable

Chapter 463

"What... What do you mean..." Mitchel, usually so good with words, suddenly found himself stammering at Raegan's revelation.

He was utterly astonished. Had Raegan actually said she liked him for ten whole years?

Raegan felt a little embarrassed. She was an introvert and always kept her feelings to herself, especially when it came to matters of heart. If it weren't for Mitchel's selfless rescue and heartfelt confession of his feelings, she would have kept this secret buried inside her.

"I like you..." Raegan glanced down, fiddling with her fingers as she finally let it out. "Mitchel, I've liked you in silence for ten years. You've always been the one in my heart."

Everything seemed to freeze at that moment.

To Mitchel, the surrounding noise faded into a distant hum. Raegan liked him for ten whole years.

Mitchel, momentarily forgetting about his injuries, tried to sit up quickly but was met with sharp pain. He hissed in pain.

In a panic, Raegan pushed him gently back down, urging, "Stay still! Are you okay? Do we need to get a doctor?" Anxiety and concern were evident on her face, her hand reaching out to press the button and call for the doctor.

Mitchel stopped Raegan by clutching her hand. "Raegan..."

Despite his pain, he didn't pay heed to his injuries. His mind was a whirlwind of shock.

"Was it really me you had liked starting from ten years ago?" He was in disbelief, afraid that he had misheard or he was simply having illusions. "Could you pinch me? Am I dreaming?

His excitement was evident, drawing Raegan's hand to his face for a hit to confirm the reality himself. "It's no dream!" he exclaimed.

Raegan was amused by his reaction, beaming. She felt an overwhelming tenderness. Seeing this side of Mitchel, surprised and bewildered, was a delightful contrast.

Raegan's voice, gentle and sweet, carried her confession. "Mitchel, I've had feelings for you for a long span of time!" Mitchel's face showed more emotions than ever before, displaying a blend of joy and astonishment. "When was that exactly?

Raegan's face fell as she recalled the past. "Remember me asking if you'd ever been to Tenassie?

"Yeah." Mitchel did recall. It was on their way back from paying respects to her grandmother.

He gave it some thought but confirmed he had never visited Tenassie. However, with Raegan mentioning it again, he started to piece things together. "Did our paths cross there?

Raegan confirmed with a nod, "Back then, I was attending middle school in Tenassie. My grandmother had no means of income, and my uncle wasn't dependable. To ease my grandmother's financial strain, I dedicated myself to my studies in hopes of earning scholarships. The school recognized my efforts, rewarding me with scholarships for three years and covering all my tuition and boarding expenses.

Yet, this generosity from the school sparked envy among some fellows. One Friday, on my way back to my grandmother's house, they confronted me on the road. Despite being outnumbered, I stood my ground and defended myself with a brick."

This memory was vivid in Raegan's mind. She had only one thought at that moment. Showing weakness would only invite more bullying. She was determined to stand strong and show them she was no pushover.

On that day, her clothes were ripped, but she faced the harsh cold wind defiantly. Word by word, she warned her bullies, "If you hurt me, this won't end here. I'll report it to the school, and if the school does nothing, I'll take it to the town education bureau. If they don't handle it, I'll escalate it to the county, then the city. I'll ensure you face consequences!" Bullies often picked on those they perceived as weak. They saw Raegan as an easy mark because she had no parents to stand up for her. Back then, Raegan just had a frail grandmother and an indifferent uncle who wouldn't cause a fuss.

However, Raegan was well aware of this tactic. Understanding she couldn't count on anyone but herself, she resolved to stand up to the bullying.

Raegan's resolve frightened the bullies away. But as they left, one of them, not quite ready to back down, intentionally kicked Raegan's school bag into the river, sarcastically remarking, "Oops, didn't see it there. Your bag was in the way."

That school bag held Raegan's newly received textbooks and a set of practice books from the teacher. Nobody else valued them, but to her, they were invaluable. She remembered precisely that the practice set cost $72.8. That amount was equivalent to her family's living expenses for a year, a sum beyond reach.

The school assumed that with the scholarship money Raegan received annually, covering the $72.8 wouldn't be an issue.

What the school didn't know was that Raegan's uncle had taken the money her grandmother had saved for her college education.

The school had been supportive of Raegan. She felt she couldn't ask for more without feeling embarrassed.NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

And her grandmother, feeling guilty for not being able to provide the needed money, fell sick. Even while feeling sick, her grandmother would collect empty plastic bottles to sell, saving every penny she could.

The teacher realized Raegan hadn't bought the new textbooks but didn't make a big deal out of it, instead giving her the practice books left over from other students. The practice books were practically new.

Raegan was over the moon, eager to show her grandmother so the latter wouldn't have to pinch pennies any longer. She believed she could earn another scholarship next year.

However, that glimmer of hope seemed to be swept away with the current. What was easily attainable for some was a significant obstacle for Raegan.

Without a second thought, Raegan rolled up her trousers, removed her cotton jacket, and stepped into the river to get her school bag back.

The frigid water sent shivers down the spine of the 13-year-old.

The school bag, weighed down, had settled at the river's bottom. Raegan had to search blindly, bit by bit, to locate it.

The river, deeper than a meter, came up to Raegan's neck. She used a stick to help find her school bag. With great effort, she managed to retrieve it. Her backpack was finally in her hands again.

Ignoring the wet sweater and her bare feet, she unzipped the bag, only to find the practice books soaked and beyond salvage.

The ink had smeared, and the pages were stuck together, beyond help even after drying.

Raegan stood there, motionless, her gaze fixed on the damaged practice books. She felt silent for what seemed like forever.

To her, they were more than just some practice books. It symbolized her teacher's expectations for her, a chance to change her future, and a golden opportunity provided by fate for those who worked hard.

Raegan, wise beyond her years, quietly bore her struggles, mindful of her grandmother's sacrifices. She was always cheerful, never letting her smile fade.

Yet, at that moment, she found it impossible to stop her tears, even as she tried to keep her head up. She had put in so much effort... She couldn't grasp why those who work the hardest often face the most challenges.

Mitchel listened quietly, not interrupting. Despite Raegan's understated tone, he could feel how heartbroken and desperate she felt then. His heart ached, overwhelmed with sympathy.

Raegan's eyes reddened as she continued, "Not long after, the practice books were shattered due to the weight of the water. I was there, squatting beside the street trying to pick up the pieces, when a car suddenly stopped close by. The driver got out and started shouting at me. I don't hold it against him. It was my mistake. He was scared he might have hit me."

"Stop it..." Mitchel felt his heart shatter. At her words, some fragments of his memories were recollected.