Chapter 7: There's No One Like Yvonne

Words : 1495 Updated : May 21st, 2025

Ian thought Yvonne had been killed by Elijah and dumped in the wild to cover up the crime. He was heartbroken and couldn't stop the tears from falling. He had just received Alina's legacy and was hoping to repay Yvonne by giving her a better life, but now she was gone. How could he not be heartbroken? Memories flashed through Ian's mind like scenes from a movie. Eight years ago, when he was twelve, he was a homeless kid, not all there in the head, wandering around with only his name, Ian Palmer, in mind-he couldn't remember anything else. One day, he ended up in an old part of Tenebrum, called Huxville District. It was a cold, drizzly winter evening. He was dirty, freezing, and starving, begging for food. Almost every family turned him away, not even giving him a bite to eat. They were afraid he might die on their doorstep and bring them bad luck. By the time he reached Wildefield Street, where Yvonne lived, he was barely hanging on. Yvonne saw how pitiful he looked and brought him inside for something to eat. It was rare for him to meet someone as kind as her, so after that meal, he just stuck around and didn't want to leave. Even though he wasn't all there, he knew that if he left Yvonne's place, he'd probably never meet someone so kind again, and who knew where his next meal would come from. The woman knew that if she kicked Ian out, he might freeze or starve to death and she just couldn't do that. She was too kind-hearted to turn her back on him like that. That summer, Yvonne's parents mysteriously vanished on their way home from work. No matter how hard they looked, they were never found. Most people figured they were gone for good. Yvonne was just fourteen then, with two younger sisters-Ellie, who was twelve, and Roxy, who was ten. With her parents gone, Yvonne had to step up and take care of her sisters. On top of that, she had to look after Ian, who only knew how to eat and not much else, making things even harder. But Yvonne never treated Ian like a burden. She was as good to him as if he were her real brother. Although they were poor, Yvonne refused to let her and her sisters' education suffer. She used what little money her parents left behind to rent a small booth in a busy part of town and started a barbecue stand. The three sisters went to school during the day and worked the barbecue stand at night, making just enough to get by. So from a young age, she scraped by selling barbecue and pinching pennies just so she and her sisters could stay in school. When it was time for college, Yvonne picked a local school so she could stay close and keep looking after Ian and her sisters. After her parents went missing, Yvonne became the backbone of the family, taking on more than anyone her age should. Through all those tough years, Yvonne was the one holding everything together. Though Yvonne often spoke harshly to Ian, he knew it was because of his mischief, frequently making mistakes, requiring her to be stern to keep him in check. She was the definition of tough on the outside, but soft on the inside! Ellie and Roxy knew how hard their big sister had it, so they worked hard in school and promised themselves they'd pay her back someday. Two years ago, Ellie got into a top university, but to help out her sister, she put college on hold and signed up for two years in the military. Serving in the military came with perks like free tuition when she came back, plus a bonus when she finished. So Ellie made up her mind and went off to serve. The requirements for female soldiers were tough, but Ellie was in great shape. Not only did she make it through, but she even got picked for special forces! Before she left, Ellie knelt in front of Yvonne and said, "Yvonne, you're like a mom to me. I'll work my hardest, and when I come back as an officer, I'll be able to protect you." That made Yvonne cry her eyes out. Growing up poor, with no parents since she was fourteen and only a not-so-bright guy in the house, Yvonne had put up with plenty of bullying and dirty looks from the neighbors. Roxy, the youngest, was now a senior in high school. She was always at the top of her class and sure to get into a great college. Now, with his mind finally clear, Ian recalled everything with Yvonne, and before he knew it, his eyes were filled with tears. Yvonne was such a kind and beautiful girl. She'd just graduated college, her whole life ahead of her. If something really happened to her, it would be just too cruel! If Elijah really hurt Yvonne, Ian swore he'd make him pay big time. His heart felt like it was being ripped apart. He ran like a madman through the woods, searching everywhere he could. "Yvonne! Where are you? Please answer me!" he shouted, almost in tears. "Don't scare me like this! Come back, please! Yvonne, if you come back, I promise I'll be the best brother ever. I'll protect you no matter what. I won't let anyone mess with you, ever!" Ian ran through the woods, crying and yelling, nearly losing hope when suddenly, he heard Yvonne's voice in the distance, excited and relieved, "Dummy, I'm right here!"

Chapter 7: There's No One Like Yvonne

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