The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 191

Nora stood blankly outside the iron gates, staring at the plaque.

It had been eighteen years.

This was where she had spent the darkest days of her childhood. It was also the place where Gideon had taken Giselle away, leaving her all alone.

Back then, Director Silas Vance only cared about money. He would beat and scream at lost or abandoned kids like them. At the slightest provocation, he would raise that rough rattan cane and whip deep purple welts into their skin.

That black-hearted director had been reported and arrested years ago for embezzling donations and child abuse. The new director who took over was a gray-haired, retired teacher.

Thanks to donations from kind-hearted people, the conditions at the orphanage had drastically improved.

The once-muddy yard was now paved with smooth concrete. In the corner, there were even brightly colored slides and swing sets.

Director Elena Halloway spotted Nora standing outside and walked over to push the gate open, welcoming her inside.

The atmosphere here had completely transformed.

A dozen children in thick winter coats were playing in the courtyard. They chased each other, their crisp laughter carrying through the crisp winter air.

Hearing the iron gate open, a few of the kids nearby stopped and turned, studying Nora with curiosity. Their eyes were bright and clear, radiating the innocent wonder unique to children.

There was none of the bone-deep terror and cowering that Nora remembered, no defensive groveling when faced with a stranger.

The children here no longer had to endure verbal abuse, nor did they have to live in fear of a cane lashing across their backs at any moment. They were well taken care of, enjoying the happiness they deserved at their age.

A bold little girl ran up, tilting her head back, and called out in a crisp, sweet voice.

"Hi there! Are you here to visit us?"

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