23 Orphanage or Foster Home? (2/2)

When she was fourteen, her foster father was arrested for child molestation and sexual assault. He had committed these crimes against Bella and the two girls who were also in his care along with her. Florence and Susanne, both of them were only fifteen, a year older than Bella.

Apparently, the man had a wife who was aware of everything he was doing to the girls but she did nothing to stop it. Consequently, she was also charged.

The man was convicted and sent to prison but the trial had been a traumatizing experience for them. They had to recount everything that they had experienced, it did nothing but put a mental strain on these already broken girls.

Once it ended, they were taken out of the foster care system and moved to orphanages. Although they were given counseling at the orphanage, Florence committed suicide two years after and Susanne became a heroin addict. The two girls had lived with the man much longer than Bella had, she was in his care for only about three months before he got charged.

Bella left the orphanage when she turned seventeen and worked several part-time jobs to get herself through college.

Throughout that time she was reserved. Now at twenty-five, she has no friends and has never been in a relationship.

Su Lian likes her efficiency and strong work habits, but she wants her to have fun and get exposed to the world to improve her social skills.

”I understand. I will go prepare for the meeting. Is there anything else?”

”Yes, there is. After work today, we'll go shopping and I'll take you on a tour of all my favorite places.”

”You won't get paid overtime.”

Su Lian flashes her sweetest smile and Bella manages to smile back.

”I'll make sure to prepare for that as well.”