All he asked was that I send Caroline five thousand dollars a month for household expenses.
I froze. My gaze drifted toward Godfrey, and my lips trembled.
"These past few months, Godfrey's been running up tabs without paying. I... I can't afford another five thousand on top of that."
Godfrey looked up, genuinely confused, then glanced at Vincent.
"Wait... I'm supposed to pay for those?"
I hadn't planned on asking for the money. But hearing those words, something hollow opened up inside my chest.
Caroline grabbed my hands, tears welling in her eyes.
"Don't blame Godfrey. Vincent always looked after him before, but now Vincent saved your life and he can't..." Her voice cracked. "It's my fault. I'm useless. I can't support Godfrey. I can't take Vincent's suffering away..."
She broke down sobbing, unable to finish. But the message was crystal clear.
Vincent sat with his head bowed, jaw tight, saying nothing.
I squeezed Caroline's hands. Tears blurred my vision. I clenched my teeth.
"Five thousand. I'll send it."