Caroline glanced at the phone on the dining table, contemplating Evan's delayed response to her text or calls.Shaking her head, she remarked, "No idea. He's probably busy."Bianca checked her watch. "It's still early for midnight. Let's wait for a while."As Caroline and Bianca headed to the kitchen to do the dishes, Neil engaged in conversation with Liora in the living room."Lia, do you think this place is nice? Is it cozy?" Neil examined the villa with affection in his eyes.Liora's gaze fixed on the second floor. After a moment, she asked, "Do you want the truth, Uncle Neil?"Neil affectionately rubbed Liora's nose. "Yes, of course."Liora's expression gradually turned serious. "It's nice but not cozy due to the dark ambiance. The place hasn't been inhabited for a long time, and Grandma died by suicide here without anyone helping her pass over. Dark energy has gathered on the second floor, and just thinking about it makes me shiver from the cold."Neil's expression softene
Evan initiated a conversation with Neil upon entering the house.Liora fixed her gaze on the wall clock, promptly leaving the sofa when it struck 10:00 p.m.Without attracting anyone's attention, she stealthily ascended to the second floor.Nearing the corner, she spotted a woman seated there, clad in a white nightgown. Her long, curly hair flowed down her waist like a waterfall.The woman's facial features bore a striking resemblance to Caroline, with an added touch of gentleness. She sat upright, offering a warm smile to Liora."We've met again, Lia," Eleanor uttered gently, her words bringing solace to the ears and calmness to the heart.Liora seated herself on the ground, smiling. "Grandma."Eleanor desired to caress Liora's face, but she refrained, a hint of disappointment in her eyes. "I'm sorry that I can't give you a hug.""It's fine. Do you mind that I brought Mommy, Uncle Neil, and the others, Grandma?" Liora asked.Eleanor replied with a smile, "I know what you want
Caroline took a deep breath and walked toward Eleanor, perhaps emboldened by Evan.Eleanor's gaze wandered between their faces, and she said, "Both of you have grown up well and found your partners in the blink of an eye."Neil shed tears and sobbed soundlessly.Caroline, Evan, and Bianca saw Neil crying in such a state for the first time.Eleanor beckoned at Caroline. "Carol, come and sit with me."Caroline nodded rigidly and sat next to Eleanor with her body tensed.Eleanor looked at her smilingly. "You're still acting like a stranger."Caroline kept her lips pursed, and her gaze lowered."Or do you resent me?" Eleanor asked."I don't! I've never resented you," Caroline hastily denied it and looked at her.Eleanor said, "It is my fault indeed for leaving the two of you before you've grown up for your father."Caroline kept quiet for a moment.After all, she also had had the idea of leaving the world with Evan when she mistakenly believed that he was dead.She did not hav
Caroline realized the purpose of coming here tonight.She hastily looked up at Eleanor and Liora.Liora had already prepared the candles and flowers while they were still talking. She held a small notebook and an amulet in her hand.Caroline could read the words written in the notebook but did not understand them.Liora placed the amulet between her fingers, took a deep breath, and told Eleanor, "I will see you off today, Grandma."She began chanting upon saying that.It was quiet at first, but Caroline noticed that Eleanor's figure was fading. An intense feeling of unwillingness to part with her mother surged within her.Tonight marked the last time she would see her biological mother.Tears welled up in Caroline's eyes. "Mom…"Eleanor turned to look at Caroline with helplessness and heartache in her eyes, which looked almost identical to Caroline's. She forced a smile with great effort and said, "I believe in you that you can live a happy life on my behalf, Carol. Goodbye, C
Paige firmly held onto Caroline's arm, stating, "You'll be getting married on January 1st. Why do you seem like you have nothing to do at all? Alex told me that Evan is so busy with the wedding he can't catch his breath. You need to pull yourself together and be a bride!""It's not that I don't want to. I'm tired, and work is busy, Paige," replied Caroline.Paige loosened her grip over Caroline. "I told you to focus on your wedding from the start, right? Leave the work matters to me. The engagement party got canceled because of the rain, so you ought to put more effort into the wedding."Caroline was rendered speechless. She felt there was no rush because she could still get a wedding gown a week before the wedding.Caroline wondered, 'Why is Paige being more anxious than I am?'Caroline said, "I promise you that I'll do it in two days. I won't make excuses when the time comes, okay?""Carol, are you still afraid? What are you afraid of?" Paige could not contain her impatience.
Caroline chuckled and consoled him, "Why are you as anxious as Paige?"Evan cleared his throat. "With two more weeks until the wedding, you can still alter the wedding gown to your preference if you try on dresses earlier."Caroline looked in the direction Paige had left and commented, "I don't have many preferences in this regard. If I can't find one I like, I can design it myself."Just as she finished talking, Caroline saw Paige appearing around the corner with a stern expression.Her heart raced upon seeing Paige's expression. 'Is there concerning news from the lab results?'Evan continued speaking, but Caroline was too distracted to listen.Paige approached Caroline, who discreetly put down her phone."What does the lab report say, Paige? Did the tests reveal any health issues?" Caroline asked anxiously.Evan's voice halted on the phone, and his chest tightened with anxiety upon hearing Caroline's remark."What's going on?" Evan asked, but he overheard Paige and Caroline'
"Ma'am, many people have children when they are unprepared."Paige led Caroline to the doctor's office. "Since it's here, let's welcome it happily. You better not have any funny ideas. We agreed that I'll adopt this baby. If you don't keep it, we'll have a serious problem…"Meanwhile, Evan, who still had his phone pressed to his ear, could hear the two women's voices getting further away.Evan frowned. 'Did Caroline leave her phone behind?'He hastily hung up and dialed Paige's number, but Paige did not pick up after a few attempts.His expression turned solemn, and he stood up in preparation to leave the office.Alex walked into the office just as he was putting on his jacket.Noticing that Evan was leaving, he asked, "Where are you going, Evan?"Evan walked past Alex. "To the hospital!""Hospital? What for? Are you sick?" Alex asked in astonishment.Noticing that Evan was leaving quickly, Alex placed the folder on the table and caught up to Evan hastily.-At the parking
Evan glared at him." You better not gloat here. How does Caroline's failing memory benefit you? Aren't you hoping to be the child's godfather?"Alex said, "You're right! We must take good care of Caroline now!"Alex hastily grabbed his phone to call Paige.Meanwhile, Paige had already taken Caroline to the mall.The embryo in her womb had yet to take form, and Paige had begun shopping frantically for it.Caroline looked at the baby products that filled the cart and said, "The child hasn't been born yet, so why are you buying these now?"Paige was delighted. "Just looking at it makes me happy! You have a huge place anyway. Just dedicate a room to store the baby products!" Seeing her enthusiasm, Caroline went along with Paige.Paige grabbed her phone when she was paying the bill and noticed Alex's numerous missed calls.Paige was stunned, and she called Alex soon afterward.Alex picked up right away and asked before Paige could speak, "Where are you, Paige? Where's my son?""
Reese winced in pain. "Alright, ma'am. I guess I can read your mind? Be gentle!"Liora relaxed her grip at last. "Right, when are we going to that place you mentioned previously?""There's no rush. Your body isn't up for constant actions now. What if you get hurt by those harmful spirits again? I've already committed myself to you out of guilt. If it happens again, I won't have anything else to offer."Liora chuckled. "You make it sound like I'm desperate for your compensation.""What's wrong with that? I'm a strong, handsome man, and everyone loves me!" said Reese, displeased.Liora was astounded by his narcissism.She took a deep breath and said, "Reese.""Hmm?"Liora said, "In truth, I'm not the best choice to be your partner because of my profession. Those spirits may bother me from time to time. I'm the complete opposite of Isaac because of my negative physique.""What happens when you have a negative physique?""Spirits will be drawn to bother me and might cause me a lo
Reese and Isaac couldn't perceive the spirit, but they witnessed a dark mist dissipating before them.Isaac asked in astonishment, "What's happening, Lia?"Liora turned and answered, "The female spirit didn't want to move on, so her soul has been dissolved.""Dissolved? Do you mean her soul has been destroyed?" asked Reese. Liora nodded and looked around. "Uncle Kenny, please help me find the six spirits."Kenny took on the task and brought those fearful spirits in just a few minutes. Liora asked, "Do you want to choose the same option as her or come with me to Cross Chapel?""Cross Chapel!""We would have left long ago if we weren't trapped here by her threats!""She wouldn't let us go even in death. Aren't our lives worth anything?"After Fiery Red was gone, these spirits began to complain in anger.Liora was infuriated by their complaints. "How dare you criticize her! She may be responsible for your deaths, but what about you then? Do you think you bear no responsibil
"That's easy for you to say! Those who caused my death may have become spirits, but I still want to stop them from moving on!" Fiery Red barked. Liora frowned. "So, you're implying that those six students caused your death?""Why would I kill them otherwise?"Liora said, "It's time to let them go now that they've faced your revenge. Keeping them trapped is like trapping yourself. Why bother?""Allowing them to move on is letting them off too lightly!" Fiery Red roared. Liora said, "Your obsession is too strong and is keeping you trapped here. You're constantly hurting yourself with painful memories. If you move on properly, it will be a kind of liberation from your past.""Don't preach to me! I'll make it simple for you. It's either you die or my soul gets destroyed!" Fiery Red snapped. She was about to attack Liora just as she finished her sentence. Liora was planning to call out to Isaac when a figure suddenly showed up. Kenny rushed over and blasted away Fiery Red."Y
Tyler did not comment further upon hearing Liora's reply. In the evening, Isaac returned home from school to find Liora already there. He hurried over, brimming with excitement. "You're back, Lia! How are you feeling? Have you recovered from your injuries?"Isaac's smile stretched from ear to ear.Liora glanced at Isaac meaningfully and said, "Please do me a favor tonight, Isaac."Isaac nodded repeatedly. "Sure, are we heading to the campus?"Liora looked at Isaac in astonishment. "Are you not scared anymore?"The smile on Isaac's face faded slowly. "Spirits are scary, but I don't want to see you bullied by them again, Lia. I wanted to destroy those spirits on the same day after seeing you suffer. However, they told me to respect your decision, so I didn't do that."Liora caressed Isaac's head affectionately. "You've grown, Isaac. You know how to look out for me now."Isaac took Liora's hand and held her hand tightly in his own. "Lia, I've always cared about you. Next time you
Reese said, "Yes, you have been in love with her for 15 years and have invested a lot of time for her. However, haven't you noticed that Lia is a very rational person? As soon as she figures things out, she can move on immediately."Chester's breathing became irregular. He took two deep breaths shakily while staring at Reese. "Yes, she is more sensitive and rational than anyone else."Reese said, "I'm going to give you another analogy. If Lia chooses to be with me, what are you going to do?""Nothing. I said before that I'd respect Lia's choice no matter what. Similarly, you don't have to worry about anything else. I won't harbor any resentment because of love," Chester replied. Reese said, "In other words, you'll continue to be friends with Lia even if we end up together, is that right?"Chester frowned. "Lia and I are friends. If we can't be together, our relationship will remain the same as before. You like Lia, but you can't stop me from being friends with her, Reese."Reese
Reese raised his right arm and said, "My entire right arm was covered in blood at the time. I watched the removal of rotten flesh from your back with my own eyes. I couldn't sleep peacefully for days.""That's easy! Just get the doctor to prescribe sleeping pills to you. You will be able to sleep better, right?" Liora said while giggling. Reese crouched down next to the bed, smiling. "Lia, are you mad at me?"Liora was confused. "Mad at you? For what?"Reese scratched his nose. "If I didn't take you there, you wouldn't have gotten injured."Liora took a glance at him, astounded. "This has nothing to do with you taking me there. It's the ignorant spirits. I'll deal with them all once I recover!""You still want to go back there?" Reese exclaimed. "Yes, of course! Hades will be delighted if I can send the seven spirits to him," Liora said. Reese looked at the joyous smile on Liora's face, feeling guilty. "I was hoping that you'd scold me instead of talking to me so casually."
Reese sent away Tyler and the other, surging them to get some rest while he remained seated, his gaze fixed on Liora.She slept peacefully, her chest rising and falling slowly with each breath. Meanwhile, a nurse approached. Reese noticed her and hastily stood up. "Hello, nurse."The nurse asked, "How can I help you?"Reese said, "May I inquire when Liora can be transferred out of the ICU?"The nurse said, "I'm not too sure about that. It depends on the healing of her wounds and vital signs. She has the most extensive wound that I've ever seen on a girl. She might end up with scars…"The nurse opened the door and walked inside upon saying that. Reese was overwhelmed by a sense of guilt as he thought of the debt he owed to Liora. He knew he could never fully repay it in this lifetime.-Three days later, Liora was transferred out of the ICU.After learning about the incident, Caroline and Evan rushed to the hospital. They were heartbroken to see Liora lying prone on the be
Fear and worry flooded Reese's mind, making it impossible for him to sleep. He opened his eyes and looked at the sky through the skylight. Reese could not help Liora in her profession, so he wondered if he could help out in her safety. He thought about it before he grabbed his phone to text Tyler. Reese: [Can you tell me where Ms. Yelena is staying?]Soon, Tyler texted Yelena's hotel and room number. Reese: [Thank you, my friend.]Tyler sneered.Tyler: [I haven't settled the score with you over Lia's predicament.]Reese: [I'll accept any punishment you deem necessary. It was my mistake, and I'll take responsibility for it.]There was no reply from Tyler afterward.Reese did not send another text, so he started the car and drove to the hotel. -Half an hour later, Reese arrived at the door of Yelena's room. He pondered briefly before knocking on the door. Soon, he heard a response. "Coming."Yelena opened the door and was surprised to find Reese. "Are you the lad fro
Liora opened her palm. The outline of the charm was vague, but she could feel its intense energy. She took a deep breath and stood up. After sensing her movement, the spirits glanced at her. Liora turned to look at them and felt the same feeling that stopped her from leaving again!Suppressing the fear, Liora braced herself to walk out of the door.The closer she got to the door, the more intense the gloomy presence became—she felt as if her soul was being crushed. "Don't be scared, Lia!""Try to walk out, Lia! They won't hurt you!""Lia! Axel, Ty, Mr. Gates, and I are waiting for you!"Αfter hearing their voices, Liora shed tears. She gnashed her teeth and continued to stride toward the door, which seemed so close yet remained out of reach. She took a deep breath, raised her hand with the charm, and attempted to walk closer. This time, the spirits all turned to look at her. They rushed forward in unison when they sensed Liora was about to touch the door. Sensing t