Tyler declared, "If she's staying here, I'll treat her courteously, like any other guest. I won't subject her to the differential treatment the rest of you seem so fond of. And, frankly, it's not your place to question why I don't care for her.""So, what should I ask?""I have no feelings for her, so how could I possibly like her?" Tyler asked.Liora was momentarily stunned and felt disheartened.Siobhan's romantic prospects hadn't even taken off, yet she found herself already at a disadvantage. It dawned on Liora that Siobhan and she were in similar predicaments.Speechless, Liora stared at Tyler.Quickly catching onto Liora's intentions, Tyler adopted a stern tone. "Let me be clear, Lia. Don't try to project your ideas onto me. I have no feelings for Siobhan and won't be in a relationship with her. Dealing with your troubles is already enough for me. I don't have time for any other romantic involvement.""Do you realize that setting unrealistic expectations will only lead to
Tyler glanced away and proceeded to the stairway without glancing behind him.-The following day, Axel accompanied Liora and Siobhan to campus.On their way there, Axel asked, "Siobhan, why didn't your father come to pick you up from the airport this time?"Siobhan, too exhausted from a restless night's sleep, failed to register Axel's question.Liora nudged Siobhan's arm and snapped her back to the present. Siobhan gazed at Liora in a daze.Liora clarified, "Axel was wondering why your father didn't pick you up."Siobhan replied, "My father is currently on a business trip away from Angelbay."Axel stole a glance at the weary Siobhan in the rearview mirror."Did you not sleep well last night?" he asked.Siobhan chuckled. "I feel somewhat unsettled sleeping in a new place. I should rest better tonight once I'm accustomed to it."Axel reassured, "If you need anything, don't hesitate to let us know. We'll take care of it for you."Siobhan hastily waved off. "It's alright. I h
Siobhan gazed at Chester in astonishment, taken aback by his unexpected clarity regarding the situation. However, she had anticipated this and come prepared."Respect, huh? Since you hold Lia in such high regard, why did you abruptly sever contact with her 14 years ago?" Siobhan asked, her tone pointed."I have my reasons and challenges. If Lia is concerned about this, I'll discuss it with her and provide a detailed explanation," Chester replied, skillfully dodging Siobhan's probing questions.The tension in the air was palpable. Despite Siobhan's readiness, she was at a loss for how to proceed with her inquiries.After a brief silence, she said, "If Lia were receptive to your explanation, there would be no need for my visit today, correct? Similarly, if you had the chance to clarify matters, Lia wouldn't be so distant now.""I refuse to discuss her affairs behind her back, even if she chooses to ignore me and refuses to listen to my explanations for the rest of her days," Chester
Reyna forcefully raised her hand, shoving Liora away before she could make the call.Caught off guard, Liora tumbled to the ground. Following the shove, Reyna screamed, "Quit pretending and leave us alone!"Siobhan rushed to assist Liora, helping her to her feet. She then turned to Reyna, stating firmly, "Now is not the time for this.""It's fine. Let her speak her mind, and I'll handle what needs to be done," Liora asserted as she slowly regained her footing and proceeded to dial 911. Soon, the university nurse arrived, administering emergency first aid to Chester to stop the bleeding.Liora prepared to accompany Chester to the hospital as the ambulance pulled up.While conversing with the nurse, she suddenly felt an intense, cold gaze fixated on her. Startled, she turned to investigate but found nothing amiss in the surrounding crowd before the ambulance door closed, leaving her momentarily bewildered. Siobhan clarified, "Lia, Reyna beat you to it. She's already in the amb
Axel was preparing to speak when Siobhan stood up abruptly and gave Reyna's face a ferocious slap. Liora and Axel stared at her in shock. Reyna covered her face and glared at Siobhan. Before she could speak, Siobhan said, "We'd rather ignore you, but you insist on causing problems. You deserve the slap. After all, the choice to visit Chester is up to Lia. You have no right to intervene and then turn around to blame Lia."Reyna's eyes were bloodshot from anger, and tears began to well up in her eyes. "Yes, I have no right to do so, but I can't stand Liora's pretense! She definitely knew Chester earlier than I did, am I right? Why did she pretend not to know Chester then? You may not understand Chester's situation, but I do! He hasn't even been going to work lately!"Liora was stunned. "What work?"Reyna sneered. "You don't even know that Chester is working as a private tutor to high-school kids to earn a living!""Doesn't his aunt provide him with any living expenses?" asked L
The nurses swiftly ushered Chester into a VIP ward.Siobhan and Axel departed to procure the daily essentials required for Chester's hospital stay, leaving Liora, Reyna, and Chester alone in the ward.Seated by the bedside, Liora observed Chester, who lay pale in the bed.Leaning against the wall, Reyna gazed at Liora. "Did you know Chester learned boxing?"Liora shook her head. "I had no idea.""It struck me as odd. Why would he take up boxing, given his challenging circumstances? He confided in me, expressing his desire to protect someone. I only realized it was you when I met you. You're fortunate," Reyna lamented, her melancholy palpable.Chester couldn't even lead a decent life, yet he chose to learn boxing for Liora's sake.But Liora could take care of herself well and had plenty of supporters.Furthermore, when Chester made such a decision, he didn't even know if he would ever see her again.It made one wonder if he lacked sense.Reyna sneered as Liora remained silent.
Axel and Siobhan returned with provisions and food after half an hour.Upon entering the ward, they noticed Liora and Chester holding each other's hands tightly, a sight that filled Axel with a sense of helplessness. His sister appeared so grown up—it wouldn't be long before someone else married her.Siobhan gently placed the items on the nightstand and chuckled. "Have you two talked things out yet?"Liora instantly blushed, retracting her hand quickly. "No, not yet!"Her movement roused Chester from his slumber.As Chester opened his eyes, he anxiously searched for Liora.Upon seeing her, he gradually calmed down.At the same time, he noticed Axel and Siobhan and subconsciously attempted to sit up."Stay lying down," Axel advised him. "You don't need to move."After seeing them, Chester understood the situation and scanned the ward with a furrowed brow. This ward was notably larger than a standard one, containing only a single bed."Did you arrange for this ward?" he asked.
Chester's smile illuminated his face, which made him look brighter.Liora was dumbstruck.Despite the presence of four handsome individuals at home, Chester's gentle demeanor charmed her greatly.She quickly looked away, clearing her throat before speaking. "I'm sure you're hungry. Shiv bought some food. Have a bite.""Okay."-As Chester received an IV drip in the evening, Liora sat beside him on the sofa, keeping him company.Suddenly, her phone rang.Glancing at the screen, she noticed it was Isaac calling."Hello?""Lia, where are you?" Isaac asked with concern.Balancing the phone against her ear while peeling an apple, Liora replied, "I'm at the hospital. What's up?""Hospital?" Isaac's worry was evident. "Why are you there? Are you sick? Or did you put someone in the hospital with your temper? Lia, I've told you to tone it down. You're beautiful, but your temper... No one will want to marry you if you keep this up..."Isaac's words rambled on, oblivious to his own i
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