Liora glanced at the gifts and said, "Are you thanking me for helping you out?"Reese chuckled shyly. "Well, sort of. However, the main reason for the gifts is that I doubted your abilities. Please forgive me."Liora said, "It's fine. I've been doubted for my unique abilities on multiple occasions. I can understand that, so you don't have to apologize."Reese said, "No. Others may be different, but I feel that I must apologize. Besides, Tyler is going to berate me relentlessly if he finds out that I doubted you."Noticing Reese's sincerity, Liora said, "Alright then, just put it there. Thank you."Liora glanced at Isaac, beckoning him to take the gifts inside.Isaac took the gifts, and Reese said, "Are you heading out to dinner?"Liora was about to answer when Reese said, "How about I treat all of you to dinner as a form of appreciation for solving the case?""It's fine. We're just going to grab a simple meal. You don't have to spend money for us," Liora declined. Reese said,
Liora asked smilingly, "Do you find humans or spirits frightening?"Reese thought about it and said, "Humans, I guess. Spirits scare people at most.""Yes. Human behavior is unpredictable, and sometimes, humans hurt other humans. Meanwhile, spirits won't hurt you if you don't provoke them. Except for vengeful spirits," said Liora. "Have you ever encountered vengeful spirits?" asked Reese. Liora shook her head. "Uncle Ben has protected me well, so I've never encountered any before. I don't want to encounter them likewise."Reese said, "Is it true that one can see spirits with holy water?"Liora looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Yes, that's true. Would you like to see one?"Reese was clearly intrigued. "I believe in science, but you've widened my horizons today. If there is a chance, please take me to see spirits once."Liora could not help chuckling. "You make it sound like it's a show or something."Seeing how Liora reacted to Reese's words, Chester felt uneasy but could
"No, it's not about being pessimistic. It's about being overly cautious! It's exhausting for you to be like this. The people around you will also feel drained, too! Over time, she will move on quietly and run off with someone else."Chester had not anticipated the points brought up by Isaac, but he did not expect Liora to harbor feelings for him indefinitely, either. Liora had her own choice, and he would respect her decision, even if it was painful to him. Noticing Chester's silence, Isaac heaved a sigh. He could not convince him, and his throat was too parched to speak more. He had made his point, and it was up to them to decide what happened next. Despite his rationale, Isaac was still feeling slightly uneasy because he felt sorry for Liora. It must be more tormenting for her to love someone without reciprocation than to argue and part ways!In the restaurant, Reese ordered a glass of warm water for Liora. Liora frowned at the sight of the warm water. "I don't like warm
Tyler put down the folder and said, "What do you think of Lia? Not bad, right?"Reese sniggered. "She is my type. She's lively, cheerful, straightforward, and simple-minded!"Tyler smiled. "It seems that you've fallen for my sister.""Why? Do you just want us to get acquainted, but I'm not allowed to pursue her?" asked Reese with a raised eyebrow."I didn't say that. If you can win over my sister, you've got the skills. However, I should remind you that Chester has feelings for my sister, and she feels the same about him," said Tyler.Reese frowned deeply. "You… are you trying to get me to sabotage Chester?"Tyler said, "As far as I know, they are not together yet.""No. They both have feelings for each other. Why do you want me to interfere? What's your motive?" Reese. Tyler's gaze turned cold. "I want Lia to see that some people are not suitable for her. She deserves someone who can take care of her better instead of choosing to endure hardship with someone else."Reese scr
"Yes. I will respect all your decisions and actions," said Chester.Liora could not help yelling at Chester, "You don't care about me at all! If you did, you wouldn't say that! My dad loves my mom very much and can't stand my mom talking to another man!"Chester said, "That is possessiveness, not love.""There's no possessiveness without love. Stop making up excuses!" said Liora. Chester looked at Liora with a hint of frustration in his eyes. "Lia, everyone loves in their own way. Some people express it through fulfillment, while some through respect, and others through possessiveness. My affection for you is based on respect. I respect all your decisions.""That's bullshit!" Liora cussed in rage. "If you respected my decision, you would agree to be with me!" "That is a matter of principle," Chester answered calmly, even after he was shouted at.Liora felt the urge to cry. "Whether it's about principles or not, the bottom line is you just don't like me enough! You don't feel t
Reyna said, "I'm asking you if you think the two of you are suited for each other. Why are you changing the topic of conversation?"Chester looked at her. "Whether we're compatible or not is none of your concern. Reyna, just focus on yourself and stop worrying about me."Reyna held back her frustration. "Don't you think that you've become more distant ever since Liora and you reconciled?""You just want me to let go of my feelings for Lia, don't you? However, how can I move on from feelings that have been there for 14 years?" said Chester. "Since you can't move on, why aren't you with her?""She doesn't understand me well enough.""That's just an excuse! You're just insecure! Liora may not know it, but I do!" Reyna said. Chester locked eyes with Reyna, his eyes filled with mixed emotions. Tears welled up in Reyna's eyes. "You won't be with Liora before graduation because you can't guarantee her future. Her family is well-off while you're penniless. Chester, you two are not c
"You spent all day with your sister. hy did you come back separately?" Evan asked. Isaac said, "I didn't want to be a third wheel, so I left.""So, you don't know what happened to Lia?" asked Caroline anxiously. Isaac recalled briefly and said, "Lia was still in a normal mood when I left. It could be that they had a disagreement after Lia dropped Chester off!"Evan and Caroline exchanged a glance. They did not wish to interfere since it was about Liora's relationship. Liora would need to figure out certain things for herself in a relationship. Too much advice would be less effective than letting her come to her own conclusions. -Liora lay on her bed in her room but was not crying.The scene of her parting ways with Chester earlier played in her mind over and over again. Even though Chester's personality had not changed much in 14 years, he felt unfamiliar and distant to her. Liora turned over and looked up at the ceiling. Chester was a complete mystery to her now. It
After ending the call, Liora thought about how Chester would not attend the dance because of his current condition. She wondered what she could do to let him know that she was attending the dance. She thought about it for a long time before she came up with an idea. She then grabbed her phone and posted: [I'm looking forward to the dance!]Chester read Liora's post not long after it was posted. He stared at Liora's post for a long time, unsure if he should hit Like and comment. If Liora was attending the dance, she would surely be dancing with other men. At the thought of it, Chester's mind was filled with images of men leering at Liora. There was already Jason who had bad intentions toward Liora before. What if another guy like him showed up this time?Chester gazed at his leg slowly. Even if he had mobility issues, he wanted to protect Liora at the dance. Meanwhile, Reese saw the post as well. He clicked Like and sent Liora a text message. Reese: [Are you in Angelba
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