"There's nothing to hide. However, I don't want to talk about it right now. Let's talk about it another time when there's a chance," Liora said. Reese nodded and stopped the conversation. After the dishes were done, Chester told Liora, who returned to the living room, "Lia, I would like to go and check on my old house."Liora looked at him in puzzlement. "Is there anyone else at your house—"Liora noticed that she had misspoken and said, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way…"Chester said, "It's fine. My grandmother is there.""Reese and I shall walk you to the door then."Before Chester could reject, Liora told Reese, who just walked into the living room, "Let's go out with Chester, shall we?"Reese looked at Chester in astonishment. "You used to live here too?"Chester said, "Yes. I wouldn't have gotten to know Lia when we were children otherwise.""I see. Let's go then. It's good to take a walk after dinner anyway," Reese said. Chester wanted to speak but stopped hims
Chester said, "Grandma, you want to stay here alone. What are you going to do if you get older?"It's none of your business!" Abigail screamed and turned to slam the door.Her aloofness was horrible.Chester stood at the door with his head lowered. After a brief silence, he walked toward Liora and Reese with a crutch. When he reached Liora, he said bitterly, "I'm sorry for such a scene."Liora wanted to console him, but Reese chimed in. "Did you purposely make us see that?"Chester abruptly looked up at Reese in confusion.Shocked, Liora looked at Reese. "What do you mean?" Reese stared at Chester and said, "You should know your grandmother's attitude. Why didn't you turn us down when we wanted to come with you? I'm sure any normal people will find this affair unspeakable."Liora said angrily, "Aren't you out of the line? Reese?""I'm out of the line?" Reese looked at Liora in confusion. "I don't think so. Chester, you don't have to use such a clumsy trick even if you want
Chester picked up the envelopes and hugged them tightly. Reese finally failed to hold back and rushed over, helping Chester pick up the envelopes. Although he could not meddle in Chester's family affairs, it was cruel to not help Chester.While picking up the envelopes, Reese tried to comfort Chester, "Don't overthink. Some people believe in you even if she doesn't!"Chester forced a smile. "It's okay. I'm used to it." Reese flinched. "What do you mean? Is there someone else who said that about you?"Chester confessed, "The relatives on my dad's side had long started calling me unlucky and a jinx.""Ugh… When did your parents die?""When I was 5 years old."Reese looked at Chester in shock. "So, they've been scolding you for more than a decade?!"Chester replied, "Yes." Suddenly, Reese felt a suffocating feeling. He could not catch his breath. He felt that he would have long turned wicked if it were him. Yet, Chester could suffer in silence all that while.Reese handed th
Isaac was baffled, wondering why Liora had said that she and Chester were unsuited for each other. 'Did Chester become handsy with Liora and infuriate her?'Suddenly, Isaac became enraged. He then headed to his room, fished out his phone, and called Chester once he was in his room.Chester picked it up after a while."Hello?" Chester sounded gentle.Isaac was no longer angry when he heard Chester.Chester was such a tender person. It looked like he would not have done that kind of thing. Isaac cleared his throat. "Chester, what's going on between you and Lia? Why did she say that it's impossible between you two?"After a pause, Chester calmed down and told Isaac the things between him and Liora."Is that it? But it means that she sincerely likes you," Isaac said. "I know," Chester said. "But I'll also respect her thoughts.""Don't say that," Isaac said. "You guys like each other but got separated because of your identities. It's unacceptable!"Ugh, I'll try to come up wi
After Paige answered the phone, she asked Caroline, "What's wrong with Isaac? Why did he sound so urgent? Did you not give my dear son pocket money? I can't allow that, Carol!"Feeling a headache, Caroline said, "Isaac was being a busybody.""Who does it concern?""Lia and Chester."Paige said, "Then, ignore it. Lia is a grown-up. She has her choices. We just need to support her decisions.""I think so, too." Caroline let out a melancholic sigh. "But Chester is pretty pitiful.""Yes, he is. But we can't ruin Lia's lifetime happiness." Paige explained, "In my impression, Lia won't have second thoughts if he's reliable."Carol, try and think about our romance. Did anyone help us? Weren't we pitiful, given what happened to us back then?"But we soldiered through. We could only rely on ourselves." Caroline agreed, "Yeah, I know. So, I turned Isaac down.""Uh-huh," Paige said, "But if Lia does pick Chester, we just need to give her more wedding gifts.""That's still a long way t
Paige asked, "What's the point of marriage life? You can just get a roommate to spend your life with."Tyler said, "So, I think only Reese suits Lia the best now."I also used Reese. I wanted him to meddle in their relationship and distract Lia from her feelings toward Chester."Paige asked, "What kind of a man is Reese?""He's very optimistic," Tyler said. "Plus, his temper is pretty good, and he's straightforward. He won't beat around the bush. But he's six years older than Lia.""So, what about six years?" Paige said, "It's almost the same as Carol and Evan!"Caroline looked at Paige helplessly. "Evan is only three years older than me.""It's just double," Paige explained. "It's good if the man is six years older than the woman. Plus, an older man will dote on the younger woman. Since we've got the news, let's not waste time. Carol, let's go and check him out tonight!""Tonight?" Caroline stared at Paige in shock. "Why are you in such a rush?" Paige explained, "I'll feel
Tyler said, "He's heading out."Then, Paige immediately got up and told Caroline, "Carol, let's go there!" Caroline looked at her helplessly. "Do you want to stalk them?""It's such a great chance. Shouldn't I check him out?" Paige asked and looked at Alex. "Stay here and wait for your buddy to come home. I'll go out with Carol."Alex looked away from his phone and glanced at Paige, complaining, "When can you be this enthusiastic toward me?"Paige ignored him, linked her arm to Caroline's, and left the house.-Caroline was aware of the address of Liora's store. When they reached there, a Cayenne happened to stop across the street.Then, a masculine, bright, handsome man exited the car.Being attentive, Paige immediately grabbed Caroline's hand. "Look, Carol! Is that Reese?"Caroline looked in the same direction and sized up the man. "He looks strong. I guess he should be Reese." "We can't hear what they're talking about if we sit in the car." Paige fished out two hats a
"It's impossible not to be afraid, right? However, if Lia isn't scared, I can get used to it too!" Reese fiddled with the charm in his hand. Isaac gave Reese a thumbs up. "You're amazing!"Reese sniggered. "To be honest, I have my own selfish motives.""Huh?" Isaac said in puzzlement while looking at Liora. 'Could it be that Reese's selfish motive is to win over Liora's affection?'Reese rubbed his nose and looked at Liora in embarrassment. "Lia, I'll be frank with you because I'm not fond of lying. Your brother sent me to protect you tonight."Caroline and Paige's eyes widened in shock in the car, and they exchanged a glance when they heard Reese's words. Paige said, "Reese is quite direct, isn't he? He's destroying the opportunity that Ty created for him!"Caroline said, "Let's keep listening.""Sure!"Liora's voice echoed. "I can make a rough guess. Otherwise, it wouldn't be such a coincidence for both of us to end up here."Liora appeared calm, yet a trace of astonish
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