Caroline said, "You can come with us. I'd like to spend Lundi Gras with Axel as well."Caroline stood up and announced, "I'm going to the restroom."As she walked past Evan, he reached out to grab her arm, pulling her into his arms before she could react. He held her tightly, not intending to let her go.Caroline's eyes widened in shock, and she blushed, exclaiming, "What are you doing? Let go of me. Our child is here!""Caroline," Evan whispered against her neck, sending a shiver down her spine.A numbing sensation overwhelmed her, and Caroline pushed at him. "Let go of me before you talk."Evan spoke gently, his deep gaze fixed on her. "Let's be together."Caroline was stunned, her body stiffening at his words. Her heart raced, and she struggled to find her words, thinking, 'Should we? The timing doesn't seem right, but I can't find a good reason to reject him.'While Caroline pondered, Evan continued. "You don't have to give me an answer now, but I hope you'll consider my pr
Caroline glared at him. "Why are you sleeping here?"Evan replied, "You should ask yourself why you kicked the blanket."Caroline felt embarrassed and exclaimed, "What nonsense are you talking about!""I wouldn't have to squeeze into the small bed with you if I could stop you." Evan sat up and glanced at Axel. "You can leave the hospital today. I'll drop you off at Bayview Villa first."Axel was briefly shocked before he smiled. "Sure."Caroline glared at Evan, wondering if he had heard her.-At 10:00 a.m., Axel was discharged from the hospital.Evan sent him and Caroline back to Bayview Villa and said, "I'll come over later."Caroline nodded and got out of the car, holding Axel's hand.Tyler and Liora rushed from the living room when they entered the villa.Liora cheered with excitement upon seeing Axel. "Congratulations on getting out, Axel!"Tyler smiled at Axel. "Welcome home."Axel nodded. "Thank you."The kids invited Axel to play in the living room while Caroline
Caroline playfully teased, "Eira and I will be really busy if you don't come."Puzzled, Neil asked, "Aren't Scott and Kenny helping out? Isn't Paige there?"Caroline explained, "Paige is pregnant, so I won't let her help. The kids are with Scott and Kenny, so they can't free themselves either."Caroline thought about how Alex had become overly devoted to Paige.Neil was surprised and asked, "Is it Alex's?"Caroline replied, "Paige has never been with another man besides Alex."Neil assured, "I'm sorry. I'm picking up the drinks, and I'll be there in 15 minutes."Caroline cautioned, "Drive safely."After ending the call, Caroline hesitated about calling Evan. It was almost 5:30 p.m., so he should be done with work. She decided to send a text message.Caroline: [Dinner will be ready soon. When will you be here?]Caroline waited for Evan's reply but didn't receive one. She put down her phone and helped Eira serve the food.-Meanwhile, at Jordan Residence.Evan sat at the din
"How is that any of your business?" Evan asked coldly. Adam was about to speak, but Draco hit the table and placed his glass heavily on it. He shouted at Evan, "Do you still have any manners in you?""Father, Evan is just lively. It's normal for him to have a strong personality. Please don't get angry," Casey said calmly.Casey's comment only infuriated Draco further.He glared sternly at Evan. "We'll never have peace in this family as long as you're here!""I'm returning the favor, just as it is. I believe this family is tainted as long as Casey is a part of it," Evan retorted with a scoff.Draco's anger flared, and he slammed the table again. "Get out of here, you piece of shit!"Evan stood up and slowly buttoned up his jacket. "It's clear that I won't share a meal with a sex offender at the same table."Without looking back, Evan walked out of the dining room.However, as he walked away, a coffee pot was hurled at his back, soaking the back of his outfit in scalding coffee
Scott turned to Neil, sensing his gaze, and asked with a faint smile, "What's happening?"Neil hesitated briefly, then spoke. "I need to talk to you.""Sure," Scott replied as they moved away from the dining table to the yard.Neil got to the point, "Tell me honestly, how do you feel about Carol?"Scott adjusted his sweater collar and replied, "Isn't it clear I've been by her side for five years?""But you didn't seem jealous when they mentioned Evan earlier," Neil said, studying Scott closely.Scott grinned. "I'm over 30 now. I can control my emotions."Leaning against the car, Neil remarked, "You seem a bit too casual about it.""I've realized there's no future for Carol and me," Scott said calmly."Why not strive for it then?" Neil asked."If striving worked, we'd have been together already," Scott replied.Neil felt regretful about Scott not being with his sister. It was rare to find a man so considerate toward Carol."Scott, find a suitable lady and get married," Neil
Evan's face grew cold. "Shut up!"Caroline stood up. "Kenny's got a new shirt that's never been worn. I'll show you where you can change.""Yeah, we're pretty much the same size, and I still have many shirts with tags on them," Kenny replied.Evan looked meaningfully at Caroline and followed her upstairs. Caroline located the shirt and handed it to Evan."Change quickly so you don't catch a cold," Caroline advised casually.Evan took the shirt and fixed his gaze on her. "Are you genuinely concerned about me?"Caroline realized she was indeed showing concern for him in both words and actions.Anxiously, she stammered, "H-Hurry up and change. I'm going outside!"Evan grasped her arm. "Do you have a towel? I'd like to take a shower."Caroline nodded. "Yes. I'll get one for you."She withdrew her arm and exited the room, regretting her visible concern for Evan. 'If that's the case, Paige and the others probably noticed it too, right?'Caroline sighed and returned to Kenny's ro
The tipsy Kenny turned to Neil and declared, "Neil, they're up to something indecent!"Neil glanced at Kenny and then at Scott, who remained silent while eating. He sighed and said, "Carol has the freedom to choose. I won't interfere."The three children listened in on the adult conversation from their spot on the rug, where they played after dinner.Liora playfully nudged Tyler and asked, "What are they talking about, Tyler? Are Mommy and Daddy playing a game upstairs?"Tyler and Axel exchanged a glance, and Axel patiently explained, "Lia, they're probably discussing something important."Liora wondered, "Then why is Godmother sneaking upstairs?"Tyler set down the block in his hand. "Lia, you've been wanting to be a big sister for a long time, right?"Liora's eyes lit up. "Can I be a big sister?"Axel smiled. "Do you want a little brother or sister?"Liora replied, "Neither!"Tyler and Axel asked together, "How will you be a big sister, then?"Liora giggled. "I want to be
At midnight, Kenny and Alex set up and lit the fireworks.The crowd of people exchanged smiles as the fireworks illuminated the night sky.Evan glanced at Reuben, who then retrieved three thick gift packets brimming with money from the car. He handed the packets to Evan, who distributed one to each child.Liora touched her gift and beamed, exclaiming, "This is thick. It must be full of money!"Neil and the others walked over and presented their gifts to the three children.After expressing their gratitude, Tyler turned to Caroline and asked, "Mommy, did you prepare gifts for us?"Caroline said, "Don't you already have enough gifts?"Tyler insisted, "Wouldn't you like to give us gifts too, Mommy?"Caroline smiled and began giving her gifts to the children one by one. "Axel, Ty, Lia, Happy Mardi Gras! May you grow strong and healthy!"The three children chorused, "Happy Mardi Gras, Mommy!""Happy Mardi Gras!" Suddenly, Evan's voice echoed from behind.Caroline turned, her face
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