Caroline caressed Liora's face in guilt. "Sorry. I was thinking about something.""Are you thinking about him?" Liora asked. Caroline feigned her confusion. "Who are you referring to, Lia?""Scumbag Daddy," Tyler reminded her from the side. Two days had passed since Evan left, and Caroline realized he hadn't called or texted once. It felt like he was throwing a tantrum.Caroline sighed. "No, I was thinking about something else.""You're lying! You've constantly been staring at your phone for the past two days!" Liora accused.Caroline was at a loss for words. 'Is it that obvious…'Tyler chimed in. "Mommy, why do you like scumbag Daddy so much?"Caroline shifted the conversation. "Oh right, the weather's getting warm. Let me make you some outfits. What do you think?"Tyler said, "Mommy, it's not nice to change the topic of conversation.""No. I just want to focus my attention on all of you more," Caroline reassured.Liora cupped Caroline's face. "Can you stop frowning all
Meanwhile, Evan received Liora's text message while he was having lunch. He cracked a smile when he heard Liora's sweet voice, but his lips twitched when he heard the end of the voice clip. 'Boy? How did I transform from a man to a boy?' he thought.Evan sent a message.Evan: [What would you like me to say to your mom?]Liora: [Anything is fine.]Evan pondered. [Lia, was your mom very close with Scott previously?]Liora realized that Evan was trying to get information from her. Liora: [Yes. Papa Wilson takes good care of Mommy very much, and she treats him well, too.]Evan: [Did he do anything else other than taking care of her?]Liora pondered and wondered why Evan would ask this. 'Is he jealous of Mommy and Papa Wilson?'She knew what jealousy was and that one would only be jealous when one was in love. Moreover, the more jealous one was, the more one loved the other person. Kenny had told her that. 'If that is the case, let Daddy be jealous so he can love Mommy
"Where did you go, darling?" Alex sounded anxious. "I came home, but you were not here. Why did you leave without telling me?"Paige glanced at Caroline. "I have a prenatal checkup today, but I forgot to tell you yesterday. So, I asked Carol to come with me.""Ah, alright then. I'll pick you up from the hospital later!" Alex assured."It's fine! I want to go shopping with Carol later," Paige rejected Alex."Alright then. Be careful, and I'll wait for you at home," he said.After hanging up, Caroline asked, "Why won't you let Alex know that you're having a fever?""Better not. Alex has been really attentive to me during this period. He'll be anxious if I tell him everything. I don't want to make it too hard for him," Paige said, caressing her belly with a gentle gaze.Caroline placed her palm on Paige's slightly bulging belly. "The baby will certainly be attentive, considerate, and responsible like its father."Paige smiled at Caroline. "Carol, what do you think I should name it
Caroline thought about it as her phone rang once more. This time, it was Eira calling."Carol! Our yard is filled with supplements!" Eira exclaimed in panic.Caroline asked in astonishment, "What do you mean it's filled with supplements?"Eira replied, "I don't know! I just returned from grocery shopping and found a lot of supplements here!""How much is 'a lot'?" Caroline couldn't fathom Eira's shock."There are probably dozens of boxes at a glance!" Eira exclaimed.Caroline was rendered speechless.'What did Evan say about me finishing them all? How can I possibly finish dozens of boxes of supplements in a night? What is he thinking anyway?'"Get the bodyguards to move the supplement boxes into the warehouse. We shall distribute some to everyone tonight," Caroline decided."Alright… Carol," Eira agreed.Caroline sighed after ending the call and headed to the examination room. She opened the door and noticed it slightly ajar. The doctor was inside, but Paige was not."Docto
Dazed, Paige rested her chin on Caroline's shoulders. "You know, Carol, I was scared when I found out I was pregnant. But Alex's caring support after I told him helped me let go of my fear and fully embrace this child."Gradually, I felt a deep connection with the child, as if we were one and couldn't be separated. I also eagerly anticipated the childbirth. He is my precious darling, and I'll risk anything to protect him. But then, I didn't expect to contract this disease."What do I do about the child? What will happen to him... Carol, the doctor said he will get infected, too. He'll carry this virus for life if I give birth to him."But I couldn't bring myself to abort. I just couldn't... Besides, if people find out about my illness, they'll judge me unfairly. They might think I'm impure. But that's not who I am..."Paige poured her heart out, tears streaming down her face.Caroline also teared up. "Don't speak like that about yourself. I know the real you. Let's find a cure for
After that, Paige grabbed Caroline's hand and pleaded with the latter, "I'm begging you, Carol. Please don't tell Alex about this! Help me cover it up and stay with me when I get the abortion, okay? I can't let the child suffer in pain in the future!" Grief-stricken, Caroline looked at Paige. "Shouldn't you let Alex know about this?""No!" Paige refused firmly. "I'm begging you, Carol. Don't tell him!""He'll learn about your abortion sooner or later." Caroline didn't stop trying to persuade Paige. "Your misunderstanding with Alex will get worse if you keep it a secret from him and if he learns about it in the future.""Yes, I want that to happen!" Paige lost her mind and yelled, "What right do I have to be with him now? I'm infected with AIDS! I have AIDS! I'm afraid of disappointing and watching him get it with me!" Caroline felt sorry for Paige and asked, "Are you going to suffer through this alone?""I'm reaping what I've sown." Crying, Paige smiled helplessly. "I'm begging
Paige's belly was hit with excruciating pain, signaling the loss of her child. She suppressed her grief, looked at Alex, and called out, "Alex."Turning at the sound of Paige's weak voice, Alex rushed to her bedside and bent over. "Yes, I'm here. What's wrong, Paige? Tell me, okay?"Paige gnashed her teeth. "Alex...""Yes?""Let's stop seeing each other."A fatal blow struck Alex.Flabbergasted, he met Paige's eyes. "W-What did you say?"Paige repeated herself, "Let's stop seeing each other."Alex forced a smile. "Are you messing with me, Paige? It's not funny. Just tell me if you're ill, and don't worry about tiring me out. I'm willing to do anything for you and the baby. You—""The baby is gone," Paige interrupted Alex. "You don't have to do anything for me anymore because I've aborted the child."Alex's face stiffened upon hearing that. He stared at Paige in disbelief as blood drained from his face. "What did you say?""How many times do I have to repeat myself?" Paige so
"You terminated my child for such a ridiculous reason! You're something else, Paige!" Alex's eyes glowed red. "You claimed you felt insecure when I wasn't around but called me annoying when I was."The child did nothing wrong and was about to come into existence! How heartless can you be? If you disliked the child, you could have given birth and let me raise him. What position did you put the baby and me in? Why did you do that, Paige?!"Holding back tears, Paige looked away and bit her lips hard.However, Paige's cruel and distant attitude seemed to make something click in Alex's mind.He burst into laughter. "I get it now. My mother was right. You didn't want the child because it wasn't mine, right? You cheated on me and made me the father of someone else's child. Isn't that it?"Despite Alex's accusations, Paige remained silent.Alex lost control, grabbing Paige's arms and pulling her up onto the bed."Say something!" he roared. "Explain! You're usually talkative! Why are you
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