Even after Her Death by Rita Bond

Chapter 455 Anna, Live Your Life Well Finished

The ocarina I held in my hands was a perfect replica of the one owned by the silver-haired old woman. Everything suddenly made sense, confirming my suspicions.

Yael noticed my fixed gaze on the ocarina and asked curiously, "Chloe, what's wrong? Don't you like it? Should I make a better one for you?"

I shook my head gently, responding softly, "There's no need. This one is just right. Thank you." "Chloe, you seem different. Is something bothering you" "Maybe it's just that so much has happened, and I'm feeling worn out. I'll go check on your cousin." I glanced at him with a faint smile and added,

1. cl. from now on, consider us family."

He froze, his expression full of disbelief, "Y-you don't hate me?"

I motioned for him to come closer, and when he did, Ilightly patted his head. "I know your hands are clean. You've never taken a life, and you even went out of your way to create a body for me." Yael, in the end, was just another victim of his circumstances. How different was he from me?

His lips tightened, and he looked as though he was lost in his thoughts.

I wrapped him in a gentle hug. "One day, you'll find a girl who truly loves you, and you'll understand what real love feels like."

"Chloe... could that person be you?"

Meeting his questioning eyes, I answered softly, "Before you can love anyone else, you need to learn how to love yourself first."

"And if I do learn? Would you love me then?"

"Carter and I will both love you."

Yael scrunched up his face, pouting like a child. "I don't want his love. That's gross."

"As if I'd want to love you either. Ugh."

A disdainful voice interrupted us, and I turned to see Carter standing a few steps away.

He called out, "Chloe, come here."

Yael grabbed my hand in protest. "Chloe, you're not his dog. Just because he calls you doesn't mean you have to go running. Have some pride!"

Ignoring him, I broke free and dashed toward Carter, throwing myself into his arms. With a teasing smile, I quipped, "Woof."

Yael stood frozen in shock.

For him, it felt like his world had come crashing down. Without another word, he turned and walked away,

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Anna, Live Your

his tone scolding yet teiler. 'Don't degrade

Finished

him. He's still a kid. Go easy on him. Jonestly, he's probably the cleanest

of how Taylor had fiercely protected Whitney it was clear he'd do the

about purity especially to someone like me who's faced death. I understood Taylor's emotions more clearly now. "Whatever you say," Carter

a flicker of emotion crossed his eyes. I leaned into him, wrapping my arms

"I know."

fate doesn't change, Chloe, we'll face the next life together. Don't

If we live, we live as one. If we

had suffered the pain of being abandoned

together, death in the same grave-what more was there to fear? I joked lightly, "How about we pick a resting place with a nice view

alive to hear me joke about picking our burial plots, she'd probably

would humor me no matter how absurd my ideas

leading me to a large rock.

serene-were rare for us, apart

the ocarina from my hands and smiled

Even after a hundred

are you so good

I've had power, fame, and immeasurable wealth, but none of it compares to

dipped below the horizon, we intertwined our fingers. "Then let's stay together, always.

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08:50

Tue, Jan 2

455 Anns. Live

evening, I attended Grandma's cremation. Taylor had informed me

Finished

venturing deep into enemy territory had its advantages. I even managed to secure the best mourning spot up

by the flickering flames, I whispered

control,

presence, unable to

plenty of unforgivable things, and the fact that she hadn't suffered in death was already a

hold back my tears, which

send you this far. I'm sorry. I promised you'd see my wedding, but now

is gone."

night, landing delicately on the button

breath, I whispered, "Grandma,

a comforting hand on my shoulder. His voice was soft as he said, "Grandma, I promise to take care of Chloe. Rest in peace." The butterfly flapped its wings once and vanished into the darkness

like when Ethan passed, I had