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

my nose lightly, his tone scolding yet teiler. 'Don't degrade yourself

Finished

kid. Go easy on him.

had fiercely protected Whitney it was clear he'd do the same for

me who's faced death. I understood

of emotion crossed his eyes. I leaned into him, wrapping my arms around his waist and pressing my face against his chest. "This time, things

"I know."

"If fate doesn't change, Chloe, we'll face

live, we live as one. If we die, we share a grave. No

the pain of being

I joked lightly, "How about we pick a resting place with a nice view and

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

person who would humor me no matter how absurd my

a large rock. We sat

these-peaceful and serene-were rare for us, apart from those few

ocarina from my hands and

year round. Even after a hundred

why are you

and immeasurable wealth, but none of it compares to even one

intertwined our fingers. "Then

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08:50

Tue, Jan 2

455 Anns. Live Your Life

cremation. Taylor had informed me

Finished

I

by the flickering flames, I whispered my

of Whitney losing control, had

behind me, a silent presence, unable to fully grasp

had done plenty of unforgivable things, and the fact that

back my tears, which fell

you this far. I'm sorry. I promised you'd see my

is gone."

butterfly fluttered through the dim night, landing delicately on

breath, I whispered, "Grandma, is

he said, "Grandma, I promise to take care of Chloe. Rest in peace." The butterfly flapped its

had to witness another loved one