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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455 Anna, Live Your

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

Finished

on him. Jonestly, he's probably the

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

me who's faced death. I understood Taylor's emotions more clearly now. "Whatever you say," Carter said with a

flicker of emotion crossed his eyes. I leaned into him, wrapping my arms around his waist and

"I know."

tone sincere. "If fate doesn't change, Chloe, we'll face the

as one. If we

suffered the pain

lightly, "How about

about picking our burial

here-the one person who would humor me no matter how absurd my

my hand, leading me to a large rock. We sat together, gazing at the

like these-peaceful and serene-were rare for us, apart

picked up the ocarina from my hands and smiled

like fruit trees and vibrant blossoms all year round. Even after a hundred or a thousand years, I wouldn't grow tired of it if you were there." "Sure, anything goes," he said with

you so

and immeasurable

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

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08:50

Tue, Jan 2

455 Anns. Live Your

Grandma's cremation. Taylor had informed me

Finished

its advantages. I even managed to secure the best mourning spot

by the flickering flames, I

control, had kept this from

presence, unable

the fact that she hadn't suffered in death was already

hold back my tears, which fell silently, soaking the ground

I promised you'd see my wedding, but

is gone."

dim night, landing delicately on the button

I whispered,

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

passed, I had