Chapter 318: Felt Like a Gift

When Claire heard that voice, her first thought was that she must be hearing things. But as she blinked her eyes open and shut, she saw the men around her stepping back, abandoning their assault. Then, that familiar face appeared before her.

Tears instantly blurred her vision, but even then, Claire struggled to believe what she was seeing. She thought, “Maybe I’m just hallucinating because I’m about to die. Isn’t it said that when people are near death, they see the one person they long to see most?”

Claire fixed her gaze on Elizabeth, and for a brief moment, she felt a surge of relief that the face before her wasn’t Frederick’s. Yes, if there was anyone in this world she truly cared about, it was Elizabeth.

From the moment the truth about the switched identities had come to light, everyone had pointed fingers at her, hurling insults and blaming her for being Effie’s daughter. Yet, through it all, Elizabeth had remained steadfast, treating her with kindness. Elizabeth had been a constant source of comfort; Claire had cried in Elizabeth’s arms. With a gentle hand on her head, Elizabeth had replied softly, “All I know is that you are the granddaughter I raised.”

That simple statement had been a beacon of hope during Claire’s darkest moments, illuminating the shadows that surrounded her. But that light was eventually snuffed out in a cruel twist of fate. When Anna was murdered at the hands of those thugs, Frederick, Harrison, and even her adoptive parents—those who claimed to love her—had turned against her. They had wanted her blood, ready to condemn her.

Only Elizabeth had bravely stood up, declaring her belief in Claire, even when the evidence seemed stacked against her. But in the end, Anna’s messages became the direct proof of her guilt, and everyone except Elizabeth was eager to see her locked away. Elizabeth had fought fiercely for her, but ultimately, she had collapsed from the strain, unable to continue.

Four years later, when Claire emerged from prison, she learned just how much Elizabeth had sacrificed for her. From the moment Claire was incarcerated, Elizabeth had protested relentlessly, refusing to eat, and on several occasions, she had ended up in the hospital from severe hunger, her stomach bleeding from the strain. It was through that unwavering determination over four long years that Claire found freedom.

Yes, she was free, but the price had been steep—Elizabeth had been diagnosed with stomach cancer. If there was one person Claire couldn’t bear to lose in this world, it was Elizabeth. From the moment she stepped out of prison, Claire had felt that the greatest blessing would be for Elizabeth to live a long, healthy life. Her greatest fear was facing the day Elizabeth would leave this world. But now, it seemed as if she could take that step first.

Looking at Elizabeth’s kind, warm face, Claire felt that, for a fleeting moment, even death didn’t seem so terrifying. “Clai… Clai…” Elizabeth’s voice, so familiar and longed for, reached her ears, and Claire smiled. Hearing her grandmother’s voice one last time before she died felt like a gift.

In truth, from the day of the engagement banquet, when so much had begun to unravel, Claire had already made a silent decision: the further she was from Elizabeth now, the better. Several times, she was on the verge of calling Elizabeth. When she was imprisoned by Frederick and when Caroline nearly killed her, each time Claire wanted to reach out to her. She didn’t expect much, just to hear that warm voice. It was as if hearing Elizabeth say “Clai” would fill her with strength from head to toe. But Claire held back every time.

Elizabeth had already undergone gastric surgery, and her heart wasn’t doing well either. Claire didn’t want to burden Elizabeth anymore because of her own problems. And now, even if it was just a figment of her imagination, being able to see Elizabeth again was truly wonderful. With that, Claire smiled contentedly and closed her eyes. At that moment, the fear of death seemed to vanish completely. “Clai… Clai…” Elizabeth’s warm voice echoed in her ears. It was so comforting.