Chapter 101

I’d been spending the past few days at the hospital with Grandma. She finally learned about Nicole’s years of deceit—directly from me. Grandma was furious, her teeth clenched in a mixture of anger and helplessness. It took her three days to fully grasp the reality of my death.

But what's done is done. Death was irreversible. Now, her focus was on securing justice for me, and I was counting on her to do just that.

Oddly, knowing I was dead seemed to bring Grandma a measure of peace. Her once-anxious heart was now calm. She was eating and sleeping well, and even appeared healthier.

Despite Nicole's attempts to interfere, Marian remained Grandma's vigilant protector, ensuring the safety of her food and drink. Marian allowed no one near Grandma without her permission.

When Chase visited, he looked even worse than after his recent trip to Shadowmoor. He’d lost considerable weight, his face pale as a ghost. To an outsider, he might have seemed drained by a phantom.

But I knew better. Chase's insomnia and digestive problems prevented him from eating properly, leaving him exhausted.

The entire family was present during his visit. Even my mother, who'd recently radiated a bright glow, now appeared subdued. She'd prepared a large pot of chicken soup for Grandma, ensuring there was enough for everyone.

I watched them eat from bowls crafted from my ashes and could only sigh. I’d begun to let go, but couldn't help wondering about their reactions upon discovering the truth.

"Mom, I spent all afternoon making this chicken soup," my mother coaxed Grandma.

Knowing the bowls' origin, Grandma hesitated, but couldn't refuse.

In recent days, she'd improved physically; her fingers were more agile. But aware of Nicole's continued threat, she maintained the pretense of frailty.

My mother spoon-fed her the soup, mouthful by mouthful.

I chuckled softly. "Don't worry, Grandma. It doesn't bother me anymore. The ashes are perfectly clean after such high temperatures." My father glanced at Chase, noticing his weary appearance. "You haven't been sleeping well, have you?"

Dark circles shadowed Chase's eyes. He set down his bowl and addressed my father. "I've searched everywhere for the past three days, but there's no trace of Amanda."

My mother looked troubled. "Honey, I've been having nightmares every night. Could something have happened to Amanda? That bloodstained wedding dress haunts me. Maybe we should call the police."

Chase ran a hand through his hair, his desperation evident. "I'm at my wit's end. I keep hearing Amanda calling out to me, smiling at me. If this continues, I'll lose my mind. We should call the police, regardless."

"Even if it means letting Derek take the lead?" my father asked, his voice cold. "I hear Derek's been trying to undermine you, and that Grandpa set up projects to determine his successor. Are you sure you want to stir things up by involving the police now?"

I'd always considered Dad the least decisive member of our family, forgetting his upbringing under Grandma's influence, with family honor ingrained in his heart. As for me, his daughter, I barely registered on the scale.

I wondered if I would have chosen different parents given a second chance. As I pondered this, I noticed that the more I let go, the more I seemed to fade.