Chapter 315: The Reason

Carter was never a man of many words. When we were together, he was often silent, watching me with a soft gaze. But today, when I couldn't offer him any response, he surprised me by speaking more than usual. I didn't know where he was driving, but in that moment, a strange sense of calm washed over me. Even if no one else could hear me, even if it felt like the world had left me behind, I had him. He was my everything.

“Chloe,” he began, “you used to be so afraid of me. Maybe it was because I never smiled much. After we started being together, I didn't want to scare you, so I practiced smiling on my own.”

“I’ll never forget the day you walked into the Boltons’ cold, lifeless attic, holding your dress. You looked so beautiful, like a little fairy.”

“Every time you came to the Boltons, I watched you from the shadows. I felt so small, like a worm in the dark, too far from someone as bright as you. When I saw how close you were getting to Luke, I decided to leave, to let you be happy. But when I saw you again, I found the light in your eyes was gone. It hurt. I wanted to take you away, but you didn’t even see me anymore.”

“Chloe, since you disappeared, I’ve cursed myself every day. I should have taken you with me. I never want to feel the pain of losing you again.”

When the car finally stopped at the base of Mount Spiritus, a sudden realization hit me. I looked at him, panic rising in my chest. “Carter, no! Don’t go! It’s too cold, you can’t do this!”

Carter kept his gaze fixed on the empty night ahead. “Chloe, I’m not afraid of spirits or gods. The only thing I’m afraid of is losing you.”

“You once prayed for Penelope’s protection, and she got better.”

“You also prayed for Luke, and he got out of the earthquake fine.”

“Even if it’s just an old legend, if it could bring you back, I’d give up anything—even my legs. I would do it without a second thought.”

He stepped out of the car, and I rushed to follow him. Though it was early spring, the night still carried a biting chill. The snowflakes falling on Mount Spiritus were heavier than anywhere else; the altitude made everything feel more intense. Carter, just as I had done once before, bowed and prayed every single step of the way, his devotion undeniable.

I shouted in his car, “Carter, don’t kneel! Get up!”

He couldn’t hear me, but I knew he felt the urgency in my voice, even if he couldn’t respond.

“Chloe,” he said, “you used to pray for others. Now, I want to pray for you.”

I was completely overwhelmed. How could there be someone so kind in this world? Why, Carter? I don’t deserve this at all.

He knelt with complete devotion, his voice clear and unwavering: “O gods above, if you hear me, bring my wife, Chloe, back. O gods above, grant her a life free from worry. O gods above, give her peace and happiness.”

The snow quickly piled up on him, even covering his long, thick eyelashes in a cold, frosty layer. The mountain winds howled through the valley, like a mournful animal’s cry. But Carter seemed unaffected by the cold. He kept standing, then kneeling again, over and over.

I stared at the far-off mountains. If there were gods, they should punish those who treated life so carelessly. They should not take the lives of kind people. I closed my eyes, and the memory of the basement flooded my mind—so many young souls, trapped and treated like animals. What had we done to deserve this?

Carter’s legs had been injured before, and I feared they might fail him again. I begged him to stop, to take care of himself. I hated how helpless I was. If only I could shield him from the cold, it would have been enough. But I couldn’t. All I could do was follow him, helplessly watching his fervent prayers. His determination was stronger than I ever imagined. He stayed on his knees, refusing to give up.

He was in terrible shape. His knees were bent, and it looked like he couldn’t stand up straight anymore. “Carl!” I cried out, my heart breaking. Was he alright?

Under the weak glow of the streetlight, Carter seemed to notice me. His tired eyes flickered with a faint light. “Chloe, I knew you were here with me.”

“You idiot!”

He lunged toward me, and I rushed to meet him. But we both forgot—I had no physical form. Carter stumbled and fell into the snow, and my heart ached even more.

“Carl, I’m sorry. It slipped my mind… does it hurt?”

Even in such pain, he looked at me with tenderness, reaching out to touch my face.

“No. Not at all.”

I lightly tapped his body in frustration. “You idiot. How could it not hurt? If you keep this up, I won’t follow you anymore.”

In a panic, he reached out to grab my hand, willing to pass through the wood just to be with me.

“You’re my wife. If you’re not with me, who else would you follow?”

Seeing his desperation, I couldn’t help but reply, “Fine, fine, I’ll follow you, even in death.”

“Chloe, stop talking like that.” His dark eyes held nothing but love. “Chloe, as long as you’re here, that’s all that matters.”

“Carl…”

We shared a long, silent look, but the moment was broken by an elderly voice from behind us.

“Mr. Bolton, we’ve been waiting for you.”

I turned quickly. Through the snow, Grandmaster Clearheart stood tall and still, his figure as firm as a tree. His eyes seemed to see beyond everything. Could he see me? Had he known about me all along?

Carter seemed to find hope in seeing him. He struggled to rise, but his knees gave way, and he almost collapsed. “Carl,” I reached out, wanting to help him.

“I’m fine, Chloe,” he replied, pushing himself up with effort. He limped slowly toward Grandmaster Clearheart.

“Grandmaster, please, help me find a way.”

Grandmaster Clearheart didn’t look at him. Instead, he turned to me, sighed, and shook his head. “A karmic connection, Mr. Bolton. Why do you keep doing this? I’ve told you, if you keep going, you…”

What was he trying to say? I felt a pang of worry in my chest. Had he already warned Carter about something?

Before I could ask, Carter interrupted. “Grandmaster, if it will save my wife, I’ll give up half my fortune for…”

“Mr. Bolton, you know money can’t buy life.”

“Please, Grandmaster, I beg you.”

Grandmaster Clearheart sighed again. “Fine, come in.”

Carter followed him into the temple, and I hurried after them. Clearheart led him into a side room. Just as I was about to enter, Grandmaster Clearheart paused and looked at me. “Ms. Sander, wait here.”

I froze. So he can see me.

Before the door closed, I heard his voice, barely a whisper. “Mr. Bolton, if you want to change your fate, you must…”

Must what? Must what? I was about to rush in, but as soon as my hand touched the door, an invisible force stopped me. Carl, what are you doing? I clenched my fists.