Chapter 455: Anna, Live Your Life Well
The ocarina I held 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 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, “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, I lightly 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 lost in thought. 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.
Carter gently pinched my nose, his tone scolding yet tender. “Don’t degrade yourself like that.”
“I was just teasing him. He’s still a kid. Go easy on him. Honestly, he’s probably the cleanest person in the Carlyn family.” Thinking of how Taylor had fiercely protected Whitney, it was clear he’d do the same for his only brother. There was something inherently touching about his purity, especially to someone like me who’s faced death. I understood Taylor’s emotions more clearly now.
“Whatever you say,” Carter said with a nod. His gaze fell on the ocarina I was holding, and a flicker 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 will end differently.”
“I know.” He cupped my face gently, his tone sincere. “If fate doesn’t change, Chloe, we’ll face the next life together. Don’t leave me behind again.”
“Alright. If we live, we live as one. If we die, we share a grave. No more deceptions.” Both of us had suffered the pain of being abandoned by the other. Life together, death in the same grave—what more was there to fear? I joked lightly, “How about we pick a resting place with a nice view and pre-order a double tomb?”
If Grandma were alive to hear me joke about picking our burial plots, she’d probably scold me harshly. But Carter was here—the one person who would humor me no matter how absurd my ideas were. He took my hand, leading me to a large rock. We sat together, gazing at the endless sea. Moments like these—peaceful and serene—were rare for us, apart from those few days in the small town.
Carter picked up the ocarina from my hands and smiled faintly. “Alright, where would you like it?”
“Somewhere by the sea, surrounded by blooming flowers that bloom in spring. I’d 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 a gentle smile.
“Carter, why are you so good to me?”
“Because we’ve lost too many chances, Chloe. I’ve had power, fame, and immeasurable wealth, but none of it compares to even one glance from you.”
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we intertwined our fingers. “Then let’s stay together, always. No more goodbyes.”
That evening, I attended Grandma’s cremation. Taylor had informed me personally. Sometimes, venturing deep into enemy territory had its advantages. I even managed to secure the best mourning spot up front. Standing by the flickering flames, I whispered my final farewell. Taylor, wary of Whitney losing control, had kept this from her. Carter stood behind me, a silent presence, unable to fully grasp my grief. Grandma had done plenty of unforgivable things, and the fact that she hadn’t suffered in death was already a mercy. Yet, I couldn’t hold back my tears, which fell silently, soaking the ground beneath me.
“Grandma, I only send you this far. I’m sorry. I promised you’d see my wedding, but now that chance is gone.” A black butterfly fluttered through the dim night, landing delicately on the button of my coat. Holding my breath, I whispered, “Grandma, is that you?”
Carter placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. His voice was soft as he said, “Grandma, I promise to take care of Chloe. Rest in peace.” The butterfly flapped its wings once and vanished into the darkness without hesitation. Just like when Ethan passed, I had to witness another loved one leaving. Grandma had accumulated so many sins in her life. If hell truly existed, she might not find redemption. In that moment, our ties were severed. What was the purpose of life if all it brought was the pain of losing those we love?
Sensing my despair, Carter held me tightly. “You still have me, Chloe,” he murmured. And that was enough. Letting my tears fall freely, I buried my face in his chest, seeking solace.
At dawn the next day, Carter accompanied me to the docks. Taylor and Whitney arrived, Taylor holding an urn. He handed it to me without a word. I knew it contained Grandma’s ashes. Even Taylor, harsh as he could be, had shown her a final act of kindness, keeping this secret from his father and Whitney. Kate, aware of the truth, clung to Greg’s arm as they boarded the ship, eager to leave this cursed place behind.
Whitney turned to Taylor, her expression frosty. “You’re really letting me go?” To her, his actions felt like another one of his manipulative games. She could never trust him.
Taylor’s lips curved into a faint smile. “You have a tracker inside you. Wherever you go, I’ll find you. Anna, you’re mine. There’s no escaping me.” Her face darkened, and she quickened her pace.
“Anna,” he called after her, his voice tinged with vulnerability. “Can I have a hug?” She didn’t respond, only walking faster. Taylor let out a bitter chuckle. “So heartless.” Catching up to her, he pulled her into an embrace, burying his face in her neck to hide his expression. In a hoarse voice, he whispered, “Anna, live well. I’m sorry for wasting so many years of your life. You must hate me. From now on, you’re free. Forget the Carlyns. Forget me. Forget every misfortune. My dear Anna, live your life well.”