Chapter 9

Before we returned to Crestmont, Alya invited me to a church to pray for blessings.

She told me that every prayer spoken over the beads was a blessing for the dead. It was a way to pray for their peace and happiness, and to wish them a safe journey into the next life.

I was willing to do anything related to my parents, so I agreed.

When I arrived at the church, Alya hadn't shown up yet. Under the moonlight, I followed the instructions I'd found online and prayed with all my heart.

Just then, I heard the click of a camera. Alya lowered her camera with a bright smile. "Ms. Souza, you're really early."

There was something strange about her tone, but I didn't think much of it.

A moment later, she continued, "Ms. Souza, there's something I've always wanted to ask you. You and Mr. Fenton grew up together, and everyone has always assumed you two would get married. But why has he never confessed his feelings for you all these years?"

I froze for a moment. Alya had gone straight for the one thing that had always bothered me. Charlie had treated me well over the years, but it was true that he'd never once told me he loved me.

"What are you trying to say?" I asked, confused.

Alya suddenly smiled with pride. "I'm saying that Charlie is in love with me. Josie, don't assume he loves you just because he's supposed to marry you. Do you know why he was away from you so often a while back? Because we were dating then."

I stared at her in disbelief.

Charlie really had been busy during that time. He'd been attending meetings, traveling for business, and preparing to take over his family's company. I was often left alone, but I'd been considerate enough not to disturb him.

Seeing my reaction, Alya smiled with satisfaction. "Don't believe me? I have plenty of pictures. Want to see them? Would you rather see him taking me to the movies, cooking for me, or..."

By then, I'd already calmed down. I looked at her without the slightest change in my expression. "And then what? If Charlie loves you so much, why aren't you the one marrying him? Is it because you're not good enough for him?"

After saying that, I let out a cold laugh and turned to leave.

Maybe I didn't love Charlie as much as I used to.

That was why it didn't hurt as much anymore.

That very day, I took my parents' ashes back to Crestmont.

It was the place I knew so well, filled with towering skyscrapers as far as the eye could see.

Yet my thoughts kept drifting back to Everpeak. I could almost see the endless grasslands and the snow-capped mountains glowing beneath the blue sky.

I often found myself thinking about Silas.

But we hadn't exchanged any contact information. There was a good chance I'd never see the man who had saved me so many times again.

The thought left me feeling a little down, as if something important was missing from my life.