Semua Bab Your Love Once Burned Fiery: Bab 1 - Bab 9

"Grandpa, I've made up my mind. I'm leaving Jonathan."On the other end of the line, my grandfather simply sighed. "Chloe, if you've truly thought this through, that's best. I'll make sure everything is arranged."The call ended. Weak and unsteady, I walked downstairs, hoping to find something to eat in the kitchen.That's when I saw Jonathan Chase holding his three-month-old second child, lifting the baby high with pure adoration.Eleanor's voice was soft, teasing him to be careful, and both of them wore expressions of complete, unguarded happiness.Time had passed so fast. He seemed completely immersed in the roles of husband and father.When he caught sight of me from the corner of his eye, he quickly set the baby down, a faint awkwardness crossing his face."Chloe… you've suffered a lot this past year."He knew. He really knew I had suffered.Locked in that basement, denied even a sliver of sunlight, surviving only on the water and food they sent down… With no way to bathe

Eleanor sobbed in anguish, so overwhelmed with emotion that she nearly dropped to her knees in front of me.My father yanked Eleanor back and shielded her behind him."Don't beg her. She's the one who owes you. She should be the one asking for your forgiveness. Chloe, if you have even a shred of conscience left, you should apologize to Eleanor."My parents' deep‑seated hatred for me—their open favoritism toward their biological daughter—was something I had long grown used to.But Jonathan… the man who once claimed to love me, who said every decision he made was for our future, now stood on the opposite side. He said nothing. His eyes were filled only with disappointment.We had grown up together. We had known each other since our youth. He knew exactly what kind of person I was.Yet in the face of Eleanor's flimsy, contradiction‑ridden accusations, he didn't even bother to check the house surveillance. Because from the very beginning, he believed I was wrong.The realization sen

Sure enough, Jonathan was standing behind her."Eleanor has already apologized to you. You should forgive her," he said, his tone edged with impatience, as if my refusal made me unreasonable.I didn't respond. I simply pulled my hand free and turned to leave.But Eleanor clutched my wrist tightly."Chloe, it's fine if you don't want to forgive me. After all, you'll still be living here for another three years. There's plenty of time for you to forgive me."At her words, I turned to Jonathan in disbelief.He stiffened, then avoided my gaze, guilt flickering across his face.Seeing my reaction, Eleanor let out a strange, mocking laugh."What's wrong? Chloe, don't tell me you didn't know? Jonathan agreed to stay by my side and the children's side for another three years, just to get the Sterling family to take you in. After all these years, his devotion to you really hasn't changed."His promises. My waiting.Three years, then another year, then another three years...If he tru

According to Eleanor's original plan, once they returned to the Sterling family's old estate, she would make her move against Grandpa.After that would come several days of mourning. By the time they returned home again, I would have already starved to death.She tried desperately to stop everyone from going back, but she couldn't override their determination.When the car finally pulled up in front of the Sterling residence again, the first person to leap out was Jonathan."Chloe… Chloe…"He strode into the living room—and in that instant, he saw bloodstains on the staircase, still there, never cleaned up.Panic surged through him. He shouted my name even louder."Chloe! Chloe! Where are you—"But all of them had overlooked something.When Grandpa sent the group message, he had already made it clear: I had been taken away by him.The three of them searched the villa in a frenzy. Only Eleanor stood frozen in the center of the living room, lost and stiff, her eyes drifting aga

It was my parents who reported Eleanor to the police. Most likely, she would be charged with fraud and with causing me bodily harm.Prison time was inevitable. She would also be required to repay, in full, everything she had spent during her years living with the Sterling family.There was a faint sense of vindication in my heart, but I no longer cared much about it. Those who do evil will eventually pay the price.I only wondered whether my parents, when they looked back on everything they had done to me over these years, felt even the slightest trace of remorse.Early the next morning, Grandpa and I headed to the airport.Unexpectedly, I still saw the three people I never wanted to see again."Chloe, you're my granddaughter," Grandpa said quietly. "And your father is still my son. I'm old now. I can only protect you for a few more years."You're my only grandchild. In the end, the Sterling family's estate will still be handed to you. Don't blame me."I nodded.I didn't blame