Chapter 13
At this moment, I loathed myself to the core.
The weight of despair crushed me, and I wept until my tears ran dry. But even as the grief consumed me, confusion gnawed at my mind.
I lifted my gaze to Grandpa, my voice trembling.
“What about Lincoln? He didn’t try to change my fate. Why did he die?”
Grandpa’s expression darkened, his voice low and solemn.
“He was an innocent casualty.”
“Because you are a lone star of misfortune, destined to walk this world
alone.”
“If anyone dares to truly care for you if they get too close, they will meet a tragic end.”
His words struck me like a bolt of lightning.
“No, that’s impossible.”
“I don’t believe it!”
I refused to accept it.
Lincoln died simply because he loved me? Because my fate doomed him?
Grandpa’s voice grew weaker, his tone laced with finality.
“I’ve said all there is to say. Whether you believe it or not is up to you.”
Sorrow clawed at my chest, and I let out a choked cry.
“If everyone who loves me is fated to die…”
“Then what’s the point of me living?”
Grandpa’s voice barely rose above a whisper.
“Your parents gave their lives for you. They wanted you to live.”
“That is the meaning.”
With those final words, Grandpa lowered his head.
He never spoke again.
Grandpa was dead.
Everything unfolded as he had said.
Anyone who was closely tied to me met a tragic end.
Chapter 13
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Grief clung to me like a shadow, lingering even as I buried Grandpa’s body in the back of the mountain.
Once everything was settled, I didn’t leave right away. Instead, I returned to the small straw hut where Grandpa had spent his final days.
The humble furnishings, the worn–out walls, everything bore traces of a simple, solitary life. A dull ache settled in my chest.
Without hesitation, I pulled out my phone and sent a text.
Then, I turned and went down the mountain, heading straight for the village chief’s house.
He seemed surprised by my sudden visit but quickly masked it with a polite smile.
“Come in,” he said, pouring me coffee. “Did you see your grandfather?”
I nodded. “I saw him.”
“Thank you, Village Chief, for telling me the truth.”
He let out a faint chuckle.
“No need to thank me. We’ve lived in the same village for years; we should look out for each other.”
“Besides, your grandfather once saved my life.”
“If you don’t mind, you can visit often. My granddaughter is about your age. From now on, I’ll treat you like my own granddaughter.”
A chill swept through me.
My expression hardened, and I spoke with an eerie calm.
“So, this is why you killed my entire family?”
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Chapter 14
