Chapter 47: Chapter 47

“Are you feeling uncomfortable?” Jason was short of breath as if he had been looking for her for a long time.

“How… How did you know I’m here?” Anastasia stared at Jason in bewilderment.

Jason crouched beside Anastasia and gave her a reassuring pat on the back. “I asked Kimberly. She mentioned you had gone to visit Alastor’s grandmother.”

Anastasia slowly rose to her feet. Her head was spinning, and her steps were unsteady.

Instinctively, Jason reached out and helped Anastasia to her feet.

“Is there something I can help you with?” Anastasia pulled her wrist free and distanced herself from Jason.

A trace of sadness flashed through Jason’s eyes. He took out a bank card and asked, “Did you leave this with Grandma?*

“Jason…” Anastasia took a deep breath. “Whether you’re Jace or not, take the money and leave Hork with Grandma Penelope.”

“And don’t return if you can,” she continued in her mind.

“Why?” Jason’s eyes welled up with redness.

“Do you have money? Anastasia met Jason’s gaze.

It was not her intention to undermine Jason; rather, she was trying to be realistic.

He had nothing-no influential connections, distinguished background, prominent family, or wealth.

“How much could he possibly earn working at a bar? If he were to offend Alastor, the latter has the ability to jeopardize Jason’s job.” Anastasia thought.

Jason parted his lips as he wanted to say something, but he held back from doing so.

“Do you have a prominent family?” Anastasia pressed further.

“Do you have a distinguished background? Or even any influential connections?” Anastasia’s voice faltered. “You have nothing at all. If you were to lose your job, how will you sustain yourself and Grandma Penelope?”

Anastasia took a step backward. “Jason, Alastor wants a divorce. He and Felicia have gone off the deep end. They lash out at anyone they come across. I don’t want to drag you into this mess.”

“I’m not afraid of them” Jason declared while stepping closer. “As long as you divorce him. I’ll protect you.”

“How can you protect me?” Anastasia’s voice grew louder. “Weren’t you the one asking why I rushed into a marriage with Alastor? I’ll tell you why-I’m driven by materialism, which is the reason I’m clinging to him like a beggar! I’m drawn to his social status and capabilities! It’s also because he can offer me the sense of security and safety I long for!”

Jason stood rooted to the spot with his hands clenched into tight fists.

“And he’s unlike you, who are down and out. You promised to protect me, yet you vanished without a trace!” Anastasia’s words cut deep, and she was fully aware of the weight they carried.

She was also aware that her very existence seemed to be a curse upon Jace.

“I’m sorry.” Jason’s voice was a mere whisper as he placed the bank card in Anastasia’s hand. Tll take you back home.”

Anastasia refused the card. “Just keep it. I owe you.”

Jason’s eyes reddened as he asked, “Do you really want a clean break from me?”

“Let’s pretend we never crossed paths.” Anastasia took a few steps back, turning away from him.

Jason moved to follow Anastasia and trailed close behind.

As darkness fell, the streetlights cast elongated shadows upon the ground.

shado Jason shadowed her every step, his determination unwavering.

Jason stayed by Anastasia’s side until she got into a taxi. Only then did he step back, silently watching her depart.

Just a mere delay, and the chance to keep her close slipped through his fingers forever.

Jason grappled with the harsh reality.

Soon, Anastasia arrived at Hork General Hospital, her steps heavy with exhaustion.

A Anastasia entered the ward, her gaze was drawn to Zeke, who had regained consciousness in his bed.

“Miss, the doctor mentioned that your father has passed the critical phase. We’ll continue to monitor him and support his gradual recovery. Rehabilitation will be the focus in the later stages.” The caretaker, Amanda Watson, said softly.

Zeke had been saved, but the possibility of lasting disability loomed over him.

“Thank you.” Anastasia replied softly before pulling a stool closer and settling by his bedside.

Zeke’s voice remained silenced. His mouth was agape as he tried to form words that refused to emerge.

Anastasia regarded him coldly, her words cutting through the air. “You’ve spent all these years raising another man’s daughter and acting as a husband, and yet here you are now-sick and forsaken, with no one tending to you.”

Anxiety etched Zeke’s features, his desperation palpable as he struggled to move against his immobile body. Helplessness enveloped him, his efforts futile.

“Do you know what this is? It’s karma, Anastasia declared.

“It’s the karma you’ve woven to yourself” Anastasia’s gaze shifted blankly to the window. “Dad. Alastor and I are getting a divorce.”

Zeke’s nervousness was reflected in his sweat-beaded forehead. Yet his body remained paralyzed, and he was incapable of responding to her words.

“Do you have any idea about the life I’ve endured in the Lopez family all these years? I’ve spent a lifetime unable to lift my head with pride, constantly being judged and scrutinized wherever I go. And it’s all because I have a father like you.” Anastasia’s eyes welled up with tears, a bitter stile gracing her lips as she continued, “Do you know what the Lopez family says about us? They call us beggars and say that all we do is beseech Alastor for money all day long. Dad, do you feel happy to ruin my life?”

Anastasia’s voice quivered as she uttered the words.

“Are you aware that Alastor was greatly disturbed by the fact that I had been humiliated in the past?

Are you even aware that your daughter died six years ago? But am I really the one who deserves to die? Shouldn’t it be all of you? No… You must stay alive to endure a life that’s worse than death itself.

Death isn’t what you deserve, nor is the end to your suffering”