Chapter 47
“Are you feeling ufortable?” 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 stor’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 shed 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 stor, thetter 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, stor wants a divorce. He and Felicia have gone off the
deep end. Theysh out at anyone theye across. I don’t want to drag you into this mess.”
“I’m not afraid of them” Jason dered 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 stor? 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 ced 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.
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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 dy, 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 theter stages.” The
caretaker, Amanda Watson, said softly.
Zeke had been saved, but the possibility ofsting 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 dered.
“It’s the karma you’ve woven to yourself” Anastasia’s gaze shifted nkly to the window. “Dad. stor
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 stor 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 stor 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”