Chapter 41

After slicing the cake, everyone settled down to eat. Grandma, however, excused herself, saying she wasn't feeling well, and returned to her room.

I resumed reading my book. From the doorway, I overheard Grandma's voice. “Marian, could you have someone discreetly check on what’s happening in Cloudville? I have a bad feeling about this.”

“Are you sure the person in that video isn’t Amanda?” Marian asked hesitantly.

Grandma shot Marian a look. “I’ve watched Amanda grow up. I know her better than anyone. If she wanted out of her marriage with Chase, she would have handled it properly. She wouldn’t do something like this while still married.”

“True,” I added. “Amanda’s turned down so many admirers over the years. She’s always been level-headed. She wouldn’t ruin her reputation to get back at Mr. Reyes.”

Grandma gritted her teeth. “Even an old lady like me can see that trust is the cornerstone of a marriage. If Chase can’t even trust her, what’s the point?”

My eyes stung with tears as I listened from the shadows. Grandma’s words cut deeply. Things so clear to her were lost on those who’d grown up alongside me.

“Anyway,” Grandma continued, “have someone discreetly look into what Amanda’s up to in Cloudville.”

“Alright, ma’am. You should freshen up and get some rest. Perhaps Amanda will be back tomorrow.”

“That would be nice,” Grandma sighed, heading to the bathroom.

By ten o’clock, Grandma had taken her medicine but kept glancing at the leftover cake, a habit she’d repeated countless times that evening.

“Ma’am, you should try to sleep.”

“It’s not midnight yet. I’m waiting for Amanda.”

Mentioning my name brought a gentle sparkle to her eyes. “That girl has loved sweets since she was little, and I’ve always indulged her. I even learned to bake just for her. She’s a sweetheart and always came by to cook for me when my legs started to give out.”

“She’d say, ‘I watched her grow up, and she’ll watch me grow old,’” Grandma’s laughter turned to tears. “Marian, Amanda always cared for me. She’ll come back. I’m just terrified… terrified something’s happened to her.”

“Oh, come on, ma’am. Amanda’s all grown up now. What could possibly happen? And with news traveling so fast, we’d know if anything was wrong.”

Marian patted Grandma’s shoulder comfortingly. “Don’t worry. Amanda’s probably just upset with Mr. Reyes. You know how women can be when they play hard to get. She’s not answering calls to prevent Mr. Reyes from reaching her through us. She’s just giving him the silent treatment. Didn’t she even get you an amulet for protection? She’s always thinking of you.”

Grandma wiped her tears. “Right, Amanda wouldn’t just vanish. That fool Chase needs a good lesson.”

“Exactly. Don’t cry yourself to exhaustion. Amanda would be heartbroken if you did.”

Grandma gave the cake one last look. “If she comes back, make sure she eats the cake. I saved it just for her.”

“Absolutely. You rest now. I’ll keep an eye out, and if Amanda returns, you’ll be the first to know.”

Listening to their conversation, I reached for the cake, yearning for even a taste. Fulfilling Grandma’s wish was all I wanted. My fingers passed right through it, and I screamed in frustration, unheard.

Why did I have to be the one to die? It wasn’t fair! Why do the good die young while the wicked seem to live forever?