Chapter 130

"I'm sorry, little ones."

Susan's throat tightened as she gazed at the familiar names carved into the tombstone.

She slowly knelt down, fingertips tracing the cold stone surface as if she could touch her lost loved ones through it.

"Mommy misses you so much..."

Her unfinished words dissolved into tears that fell onto the damp earth.

Taking a deep breath, she fought to suppress the overwhelming emotions.

The wind had scattered some soil from the grave. She carefully gathered it back, handful by handful.

Her movements were slow, deliberate - like performing a sacred ritual.

"Wait for me..."

Susan murmured to herself, thinking she should bring a piece of clothing to bury here.

At least this way she'd have a resting place.

She had signed the organ donation agreement. After death, not even ashes would remain.

But she feared. Feared that without a grave, she might lose her way in the afterlife.

Feared she wouldn't find those she longed to see most.

As she stood up, she collided with a pair of dark, intense eyes.

Vincent stood silently behind her, his presence sudden and unexpected.

Susan froze, instinctively stepping back.

Dark memories flooded her mind like an incoming tide.

"Susan."

His voice made her fingers tremble.

She feared he'd demand compensation for that nonexistent child again.

"Vincent, let me go."

Her voice was soft but resolute.

"I've already died once. We're even now."

Vincent's brow furrowed.

This wasn't the first time she'd mentioned death.

"What's wrong with you?"

He stepped forward; she immediately retreated.

"I'm dying."

A bitter smile touched her pale lips.

"I can't have any more children."

Vincent's heart lurched.

"Explain yourself!"

He grabbed her wrist.

"Agh—"

Susan gasped in pain.

Only then did Vincent notice the bandages wrapping her wrist.

He released her as if burned.

"I'm sorry..."

The words startled even himself.

Susan stared in shock.

"It's been cleared up."

Vincent's voice was low.

"You didn't push Candy down the stairs."

Susan exhaled deeply.

At least this was something.

No more forced pregnancies.

She turned to leave but his voice stopped her.

"What did you mean by 'dying'?"

Even Vincent didn't recognize the urgency in his own voice.

"None of your concern."

Susan didn't look back.

Vincent suddenly grew agitated.

He blocked her path, voice turning harsh.

"Explain yourself!"

Susan retreated under his pressure.

Her wounds throbbed dully.

"If you truly want to make amends..."

She glanced at Daniel's grave.

"Sing 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' for him."

Vincent's expression darkened.

"Impossible!"

He never sang. Certainly not for that child.

Susan had expected this answer.

Her lips twisted slightly.

"Then forget it."

Tears welled but didn't fall.

"When I'm gone..."

"Visit Daniel sometimes."

Her words were barely audible, like a sigh.

"Susan!"

Vincent seized her shoulders.

"What are you hiding? Why are you dying?"

His voice held an unfamiliar panic.

Susan met his gaze with terrifying calm.

"Vincent, we ended long ago."

She gently removed his hands.

Her legs nearly gave way as she turned.

Late-stage cancer made every step agony.

Vincent stood rooted, watching her unsteady retreat.

Something clenched painfully in his chest.

He suddenly remembered the girl who used to chase after him, sweetly calling him "Vincent."

Now only this fragile shell remained.

"Susan!"

He called again.

This time, she didn't turn back.