I knew that I had a design competition coming up. I needed to know what was happening there while I figured out everything that was happening over here. I didn’t have time to waste. After Ethan and I had finished our discussion, I called Kevin once more.
“They needed people for the competition there, but I can’t go back for the time being. I would have to leave all these matters to you once again.”
He was unfortunate to have gotten me as a business partner. However, I believe that we could still have a better career progression in the future. Kevin was silent on the other end of the phone for a while. Then, he responded, his voice had a subtle weariness and relief. “Okay, I got it.
“I’ll take care of things here. Just… be careful where you are. Call me if anything happens.”
After hanging up the phone, I took a deep breath. My heart was filled with both uncertainties for the future and excitement of finally having the truth revealed soon. Ethan stood beside me, his shadow was exceptionally tall as he stood beneath the yellow street light, giving me an odd sense of security.
“Thank you, Ethan,” I said softly. There were too many emotions encapsulated in that “thank you”.
He smiled softly, gentleness and determination evident in his smile. “There’s no need for thank yous between us. Remember, no matter what happens, I’m here.”
I nodded and decided quietly that this time, I wanted to seek justice, not just for myself but also for my mother as well.
Ethan and I started planning for the investigation right away.
It was easy for Ethan to use his identity as a Grayson to find out the truth, whereas I didn’t give up as well.
Grandma had always been the one to take care of me all these years. I have never heard about my maternal grandmother, but I did hear Grandma talk about my mother before.
I was suddenly reminded of the little town both Grandma and I used to live in, so I made my way back there. On an ordinary afternoon, I found a clue in the place where Grandma and I used to live.
Grandma was sentimental and nostalgic, so she loved hiding things in the randomest places. I found an old metal box in one of her drawers.
Time had caused this metal box to be covered with rust, but this didn’t affect its contents. I opened the metal box to find a few yellowed letters and an old photo.
The woman in the photo was elegant and beautiful. Her smile was somewhat familiar-this was my mother’s photo when she was younger.
Her gaze was gentle and deep, and it was almost like she could see through time and space, connecting my heart with hers at that very moment.
I carefully picked up the letters, opened them, and started reading them.
These were letters my mother wrote to me. I didn’t know how old I was at that time, but reading these yellowed and fading handwritten letters had my heart aching painfully with bittersweet sadness.
“Dear Eve, when you see this letter, I may not be by your side anymore, but please believe that Mommy loves you, and my love will be with you forever, guiding your path like the brightest star in the sky.”
My eyes watered. I continued reading the letter.
swnov
“This world is far more complicated
than we could imagine, Evy, but I hope you’ll keep a pure, kind heart take in the wonders of life. Remember, no matter what difficulties you may face, don’t give up the pursuit of truth, because the troth will give us the most unwavering strength.”
Tears fell silently. Some fell onto the letter, smudging the ink, and staining the paper.
I tried to wipe my tears dry only to find my heart shattered into many pieces.