Big Novel

“Alice attempts suicide every year. I’ve lost count of how many times it’s been.”
Seth’s words reverberated in Isabella’s ears, causing her to furrow her brow and momentarily cease her wailing. “What?”
Seth sat down beside her, peering inside. “That’s what the village doctor said.”
Isabella found it hard to believe. “How is that possible? She doesn’t seem like...”
“Those who are desperate to live can only repeatedly experience death, using their fear of it to strengthen their courage to keep
living.” Seth finished slowly, reiterating the village doctor’s words. “Apparently, she always uses charcoal but always leaves
herself an escape route.”
Isabella still didn’t comprehend. “What do you mean by leaving an escape route? We just happeríed to be there. Alice was really
close to dying.”
Seth replied, “That pot of charcoal fire wasn’t enough to produce lethal carbon monoxide.”
Isabella fell silent. She recalled Alice’s profile. This elderly woman was once a top student at the University of Causton and was
full of knowledge. Calculating the air conditions in a room wouldn’t be a difficult task for her.
Experiencing death over and over again... It was an indescribable feeling, making it hard for her to breathe. Isabella lowered her
head, murmuring, “I’m also to blame provoked her. She’s already having a hard enough time living, yet I went and upset he
gem.” She covered her face with her hands, but they wouldn’t stop trembling.
Seth sat quietly beside her, not uttering a word for a long while.
After a moment, he finally spoke. “Forget about the gem.”
Isabella looked up, slightly surprised. “What?”
“When Alice wakes up, we’ll go back to Imperia.”
Isabella turned her face, her gaze fixed on Seth, scrutinizing his expression. He had previously mentioned forgetting about the
gem, but it was always due to circumstances and clearly a temporary abandonment. However, in this moment, Isabella could
sense that he genuinely no longer desired it. She stared at him for a long time, her eyes vacant.
Seth raised an eyebrow slightly, his tone nonchalant. “Don’t worry, you’ll still receive your reward.”

Isabella pouted. “It’s not about the reward.”
Seth glanced at her. “Are there moments when you don’t care about money?”
Isabella lowered her head, remaining silent. There was commotion from inside the village doctor’s office, and the doctor emerged
to speak.
“Alice is awake.”
Isabella quickly stood up, eager to go in and see Alice. She took a step forward but then hesitated.
Seth clicked his tongue, giving her a push from behind. “What are you afraid of?”
Isabella turned to glare at him, then turned back with newfound courage. She took a deep breath and entered slowly.
Inside the small room, Alice lay quietly on the bed, gazing at the ceiling light. Upon seeing Isabella enter, she turned her face and
offered a faint smile. “Scared you, didn’t I?”
Isabella shook her head, then said, “I’m sorry..
Alice appeared weak, struggling to raise her hand. “You can’t be blamed...”
Isabella approached, feeling an overwhelming sense of guilt. “I was too harsh.”
“But you were telling the truth.” Alice’s voice was calm, her breaths coming out in gasps. “He really... was irresponsible... If you
want that d*mn stone, just take it.”
Isabella was taken aback. She looked up in disbelief, opening her mouth but not knowing what to say.
Alice observed her expression and said, “It’s not anything valuable. No one would care if it was thrown in a wheat field.” With
that, she paused, looking at Isabella. “But if it’s a gift for a loved one, then it can be considered beautiful.”

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