Chapter 16
Three years passed.
Ruby stood before the large floor–to–ceiling window in the airport, looking out at the familiar scenery of Greendale. Complex emotions flashed in her eyes.
She was wearing a simple trench coat, a hat, and a mask that covered most of her face.
Over the last three years, she traveled worldwide, capturing countless breathtaking photographs that have made her a promising photographer.
However, she never forgot her home.
This time, she had returned because she had learned of Patty’s passing.
Not long ago, she had received a video from Patty. She didn’t know how Patty had found her, but the old lady’s face was kind, and her voice gentle “Ruby, I support all your decisions. I don’t have long, so I wanted to talk to you before I die. Over the last few years, they have been searching for you frantically, but every time they got close, I made sure
that their efforts were in vain.
“I know you don’t want to see them, so I made sure that you won’t. Live your life well”
Ruby’s eyes had gone red when she watched the video. Bitterness welled up in her heart.
She had wanted to return to see Patty one last time, but she received news of her death before she could
So, she rushed back.
At the funeral, Ruby stood at the very back of the crowd. Her hat was pulled low, and her mask concealed most of her face.
The air in the funeral parlor was thick with sorrow.
Ruby remained in the shadows, staring at Patty’s peaceful face within the glass coffin. Her nails dug deep into her palms. She had finally returned after three years–but under such circumstances.
She scanned the crowd and immediately picked out the group of all–too–familiar figures.
Christopher, Anna, lan, and Henry.
They looked tired and sorrowful. Clearly, these past few years had not been kind to them.
Then again, who could possibly live happily after realizing that they had once tortured their own biological daughter, sister, and the one they had once claimed to love the most?
This was the punishment they deserved.
She had suffered in her last life–she wanted them to feel the same in this life too.
From her hidden spot, she overheard their conversation.
“If Ruby knew that Patty passed away, she would definitely come back,” Anna choked through tears. “We’ve been searching for her all over the world, but we couldn’t find her. We even made it to New Seaville three years ago, but still, we missed her…”
Puby scoffed as she clenched her fists tighter.
They were searching for her?
Where were they when Cecelia framed her, when she was desperate for an escape?
She still remembered the cold look on Ian’s face that rainy night when he had pushed her down the stairs.
She still remembered how Henry had pinned her into the fire for Cecelia.
Soon, the mourners finished paying their respects. Henry prepared to see off his guests, and lan, worried about his condition, went with him.
Christopher and Anna got ready to head home.
Ruby only stepped out of her hiding spot after they left.
“Grandma Patty, I’m back,” she said, crouching slightly to touch the glass coffin. She traced Patty’s features through the glass, yearning for her warmth. “I’m sorry I couldn’t come back in time to see you one last time.”
Her voice was barely above a whisper, but her tears fell uncontrollably.
“I’ve been doing weil these past few years, so don’t worry about me. I’ve travelled to many places and taken many photos. You’ve always hoped that I would be able to see the world and now I have.”
She paused. Her voice took on a hint of bitterness. “I just never thought you would leave me so soon.”
