Chapter 109 Given Back


    Kelly perched on the edge of the bed, her fingers stiff and cold as they grasped the letter.


    號


    Finished


    Zev wrote letters? The thought struck her like a bolt of ghtning. It was hard to imagine him doing something so... deliberate. So thoughtful. Zev was the type to focus solely on survival, to never pause long enough to leave any sort of legacy or sentiment behind,


    Back in Solmaris, every mission that carried even the slightest risk was one where he didn''t leave a word or a sign. He''d always imed it was bad luck to prepare for death, always said he had too much to live for, people who cared about him, people who needed him toe back.


    But now, as she stared at the envelope, those words felt hollow. The weight of it seemed unbearable, and for the first time, Kelly found herself reluctant to open it. Her hands trembled slightly, almost as if the paper itself might burn her fingers.


    Drawing her knees up, Kelly wrapped her arms around them, clutching them tightly as though trying to hold herself together.


    The tears came in heavy waves, but a tight, painful knot lodged itself deep in her chest, making it hard to breathe.


    "Kelly, you really want me dead that badly?"


    Zev''s teasing voice echoed in her thoughts, as sharp and familiar as ever. She could still remember those times when he''d stagger back from a mission, his body battered and bleeding, and yet he''d always insist that she treat his wounds. He never let the seriousness of the injury ruin his humor. Even while gasping in pain, he''d crack jokes, and her indifferent expression only seemed to make himugh harder.


    But what had he always said when he was injured?


    "I can''t die, Kelly. What would you do if I didn''te back?"


    "I can''t leave you alone, you know that, right?"


    Back then, she had found his constant chatter suffocating. Even when his injuries were severe, he''d keep talking, distracting them both from the pain with his endless words.


    ...


    "You promised you wouldn''t die," Kelly whispered, her voice barely audible, a cracked plea./


    He had promised her. He had given his word.


    With hands that still shook, Kelly opened the letter. As her eyes scanned the words,ughter bubbled up through her tears.


    Of course, it wasn''t some dramatic farewell. Of course, it was just Zev being his impossible self.


    The letter read, "Kelly, are you crying? Don''t listen to anyone else. I''m too thick- skinned to die. You said even the Grim Reaper wouldn''t bother with someone like me. Don''t worry, I''ll be back. Just wait for me."


    It looked rushed, the handwriting uneven, as if he''d written it in a frantic moment before he had changed his ns.


    Had he known? Had he worried for his safety, even for just a moment?


    Chapter 199 Given Back


    Kelly quickly wiped away the tears.


    Finished


    "I''m not crying..." she muttered under her breath, trying to convince herself as much as anyone else. Standing, she crossed the room, the urgency in her movements clear.


    Gary was sitting with Faye, teaching her to jump rope. When he saw Kelly, his eyes widened with surprise.


    "No word yet?" Kelly''s voice was firm, unwavering. She locked eyes with Gary, her resolve unshaken. "I don''t believe it. He won''t die. We can''t give up on him.


    Gary nodded slowly, his face hardening. "We will never give up on ourrades."


    Faye took a hesitant step forward, her voice small and sure. "Kelly, does your neck still hurt?"


    Despite the chaos, despite everything falling apart around them, Kelly had kept Faye close, always shielding her from the worst.


    She''d shielded Faye''s eyes when the ambnce had arrived, refusing to let her see the horrors unfolding.


    Faye was innocent, a child who shouldn''t have had to witness any of it.


    Yet, Kelly had protected her. Because even in a world so dark, there were things worth protecting, and innocence was one of them.


    No matter what else had happened, Kelly knew that truth could never be taken away.


    Kelly didn''t think Faye waspletely innocent, but she wouldn''t lower herself to take her frustrations our on a child.


    "It doesn''t hurt anymore ... " Kelly raised her hand gently, brushing Faye''s head with a soft touch.


    Despite her spoiled nature, Faye wasn''t blind to Kelly''s kindness. The woman wasn''t the viin she had always imagined.


    Faye hesitated, her words now softer. "Kelly, will you y jump rope with me? Oscar taught me how to do it."


    "Alright..."


    Kelly settled back onto the bed, slipping Zev''s letter carefully under her pillow. At Eric''s apartment...


    "What did you say? You still haven''t found Faye? You''re absolutely useless!" Eric''s fury erupted, sending objects flying across the room. "rissa, didn''t you im your people could track her down?"


    rissa''s voice shot back, sharp and unwavering. "No one told me she''s a master at hiding. Ipletely underestimated her."


    "I don''t care how you do it. I want my daughter back! Kelly doesn''t care about anything anymore-she''s fearless now. If she dies, Faye''s going with her!" Eric''s voice shook, fear creeping into every word.


    rissa scoffed before ending the call with a sharp click.


    Given


    Chapter 109 Given Back


    Eric copsed onto the couch, the weight of his headache crushing him further.


    Finished


    His mother''s voice broke the heavy silence. "Faye still can''t hear out of her left car. And now that crazy woman has taken her. If something happens to Faye... aybe it''s time you and Regina try for a son,"


    Dawn''s deep-rooted preference for sons was evident, even if she spoke it quietly, mindful of Eric''s pride.


    "Mom! Can you just stop?!" Eric snapped, frustration boiling over as he grabbed his hair in a mix of anger and helplessness.


    He wanted to find Faye, of course. She was his one weakness.


    His phone buzzed.


    Assuming it was rissa again, Eric answered irritably. Still no luck finding her?" "Eric.” The low, raspy voice stopped him dead in his tracks. It was Kelly.


    He straightened instantly, his heart hammering in his chest. He walked swiftly to the balcony, trying to steady his breath. "Kelly, let''s talk. Just give me Faye back, please."


    "A month''s almost up. Have you sold everything yet? You still owe me money," Kelly''s voice was thin, as though every word cost her strength. "Do you know what happened today? rissa sent Wally after me... I don''t mind dying, but your daughter ising with me if I go."


    "Kelly!" Eric''s body tensed, the air leaving his lungs in a sharp gasp. "Kelly, listen


    to me. I had no idea... rissa is ruthless, but I had nothing to do with it. Don''t


    hurt Faye, please. I''m begging you."


    "Beg me?" Kelly''s coldugh rang through the line.


    There was nothing left to say.


    They were both standing on a cliff, only threats remaining between them.


    "I''ve sold the house and the car. I''ll send you the money first, just please don''t hurt Faye. Tomorrow, tomorrow I''ll meet with rissa about the shares. Just give me some more time," Eric''s voice cracked with desperation.


    "I''ve already given you time, Eric. You''ve lost any trust I had," Kelly replied, her finger hovering over the


    call end button.


    "Kelly! Tonight, tonight I swear I''ll send everything. Just wait!" Eric pleaded, his


    voice frantic and full of fear.


    160