Revenge After Death ( Michael Ford )
Chapter 428

I pressed on Taylor's chest so that he would lie down.

"Stop talking..."

"I was lucky. I wasn't special, so they always targeted... the two geniuses who didn't fit in..."

As Taylor spoke, he began to cough up more blood.

I wondered if his ribs had already pierced through his lungs.

"On that day when they were going to commit arson... I was scared. I heard their plans, but I hesitated. I wasn't sure if I should tell both of them...

"I felt guilty, so I secretly told Steven. I told him to escape with Simeon... That they should leave the orphanage since the rest were going to commit arson...

"But Steven said that there was somebody that he was waiting for, so he refused to leave."

Taylor looked at Steven. I also turned around to look at Steven.

So did everyone else....

It turned out that someone had notified Steven of the arson beforehand.

I wondered why Steven didn't escape, causing Simeon's death in the process.

Steven stood in silence. He kept his head low, refusing to explain himself regarding the incident from years ago.

After all, Steven... had his flaws too.

"Steven... Simeon could've escaped, but you insisted on staying. That's why Simeon died, right?" Quinn asked, teary-eyed.

"Carol said it was all Stephanie's fault because she made you wait for her..."

Everyone looked at Steven.

Simeon died because he got held back.

I wonder if Steven had been feeling guilty, hence spending years being homeless. He was punishing himself by staying guard at the orphanage.

"What do you know?" Joel interjected, his breath quickening as he tried to say something.

"We have to leave soon..." Steven interrupted Joel.

In response, Joel clenched his fists and stared at Steven.

Without any explanation, Steven lowered his gaze and walked t

the elevator. He checked if it

bring us to the first floor. S

As I stared at him, I sensed he felt lonely and hurt. He looked so... alone.

It felt like he was trying to do something in his own world, but nobody supported or understood him.

I thought he would've needed a hug or a kiss.

No words were needed to explain or express my solidarity with him.

"Let him lay flat and not move. We must carry him with us. I'm afraid

bones have pierced taidet

hi said softly. Content

I touched Taylor's chest and continued, "Stop talking. I know you just wanted to live. If you want to live... hang in there."

Taylor

eyes

at till trembling, but his

to lose focus. He looked

suddenly grabbed

hand with his bloodied fingers.

"Stephanie... I'm sorry... I'm sorry..."

I frowned. I couldn't understand why he was apologizing to Stephanie.

Zion and Eason made a makeshift stretcher and placed Taylor on it.

I walked to Steven and gave him a backhug...

"Steven, I'm so tired. I want to go home."

Steven froze. He turned around to look at me, and his eyes were red.

I wondered if he felt upset when he was misunderstood.

I looked at his eyes and the tears in them.

Suddenly, I couldn't help myself but kiss him.

Let us console and heal each others' imperfect souls.

Steven, my Steven.

A voice from the depths of my soul told me... that I should trust and love Steven unconditionally.

Because he was Steven. The one and only Steven.