Chapter 4: Haunted Hometown

The boat docked at Maple Heights.

I followed behind the porter.

He carried dozens of pounds of goods; the stone road was burning hot under the sun, but he walked steadily.

His shoulders were broad, his waist narrow, and the arm holding the rice sack was veined from exertion.

"Caleb—" I called out to him.

He turned, his clear, deep eyes meeting mine, as if washed by spring rain.

"Miss, do you know me?"

All around us, the market bustled with people. Not the place to say more.

My voice trembled a little: "I’m also from Maple Heights. I haven’t been home in years. Could we find a quiet place to talk?"

Caleb smiled, revealing white teeth, his eyes curving like crescent moons.

He led me back to the Harper family’s old house and poured me some tea.

On the two faded wooden doors, rusty stains lingered on the wood—ghosts of that night nobody dared scrub away.

Years of sealed memories surged up at once.

A breeze blew through the hall, lifting the thin veil from my face. I saw the old family photos far off in the main hall. Tears nearly fell.

Caleb suddenly stopped in his tracks.

He stared at me, his tall figure casting a shadow.

"Miss."

"You look really familiar to me."

I slowly removed my hat. As I did, a sharp memory flashed—standing in this doorway as a child, clutching my mom’s hand, terrified and hopeful all at once.

Caleb’s face went pale.

"Natalie Harper, you’re actually still alive."

His hands trembled so much he couldn’t hold the mug, the hot water reddening his knuckles.

Eight years ago, when a gang slaughtered our family, my mom carried me out through the dog door, barely escaping with my life.

She took me all the way to Savannah, cried herself sick, and soon passed away.

That chaos was finally quelled by Andrew Lane, then the governor, who saved thousands in Maple Heights.

That was why I later supported Andrew with all my heart.

As for Caleb, he was an orphan—the childhood fiancé my parents had chosen for me, because a fortune teller said his birthday would bring luck to his wife.

All these years, Maple Heights had been a nightmare I dared not revisit.

I never imagined Caleb was still alive.

At this moment, he strode toward me.

He looked fierce, scaring me into stepping back.

But he only straightened his tall, sturdy body, suddenly snatched the green duffel bag from my hands, his eyes red.

"Well, look who finally decided to come home. I waited so long, I thought the whole world forgot you but me."

His voice cracked at the end, and before I could say a word, he pulled me into a tight, almost desperate hug. His shirt smelled of soap and sweat, and my cheek pressed against his chest—I could hear his heartbeat thundering beneath the fabric. For a moment, I let myself hope.