Chapter 18 Charm "Let's not talk about him anymore," Oriana lifted her head. "After dinner, let's go shopping. Zara, what kind of gift would kids like for a first meeting?" "What kid? Who exactly are you giving it to?" Zara asked." "Micah's son. He's probably in elementary school," Oriana replied. His voice still sounded young, almost spoiled. "Pfft!" This time, Zara couldn't hold it in. "What the heck? Micah has a kid?! No way. I can't approve this marriage; how can you become a stepmom?" Oriana handed her a wet wipe. "Zara, it's not as serious as you think. Micah and I are both getting what we need, and it's not his fault the child exists." "But-"Zara started. "Zara," Oriana interrupted gently, "Micah is the first person willing to accept me without questioning or demanding. For me, this marriage is a timely blessing. There's nothing wrong with it." Zara looked at Oriana's serene, earnest face. The conviction there made her swallow all her objections. "Alright then, fine. A kid's a kid. Better that than wasting time on some jerk," said Zara. If Oriana hadn't been cast out by the Sterling family, left with no one, and forced to let Grant be her guardian, things wouldn't have turned so messy. All she could hope now was that Micah was reliable-letting Oriana have her freedom every two years-so she could live unbound and carefree. After wandering around the mall, they finally settled on a toy car model for the little boy and returned to the hotel. The next morning, Oriana and Zara hiked up Fortine Mount together. Oriana had been to Fortine Mount twice before, three years ago. Everyone said the Grace Church there was especially miraculous. The first time, she climbed the thousand-step stairway, praying every ten steps, praying for Grant's legs to recover. The second time, after Grant could walk with a cane like a normal person, she spent three whole hours in front of Grace Church, offering thanks and fulfilling her vow. This time, Oriana prayed at the church entrance, eyes closed tightly, devotion evident. She prayed for her future to be safe, joyful, and smooth. As she finished and stepped out, she noticed Zara staring intently in a direction slightly away from the church. "Zara?" Oriana asked, puzzled. "What are you looking at?" 1/3 Following her gaze, Oriana looked toward where Zara was focused. Zara quickly turned to block her view, her expression evasive. "Just some rats. Nothing to see." Oriana's calm eyes studied her, seeing right through her. Zara knew she couldn't hide it. Her eyes reddened with frustration. "Those bastards actually came here, too. Grant said he was busy with work and yet-" Oriana paused, pressing her lips together. "Let's go up," she said quietly to Zara. "Oriana?" Zara's voice was laced with concern. Oriana gave her a reassuring look. "I came here to retrieve what's mine. I don't care about them." Grace Church was on the other side of Fortine Mount, requiring a bit more climbing. After explaining her purpose to the priest, Oriana prayed in front of the church. The priest recognized her. Among all the devoted who had prayed years ago, she had been the youngest, frailest, yet the most steadfast. "Hello, Oriana," he greeted. "Sir, I want to retrieve the charm I bought three years ago," Oriana said straightforwardly. The priest's face remained calm as he asked again, "Oriana, are you sure you want to take the charm?" "Yes, I'm sure," she replied. Meeting her eyes, the priest murmured something to a nun, who went to fetch it. Soon, the nun returned with the charm. Oriana recognized it immediately. When she had first prayed for Grant, she had carefully written his name herself, praying for an entire day. Her hand had trembled from exhaustion, and she accidentally cut herself, leaving a blood mark on the charm. Oriana held her breath. "Thank you, Sir." The priest bowed his head. "You're welcome." After a moment, he took the scissors and gently cut the charm open. Watching it happen, Oriana felt a hollow emptiness settle in her chest. A small smile curved her lips. "Thank you, Sir. Please dispose of the charm for me." 2/3 "Of course," the priest nodded and said. After bidding the priest farewell, they left via the back of the church, which led directly down the mountain. As soon as they stepped out, they heard Luna's clear, teasing voice. "Grant, I know you can't bear to let Oriana go, but your leg is fine now. You don't need divine protection anymore. Fortine Mount only allows one charm per person. Right now, Aurora's future is more important. Oriana will understand." "Yes," Grant said, lowering his brows. "I know." When they explained their purpose, the nun holding the charm froze. "Is this the charm you wish to handle?" she asked, reading aloud the name on it-Grant's name. Grant's eyes widened at the sight of the cut charm. Luna smirked, "Oops, did it get accidentally broken? Grant, maybe God thinks it's time for you to focus on your career instead." 20 3/3