Chapter 229 - 228. A ghost that loves stew
Valerie’s expression darkened as she began to speak, her voice low and nostalgic.
"Veyna and I grew up in a faraway kingdom called Shangani—that’s where we were born and raised. As twins, we were always together. We came from a wealthy family, but we couldn’t have been more different. My sister was drawn to combat training, always chasing strength, while I just wanted to travel the world and capture its beauty. I loved art—still do. I dreamed of sketching every unique thing I found."
She paused, her eyes clouding over. "One day, when we were twelve, we wandered into a forest. I had spotted a rare bird and asked Veyna to help me find it. I wanted it for my arts. But instead... we were ambushed by bandits."
Her throat tightened. "As daughters of nobility, they checked us for valuables. Veyna, thinking she could handle them with her training, fought back. She tried to protect me. But one of the bandits cast a fire spell and... she was burned. Badly."
She lowered her head. "After that, everything changed. Veyna changed. She stopped talking to me, grew cold and distant. She was no longer the sister I knew. Still, I continued traveling. Eventually, I came to this kingdom, built this estate, and sold my artwork. People loved it."
Asher arched a brow. "Wait... this whole place is yours?"
She nodded softly.
Damn. Freaking rich woman.
"Years passed. I was doing well, then one day she showed up again. I took her in. We’ve been living together ever since."
"Until you got sick," Asher said.
Valerie nodded slowly.