My Substitute CEO Bride (Nash Calicraft) novel Chapter 2378

After hearing his father's words, Astin stood there in shock. He realized that the reason his mother had always avoided contact with him was because of this.

He also understood that he had been continuously draining his parents' energy, which explained why his father looked so utterly exhausted despite appearing robust. He had been able to live safely all this time thanks to his parents.

Thinking about this, he could not hold back his tears anymore. He broke down crying, and Astorus' eyes also became red and swollen.

He quickly comforted his son, "This was the decision your mother and I made together. You don't need to feel any guilt about it, my child. Everything we did was by choice."

Hearing these words, Astin cried even harder.

...

The visitation time passed quickly.

Astin reluctantly said goodbye to his father as he knew that this might be their final farewell. He composed himself and left the fortress.

He wandered to a beautiful grassy area and lay down on the ground, feeling the gentle breeze.

The past few days had been overcast with little sunlight. While the lack of sun made him feel comfortable, he knew he would not linger here long. He was just a bit tired and needed a moment to rest.

Just then, he heard footsteps slowly approaching. He opened his eyes and looked.

"Zenon?"

In front of him, Zenon was slowly walking toward him. However, there was intense hostility in his expression, and he looked serious.

"What a coincidence," Astin greeted Zenon without sensing anything amiss.

Zenon was not in a hurry because orders from above were absolute. He sat down next to Astin and asked, "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see my father."

"I see. That's nice," Zenon replied, though his tone was off, leaving Astin confused.

"Zenon, what's wrong?" Astin asked.

"Well, the fact that they harmed others is undeniable. So, their choices might not even matter. If it were me, I'd first try to understand the person's state of mind—the one who's unaware."

Zenon nodded and then let his true intentions show.

"What if that person is you?"

Astin was not too shocked. From the moment Zenon appeared, he had a sense of why Zenon was there—it was clear Zenon was testing him with his questions.

Yet, Astin was still conflicted. He knew he should not exist, but his parents had done everything they could to give him a normal life. Now, Zenon had suddenly come to force him to accept his fate?

How could that be possible?!

Seeing that Astin remained silent, Zenon could not hold back his anger any longer.

"So, should I take that to mean you think you don't deserve to die?!"

Astin thought for a moment and then replied, "I don't know. My conscience tells me I deserve to die, but... my heartbeat, my memories—they constantly remind me that I don't want to die. I want to live."