What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger novel Chapter 101

Ken's tears fell freely as he opened his trembling hand. There lay the gold ring.

"This was my mother's. It means everything to me. And you're the most important person in my life, so I want you to have it."

He could still see Calista's shy smile at those words.

But now she was gone.

Ken slammed his fists into the mud, his anguished roar echoing across the empty landscape. But Calista would never return.

The next day, he drove back home in a daze. One look at his son's face told Uncle Johnson everything he needed to know. They stared at each other for a long moment before Uncle Johnson spoke. "Remember to complete the transfer paperwork."

As his father turned to leave, Ken's hoarse voice stopped him. "Dad—" His chest tightened painfully. "You knew Calista was joining the satellite research base."

"Of course," Uncle Johnson said firmly. "She wants to continue her parents' work. I support that."

"Why did you hide it from me?"

Uncle Johnson sighed in exasperation. "Hide what? I gave you the personnel list myself."

"But you didn't—" Ken staggered backward. The list had been in his hands. He just hadn't believed Calista would actually leave.

He rushed to her door, only to hear Viola's voice inside. "Get rid of all this stuff. I don't want to see it!"

Mrs. Brown, hesitated. "But these are Calista's things..."

"Who cares? She's never coming back anyway." Viola's laugh was cold. "Listen! I'm the hostess of this house now. Calista is nothing."

An older woman's voice cut in—Viola's mother. "Be careful, Viola. Everyone knows how much Ken loves his sister. Don't push too far, or you might regret it."

"What are you afraid of, Mother? Ken's completely devoted to me now." Viola's voice dripped with satisfaction. "When I accused Calista of pushing me and ruining my dress, he believed every word."