Chapter 1445

Olivia stared at the candle, frozen in place. Katrina, standing beside her, watched her intently, her gaze sharp and expectant. "Take it," she urged again. "Why are you just standing there? Take the candle." Olivia hesitated, reluctant. She'd never believed in rituals like this. Prayers and offerings felt meaningless to her, nothing more than empty traditions. But Katrina's persistence wore her down. Finally, Olivia reached out and took the candle from her hands. Katrina's face softened, her irritation fading as Olivia reluctantly obeyed. With the candle now in her grip, Olivia turned around. She was supposed to direct her focus to the statue of Jesus and say a devout prayer. But instead, her gaze drifted. It landed on Sophie's memorial plaque. A sharp pain seized Olivia's chest, as if someone were squeezing her heart. Her breath hitched, and for a moment, she couldn't move. Flashes of Sophie's car accident flooded her mind. The screeching tires, the crunch of metal, the pool of