Chapter 1972
Drew's expression remained neutral as his deep gaze stared straight at the forest. The person in the woods seemed to have noticed his gaze and quickly hid behind a tree trunk. Sitting in the wheelchair, Carrie stared deeply at Yasmin's portrait, tears streaming all over her face. She cried without making a sound.
Bella was worried that the excessive grief might affect Carrie's health, so she gently placed her warm hands on Carrie's shoulder, offering silent comfort.
Carrie's eyes, swollen and red from crying, trembled lightly. She slowly took out a brand-new teddy from under the blanket wrapped around her.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
Bella was surprised. The teddy looked identical to the one she gave her back then.
"This teddy is unavailable in the country now. I asked someone to buy it abroad following Ms. Carrie's orders." Matt was also affected by the sad atmosphere, his voice a little hoarse.
Carrie wanted to get up from the wheelchair, but perhaps because she had been bedridden for too long, she could not muster any strength in her legs.
Ralph immediately saw through her intentions and instinctively took half a step forward.
But Ryan had already lifted Carrie and gently placed her on the ground, his hand on the small of her back, becoming her solid support.
Carrie sniffed, her nose red, as she placed the teddy in front of the tombstone. 'Yasmin... Treat this clumsy teddy as me. Let it accompany you in my place. That way, you won't feel lonely in your eternal rest.'
After the funeral, the group slowly walked out of the cemetery.
"Arnold." Bella quickly caught up with Asher and Arnold, whispering, "Can I trouble you with something?"
"We're a family. There's no such thing as trouble. Just tell me." Arnold's narrow eyes were gentle.
He secretly played with Asher's fingers, and Asher merely looked ahead indifferently, letting him fiddle with his hand like a child.
Bella said seriously, "When we return, I'd like you to examine the medicine delivered by Grant to test if it's reliable. I can't rest easy with something that's not given by someone we know well." "No problem. Leave it to me." Arnold patted his chest.
"Bella, did you see Drew?" Axel walked over while holding Roza's hand. "He was here just now but disappeared in the blink of an eye."
"He's an adult. He won't get lost." Asher spoke calmly, intertwining his fingers with Arnold's.
"Yeah, didn't you see all the trees there? Perhaps he's taking a nap on one of the trees." Bella casually guessed.
Roza blinked in surprise. "Sleeping in the cemetery? Isn't Drew afraid of ghosts?"
Axel was amused. He pulled her into his arms and said, "You should ask whether ghosts are afraid of Drew."
Ryan carried Carrie to the car and was about to get in when he heard heavy footsteps coming from behind him.
He turned around and saw Ralph standing straight behind him.
"Ryan, I..."
"It's not your fault."
Before Ralph
finished his sentence, Ryan understood and interrupted his words. "Besides, I haven't thanked you yet You gave Carrie what, Khad never given her before. You taught me what love is and how to love."
Ralph stared at him in a daze, tears gathering in his eyes. Yet his heart, crushed and squeezed by guilt and regret, slowly regained its rhythmic beat, breaking free from the endless self-loathing.
He could not forgive himself, but the person who should hate him the most forgave him, trying their best to help him find peace.
"From now on... If you and Carrie need any help, remember to call me." Ralph's voice was husky.
He was not good with fancy words and only spoke from his heart.
"Can I?" Ryan's eyes curved. His tone was sincere. "I can call you up for anything?"
Ralph smiled. "I'll definitely be there for you and Carrie's big day with grand gifts. I'm only worried won't send me an invite."
"You are Carrie's family, someone very important to her. How could I not invite you?"