Chapter 25
Jennifer rushed back from Regional Capital overnight with Dylan Green, but the rainy season brought relentless downpours.
The funeral, arranged by Alexander, was held in the suburbs with decent dignity.
Though few attended, Jennifer recognized every face.
She secretly hoped to see Alexander here–proof he’d cared well for her mother.
That was her sole demand of him.
The modest chapel displayed her mother’s portrait center–stage.
Approaching the casket, Jennifer saw her mother lying expressionless, neither smiling nor weeping.
Dylan guided her through each condolence ritual, kneeling before the altar on her behalf.
He even performed the ceremonial kowtows for her.
Jennifer’s heart ached witnessing this.
She never expected Dylan would go this far for her.
Gratitude flooded her.
Nearby guests whispered about her parents‘ tragic love story.
Jennifer tuned them out, mechanically completing rites.
A single escaped tear was swiftly wiped away.
Sometimes she felt the old Jennifer had died.
Yet now, with her birth mother gone, sorrow remained distant.
Alexander’s arrival surprised her.
Clad in a black Western suit, he looked gaunter than before.
Spotting Jennifer, he lowered his gaze and paused before approaching.
“I… I failed her.”
Alexander murmured remorsefully, bowing deeply.
Jennifer lifted him up. “Don’t blame yourself.
Life and death aren’t ours to control.
You did everything possible. Thank you.”
Emma Smith appeared increasingly haggard.
“Rest–Dylan and I will handle things. You need sleep.”
She comforted him, having witnessed his efforts.
“I’ll stay. Need to oversee proceedings.”
Alexander insisted, leaving no room for argument.
The trio stood silently before the altar.
After prolonged silence, Alexander asked, “Emma, do you still hate me?”
“No.
Just regret.”
She turned away abruptly.
Dylan rested a hand on her shoulder. “Cry if you need to. I’m here.”
Jennifer finally released wrenching sobs.
Both men stood guard as her tears fell.
Post–funeral, Alexander informed Jennifer about the cremation.
Nodding, she followed Dylan outside.
Fresh air brought relief.
Her mother was gone. Her life could finally begin anew.
This clarity brightened her spirit.
Perhaps everything would settle now.
Freedom. Liberation.
Rain curtained the world as Dylan unfurled his umbrella, guiding Jennifer into the downpour.
The deluge washed away countless things–including her past.
Although she had endured so much pain along the way, fortunately, the sky always clears, and happiness eventually arrives as promised.
Thinking this in her heart, she looked up into the clear, affectionate eyes of Dylan holding an umbrella.
Back in Regional Capital, the rainy season had passed, and long–awaited
sunlight brightened the shop’s storefront.
Time gradually washed away everyone’s sorrows, leaving only honey- sweet memories.
Before returning, Alexander had called once,
He said Jennifer’s mother had an inheritance needing an heir.
Her husband had died without sons, so it fell to her.
Jennifer feared accepting this inheritance would bring constant grief by reminding her of her mother, so she had Alexander donate it.
She probably wouldn’t return either.
There’d been no news of Nicole or Edward for ages–only that Edward transferred schools, while Nicole used money Alexander gave her to open a noodle shop. They hadn’t met since.
Jennifer gazed at the withered banyan tree before the shop, feeling windswept emotions swirling inside.
She lifted her eyes, momentarily dazed.
A year in Regional Capital had passed, and she’d never felt such peace.
Perhaps because she was no longer Mrs. Smith, but Jennifer–her true
self.
Dylan had already secretly picked their new home. After all, with a family of three, they couldn’t keep living daily in her shop.
The new place wasn’t large but felt cozy, decorated exactly to Jennifer’s
taste.
Once they moved in, all decor decisions would be hers.
Regardless, Jennifer felt deeply content with life now.
The gloom of past memories drifted away with the autumn wind.
