Chapter 276
E
“Be reasonable, hand it to me,” Aaron coaxed patiently, b
Ellie would not let go.
“Aaron, we cannot delay any longer,” the officiant insisted, calling over two relatives who forcibly pried the urn from Ellie’s grip. Before she could react, a loud crash echoed as the urn hit the ground.
“Dad!” Ellie screamed, collapsing to the earth, finally breaking apart.
Ellie was held back by family and friends, helplessly watching as Harold’s ashes were taken away, her heart–wrenching sobs filling the air.
From a distance, Alex watched Ellie, his heart aching until it felt like it might burst. He was overwhelmed with emotion, desperately trying to hold it together as tears mixed with raindrops, streaming down his cheeks, his feet unconsciously pulling him closer to Ellie.
“Alex.” Layton stopped him.
Harold was buried in the cemetery, near several graves of the Thompson family’s ancestors. After the burial, the officiant led everyone back for a meal, but Aaron insisted on staying behind.
Other Thompson family members left. At Harold’s gravesite were only Aaron, Ellie, Alex, and his parents, along with Lacey, Layton, and Diana. The rain kept falling, showing no signs of stopping.
The sky, heavy and dark, rumbled ominously as silence settled over Harold’s resting place. Diana and Lacey held an umbrella, while the others stood exposed in the rain. Alex, with red–rimmed eyes, knelt at Harold’s grave once again.
He cautiously said, “Ellie, I need to talk to you in front of Mr. Thompson.”
Ellie stood beside Aaron, finally turning her gaze towards Alex. Their eyes met in a shared moment of pain. Ellie managed to croak, “Speak.” She could handle any words now, as nothing could be more brutal than the reality of Harold’s death.
After a long internal struggle, Alex finally spoke, “Ellie, the one who saved me was you, not Haley. The day Mr. Thompson died, Haley followed me to the Thompson residence. I am responsible for Mr. Thompson’s death.”
Alex pleaded, “I don’t seek your forgiveness; I just want a chance to make things right.” Only the sound of rain could be heard. Aaron held Ellie, gently soothing her trembling form.
Aaron looked at Alex kneeling before Harold’s grave, anguish clear in his voice. “Who gave my dad a chance?”
Alex met Aaron’s gaze, his lips quivering, words unspoken. Ellie, tired and leaning against Aaron, stared blankly at Alex, asking, “Am I unable to have children now?”
Looking into Alex’s tormented eyes, Ellie pressed on, “How do you plan to make up for it?”
She struggled closer to Alex. “My dad relied on crutches for over twenty years, barely surviving on many medications. He suffered continuous torment from numerous ailments. How will you make up for that?”
Alex stayed silent, his eyes reddened, unable to reply. Ellie knelt losing herself as she gripped his collar, weeping uncontrollably. “My dad watched my mother work alone, yet he could do nothing.
“For over twenty years, he was haunted by guilt, called a cripple, and now, what will you offer in compensation?”
Like a storm, Ellie pounded her fists against Alex. “My dad and I were separated for over a decade; he promised to live well.
85%
+13
07:21 Wed, Feb 12
Chapter 276
He finally found hope, yet when he died, he left not a single word. What will you offer in compensation?”
4
85%
Alex let Ellie unleash her fury, trembling beneath her grasp, as she bit down on his wrist fiercely. As the metallic taste of blood filled her mouth, Ellie clung tighter, refusing to let go.
Alex did not flinch; gritting his teeth, he allowed Ellie to hold him firm. No one moved; Nancy turned, tears streaking her face as she could take no more.
Lacey and Diana watched Ellie with tearful concern. Aaron stood still, giving Ellie the room to express her feelings.
Alex’s wrist loosened. The next moment, Ellie collapsed into his embrace without warning. Alex held the unconscious Ellie tightly in his arms, still kneeling. “Let go.” Aáron rushed to take Ellie from him.
Seeing Aaron being rough, Layton hurried over. “Alex, you must let her go.”
Alex buried his head into Ellie’s neck, holding her tightly, refusing to speak or release her. Todd approached, urging, “Alex, let go.”
“I will not release her.” Alex growled, leaning down to hold Ellie even tighter. “Dad, I cannot let go.
Diana threw the umbrella aside and grabbed Alex by the arm. “Ellie is in this state because of you; how can you not let her go?”
“You have no right to touch her; let go!” Aaron forcibly tried to pry Alex’s arms away.
The rain poured harder over Harold’s grave. Despite his parents scolding, despite Aaron’s fists pounding against him, and despite Layton’s pleas, Alex remained kneeling at Harold’s graveside, holding Ellie tightly in his arms.
