NovelBookChapter 257
Early the next morning, Karen knocked on Alessia’s bedroom door. Alessia called out in response, then swept
open the curtains, flooding the room with sunlight.
There was a new fron her desk, displaying the photo they'd taken just yesterday.
She hadn't really noticed it before, but the collection of photos on her wall kept growing-snapshots with Parrish
and Jade, pictures with Xander, group shots of the Morton family, and photos of Ivan and York together...
So much had happened over the past six months.
“Lessie, are you ready yet?”
“Yeah, coming.” Alessia slipped on her coat, slung her bag over her shoulder, and stepped into the hallway.
“You're not wearing enough-where’s your scarf? Go put one on, you'll catch a cold like this!” As soon as Alessia
cout, Karen gently steered her back into her
room.
Helpless, Alessia dug out a scarf and wrapped it around her neck. When she cout again, she saw Cole
emerging from his room, equally resigned, already wearing a scarf of his own.
Before either of them could say a word, Karen waved them over.
The dining table was covered with various things.
“Mom, what's all this for?”
“This is for cleaning-paper towels and wipes. When you get there, tidy everything up first. I've put bottled water
in the bag as well,” Karen said, explaining each item as she packed it all into a large tote.
“Make sure you clean every corner, understand?”
They both nodded obediently.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
“These are spastries. When you arrive, set them out the way I've arranged them here. Let your parents try
them too.” She carefully placed the pastries into a box.
“Oh, and these.” Karen held up two bouquets of flowers. “I picked out the prettiest
ones this morning at the market. Just put them there when you arrive, okay?”
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Chapter 257
Cole watched as Karen meticulously checked through everything and nodded.
“Thank you, Mrs. Morton.”
“It’s nothing, dear. Go early and cback soon-I’ll cook your favorites for lunch,” Karen said, giving his arm a
gentle pat. Her voice was soft and warm, radiating a quiet grace.
Unlike Jade’s blunt cheerfulness, Karen was more like a gentle breeze, nurturing everyone around her without a
word.
She had a strength beneath her calm, a trait Alessia had inherited, even though for much of their lives they'd
been little more than strangers connected by blood.
Karen cfrom a family of
scholars, her early life smooth and
privileged. Even after ling: om
eyenything her frst instinct wasn't to
complain, but to encourage her
family and do whatever she could to
help. The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
Her presence was always soothing-even York, usually so lively and mischievous, beccalm and well-behaved
in her company.
After Karen's repeated reminders, the two finally set out. Cole carried the large tote, while Alessia held the
flowers.
Following Karen's instructions, they
divided the tasks: first cleaning the
gravesite, the arraging the flowers,
ahd finally setting out the pastries
and fruit. The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
In previous years, they simply left a bouquet and that was it. No one had ever suggested doing more.
“Happy New Year, Mom, Dad. Lessie and | are here to see you,” Cole said, bowing respectfully before the
headstone.
The cemetery was empty except for the two of them. Cole spread out snewspaper on the grass, and they
sat down without ceremony.
He took Alessia’s hand, absently tracing her fingers.
“This year, Mom's keeping you company, so you shouldn't feel lonely, right?”
“Don't worry about me—1'm doing
alright. People have been looking out
for me, and Lessie’s parents even
gavegifts. We had@inrewith
Mr, Pawsdn on New Year's Eve. He
seemed really happy, and we'll keep
visiting him. | know you two are off
enjoying your own little world now,
but don't forget me. Drop by in my
dreams sometimes and catch up,
okay?" The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
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