Chapter 163 Who is Visiting Her Mother's Grave?
Aurelia stepped out of the car, suitcase in hand, oblivious to the Bentley behind her switching lanes only after she had exited.
The hospital, usually bustling during the day, had quieted down. It was a full moon night, with the moon hanging high, accompanied by a few stars.
After completeness, one was bound to taste the flavor of regret; this truth was eternal.
After experiencing loss and abandonment, Aurelia had thought that one couldn't remain despondent forever in life. Losing her mother and Penelope and being abandoned by her biological father, she married the man she loved in her most lonely and helpless moment. She once believed she had a family and that her life was complete.
But reality had taught her a lesson.
Collecting her thoughts, Aurelia returned to Reed's ward.
Reed had been sleeping more during the day; now, he was awake and in better spirits. Seeing her return with the suitcase as if she intended to stay permanently in the hospital, Reed scolded her, "Why didn't you listen to me? told you to go home. There's nothing wrong here. Just come and talk to me during the day; your body can't handle this."
Aurelia placed the suitcase in a corner and sat back by the bedside. "Grandpa, I don't feel at ease sleeping alone at home. I feel more comfortable here where I can rest."
She inadvertently slipped up, and Reed chuckled, "What, Nathaniel doesn't come home every day?"
Reed only knew that the couple was going through a divorce and was unaware of Aurelia's move out. He strongly disapproved of Nathaniel, and upon hearing Aurelia say she was sleeping alone, he wanted to scold Nathaniel.
Aurelia quickly corrected herself, "Grandpa, no. He's been working late recently and doesn't want to disturb me when he comes home late, so he sleeps in the study."
Reed blinked, understanding the situation. Even at this point, she was speaking up for Nathaniel.
"Aurelia, tomorrow is Penelope's anniversary of death. I couldn't go myself, and I can't face her either. Would you go and take some flowers to her and say sorry on my behalf?"
Aurelia fell silent, her eyes welling up with tears.
She remembered Penelope's anniversary. When Penelope left, her biggest worry was about Aurelia. She also understood Reed's feelings; he felt guilty for not taking care of Aurelia properly.
"Grandpa, Penelope wouldn't blame you." Aurelia thought that regardless of the state of her relationship with Nathaniel, she had never regretted it. Even though he repeatedly chose Chelsea, loving him was her own choice.
Loving someone didn't give one the right to demand equal love in return. Aurelia believed that luck played a role in love, and she was just unlucky, only able to give without receiving his heart.
Reed squinted, lost in thought.
Aurelia spent the night on a small bed. The next morning, after watching Reed finish breakfast, she went to a flower shop and bought three bouquets.
She picked the freshest bunch of Brenda's favorite daisies. For Penelope, she selected two grand chrysanthemum bouquets, one of which was on behalf of Reed.
She drove directly to the outskirts cemetery.
When her mom passed away, Aurelia and Norman hadn't completely fallen out yet. Norman had given Brenda a decent burial plot, the best he could afford.
When Penelope was nearing the end, Aurelia begged Norman over and over to visit her. But the hardened man eventually drove her out, leaving Penelope in regret.
Before Penelope passed, she insisted Aurelia secure the cheapest plot at the outskirts cemetery and sign the paperwork, using her last savings for poor Aurelia.
Penelope's grave was in the farthest corner of the cemetery. Aurelia arrived first, placing the flowers down. The gravestone had gathered dust, so she took out a tissue and cleaned it meticulously.
When Aurelia saw Penelope's photo on the grave, a pang of bitterness struck her heart. She began to speak to her, "Penelope, are you doing well over there? In just over twenty days, I'll be leaving Imperick. I may not be able to visit you for a long time. Will you forgive me? I haven't told anyone about my decision. I hope you'll support me. I truly don't have the courage to stay in this city any longer."
As the rain began to fall lightly, Aurelia sat on the ground and cried for a long time, her pants soaking wet. After composing herself, she headed towards Brenda's grave.
Upon seeing the plethora of fresh flowers at Brenda's grave, she thought she had come to the wrong grave.
In the years since Brenda's passing, Aurelia had visited periodically to share her innermost thoughts. But she had never seen any signs of visitors at her mother's grave.
Moreover, Brenda wasn't from Imperick. She had few relatives and friends here. Aurelia carefully examined the flowers; some were fresh, while others wilted and had been set aside. It seemed like someone came every day to pay their respects.
Puzzled, she couldn't figure out who it might be.
Aurelia left the cemetery with a heavy heart. At the entrance, she coincidentally met the caretaker, an elderly and kind man.
"Sir, do people come early to pay respects at this cemetery?" she inquired.
The elder smiled, "Most people come around the same time as you. But recently, there have been two young men who come very early every day. They pay their respects; I saw one of them leave just before you arrived."
Aurelia was taken aback when she realized the connection between the young men and the flowers at Brenda's grave. She asked, "Sir, do you remember which way he went?"
The elder pointed in a direction. "Over there. I couldn't see which grave it was. It's too far, and my eyes aren't that good."
Aurelia looked in the direction he indicated, which was where Brenda's grave was located.
"Do you remember what the young man looked like?" she asked.
The elder recalled, "He was tall, slim, wearing a suit; I can't remember much else."
Aurelia couldn't recall anyone matching the caretaker's description.
As the rain grew heavier, and without an umbrella, she struggled to walk towards the parking lot. The wet ground made the journey difficult.
Upon returning to the hospital, Aurelia intended to freshen up in the bathroom before heading back to Reed's room. However, she was surprised to find Norman and Maria waiting for her in the parking lot.
As Aurelia got out of the car, she was caught off guard.
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