Chapter 978
When Love Comes Late
Just a moment before the traffic lights changedâ¦
Matthew gazed at Stella and murmured, âLife is unpredictable; thus, we must look ahead.
Weâll seek justice for Farris.
â
Stella stayed silent, touching the photo, seemingly transported back in time.
She rested against Matthew, finding solace in his gentle embrace.
Soon, exhaustion overwhelmed her, and she drifted into sleep.
Matthew carefully laid her down, tucked her in, and sat by her side.
Holding her hand, he gazed at her peaceful face, silently vowing, âYouâll be okay.
When you get better, weâll find your mother.
â
The day they laid Farris to rest was just as gloomy and rainy as the day he had that fatal car crash.
Matthew, caught up with the final checks at Fairwa, couldnât be there with Stella for the funeral.
At eight in the morning, the ceremony started.
Stella, clad in a somber black outfit, stood under a black umbrella next to Aileen.
She was unfamiliar with funeral customs, and Farrisâ adoptive parents, though aware of his demise, seemed too lost in their grief to focus on anything but their tears.
Matthew had taken care of all the funeral arrangements.
At the service, they displayed a large photo of Farris, taken when he graduated.
He looked so young and pure in it, his smile always gentle, always bringing comfort to those around him.
Since Farris grew up in an orphanage, most of the attendees were the doctors and nurses he worked with.
Aileen, unable to contain her sorrow, wept in Stellaâs embrace.
Suddenly, she pulled away, collapsing in front of his headstone.
Tears streaming down her face, she wailed, âFarris, my son, how could you leave your father and me to live without you? Itâs all my fault.
I never should have pushed you to reconnect with the Hughes family.
Iâm so sorry.
Iâve made a terrible mistake.
Iâm the worstâ¦â
Stella bit her lip, fighting hard to keep her own tears at bay.
She still couldnât accept that Farris was gone.
After the funeral, Farrisâ father, looking worn and much older, was about to leave, holding Aileen.
He gave Stella a tired nod.
Stella, holding Aileenâs hand, said, âAileen, take care of yourself, okay? Farris would want that.
And if you need anything, just tell me.