40

Mrs. Brown was Eleanor’s best friend in her lifetime. She almost fainted in front of Eleanor’s photo.
“Eleanor, why did you leave so suddenly? I didn’t even have a chance to say goodbye… I haven’t even seen you for the last time…”
“Auntie, crying too much is harmful. If my mom knows, she will also be uneasy.” Isabella supported Mrs. Brown’s arm. Her voice was calm but very hoarse.
Mrs. Brown grabbed her hand, choked up and asked, “Did your mom leave any instructions before she passed away?”
Isabella shook her head, “She left in a hurry, I didn’t even have a chance to see her for the last time.”
Her eyes were slightly red, tears welling up in her eyes.
At this, Mrs. Brown burst into tears again.
James had been accompanying her, but a few words of comfort didn’t work. So, he had to say to Isabella, “My mom hasn’t been well lately. I’ll take her home first. If you need any help, just let me know.”
She nodded, faintly said, “Thank you.” But in reality, she would never contact James. And James, she’s sure, was well aware of that.
He helped Mrs. Brown leave. Before leaving, he couldn’t help but take a deep look at Isabella. Her face was very pale, red eyes, translucent tears contained in her eyes, the appearance of wanting to cry but holding back, even more heart-wrenching.
“Isabella, the deceased has passed away; you need to open up a bit. Auntie, in the heavens, wouldn’t want to see you sad.”
“Life and death are predestined; there’s nothing I can’t accept. It’s just that my mom suddenly passed away, as her daughter, I can’t help but feel sad.” After saying this, Isabella bowed to him and Mrs. Brown.
According to customs, this was a gesture of gratitude from the family to the mourners and a way of bidding farewell. Obviously, Isabella was unwilling to continue talking with him.
James helped Mrs. Brown out of the church, just meeting Andrew on the way.
Andrew, with his proud personality, didn’t even bother with people of their level. His back straight, he walked up the steps, brushing past them.
For James, Andrew was a stranger. However, that overbearing aura was impossible to ignore.
He subconsciously stopped, turning back just in time to see Andrew standing in front of Isabella. His hand passed through Isabella’s hair, long fingers brushing over her eye corner, wiping away the tear that had just fallen.
The two of them seemed to be in deep conversation, looking very intimate. Isabella, in front of the man, was obedient and docile.
Mrs. Brown, following James’ gaze, naturally saw this scene and sighed, “Isabella seems to have a new boyfriend.”
“I’m not sure; we haven’t been in contact.” James replied without much emotion.
Although at a distance, Mrs. Brown looked Andrew up and down. “The young man seems quite nice.”
“Men shouldn’t just be judged by their appearance.” James replied, not realizing how jealous his tone sounded.
But Mrs. Brown didn’t notice her son’s tone. She nodded in agreement, “Find a reliable person to inquire. You need to check their family background and character thoroughly. Isabella is young; don’t let her be deceived.”
“I understand.” James nodded.
Mrs. Brown sighed again. “Your Auntie Eleanor just left like this, David, that so-called father, is unreliable. Isabella’s stepmother and her daughters are even more unkind. Isabella is really pitiful. James, you grew up together, even if there’s no fate as husband and wife, she’s still your little sister. You should take care of her.”
James lowered his head, “I understand.”
In the small chapel, the priest was praying for the deceased.
After the prayer, there was still no sign of William and his wife.
“Mr. Andrew?” A staff member came over, respectfully asking for Andrew’s opinion.
Andrew raised his eyebrows as he looked at Isabella. She stood in front of Eleanor’s portrait, her head slightly bowed, dressed in black mourning attire with long, jet-black hair, appearing even paler.
“Wait a little longer,” Andrew said in a deep voice. After all, William was Eleanor’s only brother, and he should be here to send Eleanor off no matter what.
“Isabella, why haven’t your uncle and aunt arrived yet? Delaying the burial time might bring bad luck,” Ava couldn’t help but complain.
Isabella lifted her delicate chin, her expression pale and calm. “I’ve already contacted my uncle. The flight was delayed, and they’re on their way by car.”
After saying this, she looked at Andrew. “Please inform the staff to wait a bit longer. Thank them for their hard work.”
He nodded indifferently.
The mournful music in the hall continued for a long time before William and his wife finally arrived.
Due to the weather, their flight was delayed, and William drove for more than ten hours through the night to rush here. His eyes were bloodshot, and tears welled up the moment he saw Eleanor’s portrait.
A few days ago, the siblings had just talked on the phone. Eleanor was excited to hear that William was returning to Ithaca town for work, and they chatted for hours about their childhood.
Since Eleanor’s mother passed away early, and their father was busy with business, he cared little for the siblings. William and his sister leaned on each other since childhood, and their bond was much stronger than typical siblings.
Therefore, Eleanor’s sudden death was a significant blow to William. Even his wife felt that he was grieving excessively, as if he had aged a lot overnight.
He stood alone in front of Eleanor’s portrait, trembling hands silently touching the black urn.
“Uncle,” Isabella walked to his side with red eyes, choking on her words.
Only then did William raise his head, looking at the girl who had grown into a graceful figure. He realized that he had been away for a very long time. The little niece in his memory had grown into a young lady.
“Don’t be afraid, Isabella. Although your mom is no longer here, you still have your uncle.”
“Uncle,” Isabella threw herself into William’s arms, sobbing. Since Eleanor’s death, she had been acting strong until his return.
Fortunately, she was not alone; she still had family.
“William, it’s getting late. It’s time to let your sister rest in peace,” Emma walked over, reminding with a gentle voice.
Emma was a lady of high standing, dignified and elegant, and William valued his wife very much.
William nodded, agreeing with his wife’s suggestion.
Later, Eleanor was buried on the hill behind the church. This was a private cemetery, rumored to have excellent Feng Shui, and not just anyone could be buried here despite their wealth.
Isabella was not aware of these details; Andrew took care of all the funeral arrangements. The grave was halfway up the hill, serene and quiet, with pine and cypress trees and seasonal flowers planted beside it. The blue stone monument displayed Eleanor’s photo from her lifetime, portraying her peacefully beautiful with a gentle smile.
“Mom, will you be lonely sleeping here alone? Don’t worry, I’ll come to visit you often,” Isabella knelt in front of the tombstone and said.
Afterward, Andrew walked over, embracing her shoulders. “It’s late; let’s go.”
She leaned weakly against his embrace, almost relying on him both physically and emotionally.
William had been silently observing all along. Although he didn’t say anything, he unconsciously frowned.
As the group was about to leave, David appeared.
For David, Eleanor’s death wasn’t exactly a cause for deep sorrow; it was more of a sudden inconvenience.
However, considering William’s high status, he had to attend Eleanor’s funeral, at least to maintain appearances.
However, David’s presence was rather annoying. He pretended to shed a few tears in front of Eleanor’s grave, thinking he was putting on a good act, but Isabella was almost disgusted by his insincere display of emotion.
“Isabella, your mother’s passing is such a big deal. How can you not inform the family? It seems like you no longer see me as your father,” David preemptively shifted the blame onto her.
Isabella trembled with anger, her entire body shaking. She clenched her hand by her side, forcibly suppressing the anger.
To have such a shameless father, she felt a profound sense of sorrow.