Chapter 507

When Teresa arrived at Horizonlead Group, she was informed that Jonathan wasn’t there. She asked the receptionist, “Where has Mr. Lynn gone?”

The receptionist shook her head. “I’m not sure. And even if I knew, you wouldn’t be able to reach him without an appointment.”

At the same time, Gordon was already severely dehydrated. His legs were so swollen that he could barely walk. However, he insisted on accompanying Fiona for a walk, just as he had these past few days.

When they finally reached the lawn, he was completely drained. He dropped to the ground, clutching Fiona’s hand, and rested his head on her shoulder. He muttered, “Fiona.”

“I’m right here,” Fiona replied softly, letting Gordon hold her hand.

Gordon turned his head slightly and gazed at her with deep affection. “Fiona, I’ve been so lucky to have you as my wife. I will always… love you.”

Fiona suddenly remembered their wedding day. Gordon held her hand the same way and vowed with emotion to love and protect her for the rest of his life. She thought, ‘Promises are the easiest lies. Could you be lying again?’

Fiona didn’t say a word. She let Gordon hold her hand while silent tears rolled down her cheeks.

Trembling, Gordon reached up to wipe the tears from her eyes. “Don’t cry. Your eyes will hurt. I just wanted to see you smile and be happy.”

Fiona took a deep breath. She saw tears in Gordon’s eyes, so she wiped them with a blank face, saying, “You’re tired. Stop talking nonsense.”

Gordon shook his head stubbornly. “I’m not tired.”

Fiona helped Gordon lie down. Looking at the man she had once loved deeply and who had hurt her for a long time resting on her lap, she was reminded of their old days when they used to lie in bed and chat.

In just the blink of an eye, he was coming to his end. Fiona knew she was losing him.

Gordon rested quietly on Fiona’s lap, the wind brushing through his hair and his pale face. His breath became heavier, and memories flashed through his mind quickly, a blur.

He lifted his head and gave one last long look at Fiona who was sitting by his side. He raised a trembling hand and gently touched her face. “Fiona, I’m sorry. You deserved so much better than being with me.”

When Gordon finished speaking, his hand slowly dropped, and he shut his eyes while lying there on Fiona’s lap.

Fiona stayed still, tears in her eyes. After a while, she reached out and shook Gordon lightly. “Hey, my leg has gone numb. You need to get up.”

Gordon gave no response. He lay there peacefully as if he were fast asleep.

Fiona sighed. “Alright, if you insist on lying here, I’ll stay with you a little longer.”

The moment Jonathan got the call from Gordon’s family doctor, he rushed straight over. By the time he arrived, it was already past two in the afternoon. The sky was gray and overcast.

Unable to find Fiona and Gordon at school, Jonathan went to the doctor who gave Gordon his daily pain meds. The doctor shook his head and pointed toward a lawn in the distance.

Jonathan followed the direction, crossing the wide lawn. Suddenly, a soaring operatic aria swept through the air, guiding him straight to Fiona’s location.

Fiona kept singing the aria Gordon had always loved, so absorbed that she didn’t notice Jonathan’s approach.

Jonathan didn’t bother them. He just looked down at Gordon lying on Fiona’s lap.

When the song ended, Fiona finally noticed Jonathan. She smiled and said, “You showed up just in time. Help me get your grandpa up. He’s sleeping so deeply, and I can’t wake him no matter how hard I try.”

“Okay,” Jonathan said in a hoarse voice.

Jonathan helped Gordon to his feet, noticing his body was stiff. His eyes were closed tightly, and his face was pale. No matter how many times Jonathan called him, there was no response.

Jonathan said gently, “Grandpa, we’re going home.”

Gordon remained unresponsive.

Fiona smiled as she gently patted Gordon’s shoulder. “Did you hear him? Never mind. Jonathan will carry you home.”

Jonathan carefully lifted Gordon onto his back and carried him. Memories of the old days flashed through his mind.

He was still under ten at that time. Every holiday, Irene would take him home, but Gordon was always grumpy, yelling, and breaking stuff. Still, when he left, Gordon would sneak him some candy and ask if he had seen Fiona.

Jonathan nodded in confusion as Irene pulled him away. He asked what happened to Gordon, and Irene always said that he went crazy after he failed to find Fiona.

Jonathan then asked where Fiona was, and Irene told him she was dead just like his father.

After he went overseas for school, he hardly saw Gordon except during holidays. Irene and Heidi always grumbled that Gordon stayed the same over the years.

He refused to move in with anyone, choosing instead the old house where he married. He insisted he was waiting for Fiona, and no matter how long it took, he would wait until the end of time. He believed someday she would return.

He waited for a long time. He was just begging Jonathan yesterday to take him to Fiona, threatening a hunger strike if he didn’t. He even got a haircut, just to see her.

Jonathan carried Gordon all the way back to Fiona’s school, up to the house where she lived.

Fiona picked up a towel and gently wiped Gordon’s hair. “He’s only been here a few days, and look at him. He’s in sound sleep. It’s funny because usually, he won’t sleep. He just nags me like he doesn’t get tired of it.”

Jonathan looked at Gordon lying on the bed. Without another word, he turned and walked out of the room.

Upon learning of Gordon’s passing, Irene and Heidi immediately rushed over from Nareigh. Seeing him lying stiff and lifeless on the narrow bed, they burst into tears.

Fiona gently patted them and said, “Why are you two crying? He’s just asleep. He’ll wake up.”

Heidi wiped away her tears and said, “Mom, I’m so sorry, but Dad is dead. We need to start preparing for his funeral soon.”

Irene wiped her tears and turned to Jonathan. “Jonathan, bring your grandpa back to Nareigh. We’ll hold the funeral there.”

“Wait,” Fiona suddenly said.

All eyes turned to her.