Chapter 508

Fiona said earnestly, “Gordon said he wanted to visit our old house. He missed that place.”

Irene and Heidi exchanged hesitant glances, torn between options. After all, having the funeral in Hareigh would be more practical for everyone.

Jonathan said firmly, “We’ll follow Grandma’s wishes.”

Jonathan left them no room for objection. He had someone drive them back, and Irene and Heidi supported Fiona as they walked.

On the way, Heidi said sadly, “He just reunited with Mom. Why?”

Irene sighed and said, “Dad’s wish was fulfilled. He’s at peace now.”

From the moment they reunited, Fiona and Gordon only spent five days together. To Gordon, knowing Fiona was alive brought him peace.

Once Gordon finally felt relieved, his body reacted all at once, like years of pain and struggle erupting in a last release. His time was almost up, but the happiness of that reunion made him hold on for just a few more days.

Gordon passed away the day before Halloween.

At the old house where they got married, Irene and Heidi told Fiona that he had been living alone all these years. They only came around during holidays. However, they never really spent time with him because he always got violent.

They felt annoyed, but they didn’t bring themselves to leave their dad alone. Now that Gordon was gone, they could finally have a break. They didn’t have to worry about him losing his temper and getting lost anymore.

Fiona remained silent, no matter what Irene and Heidi said.

After coming back, she saw all the old stuff. Back then, they didn’t even have wedding photos, and even a single-color photo was a luxury. She saw her comb and clothes still in the wardrobe, which smelled musty when opened.

Fiona gripped the wardrobe doors tightly, breathing in the smell. She then slowly slid down, burying her head, crying quietly.

Memories overwhelmed her. And only now did Fiona seem to truly accept the cruel fact that Gordon had already died.

Still unwilling to let go, she stroked a wrinkled suit of Gordon’s, tears welling up. “I haven’t forgiven you. Why did you leave so soon? How am I supposed to live without you?”

“Mom, shall we get up first? Dad surely didn’t want to see you so sad if he were still here.” Irene and Heidi gently helped Fiona to her feet.

Shortly after, Edward and George arrived as well.

Edward, who had barely known Gordon and felt little connection, walked over to Heidi and asked, “Is Grandpa dead? When’s the funeral?”

Heidi shot him a glare. “I’ll tell you later. Just go wait outside.”

Edward covered his mouth with one hand, sensing the heavy atmosphere. He silently lowered his head and stepped outside.

Edward heard the loud sobbing from the room and felt a bit guilty, wondering if he could do anything. However, crying for someone he didn’t feel close to just didn’t come naturally.

Miriam texted Edward, and he filled her in on what happened.

Edward: [My grandpa died. I’m home now, waiting for the funeral.]

Miriam: [Your grandpa? You mean Jonathan is also-]

Edward: [Jonathan is not here. He’s probably dealing with the funeral.]

Miriam told Teresa about what happened and asked, “Did you hear that Jonathan’s grandpa Gordon passed away?”

Teresa was stunned. Gordon had just reunited with Fiona, and she had been there too that day. As they left, Fiona told her she looked pretty. She was so shocked to hear the news.

She thought, ‘No wonder the receptionist said Jonathan wasn’t in when I went to see him. It turned out he was heading home.’

She wanted to ask if he was okay, but she hesitated before sending the message. After thinking for a while, she decided not to disturb him.

According to local customs in Hareigh, funerals lasted three days, with close relatives present, taking care of guests. Jonathan and Edward, as the only young boys here, should help.

Suddenly, unbearable pressure crushed Teresa’s chest, suffocating her with anxiety until Jennifer came to her, telling her to get ready to go back to Chesburg for Halloween.

Teresa didn’t have the right to stop Jennifer from going home for Halloween. She didn’t want to argue with her, so she just tried to stay calm.

Teresa said, “There’s one thing about Ms. Nelson.”

Jennifer looked puzzled. “What about Ms. Nelson?”

Seeing Jennifer’s expression, Teresa realized she didn’t know yet, so she said, “Jonathan’s grandpa passed away today.”

Jennifer stopped for a moment, clasping her fingers. She pursed her lips and said with a blank face, “He had advanced-stage lung cancer. I knew this would happen.”

Teresa asked, “You sound so calm.”

Jennifer retorted, “Why should I feel sorry for some old guy who messed up my wedding and ripped my dress? And he’s not even our grandpa. Why should we be sad?”

Teresa was pissed by Jennifer’s cruel words and didn’t want to say another word. She said, “We’ll go home in separate cars tomorrow. I don’t want to be around you.”

“Why? There’s no need for two cars,” Jennifer said.

Teresa said, “I don’t care about the extra cost. I just don’t want to be in the same car with you.”

Jennifer’s face darkened instantly. She took a deep breath, ignored the words, and shared some good news with Teresa. “I’m up for promotion to department head by year-end, and I’m feeling pretty sure about it.”

Teresa said, “Did you earn it yourself, or are you just getting help from Jonathan again?”

“I earned this myself.” Jennifer declared carefully, “I’ll prove it to you. I can stand on my own.”

Teresa merely responded with a nod. She planned to ask Jonathan about this earlier, but after hearing that Gordon was dead, she decided not to bring it up.

Since Donald was going to spend time with Jennifer the next day, Teresa left Michael at Miriam’s house.

The sky was heavy with clouds. At noon, Teresa got in her car and saw a message from Jonathan on her phone.

Jonathan: [Did you go to my office? Is something going on?]

Teresa felt a little touched. She thought he was probably swamped with Gordon’s funeral, yet he still messaged her.

She thought for a while and sent him a voice message. (I’m okay. Are you doing alright?]

Jonathan replied with a single question mark.

Since Teresa was driving, she could only continue with voice messages. (I heard from Miriam that your grandpa is dead.)

Jonathan: [Yeah. The funeral is tomorrow.]

It took Jonathan several minutes to reply with just one sentence. Teresa set her phone aside and focused on the road. When she reached the highway, her phone rang again.

Seeing the cars in front of her, she quickly glanced at her phone and saw the latest message from Jonathan.

Jonathan: [I’m not okay.]