From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 488

Even though Alex didn't shed a single tear from beginning to end, there was an unmistakable air of melancholy about him.

This sorrow seemed to emanate from his very bones.

There was no hiding it.

Wiping the rain from his face, Alex said, "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Anthea replied, glancing at the sky. "This rain doesn't seem like it's going to stop anytime soon. Why don't we head back?"

"Alright," Alex nodded, taking the umbrella from Anthea's hand. "Let me hold it."

At nearly six foot two, Alex towered over Anthea, who barely reached five foot three. Holding the umbrella for him was quite a task, so she didn't object.

Together, they descended the cemetery steps.

If anyone else had been there, they would have noticed that Alex held the umbrella almost entirely over Anthea, his shoulder already soaked through.

They walked in silence.

The cemetery was eerie on its own, and the rain only added to the oppressive atmosphere. Under the weight of thick clouds, the whole place felt like a cage, suffocating in its gloom.

Alex's hand, tucked into his pants pocket, trembled slightly.

In a daze, he was transported back to that helpless night. His foot slipped, his body lurching forward as he nearly tumbled down the steps, but a pale hand caught him just in time. "Be careful," a voice said.

The words were like a ray of sunshine in the dead of winter, dispelling the shadows from his heart. Alex steadied himself, "I'm okay."

"Are you sure

fine," he shook his head slightly.

Anthea matched his stride.

parked just

assistant quickly opened

into the

"Let's drop Ms. Yeager

to your place first; your

"I'm fine."

Anthea's eye in

ad

notoriously reserved, rarely letting anyone, especially a woman, get this close. Yet Ms.

the driver noted a cautiousness in

thought that the cunning head of

be so careful around a young

himself, he wouldn't have believed

no time, the car arrived at the Yeager family's

and bid Alex farewell, reminding him, "The roads are slippery in the rain. Tell the driver

Make sure to brew some ginger tea when

Alex nodded

Alex instructed the driver,

momentarily taken aback, surprised that

the speed steady between 60 and 70 miles

the car stopped outside the

were still adorned with mourning banners from the