New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 27

Chapter 27 Anniversary

The day weighed heavy on Claire's heart, a reminder of the tragedy that had changed her life forever. As she stood on the balcony, lost in her thoughts, memories of the accident and the loss of her parents flooded her mind like a relentless tide. Claire closed her eyes, trying to push back the memories that threatened to overwhelm her. The screech of tires, the shattering glass, and the sudden void that was left in her life-all of it felt as raw and painful as if it had happened yesterday. Matthew, Claire's supportive friend and her partner in crime, entered the balcony and called out to her, breaking her reverie. She turned to him, inanaging a small smile despite the tears that welled up in her eyes.

"Hey, Claire. Are you okay?" Matthew asked, his concern evident in his voice as he noticed her teary eyes.

Claire blinked, surprised by the tears that had escaped her notice. She nodded slightly, trying to compose herself.

Matthew stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her in a comforting hug. "It's okay, Claire. Everything is going to be fine."

Claire leaned into his embrace, drawing comfort from his presence. "Thank you, Matthew," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

As they pulled away, Claire felt a surge of courage to voice her feelings. "Today is the anniversary of the accident. The day I lost my parents."

"I'm so sorry, Claire. I didn't know,"

Claire shook her head slightly, offering him a reassuring smile. "It's not your fault, Matthew."

*I want to visit their grave, but I don't even know where it is," she confessed, her voice tinged with sadness.

The weight of not knowing where her parents were laid to rest weighed heavily on Claire's heart.

Matthew placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, his eyes reflecting a determination to help ease her pain. "I'll find out for you, Claire. It might take some time, but I'll do everything I can."

Claire nodded gratefully, touched by his gesture of support. As Matthew stepped back into the balcony, Claire watched him make a phone call.

help her find her

settled in, Matthew found Claire sitting on the couch lost in her thoughts. He approached

found your parents' grave," he said softly, his words breaking the

in disbelief, and she jumped up from the couch. "You did? Are

her voice.

quite far from the city. If we want to get there before dark, we should leave now." Without hesitation, Claire sprang into action, her heart racing

stop at the florist? I wanted to

"Of course."

Claire opted not to use her driver, wanting this moment to be private and personal. They passed by the florist, and Claire carefully selected her mother's favorite flowers, lilies. The car ride was long, the silence occasionally broken by the soft hum of the engine. Around 4 in the afternoon, they finally arrived

greeted them was disheartening. The graveyard appeared unattended, eerie in its neglect and disorder. Claire couldn't fathom that her parents were buried in such a place. But

we

Matthew began to search, scanning the rows of graves covered in dirt and dust. It was a daunting task, but Claire refused to give up. After about 30 minutes of

Tears welled up in her eyes, streaming down her cheeks unchecked. She didn't care about being loud or composed; her grief and guilt poured out

sobbed, her voice

asked them to go on that

shoulder,

fault," he said gently but firmly. "What happened has happened, and blaming

into Matthew's embrace, letting

but think if only I didn't force

with you because they want to spend time with their daughter, and I know they

rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. Claire stood by her parents' grave; a bouquet of flowers

a mix of sorrow and relief. Tears had streaked her cheeks earlier, but now they had dried,

okay, Claire?" he asked softly,

a small, grateful smile. "I feel slightly better now, Matthew. It's comforting