Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

The chirping of insects, the calls of birds, the lush greenery of trees, artificially planted orchids, roses, marigolds... all competed for attention, blooming and vying in their beauty.

At a glance, it felt as if one had wandered into a beautiful garden. But upon closer inspection, one could see cold, black tombstones standing in rows, solemn and stark.

And those attractive blooming flowers only added a different atmosphere to the icy, dignified, and heavy graveyard.

Today was the day the Blackwell family visited their family's graves.

The Blackwell couple didn't dress in flamboyant colors, sticking to the proper black and white hues.

Hackett wore a black t-shirt and gray pants, while Sherri wore a white shirt and black casual trousers. They squatted in front of the tombstone, joining Hackett's mother in offering something to the deceased.

Nathan stood to the side and briefly glanced at Jasper, who shared a similar aura as Trevon. Jasper remained silent. He stood respectfully to the side, yet his gaze was unwaveringly fixed on the tombstone, reflecting sincere emotions.

Standing at 5.9 feet, Jasper's height made him particularly conspicuous, especially with his strikingly handsome face. No one could resist the urge to take a second look at him. His refined demeanor made it pleasing to stare, as even in simple attire, his innate dignity couldn't be concealed.

Jasper sensed the intense scrutiny but didn't turn. He kept his gaze fixed on the tombstone, standing composed and calm.

From Nathan's perspective, Jasper was a head and a half taller than Ruby and half a head taller than Liam. In this gathering, Jasper was the tallest, surpassing his son by a few inches. Nathan could not help but ask, "Jasper, any particular reason your dad couldn't make it this year?" Trevon felt in debt to Henry, and he'd come every year without fail. However, this year's absence was due to someone voluntarily offering to take his place.

But the Blackwell family was unaware of it, so it was natural for them to inquire. It wasn't meant as an obligation for Trevon to come and visit the grave.

Jasper remained outwardly unaffected and replied casually, "Oh, Olivia's back." Everyone knew that Trevon doted on his daughter. It was no exaggeration to say that almost everyone in Athana knew about this. Therefore, when Jasper mentioned those words, everyone present believed him without a doubt.

A gentle breeze swept by, causing the white skirt of Ruby to flutter and unintentionally tangle with Jasper's black sweatpants.

Spring attire isn't particularly thick, and she could feel her legs brushing against the fabric of his pants.

happened. Instead, Ruby felt a pang of embarrassment and tugged at her skirt, placing her hands

and Nathan simply smiled

gaze, which could easily trace the outline of her future son-in-law's

as she imagined the potential for beauty if Ruby and Jasper were to have children in the future, thinking that their genes and looks would be off the charts. She coughed lightly, pulling herself back to reality. "Ahem, ahem, your dad's indulgence toward Sophia and Olivia is undeniable. Especially when Sophia was younger, she was so mischievous, but Trevon never scolded her once. His indulgence knows no bounds." Nathan chimed in, saying, "They say daughters are a father's precious treasure. Looks like there's truth to that saying." Sherri continued, "Jasper, my straightforwardness might come across as strong. Hope you don't mind. I'm just someone who speaks my mind." Jasper stood tall, a rare smile gracing his lips as he politely replied, "You speak the truth, and | don't mind." His smiling demeanor made Sherri find him even more handsome, inwardly commenting on his striking appearance while maintaining a calm exterior. She praised, "Oh, Jasper, your

long sleeves except for Liam, who wore short sleeves. When the

opinion. He glanced at Jasper, who was a bit taller than him and started to tease, "Your dad's pulling a fast one here. No, scratch that. He's burning the bridge after crossing it. Back when he needed my grandpa, he dragged me out of bed on Christmas to come to the grave. Now, his daughter's back, and he decided not

his words. Sensing

playfully

needs your presence multiple times. You've been helping him for so many years, all for nothing." Trevon's pursuit of his wife using Henry's story had become a familiar anecdote within the Blackwell family. Hackett had recounted it numerous times, making it a well-known tale. Following the pattern of learning from the past, everyone in the Blackwell family, from the couple to Ruby and Liam, could recite it effortlessly. It was almost as smooth as

of the Blackwell family knew precisely how Trevon had

can you act like this? Jasper, he's just joking. Don't listen to his nonsense. He's used to teasing your dad without any restraints on his words. When there are children around,

After that, Ruby chuckled, covering her mouth with one hand. Jasper always managed to present amusing

kid never gets mad? His emotions are way too stable." Liam lightly bumped Jasper again and whispered in his ear, "Jasper, you don't happen to be unaware of your father borrowing from my great-grandpa's name, do you? If so, I'll write a short essay about it for you later." Suddenly, Jasper became very curious about the specifics of this event. At home, his father always kept his mistakes tightly under wraps. He replied casually, "Okay." Liam assured with a mischievous tone. "Okay, | promise to detail

had the final say about his grades. It was his sister who decided

away." Ruby wasn't amused by her brother's words. She simply stared at him. Liam stood before

of sight from everyone and smiled. He harbored a different thought in

even graduate from college, just go work at a construction site. Worker wages are pretty high nowadays. If you go, we'll save on hiring an extra hand.” Liam was left speechless upon hearing that. They did

education, aiming for

excellence, they were a united front. The entire family held the same standards as Ruby, to the point that

Hackett and Nathan were headed to the company, and Joy, Sherri, and Liam

total of three cars, including Jasper's white Lamborghini sports car that could

"No need for the trouble. Jasper is heading back to the Wilson's residence, and it passes by Ruby's studio, right? Just

was stunned and