Chapter 995
Elysia took a deep breath at the rest area, gazing at the steps ahead and said, “Legend has it that each of the 108 steps represents one of life’s troubles. Climbing a step signifies entering a new phase and shedding a worry p>
Emmett, tilting his head, asked, “So, if we climb all 108 steps, does that mean we’ll be free of worries forever p>
Elysia chuckled, “Exactly p>
The kids immediately called out to Baby, “Baby, come on down! We’ll climb it together, and then no more worries p>
“Okay!” Baby wiggled her little legs, “Daddy, daddy, let me go with Lan p>
Tarquin, with a loving expression, let his little girl down.
Evan took the lead, Elliot watched their back, and Elijah and Emmett stood by Baby’s sides, each holding one of her hands, guiding their sister up the steps.
Watching the loving scene of the five kids, Elysia’s eyes brimmed with happiness.
She reached for Tarquin’s hand, “Even with Mom gone, I’m here for you. I’ll be by your side through all seasons, for the rest of our lives p>
Tarquin turned to her, gently tucking a stray hair behind her ear and gripping her hand tightly, “That’s a promise, for a lifetime p>
“Yes, a promise p>
They smiled at each other, their fingers interlocked, stepping onto the staircase together.
Climbing those 108 steps together, they aimed to leave behind all troubles and welcome a new chapter of happiness.
The ceremony wasn’t complex, but it was time-consuming.
It was nearly noon when it ended, and Elysia and Tarquin met with Master Cloud, asking for his help in guiding Elizabeth’s spirit. Leaving Compassion Abbey, it was already afternoon.
At the base of the hill, while Elysia was in the restroom, Evan sneakily spoke to Tarquin, “Dad, we’re good brothers, right?” Tarquin: I’m your father p>
“I know, but… just tell me you love me, okay p>
Tarquin squinted, “Spit it out, what’s on your mind p>
Evan coughed lightly, “I need to take care of some personal business. You guys go ahead, and just cover for me with Mom, okay? Don’t let her worry p>
“What are you up to p>
“Just personal stuff p>
“Like what p>
“Adults shouldn’t pry into kids’ business, can’t say p>
Tarquin glanced towards the woods. He had noticed someone following them since they started the ascent, but the presence was non-threatening. Axel mentioned it was a skilled individual.
It was probably the same person they encountered in the restricted area of Sage Hall.
Evan’s bodyguard had also mentioned this figure appearing the night Evan visited Gideon, engaging but not with malicious intent.
After a brief silence, Tarquin said, “Can you ensure your safety? If anything happens to you, your mom won’t let me off the hook.” Meaning: Helping you comes with its risks!
Evan assured him confidently, “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. If you don’t help me, our ‘ship of friendship’ might just sink p>
Tarquin: Such a fragile ship.
“I’ll help you, but your bodyguard must accompany you p>
“Fine, fine, I’m off.” Evan ran off.
When Elysia returned, noticing the kids were gone, Tarquin quickly explained, “Lowell took them back first. We’ll take another car; I’ve got something to talk to you about p>
With the kids out of sight, Elysia didn’t dwell on Evan’s absence.
Trusting Lowell with the children, she didn’t think much of it.
As they got into the car, Elysia asked, “What did you want to talk about p>
Tarquin glanced at her, started the car, and pondered how to broach the topic of the Hawkins family.