Chapter 1236:
Harlee had found the courage to return to the Sanderson family because, even if they didnât accept her, she knew Tonya was there to support her. She had agreed to be with Rhys because, even if his affection proved insincere, she could count on Tonyaâs genuine support. Imagining a future devoid of Tonya and pondering how to continue unflinchingly seemed unthinkable.
Tonya tenderly wiped Harleeâs tears, her voice soft. âItâs alright. Youâll move on.â
Tonya looked up with a reassuring smile. âIf the Sanderson family ever treats you poorly, just leave. I have secured houses for you around the world, in Baythorn, Uwhor, Gruinia, and Claelia. Choose any. Make it your home.â
Listening, Harlee remained silent, overwhelmed by Tonyaâs typical foresight.
Tonya added, âIf Rhys proves unfaithful, donât worry. I have instructed Jonathan to have a lineup of potential suitors ready for you. And if men no longer appeal to you, heâll find women for you. Just remember, women are women, and Tonya is Tonya. You must always remember me as your best friend.â
Harlee grasped Tonyaâs intent. Tonyaâs presence would remain steadfast beside her even in death, and they might reunite when she died one day. Harlee sat silently, gazing at Tonya as if to permanently capture her image in her mind.
âAlright, Iâve got that. When Iâm sad, Iâll talk to your photos,â Harlee murmured.
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Tonya nodded, her smile gentle. âYou might not hear my voice anymore, but thatâs fine. Iâll always be looking out for you from heaven!â
Suddenly, fatigue overtook Tonya. âHarlee, Iâm tired. Iâm going to rest for a bit. Donât miss me too muchâ¦â
Harlee tightened her grip on Tonyaâs hand. Overwhelmed, she spat out blood, her blood staining Tonyaâs pale face and the blanket a deep crimson. Even at her lifeâs end, Tonya remained as captivating as ever.
At that moment, the lines on the monitor flattened. Tonya never opened her eyes again to teasingly complain about the blood staining her. Outside the room, Jonathan leanedâ¦
Against the wall, his tears uncontrolled as he beat both the wall and his chest in anguish.
Patrickâs expression darkened further. He stood by sheer force of will, barely keeping upright.
Rhys watched quietly, leaning against the wall. When Harlee coughed up blood, he started to step forward but stopped, deciding not to intrude.
After what seemed an eternity, Harlee wheeled herself out, her complexion ghostly. Her voice seemed to elude her. She took out her phone, typing for a long time before holding the memo up to her chest. âIâm exhausted. Iâm going to my room to rest. Please, donât follow. Patrick, Jonathan, rest up. We still need to send them off. Ritchie wanted a lively funeral, so letâs ensure it is joyful. And⦠Rhys, find the best band and funeral service. I want to send them off in the most fitting, relaxed manner.â
Rhys observed Harlee, his brow furrowed. Tonya was more significant to her than the Sanderson family or even himself. She must be shattered. Once sure they all had read her message, Harlee said nothing more and wheeled herself away. Rhys quickly followed.
Harlee removed his hand from the wheelchair and managed a forced smile to show she was alright.
âLee, I know how deeply this hurts youâ¦â Rhys whispered.
Harlee placed her hand over his mouth and looked down to type. âI need to be alone in my room for a bit, okay?â
Rhys looked at Harleeâs pale, forced smile and reluctantly agreed. âOkay, but just for today. Tomorrow, I will be by your side at every moment.â Harlee offered a smile but continued forward without affirmation. She didnât fully comprehend the concept of being alone. All she knew was that her once expansive world had narrowed, suffocating her in a dark void. Yet, it didnât truly matter. As long as she kept Tonya alive in her heart, her world would forever contain Tonya, making it seem as if Tonya had never truly left.
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