The arrogance he once possessed had dissipated, replaced by overwhelming anxiety.
He feared that speaking another word might result in the police taking him away.
His lips remained tightly sealed.
Witnessing Darianâs refusal to help, Jasper felt a profound sense of disappointment engulf him.
He recognized their relationship for what it truly was â a transaction built solely on self-interest, devoid of any genuine family affection.
He should have realized long ago that Darian was nothing more than a profit-driven businessman, incapable of fostering a true bond between himself and his son.
Jasperâs glare pierced Darian, accompanied by scolding words, âDidnât you proclaim yourself as the master of the Anderson family? Werenât you the one who claimed to be a father? Why donât you save my mother and me? What kind of a human being are you?â
Even in the face of Jasperâs reproach, Darian remained silent, withdrawing into himself.
He hunched his shoulders, avoiding any glimpse of Jasper or Sharon.
It wasnât until the police escorted them away, their car slowly fading into the distance, that Darian couldnât hear Jasperâs verbal assault anymore.
He finally exhaled, relieved to have escaped.
However, as he lifted his head, his eyes met Theodoreâs meaningful smile.
Fear coursed through Darianâs veins, instinctively knowing that Theodore wouldnât let him off so easily.
Just as he mustered the courage to speak up and inquire, Theodore shifted his gaze elsewhere, diverting his attention.
âThe ceremony goes on.
â
The priest nodded and commenced the burial of the coffin.
After the ceremony concluded, Theodore bid farewell to the guests, and the guards whisked Darian away to a secret place.
Now, amidst the silence of the cemetery, only Theodore and Ariana remained.
Standing before the tombstone, they fixated on a photograph of a youthful, resplendent woman, an extended silence enveloping them.
Aimeeâs eyes, shimmering Like summer blooms, captivated Ariana as she âlooked at the photo.
She couldnât help but notice Theodoreâs resemblance to Aimee, particularly his striking eyebrows and eyes that mirrored hers.
A wave of sadness washed over Ariana as she sensed Theodoreâs sorrow.
At that moment, a torrent of thoughts flooded her mind.
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Theodore grasped her hand firmly and directed his words toward the tombstone, âMother, this is my beloved wife, my cherished love.
She is truly exceptional, and my love for her knows no bounds.
â
Although Theodore had expressed his love for her before, this declaration resonated with Ariana more deeply than ever.
She tenderly held Theodoreâs hand and touched the image on the tombstone.
Arianaâs voice quivered, her eyes gleaming with determination.
âI vow to stand by his side until death do us part.
â
Their voices dissipated into the breeze, leaving behind a serene atmosphere.
After a while, Ariana asked softly, âWas she imprisoned in that cage at the manor in the southern suburbs?â
That cage scared her.
She could still recall the panic and despair that overwhelmed her upon seeing it.
She couldnât imagine the fear and anguish Aimee had endured during her decade-long captivity.