< Chapter 417
Chapter 417
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After the fireworks, Ashley headed out with Henry and Sheldon after saying goodbye to Amanda. They went to the broadcast television tower, an excellent spot for viewing the city’s nighttime panorama. On New
New Year’s Eve, there would be a spectacular light show. Many people had already gathered when they arrived. Laughter and chatter filled the air. The light show hadn’t started yet. Henry had arranged to meet some classmates there for the countdown. His classmates respectfully greeted Ashley and couldn’t help but stare at her. They whispered to Henry, “Your cousin is so beautiful! Like a super star!”
Henry was proud. “I know!”
The young people were busy taking photos and videos, making a joyful mess. Ashley and Sheldon
let them be.
Ashley’s phone buzzed. It was a text from Zark.“Will you go to the TV tower for the light show?”
Ashley didn’t know why he asked that. She replied, “Yes. What’s the matter?”
Zark quickly replied, “Betty and I are on our way.”
Ashley was stunned. She texted, “Oh…”
What a coincidence.
Zark didn’t text her again. The light show began. Ashley, captivated by the spectacle, suddenly heard Betty’s voice.“Aunt Ashley!”
Ashley turned and saw Zark and Betty. Betty was waving excitedly. Ashley and Sheldon elbowed their way through the crowd and walked to them. Then, Ashley hugged Betty. Betty, watched the show in Ashley’s arms, squealing with excitement.“Auntie, look!”
Ashley smiled.“Mm, it’s beautiful.”
The festive atmosphere was infectious; Ashley couldn’t help but smile. Zark, concerned she might get tired, took Betty out of her arms. He then asked, “Where’s Henry? Didn’t he come?” “He’s over there.” Ashley pointed towards Henry and his classmates.
–
As Ashley turned her head, she saw three familiar faces Mark, Vivian, and Neal. Mark affectionately ruffled Neal’s hair. The family of three stood together, their happiness palpable.
Ashley’s smile vanished. Zark noticed that immediately. He followed her gaze and saw them too. Before he could look
Neal spotted away,
them, waving excitedly. “Zark!”
Mark and Vivian turned. They smiled at Zark, but their smiles faded when they saw Ashley. Vivian’s face tightened when she found Ashley was with Zark.
It felt awkward not to greet them. Zark said, “I’ll go say hello.”
“Suit yourself.”
Zark sensed her coldness and walked towards them with Betty.
Sheldon noticed Ashley’s change in demeanor. She didn’t know a lot about the history between Mark and Ashley’s mother, but her intuition told her who Mark and Vivian were. Her heart ached.“Ashley, should we leave?”
Ashley didn’t
want to ruin
the evening.
shook her evening. She
head.“I’m
fine.”
11:50
96.5%
< Chapter 417
It was not that she still cared about Mark, but seeing Mark and Vivian reminded her of her mother. It was a holiday and Mark and his family were enjoying it, while her mother…
Tanya was probably out with Chase. They had hurt her mother so terribly, yet they lived such blissful lives it was unfair!
Sheldon squeezed Ashley’s hand, saying nothing. She’d always known their family was different. Holidays were the hardest. Visiting her aunt at the nursing home was painful, but not visiting was equally so.
