Betrayed and Dumped She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 487

As summer faded and the heat lost its bite, the days grew a little shorter, a little softer. George decided it was time to visit the cemetery, where his two sons and his late wife were buried. On the first day of autumn, with the butler’s steady arm guiding him, he walked slowly to the Duncan family’s burial grounds.

He wasn’t expecting to see anyone there. As they approached, he noticed someone kneeling by a grave, head bowed in silent apology. Squinting, George tried to make out who it was, but his vision wasn’t what it used to be. He nodded for the butler to get a better look.

The butler leaned forward, whispering, “Looks like a lady. There’s a child with her. Wait… isn’t that…” His voice trailed off.

“Who is it?” George asked, his tone sharp.

The butler hesitated, but honesty won out. “It’s probably Mr. Stephen Duncan’s son.”

The truth hit George at once, cold and hard. His face grew stern. He let out a bitter laugh. “She should be here. She should be. If it weren’t for her greedy father, none of this would have happened to my family. I wouldn’t have had to bury my sons.”

When Joan finished her prayers, she gently brushed Ben’s hair and helped him stand. As she turned, her eyes met George’s. Her heart jumped, and panic fluttered in her chest.

“Gran—” The old habit almost slipped out, but she caught herself and lowered her gaze. “Mr. Duncan,” she said quietly.

He let out a cold huff, giving her a once-over before his eyes shifted to the boy at her side. The ice in his expression melted, just a little. The boy’s features were so familiar, so achingly like Stephen’s when he was little.

While George studied Ben, Ben looked right back at him, curious and unafraid. Suddenly, Ben piped up, “Great-grandpa!”

George froze for a second, surprised. There was no anger or disgust in his eyes, just a kind of awkwardness at the unexpected greeting.

Joan quickly covered Ben’s mouth. “Don’t say that. I’m sorry, sir. I should have kept a better eye on him.”

George waved her off, his voice softer now. He looked at Ben with a gentleness he rarely showed. “What’s his name?” he asked.

Joan’s expression softened. She touched his cheek, her voice gentle. “You don’t need to call me Aunt Joan anymore. From now on, call me Mom.”

Ben blinked. Mom? He tilted his head, confused. Before their trip, someone had told him to call her “Mom” in front of others, but “Aunt Joan” when they were alone. He’d stuck to that rule so carefully.

Joan felt tears prick her eyes. She leaned her forehead against his, whispering, “Ben, we’re going to make it. One day, we’ll never have to be apart again.”

Ben didn’t really understand what she meant by “make it.” He just reached up with his chubby hand and wiped away the tear at the corner of her eye. To him, Joan had always been more than a stranger. She was the person who visited him every week, who smiled and listened and cared. In his heart, she was already Mom.

He just hadn’t told her yet how happy he was that he could finally say it out loud.

The word “mom” always felt warm and comforting.