Broken Vows and Buried Twins novel Chapter 101

Julian dropped heavily to his knees before Bella’s portrait, bowing his head deeply in a gesture of absolute reverence and remorse. The man’s broad shoulders shook as silent tears fell, splashing onto the polished floor.

Whether it was unspoken repentance or a tragically belated display of familial devotion, only Julian truly knew the weight in his heart.

Hester looked up at the portrait. In the photograph, the elderly woman wore a kind smile, her eyes etched with a lifetime of stories. Her only regret was likely passing away before she could see the great-grandchild she had so desperately prayed for.

Hester gently rested a hand on her stomach, speaking to the old woman in her heart: *Bella, if you are watching over us from heaven, please keep this baby safe. When they’re a little older, I’ll bring them to visit you.*

The thought inevitably led her to Caden. He was Bella’s very first great-grandson.

At the very least, Hester reasoned, Bella had formally acknowledged Caden before she passed. In that sense, her heart had been somewhat fulfilled.

Hester pulled her gaze away and turned to Joanna. "Joanna, I'll leave the rest of the arrangements to you."

Joanna wiped away a stray tear, stepping forward to take the memorial items from her hands.

Hester slowly stood up and walked over to Lena. "Julian is here now. I'm going to head home."

Lena’s eyes were red-rimmed as she nodded. "Mrs. Weston, it’s quite late. Shall I have the driver bring the car around for you?"

"No need. Someone is coming to pick me up."

Hearing this, Lena didn't press further.

Hester pulled out her phone and dialed Gael Montgomery's number.

After ending the call, she walked straight out the front doors to wait.

It was late August, and the nights in Northwood City were already carrying a distinct chill.

The somber, mournful music echoed through the halls.

The night air around Northwood Memorial Hall was suffocatingly heavy with grief.

Hester stood by the entrance, the harsh overhead lights casting a stark shadow beneath her long eyelashes, illuminating her pale, beautiful features.

Declan Reed stepped outside, using the excuse of needing a smoke to find her.

He placed a cigarette between his lips but made no move to light it.

When he remained silent for a long moment, Hester finally turned her head, looking at him with calm detachment. "When did you get back to the country?"

Declan paused, took the unlit cigarette from his mouth, and cleared his throat. "I flew back last week."

Hester gave a soft murmur of acknowledgment. "Are you leaving again?"

With that, Hester stepped forward into the night.

"Hester, what happened today was a tragic accident. Julian never wanted this."

Declan’s voice rang out behind her.

Hester pulled the car door open, took a deep breath, and turned around.

The car's headlights illuminated her slender frame. She stood in the wash of light, staring back at Declan from several yards away. Her gaze was desolate, utterly devoid of emotion.

"The result is what it is. This was Julian’s choice. The only reason I stayed here today was because of how much Bella loved me. I did what I felt was my duty. My conscience is clear, and that is enough. As for everything else... it has nothing to do with me anymore."

Declan opened his mouth to argue, but Hester had already slipped into the car.

The heavy door slammed shut, severing Declan's line of sight.

She hadn't hesitated for even a second.

She truly didn't care anymore.

She didn't care what exactly had happened to Julian, and she certainly didn't care about the man himself.