The Enigmatic Return (Neera and Jean) novel Chapter 1035

After breakfast, Neera took Jean and the three little ones to South Mountain Cemetery.

Several members of the Park family have already arrived, except for her granny.

After exchanging greetings, Edward turned to Neera and said, “I didn't invite Grandma over. Her condition is unstable, and I'm not sure what would happen if she came. Let's keep this matter from her for now.”

“Okay, I understand,” Neera agreed.

Everyone was meeting one another under unusual circumstances, so they were in low spirits.

As they ascended the mountain, everyone maintained their silence.

When Elmer finally stood before Stacy's tombstone, looking at the words etched into it and the familiar face in the photograph, he trembled all over.

The hardest blow was for Nadine, who broke down in tears. She went over and touched the tombstone, sobbing uncontrollably.

“Stacy, we've come to see you. Why were you so silly...”

She cried with such sorrow that it pained Jeremiah's heart. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and comforted her in a hoarse voice, his own eyes growing moist.

His voice was raspy. After calling out “Stace,” he couldn't utter another word.

Upon seeing this scene, Neera felt an indescribable sorrow in her heart.

Having such loving and caring kin was such a blessing. If only her mother were still alive, how wonderful it would be for the whole family to be together.

If only she hadn't been so stubborn, if only she hadn't fallen for the wrong person, she wouldn't be forever separated from the world as she was now, left with nothing but a gravestone to share her sorrow and longing...

Neera felt a wave of melancholy rushed up her nostrils and into her eyes. She forced herself to calm down, then took two steps forward and laid down the flowers she had bought on the way.

“Mom, I'm sorry for not visiting for so long. I've been really busy. Today, I've brought Granddad, Uncle Jeremiah, Aunt Nadine, and Edward to see you. You must have missed them a lot.”

The three little ones, all dressed in rather formal black suits, obediently gathered around and respectfully bowed.

“Granny, we've come to see you too, and we've brought some beautiful flowers. This bouquet is specially chosen for you. We hope you like it...”

Jean remained silent. He lit the candle and stepped forward, bowing respectfully to express his reverence and mourning.

Edward leaned in and asked him, “Can you give me a few as well?”

Jean nodded, joining him in lighting the candle.

Only after he had placed the lit candle did Jean begin to speak, his expression solemn.

“Ms. Park, hello. It's our first meeting, and you probably don't know me yet. My name is Jean, and I am Neera's fiancé. In the future, I will be spending my life with her. I know how much you care for your daughter, and I swear on my life that I will love and protect her. I will be her lifelong companion and support. Please rest assured.”

Edward glanced at him. Seeing the determination in Jean's eyes, his trust in him grew a bit more.

Turning toward the tombstone, he pursed his lips and began to speak in a choked voice. “Aunt Stacy, when I first met you, I was just a child. I'd never think that when we meet again, everything would have changed so much. But thankfully, heaven has shown us mercy by letting us find Neera. Rest assured. We will take good care of her. From now on, the Park family will be her rock.”

As Neera Garcia listened from behind, she felt her nose sting slightly.

In no time, Jeremiah and Nadine were also talking incessantly in front of the tombstone, sharing many things.

In the end, only Elmer remained silent.

“Granddad, please say a few words too.”

Neera gently persuaded him, “I believe Mom must be missing you a lot. She would love to hear your voice.”

The old man remained the same, his face expressionless and stern, yet his eyes were filled with sorrow.

“She thinks of me as nothing. Even when she was suffering injustices outside, she didn't even consider returning home for our protection. I look into her eyes, and I see no recognition of her parents or brother... How did I spoil you to this extent, to the point where you understand nothing? All those words I said to you before, you just wouldn't listen. If you had listened to me earlier, how could this have happened? How could it...”

At this point, Elmer couldn't bear it any longer. Overwhelmed with emotion, he staggered back a few steps, clutching his chest, nearly fainting.

Neera was startled and quickly supported him, helping him to catch his breath.

The rest of the people, consumed with worry, quickly gathered around.

“Dad, please calm down...”

“Grandpa, please take care of your health. If Aunt Stacy were looking down on us from heaven, she wouldn't want to see you like this.”

Elmer waved his hand tremblingly. “I'm fine...”

Even though he said that, tears began to roll down his face.

Seeing him with tears streaming down his aged face, everyone felt a pang in their hearts.

The three little ones couldn't be of much help. Each of them held back tears, quietly sobbing on the side.

For a moment, the atmosphere was incredibly oppressive, as if shrouded by dark clouds.

When it was time to return, everyone's spirits were quite low.

When they arrived at the Park residence, Elmer couldn't bear to let Neera go back, so he mustered up his energy to keep her.

“Since you're here, let's have a meal together before you leave.”

Neera also wanted to spend more time with him and didn't feel at ease just leaving like this, so she immediately agreed.

After getting out of the vehicle, Elmer paused and cautioned them, “Keep your emotions in check. Don't let them be noticed.”

We must keep this matter a secret from Mariah.

Everyone understood and composed themselves, pretending as if nothing had happened. Then, they all entered the house together.