The Guardian's Return (Ethan Rivers) novel Chapter 524

“No!”

Charles’ face paled. He pulled his phone out to call for help, but then his mother, Jessica, said, “You don’t need to call for help.”

She had been fighting her illness for years and should have died a long time ago. It was Ethan’s subsidy and health insurance that helped her to stay alive, and after what happened, she believed she was the reason her son became twisted.

She felt guilty, not just toward Ethan, but also toward her husband and their son. Years of pain and the burden she placed on her family had worn her down. She could not go on any longer.

Maybe, just maybe, her death could help Charles find his way back.

“I know what’s going on with my body,” she said, her voice strained and labored. “Son, I’ve hurt you enough. I’m so sorry. I will no longer be your burden. If you can, turn yourself in. You’re on your own now. We will always love you.”

Charles teared up, his body shaking. He did not understand. He had worked so hard and taken so many risks, all to make sure his parents would never have to struggle again.

He thought that with all the money he had taken, he could give them the life they deserved, even without Ethan’s help. Why had everything gone so wrong?

What had he done to deserve this?

Jessica looked at her husband. “Xavier, thank you for taking care of me all these years. I’m sorry.”

Then, she leaned into his arms and slowly lost her breath.

Xavier hugged her tightly and shook his head, his eyes tightly closed. “Don’t talk like that. Just wait for me on the other side.”

Slowly, he lifted his eyes to look at Charles.

“We’ve never been wealthy or powerful, and we’ve been sick for most of our lives. I know that made things harder for you. I’m sorry, son. But, we hope you understand that our lives aren’t any more important than anyone else’s.”

Charles’ face was covered in tears as he shook his head strongly.

“I’m sorry… I was wrong! I know that now! I really do!”