Chapter 1466
Beyond the glass, he could see the little playground built for Ari—its corners piled high with stuffed animals she’d chosen herself, with an alpaca one being her favorite. They had even collected a few real alpacas later, turning them into unexpected family pets.
His steps carried him up to the art studio, where he pushed open the door.
After their wedding, they had brought the paintings back, filling the space with color and memories. Now, the sight of those works only deepened his sadness.
He and Ari had tried to capture Millie’s likeness on canvas more than once, but each time sorrow stopped them halfway, leaving rows of unfinished portraits propped against the wall.
Memories flooded in—their hushed talks here, the way Millie looked at him, her eyes bright with mischief and love.
A heavy sigh escaped Myron as he switched off the lights and stepped away.
Downstairs, the butler greeted him. “Sir, lunchtime is approaching. Shall I prepare something special?”
“Just something light and simple. I’m heading to see my mother after this,” Myron answered.
“Of course,” the butler replied, disappearing into the kitchen to get started.
Meanwhile, Myron stopped to feed the fish and brought carrots out to the alpacas, a quiet smile playing on his lips as he imagined Millie beside him, watching the small routines of their life together.
Lunch was simple and quiet. After eating, he gathered a few things and set out to visit Nicole first.
Just as Millie had done for her mother, Myron made sure Nicole wanted for nothing, quietly providing her with comfort and support throughout the year. He kept everything steady, just the way Millie used to.
When Nicole saw him, her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. They shared a few soft words before Myron excused himself.
He paid Helga a brief visit, then returned to the hospital. There, he gently settled Millie into her wheelchair, taking her outside for some fresh air. Afterward, he picked Ari up from school a little earlier than usual.
Holding tight to Millie’s hand, Ari looked up at him, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. “Dad, where are we going today?”
Myron reached out and ruffled her hair. “Today, we’re visiting the place where your mom and I prepared for our wedding last year. How does that sound?”
“Okay!” Ari beamed, nodding eagerly.
They returned to the same banquet hall as the year before, its gentle lighting and simple decor untouched by time.
Myron guided Millie’s wheelchair through the aisle, with Ari skipping quietly at his side. The three of them lingered there, letting memories fill the space until the sun dipped below the horizon.
When evening came, Helga and Nicole arrived to take Ari home, leaving Myron and Millie alone. He drove her through the quiet city streets and back to the cemetery.
The grounds were hushed and still. Myron laid fresh flowers on the grass, first at James’ headstone, then at the markers for the children who never had a chance at life, and finally at his own father’s grave.
With Millie beside him, Myron drove out to the quiet lakeshore where they’d once poured out their hearts beneath the stars. He gently carried her from the wheelchair and settled onto the old wooden bench, just as they had a year ago.