From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea ) novel Chapter 488

Even though Alex didn't shed a single tear from beginning to end, there was an unmistakable air of melancholy about him.

This sorrow seemed to emanate from his very bones.

There was no hiding it.

Wiping the rain from his face, Alex said, "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Anthea replied, glancing at the sky. "This rain doesn't seem like it's going to stop anytime soon. Why don't we head back?"

"Alright," Alex nodded, taking the umbrella from Anthea's hand. "Let me hold it."

At nearly six foot two, Alex towered over Anthea, who barely reached five foot three. Holding the umbrella for him was quite a task, so she didn't object.

Together, they descended the cemetery steps.

If anyone else had been there, they would have noticed that Alex held the umbrella almost entirely over Anthea, his shoulder already soaked through.

They walked in silence.

The cemetery was eerie on its own, and the rain only added to the oppressive atmosphere. Under the weight of thick clouds, the whole place felt like a cage, suffocating in its gloom.

Alex's hand, tucked into his pants pocket, trembled slightly.

In a daze, he was transported back to that helpless night. His foot slipped, his body lurching forward as he nearly tumbled down the steps, but a pale hand caught him just in time. "Be careful," a voice said.

The words were like a ray of sunshine in the dead of winter, dispelling the shadows from his heart. Alex steadied himself, "I'm okay."

Anthea glanced at him, "Are you sure you're alright?"

"I'm fine," he shook his head slightly. "Let's get back."

Anthea matched his stride.

The car was parked just outside the cemetery gates.

Seeing them approach, the assistant quickly opened the car door.

Anthea climbed into the back seat.

Alex followed, "Let's drop Ms. Yeager off first."

Anthea interjected, "We should go to your place first; your clothes are soaked."

"I'm fine."

The driver caught Anthea's eye in the rearview mirror, curiosity piqued.

He nodded slightly.

This young woman was Serene Walsh, heiress of one of the top ten elite families, the Walsh family.

The Walsh and Peterson families had been close for years. When Old Mr. Walsh extended a helping hand to Alex in his time of need, Alex never forgot it. Later, when the Walsh family fell on hard times, Alex returned the favor, ensuring their survival. Their bond remained strong.

Serene had loved Alex from the moment she first laid eyes on him.

No matter how many times Alex told her he couldn't reciprocate her feelings, she never backed down.

For a decade, she stood quietly by his side.

It didn't matter if he didn't love her.

What mattered was that she loved him.

Love can make a person humble enough to be content with the smallest gestures.

She could be happy for an entire day just from one of Alex's smiles.

Or be downcast for a day from a single glance.