As Eleanor alighted from the car and beheld the dimly lit mansion, she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the palpable loneliness that seemed to envelop Liana. Liana had no servants, no family, only her own solitary self.
The aunt she had considered her closest kin, who she had believed cared for her the most, had merely exploited her as a pawn. The man she was convinced she should despise the most turned out to harbor a deep love for her. His name was Tyler.
Betrayed by her nearest confidante and having extinguished the life of the man who harbored deep love for her, amidst such despair, could she still perceive the love of those around her?
Eleanor was fraught with concern. Turning to Bernard, she inquired, "Darling, can I bring Nina and Hailey to accompany Liana tomorrow?"
Bernard gently squeezed her hand, nodding in agreement, "Liana appears to be struggling. Ensure to monitor her emotional state."
Being ill at ease with female company, he had no choice but to entrust this task to Eleanor, in the hope that Liana would realize there were still things in this world worth living for.
Eleanor thought for a moment, then held Bernard's hand against her heart, asking coquettishly, "Can I stay at Liana's place?"
Looking tenderly at Eleanor, Bernard asked, "How long are you planning to stay?"
Eleanor replied, "...for a while." She would decide how long depending on the situation.
Bernard gently touched her forehead, saying, "No can do."
Eleanor, thick-skinned as ever, tried again, "Darling, I'll do anything you ask next time, just agree..."
Bernard stubbornly refused, "Hailey or Nina can stay at Liana's, but you, absolutely not."
They were already married. Did she expect him to be home alone? No way.
Seeing Bernard's steadfastness, Eleanor gave up, huffed, let go of his hand and looked out the car window.
Her pouting expression made Bernard chuckle.
In the early morning, Liana was the first one up, sitting on the beach watching the sunrise. She imagined whether Tyler's ashes were scattered in the sea at dawn or dusk.
Eleanor looked at Liana's lonely figure from behind the curtain. Seagulls occasionally flew by, the breeze tossed Liana's long hair and skirt.
Watching Liana's figure, Eleanor thought it was the most beautiful scene in the world, but also one she couldn't hold onto. The thought made Eleanor very uneasy.
She couldn't help but treat Liana extra well, thinking that if she made her feel warm, Liana would have something worth remembering. But she overlooked that it's hard to keep someone with mental issues.
At that time, Eleanor only felt uneasy and didn't think further. Especially when she saw Liana running and laughing on the beach with Nina, she thought Liana just needed some time out and would get better.
Liana did seem very happy. She took a lot of photos with Nina, and also with Eleanor and Hailey. The photos and videos were full of smiles, even someone as attentive as Eleanor didn't notice, not to mention Hailey.
Everyone thought she was better. After all, when the trip ended, Liana went back to work as usual.
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