Chapter: 902

Suddenly, Bethany turned and saw Jayson standing nearby, clad in white and holding a white towel.

"Jayson?"

He seemed surprised to see her but approached nonetheless.

"I didn't know you would be here. If I had, I might not have come."

He smiled gently and began to carefully wipe down Marie's tombstone.

It was clear that among all the tombstones, Marie's was the most tended to, consistently kept in pristine condition.

"You come here often?" Bethany asked. He Looked Like he worked there.

“Whenever I have some free time." Jayson finished up with the tombstone before attending to the surrounding grass.

Bethany felt a pang of guilt. As Marie's daughter, she hadn't tended to the grave herself; Jayson had taken up that responsibility.

"Jayson, thank you."

"It's okay." Raising his eyebrows slightly, he folded the towel and tucked it away. “Your mom always liked me, and I admired her resilient spirit. It's really nothing to do with you, so no need for thanks."

“Jayson, I..."

"You don't have to say anything." Jayson cut her off. "Don't burden yourself with guilt. I'm doing this willingly. In fact, I owe your mom thanks. When I'm feeling down, talking to her here helps me cope."

Bethany looked down. "You really shouldn't have to do this. Jayson, I can't offer you anything in return."

"What do I want from you?"

Bethany felt helpless.

"I want nothing from you now," Jayson said, his tone tinged with self-mockery and solitude. “Please don't take away this last piece of solace. You can't be that cruel to me."

He had compromised, doing his best to restrain himself. He even limited his calls to just a few. What more could he do?

Bethany kept her head down, remaining silent. She knew that words would be futile.

He had persisted for so many years. If he had heeded her advice, he wouldn't be here now.

“I won't disturb you. Have your time with your mother. I'll put the towel in the locker and wait for you outside," Jayson said.

"Okay."

Bethany nodded, watching as Jayson walked away, his figure shrinking in the distance until he disappeared.

She placed flowers in front of the tombstone and sat down beside it.