Chapter 478: Martha Left You a Letter

After what felt like an eternity, Cecilia finally spoke. "Nathaniel, the New Year is almost upon us."

"Yeah."

"Martha has left us."

Cecilia clung tightly to Nathaniel's clothes. He held her close. He wasn't good at comforting others, but he kissed her forehead. Cecilia thought her tears were spent, but she broke down again, weeping uncontrollably.

"It's all my fault," she sobbed. "If it weren't for me, she wouldn't have gone to find Paula, let alone…"

"Martha left you a letter," Nathaniel said softly. "Wanda brought it over."

Cecilia looked up. "Where is it?"

Nathaniel rose, opened the bedside drawer, and handed her the letter. She quickly opened it. A few short lines met her eyes:

Ceci, by the time you read this, I'm gone. Please don't be sad. This is my fate. Do you remember what I told you? Everyone ages, and we all die. So, I'm not afraid. I only wanted to do something for you before I left. The doctor said I don't have long. I know I can't beat Paula, so the only way is to send her to prison. That way, she won't bully you anymore. Finally, please don't resent me for calling myself your mother. I've always considered you my daughter. This once, let me set aside my pride. If there's a next life, let's be mother and daughter, alright?

Cecilia reread the letter, feeling her heart break. "So that's how it is." She understood Martha's intentions. The letter revealed the truth. Martha had hoped that if Cecilia didn't want Paula jailed, she could simply present the letter. Cecilia wouldn't have to bear resentment over her death.

Cecilia clutched the letter. "Nathaniel, my heart hurts. So badly."

"Everything will get better," he comforted her.

The day after Martha's passing, news reports announced that Paula, after retiring from dancing, had been arrested for intentionally causing a fatal injury. Evans Group's stocks also plummeted. Cecilia, preoccupied with Martha's funeral, hadn't followed the news.

Martha had always been alone, with few relatives or close friends. She preferred solitude to social gatherings. Cecilia only invited a few friends who often spoke with Martha.

Heavy snow fell on the day of the funeral. Clad simply, Cecilia led the procession, carrying Martha's photo and urn. Elliot and Nathaniel followed. At the cemetery, Cecilia watched as Martha was laid to rest, her grave quickly covered in snow.

Afterward, Martha's friends offered condolences. Cecilia then asked Elliot and Nathaniel to leave, wanting a few final moments with Martha. Understanding her need for time, they departed.

Cecilia stood silently before the tombstone, letting the snow fall on her, seemingly unfazed by the cold.

"Mom, why were you so foolish? Why didn't you tell me sooner? I feel so guilty. Why didn't I stay by your side and protect you?"

Lost in her grief, she didn't notice the passage of time until snow dusted her hair white and her face was a bluish-purple. Suddenly, a large umbrella appeared above her.

She looked up and saw a man in a black coat, his expression aloof yet kind.

"Why are you standing here alone in the snow? Martha would worry," Nicholas said gently.