Chapter 6

"Eleanor, I heard about you and Arthur. That ungrateful son—I'll skin him when he gets back!"

"We're deeply sorry about this, but the dead can't return. I hope you can find a way to move on soon."

Arthur's father spoke in a low voice, laced with anger and grief.

"I understand," I replied quietly.

"Also... I heard you're divorcing Arthur?" He hesitated, letting out a heavy sigh. "I know he's terribly wrong, but... have you really made up your mind?"

"Yes," I said, my voice firm. "It's a promise I made to my daughter. How could she rest in peace otherwise?"

He fell silent for a moment before speaking again. "Please, just wait a bit. At least until all the services and arrangements are finalized."

I thought it over, then finally nodded. "Fine. You have my word."

***

Three days after her death, I brought her belongings to the cemetery.

In the pale light of dawn, a disheveled, haggard man was sitting by her grave.

"Eleanor, you're here..."

Seeing me, Arthur stood up, offering a placating look.

I frowned and looked away. Every time I saw his face, the memory of her pained expression from that day came rushing back. For the past few nights, I had tossed and turned, constantly waking up from dreams of my little girl's smiling face. But when I opened my eyes, there was nothing but emptiness.

Ignoring him, I walked over to her grave and began setting down her things.

"Let me help..." He stepped forward, reaching out.

"Stay away! Don't touch me!" I shouted, glaring at him.

My gaze was entirely devoid of emotion. I could feel the absolute lifelessness in my own eyes. She had been my everything, and now, everything was gone.

Arthur's arm froze in mid-air. Faced with my unmasked disgust, he flinched, a sharp pain flashing across his features. His expression shifted from hurt to utter desolation as he awkwardly pulled his hand back, wiping it against his clothes.

"I... I understand. I won't touch you."

I ignored him and went back to arranging her grave. Arthur stood there in silence, just watching.

As the morning wore on and the sun rose higher, I finally stood up. A sudden wave of dizziness hit me hard, and I swayed, nearly collapsing.

"Careful!"

Unable to hide his concern, he ignored my icy glare and caught me from behind. My cold stare made him flinch, but the worry in his eyes remained.

"You've lost weight..."

"You don't love me, so why bother?" I threw off his hands, tilting my head to mock him. "Are you just afraid people might talk? Arthur, you're pathetic. Even if I fell, cracked my skull, and died right here, I wouldn't want your pity."

He didn't back down at my scorn. "I know you're angry. I'll make you forgive me."

His earnest tone made me laugh bitterly. Did he actually think this was a game?

"You're hopeless."

I turned and started walking away.

"I'll drive you."

"No need."

From that day on, he started bringing hot meals every day. He brought flowers and expensive cosmetics. Each time, I coldly refused, shutting the door in his face.

"Eleanor, I stayed up all night making this. You love chicken soup, right?"

I opened the door and deliberately knocked the bowl from his hands. The soup spilled everywhere, its rich aroma filling the hallway.

I offered a faint smile. "Save it for Vanessa. I'm not worthy of it."

He stood rigid, clutching his scalded fingers. "Why? You used to love me. Why did you change?"

I laughed at the sheer irony of his question. "So you expect me to come running whenever you call, and quietly disappear the moment you don't want me around?"

"Sorry, but I'm not your dog, coming and going at your whim."