Chapter 25
Following Camilla to the hospital, Stella finally saw Alaric lying on the bed, barely clinging to life.
“Mr. Gilbert has decided to leave all his assets and properties to Miss Jenna Somers…”
The memory from her previous life flashed through her mind, but this time she was struck by how different Alaric looked. His body seemed so frail, so diminished.
Camilla spoke through tears: “After you left, he drove himself into the ground. Nothing but work, day and night. We couldn’t get him to stop.
“His body couldn’t withstand that kind of abuse. They recently diagnosed him with late–stage
cancer.”
A person’s health is inextricably linked to genetics, diet, lifestyle
and emotional state.
After Stella’s departure, Alaric had fallen into despair. He’d punished his body mercilessly through overwork and neglect, ultimately sacrificing his health.
Stella looked at Alaric on the hospital bed. He gave her a bitter smile.
“You actually came back,” he whispered. “You know, I had planned to say that since I failed you for twenty years in our past life, I would wait twenty years for you in this one.”
“But it seems I have to leave before my waiting is done.”
“Stella, after everything… Lould you forgive me? Would you give me one more chance?”
Stella stared at the wasted man on the bed, hesitating for a long moment before finally speaking: “I
forgive you.
Alaric’s eyes darkened.
She had forgiven him, but hadn’t mentioned giving him another chance.
The message was unmistakable. Even facing a dying man, she wouldn’t offer false comfort.
Alaric closed his eyes in grief.
This was his karma, after all.
“In the next life…” he murmured, “a truly you right…”
new life, with no memes of the past… I promise I’ll treat
With those words, he finally closed his eyes.
