Until the funeral ended, Abella remained in place like a shadow.
People confronted her, saying that she was a devil because her back was upright and she did not shed a drop of tears.
It had taken Abella a month and a half to return to Timur upon leaving Vincent.
Her tear glands had dried up; she’d cried for a long time until she could no longer shed tears. But people only believed what they could see. She knew that no matter what excuses she came up with, it would not be heard by those who’d already decreed her a villain.
Besides, when she considered what could be done in the future, it might be better for her to not make any excuses.
Abella stared blankly at the tombstone.
Being the ‘brightest’ wasn’t enough to describe Carlo Amerigo.
Carlo was more dazzling than anybody else, and was a good enough man to look back at his sister, who was rejected by the people.
Carlo….
‘He can’t die like this…’
Abella swallowed her warm saliva.
Her tight throat was stuffy.
When the funeral was over, people passed by Abella.
Some spit on her, and others swore at her. They were seemingly condemning a guilty person who had left the responsibilities of the Amerigo family to Carlo, fleeing.
Abella burst into laughter.
She knew that they’d talk like this, yet she couldn’t help but laugh anyways.
Her laughter grew increasingly mad.
“As expected, she’s the evil one. How can she do that … during her brother’s funeral?”
“Her father and brother died, so why is she laughing so much?”
“She must have tormented her father and brother just like Mrs. Amerigo had spoken of. Where is that cursed woman going?”
The scarlet letters on Abella only deepened, becoming unerasable.
No one knew that Abella’s laughter was a bloody cry.
Abella fixed her hat. She wasn’t very far away from the place where Carlo’s burial had been set up, which was located right next to the Amerigo mansion. It was about ten minutes away by carriage.
She didn’t know how long it has been since she passed the threshold of the Amerigo mansion. She was alone when she left, but not alone when she came back. It was because there was a colleague who came with her to help with her work. Abella glanced at Enoch Clemington’s gesture, patting her shoulder as if comforting.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever seen you so nervous. What are you so nervous about? This is your house.”
“Well.”
Could this be called Abella’s home? No one would think so. Enoch, who did not know Abella’s mind, said peacefully.
“Don’t worry, Abella. What’s the matter?”
“Enoch, because you don’t know Timur and you don’t know Amerigo. It’s more than your imagination.”
Abella’s voice was leaking like the wind, and Enoch shrugged as if there was anything wrong.
Enoch was a dedicated lawyer who helped Abella in the textile business in Vincent. Even after Abella helped him organize and clean up the business in Vincent, he moved to Timur, saying he wanted to join her.
When Abella first suggested that Enoch come to Timur with him, it took a great deal of determination. Enoch Clemington’s foundation was not in Timur, but in Vincent. But coming to Timur meant losing everything Enoch had ever built up.
However, Enoch’s help was desperately needed to establish Abella’s position in Amerigo.
No one will listen to Abella.
Someone’s help is needed to run this large estate, but Enoch, who has an international lawyer license, would be more helpful. And surprisingly, Enoch readily accepted Abella’s offer. It’s really easy.
Abella said with a light smile.
“Thank you for coming with me.”
“What. No one pays me as much as you.”
Enoch shrugged, took off the fedora and held it in his hand.
Gains and losses.
Amerigo’s gate opened while Abella and Enoch continued their conversation.
Enoch struck Abella on the shoulder as if to wake her up. Abella began to move slowly.
It was Abella who decided to walk the long path from the gate to the front door. It was the road where she played with Carlo and their father as a child.