Ian hesitated, his unease was still lingering, but eventually he nodded and said, "Then I’ll take the day off tomorrow and go with you."
"There's no need. You should focus on work and spend time with Rea. I’ve grown up now. I can’t keep clinging to you and being a burden. I’ll handle these things on my own in the future."
She meant every word she had just said.
However, there was a flicker of surprise in Ian's eyes. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but Clara had already turned and walked away.
Watching her retreating figure, he murmured under his breath, "You were never a burden to me."
The next day, Clara visited Mrs. Cumberland grave alone. She carefully wiped the dust from the tombstone, placed a bouquet of fresh flowers that she had bought at its base.
Gazing at the gentle face in the photo, her heart twisted painfully. She went closer and sat next to the tombstone.
"Mrs. Cumberland, this will probably be my last visit. I wonder if you’d blame me for being so reckless, trading my soul for these seven extra days."