Chapter 171
Chapter 171 Old Scars
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“Right, ler’s go” Edward ruded Arabella above anyone else. If the said it was okay, then it definitely was.
Arabella led Edward to the parking lot. He saw her car but didn’t ask any questions. They got in together and set off for the coast.
“Edward, has anyone from home called you lately? Arabella asked, making casual conversation as she drove.
“No, not since that last incident. No one from the family has called or visited the hospital” A hint of lingering sadness colored Edward’s tone when he mentioned the Macdonald family. After all, he was still a Macdonald. Being this distant from them didn’t feel right.
Hearing that the Macdonalds hadn’t been bothering Edward, Arabella felt a wave of relief. But she also picked up on the disappointment in his voice.
She comforted him, “Don’t overthink it. They must just be busy. The whole family has to make a living; someone has to shoulder the responsibilities. With you not at home, things might actually run a little smoother for them.”
“Yeah, you’re right. With me gone, the household expenses are probably lighter. Edward said, his words carrying a deeper meaning.
“Don’t think of it that way. That’s not what I meant at all. I meant…” Arabella tried to explain. but Edward gently cut her off.
“No need to explain. I understand what you meant. And I’m not overthinking it.”
“It’s just… all my hospital bills are being covered by you now. Even though it eases the family’s burden, it’s putting pressure on you.” What Edward felt most guilty about was Arabella. He hated the thought of his dear sister having to work harder because of him.
They had grown up together, and he had always cherished her. Now, not only had the Macdonalds cast her out, but his illness was weighing her down. The guilt was immense.
“Edward, if you keep talking like that, I won’t take you to the beach anymore,” Arabella said, feigning displeasure.
“We grew up together. To me, you’ll always be my real brother. No more talk of pressure‘ or ‘burden, okay?
“Seeing you get your health back makes me genuinely happy. I don’t feel burdened at all. But when you say things like that, that’s what makes me feel pressured.
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+79 Frew Cons
“Can you promise not to say those things anymore?” Arabella pretended to look stern.
“Alright, alright, I won’t. Don’t be upset. When we get to the beach, I’ll buy you ice cream, okay?” Edward set aside his guilt for the moment and looked at her with the same doting eyes from their childhood.
“That’s more like it. And I want two ice creams,” Arabella finally smiled, playing up the spoiled–sister act.
“Sure, I’ll buy you as many as you want,” Edward said with a warm laugh.
“Good, you can’t back out later.” Arabella stuck out her tongue playfully.
Watching her act cute, Edward’s eyes filled with affectionate amusement. Even with the internal pressure he felt, time spent with Arabella was always joyful.
Sitting in the car now, looking at her beside him, he felt transported back to their childhood -except back then they were in the backseat, and he would always save his ice cream for her.
Usually, by the time Arabella finished hers, the one in his hand would have melted, so neither really got to enjoy it properly. But they’d still look at each other and burst into helpless giggles.
Soon, Arabella pulled up at the beachfront.
“We’re here,” she said, parking the car.
Edward got out and looked at the expanse of sea in the distance, taking a deep, appreciative breath. “Feels so familiar… and yet strange.”
Arabella stood beside him. “We haven’t been here since you got sick.”
“It’s been years, hasn’t it?”
“Yeah, years. This place has changed so much.”
“I remember there weren’t nearly this many shops before, just a few little stalls selling trinkets. Now they’re all proper stores. Everything looks so much more developed.” Edward glanced around at the unfamiliar yet nostalgic surroundings.
“Yeah, it’s much more built up now. Lots of little boutiques, selling all sorts of things.” As they chatted, they started walking along the promenade.
Suddenly, Arabella spotted an ice cream parlor up ahead. Her face broke into a wide grin. “Edward, look! An ice cream shop. You promised me two, remember?”
“Let’s go.
I’ll buy them for you right now,” Edward smiled fondly and led Arabella to the shop.
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“We’ll have two ice creams, please, Edward said to the server.
“Edward, why only two? Aren’t you having one? Arabella asked, confused.
‘I’ll pass. I’m on daily medication now; too much cold stuff might interfere. You go ahead,” Edward said gently.
“Once won’t make a difference. Excuse me, make that three ice creams, please Arabella called out to the server.
“Sure thing! Have a seat, they’ll be right up, the server replied cheerfully.
“Okay.” Arabella and Edward sat down on a nearby bench to wait.
“Arabella, how is Mr. Stewart doing? After you treated him last time, I mean, Edward struck up a new thread of conversation
“He had some stomach issues. It wasn’t serious initially, but he didn’t follow my advice and kept drinking coffee. It’s gotten a bit worse nowArabella replied offhandedly.
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