From Ashes to Sunrise

Only after stepping out of the auto shop did I realize my hand was still being held by Edmund Holt.

"Mr. Holt, thank you for helping me out back there." I quietly slipped my hand free.

"You're very welcome. Let's head to the coffee shop next door to discuss things." Edmund held the door open for me like a gentleman and ordered hot drinks.

"I just overheard the shop staff talking to you about the repairs. The cost has been settled, right?" I took a sip of coffee, wanting to wrap this up quickly.

Edmund waved it off casually. "It's not much money. I'll have my assistant handle the rest. I can cover the expenses myself."

I shook my head immediately. "That won't do. This was entirely my fault. No matter the amount, I have to be the one to compensate. Otherwise I won't feel right..."

"Miss Elliott, really, there's no need to worry about it." Edmund gave a faint smile. His deep eyes seemed ready to pull me in at any moment. "I heard from my assistant that you were rushing to the hospital that day because your mother was in critical condition. But earlier I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. Your mother..." He paused, his tone growing heavier. "My condolences. I hope you take good care of yourself and find a way through the pain soon."

His solemn and respectful demeanor made my eyes sting. He was the first person to show me genuine concern since my mother's passing.

I lowered my head, not wanting him to see my moment of weakness.

When I spoke again, I no longer dwelled on the money. "Thank you. Thank you for letting me leave that day, and for your kind words today."

For a second I thought I imagined it, but a trace of heartache seemed to flash through Edmund's eyes.

Suddenly Edmund pulled me toward him. Caught off guard, I fell into his arms.

The next instant came the sharp sound of a glass shattering nearby.

A server carrying hot water had slipped behind me and nearly collided straight into my back.

Edmund steadied me, then quickly released his hold. "Are you all right?"

I shook my head and thanked him again.

Until the moment we parted that day, Edmund kept reassuring me gently, urging me to find peace about my mother's passing.

I watched his lips move and suddenly understood what it truly meant to let go. My heart felt clearer than ever.

My mother's funeral was kept very simple.

The farewell hall was almost empty. Aside from the staff, only a handful of people attended, leaving the space vast and cold.

Colton arrived dressed entirely in black, a white flower pinned to his chest, faint red marks still visible on his neck.

Halfway through the service, his phone rang.

I recognized the ringtone immediately. It was the special one he had set for Shirley.

He answered quickly. Even from a distance I could hear Shirley's soft, sweet voice. "Colton, don't tire yourself out. I made soup for you. Come back soon and drink it."

Colton murmured back to her in low tones, occasionally glancing my way with obvious conflict and hesitation in his eyes.

But soon he walked over. "Mira, something urgent came up at the company. I have to go."

I didn't bother looking at him. My gaze stayed fixed on my mother's photo, where she still looked radiant, untouched by the erosion of marriage.

When I gave no response, Colton stood there a moment longer before hurrying away.

Near the end of the service, my father finally appeared.

He tossed a bunch of white chrysanthemums onto the table in front and walked off quickly, as though they were something unclean.

As he passed me, he paused just long enough to hiss a warning. "I'm telling you ahead of time. Your mother deserved what she got. If you try to use this to make trouble for Shirley or ruin her wedding, you and I are finished."

I had thought I was beyond crying over Father's words, but in the end the tears came anyway.

A handkerchief carrying the faint scent of cedar appeared in front of me. I looked up. It was Edmund.

After I returned home last time, Edmund had messaged me saying that since fate had brought us together, he wanted to attend my mother's funeral.

I hadn't wanted the service to feel too lonely, so I agreed.

But I never expected he would be the one who stayed with me until the very end.

After everything was settled, I returned to the Walton house, dragged my suitcase, and prepared to leave.

Claire found me and pressed a bank card into my hand. "Mira, in the end the Walton family owes you. There's five million here. Consider it my compensation."

I looked at her face, shadowed with guilt, and gently pushed the card back. "Claire, I appreciate the gesture, but I won't take the money. From now on I just want to live my own life."

By refusing everything from the Walton family, I could finally sever the past completely. From this moment on, Mira Elliott would be only Mira Elliott.

With that thought I stepped out of the Walton house.

Right at the entrance, a car screeched to a stop in front of me.

Colton had just come back from Shirley's place. When he saw me with the suitcase, sudden panic flashed across his face. "Mira, where are you going?"

He stepped forward, reaching for my hand, but I dodged it. He could only offer a guilty explanation. "I'm really sorry about the funeral. Shirley was waiting for me, and I didn't want to hurt you, so I used the company as an excuse."

If this had been the old me, I might have softened and given in. But now, facing him, I felt only cold indifference. "No need to explain. Colton, we're already divorced. Your life has nothing to do with me anymore."