Chapter 15 Sunrise

Clarence probably felt his heart break as his eyes turned red-rimmed. "I don't want to raise a family."

I said nothing more and coaxed him into signing the papers. Then, I told him to get a checkup once every six months. After that day, I refused to see Clarence. I told the butler to take him back to the Ashington manor, where he could continue his studies.

I returned to Ashington as well, but I didn't go home. My life was coming to an end, and I didn't want Clarence to see this hideous side of me. Once my business was in order, I felt… empty inside.

I spent all day sitting, wondering what I should do. The butler couldn't take it anymore, and he suggested we go for a walk, or we could summon Clarence again. He said Clarence had fallen ill and demanded to see me.

I refused his latter idea and asked him to take me to the beach. The east coast stretched as far as the eye could see, and its sunset was always glorious to behold.

"It's late, madam. Let's go home."

I said quietly, "You