The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1232

The entire congregation was swept up in their grief, tears glistening in their eyes as they watched the casket being lowered, and the gravestone being set.

"Please, everyone, bow to the departed three times."

The officiant's words prompted everyone to bow their heads, time and time again, bidding their final farewell.

With the heavy snowfall, the world turned white.

Celeste knelt on the snowy ground, clutching the gravestone, unwilling to leave. Alger knelt beside her, staring at their daughter's portrait on the stone, weeping bitterly.

The Temple family relatives couldn't persuade them to leave, so they thanked the guests on their behalf.

The guests left in an orderly manner.

Kenneth and Louisa wanted to stay longer with them.

Clark watched the two kneeling figures from a distance. They seemed to have aged twenty years in an instant, their backs hunched as if crushed by their grief.

"Crystal, I promise to take good care of your parents and ensure their safety," Clark said, looking at Crystal's photo on the gravestone, his eyes welling up with tears. "I'm sorry. I'm truly sorry."

Crystal's portrait on the gravestone smiled brilliantly as always.

Seeing Clark standing in the snow for a long time, like a statue, Arabella couldn't help but approach him. "Clark, let's go. Let them stay with Crystal a bit longer."

There was no use staying. Alger and Celeste just wanted to be alone with their daughter.

All the apologies and guilt were futile.

"Okay."