Chapter 1618 Death And Burial
The duke did not rush to answer Nicole. Instead, he took a few sips of his tea before explaining the matter.
It turned out that Portia had been living with her family for the past two years. Three months ago, the duke had suddenly received news that she had drowned after falling into a lake.
At the same time, there were rumors that Portia was too bad-tempered and stubborn, leading to quarrels and disputes with her brother and sister-in-law. For that reason, she had become depressed and drowned herself in the lake.
Some also said that her brother and sister-in-law had done something to shame her. Portia had sacrificed herself for her family for years and finally realized that her sacrifices were in vain. And because of that, she had grown depressed and drowned herself in the lake. Moreover, the duke heard that Portia had a big row with her brother and sister-in-law before her death. The Ankins family was embarrassed by what had happened, so they kept everything to themselves.
Therefore, no one knew the truth behind Portia’s drowning.
Although Evan and Nicole both disliked Portia, they were still a little sad to hear about her sudden passing.
It was disheartening to know someone died this way in her old age.
“Dad, where did they bury her?” Nicole asked.
Her father’s expression immediately turned solemn. “The Ankins family reported her passing to me. We had divorced before her death. Seeing that we had lived together for many years, I bought her a burial plot.”
“What? The Ankins family was not even willing to pay for her burial?” Nicole was shocked.
The duke sighed and said, “Yes, that is why I believe the rumors that she drowned herself because she had a hard time when staying with her family.”
“Ha! If she could return from the dead, I wonder if she would regret all that she did before. She had done everything for the sake of her family. I heard that when she left, she even took away many things from the estate, including your saving and some jewelry…” Nicole said.
Nicole suddenly remembered Gillian Snow, a character in a novel by Camina Larson. After her divorce, Gillian received a substantial divorce settlement which she gave freely to her family. However, once her family finished spending her money, Gillian finally realized how heartless they were. They quickly turned on her and were cruel to her.
“I believe she regretted what she did before her death. Sometimes, it is hard for people to see the true nature of their loved ones until the end of their lives. That’s enough. Let’s not talk about Portia anymore. I want to speak to you on an important matter,” said the duke solemnly.
Nicole wondered what her father wanted to say.
“When I bought the grave site for Portia, I also considered myself. Nicole, when I’m dead, can you bury me with your mother? We were never able to get married while she was alive. Therefore, I wish to rest with her in death. That way, I can keep her company, and she will not be alone.”
Nicole could not help feeling sad when he mentioned her mother, Rosalie.
Mom had a tragic life. If she knew that Dad wanted to be buried with her, she would be happy, right?
“Dad, I understand, but you are still healthy. I’m sure that you can live for a few more decades, so you should not talk about this,” Nicole said.
“Still, I think it is better to discuss this with you earlier. You are my only child. Please bury me with your mother, and I’ll leave this estate to you. All I have will be yours,” her father said.
“Dad, I don’t want anything from you. Please live well. I firmly believe you shall live for a few more decades and reach a hundred years old!” Nicole insisted.
Right after she had spoken, she saw a woman walking in with dirt-covered hands.
“Oh, there’re guests?” the woman asked with a clear voice and stood watching them from nearby.
“Avril?” Nicole looked at her in surprise. She was Murphy’s daughter and Levant’s sister. She used to try to woo the duke.
Is she here to woo him again?
