Chapter 42 Alone in the Rain The little girl who once hid in the shadows , watching other people's happiness , was no longer the one abandoned . Mom , you'd be proud of me now . She smiled quietly to herself . At the cemetery , Wilson and Lottie saw their sons carrying Lydia . They rushed to open the car door for them . " Where's Claudia ? " Lottie asked . Clarence's face was cold . " Don't worry about her . Let her stay there and think about what she's done . " Lottie hesitated , but Lydia let out a cry of pain . Lottie hardened her heart . " Let's go . We need to take Lydia to the hospital . " Wilson glanced back at the faint figure standing in the rain near the grave . He sighed , frowning . " Let's go ." The two cars sped off into the storm . The cemetery was remote , and today's heavy rain kept everyone else away . No one came to pay respects except the Lancasters . The whole place was silent , except for the rain and Claudia's breathing . She stood before the headstone , staring at the smiling woman in the photo . She let the rain soak her face and sank into her chest . " Is this my punishment ? " But wasn't Grandma your family too ? Why ? " Take my life instead ; would that make it right ? " She was shivering from the cold , yet her body burned . Her words grew jumbled , almost like delirium . Claudia felt like a lonely boat floating alone on the endless sea , waiting to rot and sink , 1/3 forgotten. When Claudia finally collapsed , a black umbrella opened above her . Strong arms caught her before she hit the ground . That boat was lifted out of the water . " Claudia , let's go home ." The man's sharp features were softened by the rain . He spoke in a low , gentle tone . She let herself sink into his arms . Jasper had been restless since morning . He paced the living room a dozen times before finally grabbing his car keys . Even though Claudia had deliberately provoked him last time , leading her neighbor to almost hand him over to the cops , today was too important . He couldn't let her face it alone . As he was leaving , he suddenly stopped , remembered something important , and returned to his room . He opened a small box - the gift he had carefully chosen for her . All these years , ever since Zoey's death , the family has avoided Claudia's birthday . Only Jasper would sneak her out on this day , take her somewhere fun , and celebrate in secret . But for the past two years , he had missed it - because this day was also Lydia's day of grief . This year , he didn't want to miss it again . Just as he reached the door , his mother , Sylvia Fenton , stopped him . Without listening to his urgency , she pulled him into the study . " Your grandfather's birthday is coming . I picked some gifts . Help me decide . " " Mom , I have something to do . I'll look later . " Her face darkened . " What's more urgent than your grandfather's birthday gift ? " She grew angry at his impatience . " They're at the cemetery . What does that have to do with you ? You're just an outsider . And if you celebrate Claudia's birthday , how do you think Lydia will feel ? " Jasper's jaw tightened , his voice rising . " Then what about Claudia ? We've known each other 20 2/3 Chapter 42 Alone in the Kam years , and because of Lydia , I've already broken my promise to her twice . " STARTSEITE Sylvia snorted . " You're not going . Tell me - if Lydia and Claudia fight , who will you stand with ? " " I'll stand with Claudia , of course . " Sylvia said nothing , only staring at him with knowing eyes . Under that sharp gaze , Jasper remembered all the times he had stood against Claudia lately , pushing her further and further away . His breath caught in his chest . Sylvia patted his hand . " Listen . If you can't make up your mind , then stay out of it . Don't show up when both of them are there , or you'll lose them both . " Send Gifts 10 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!