Better Late, But Never His Again novel Chapter 142

As the letter unfolded, her mentor's handwriting leaped off the page.

"Hazel."

Hazel gripped the paper tight, her knuckles turning white.

"By the time you read this, I will have already passed. I'm writing this from my hospital bed with trembling hands. Ultimately, I just can't bear to leave you and Queenie. I know how much you'll miss me, just as I will miss both of you."

Her gaze moved down the lines, her breathing growing shallow, as if afraid a sudden movement might shatter the moment.

"You probably think I blame you, but I never did. I understood the choice you made, and I respected it. My only concern was always you—worrying that if someone ever bullied my Hazel, I wouldn't be there to stand up for you.

I was so worried you would shed tears thinking I blamed you, but once you read this, you'll know the truth. The only thing I blame is myself for leaving too soon, for not being able to spend more time with you and Queenie."

The handwriting turned erratic in the following lines, the pen strokes alternating between heavy pressure and faint trails.

Queenie had mentioned that he was constantly waking up in agonizing pain toward the end. He must have been writing this while battling excruciating agony, his hand trembling, forcing himself to pause and catch his breath after every single word just to finish the message.

Tears slipped down Hazel's cheeks. She hurriedly held the letter further away, terrified her tears would smudge the ink.

She carefully folded the pages and tucked them back into the envelope, handling it like a fragile treasure.

"Mr. Thornton, I'll get back to work."

She turned and practically ran out the door.

A brief silence fell over the office.

Evelyn stood awkwardly, unsure whether to leave or stay. She glanced at Marcus and forced a stiff smile.

"I should get back to work too, Mr. Thornton."

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