The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 364

Lavinia lowered her eyes and said softly, "Judith, this is my mother's old dress. She sewed it herself. It's the one she wore on her wedding day."

Judith was stunned for a long moment, murky tears gradually welling up in her eyes.

The elderly woman's rough hand reached out to caress Lavinia's face.

"Good. That's wonderful," the older woman said, tears swirling in her eyes, though she refused to let them fall.

Watching the scene, Charley felt a weight settle in his chest.

What Judith was seeing right now wasn't just her biological granddaughter, but also her own daughter.

A daughter is a mother's greatest treasure, yet she had never gotten to see her daughter grow up, never gotten to see her off on her wedding day. In this moment, the greatest regret of her life was finally, slightly, mended.

A daughter is a mother's greatest treasure, yet she had never gotten to see her daughter grow up, never gotten to see her off on her wedding day.

In this moment, the regret was somewhat laid to rest.

Julian stepped forward and gently reminded them, "Judith, it's almost time. We should head to the ancestral hall."

"Alright," Judith said, standing up with Lavinia's support. "Let's go."

***

The Ancestor Recognition Ceremony was presided over by Geoffrey Gilmore, the head of the family.

The older gentleman had traveled all the way from Marina Island specifically for this event. Not only had he come, but he'd also brought his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren.

The ceremony was simple yet solemn.

In the main hall of the ancestral shrine, offerings were placed on the altar. Lavinia offered three sticks of incense to the ancestors and bowed three times.

The family patriarch, Geoffrey, read the ceremonial address aloud, praying for the ancestors to bless the family's granddaughter with a safe and smooth life. After the rites were completed, Geoffrey took a brush and neatly added the name "Lavinia Gilmore" beneath Judith's lineage.

The ceremony concluded in less than an hour. Following that was the joyous tradition of distributing the roasted pig.

Geoffrey happily handed out pieces of the roasted pig used in the offering to the relatives and friends who attended, making sure to give Lavinia the largest piece.

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