Spoiled (Lily)

Chapter 1501 Will She Be Lonely There?

A sense of foreboding filled Bettany's heart as she gazed out at the swirling snow. Memories came

rushing back—of the first heavy snowfall when Lilly almost lost her life in the Hatcher Mansion, the

second time Lilly disappeared during a snowstorm, and the third time when Cloud couldn't return.

Bettany couldn't shake the thought and muttered, Is it Anthony this time? Panic surged within her, and

she involuntarily stood up.

The sound of the car engine outside ceased. Wrapped in a thick mink shawl, she pushed open the door

and fixed her gaze on the car.

Lilly was the first to step out, extending her hand to help Anthony out of the car.

Bettany sighed in relief, but her heart quickly tightened again. She wondered where Lisa was. If Lisa

had also returned, Anthony would have been the first person to exit the car. He would have assisted

Lilly and then Lisa. However, the current situation seemed different.

While observing Lilly guide a dejected Anthony inside, Bettany came to a realization. Her legs gave

way, and she had to lean on the door frame for support.

"Mom," Quinnie softly called, supporting Bettany's arm.

Bettany held onto Quinnie's hand tightly, tears welling up in her eyes. "Quinnie..."

Once, she had many daughters-in-law, but now only one remained. She knew that Lisa would leave; it

was only a matter of time. She just didn't expect it to be on such a snowy day, with Christmas just

around the corner.

Bettany looked forward to it year after year, anticipating a big family reunion on this day. She welcomed

and accepted everyone, whether they were supposed to come or not, but she could never accept

parting.

She watched Anthony enter, observed the disheveled state of his beard, and gently reached out to

touch his chin. "Anthony, you must be tired. What would you like to eat? I'll cook it for you..."

His lips twitched as he surveyed his family members. When the car had just stopped at the door, he

had heard the warmth and liveliness inside the mansion. But now, all eyes were on him.

At that moment, Matthan pretended to play with Riley, but he kept glancing over.

"I'm fine," Anthony forced a smile. "Mom, Lisa got delayed and won't be back for Christmas this year..."

Before Bettany could say anything, he quickly added, "I'm going to take a shower first. I've been in the

mountains for several days, and I smell." He laughed, ruffled Matthan's hair as he passed by, and

silently went upstairs.

Edward came down from upstairs and said, "Anthony..."

Josh also stuttered and said, "Dad..."

Anthony didn't respond, and he just went straight to his room.

Lilly whispered, "Grandma, is dinner ready? It smells so good..."

The festive aroma of Christmas dishes—chicken, duck, fish, and meat—filled the air, blending

seamlessly with the sounds of fireworks and prayers. This deep yearning, engraved in thousands of

years of civilization, carried a sense of longing. Yet, despite the sorrow, returning to the harbor always

provided the strength to embark anew.

Lilly went upstairs and gently pushed open Anthony's door. The sound of running water came from the

bathroom, and steam filled the air. She sat on the couch and waited quietly.

After what felt like an eternity, perhaps knowing that everyone was waiting for him, he finally emerged.

She stood up and said, "Uncle Anthony, Grandma asked me to call you for dinner."

He hummed in response, seemingly regaining his usual calm and composed demeanor. He smiled and

replied, "Lilly, you go down first. I will be right there." Then, he wiped the water droplets from his hair.

Lilly pursed her lips before saying, "Uncle Anthony, Aunt Lisa has likely gone to the Nether. It's the

deepest part of hell, completely separate from the mortal world or the netherworld. It's a place where

no human or ghost can reach..."

Anthony paused, then said softly, "Okay, I understand."

She continued, "If you go there in the future, you will become a ghost and won't be able to reach the

Nether either. Uncle Anthony, please take care of yourself..."

He remained silent. Putting aside the towel he was using to dry his hair, he put on a thicker robe and

buttoned it up.

She took hold of his hand and pleaded, "Uncle Anthony..." She didn't want to see him forcing a smile,

nor did she want to witness him hiding everything in his heart, as it would drive him insane.

Suddenly, he embraced her, burying his head on her shoulder. His whole body trembled, but she only

felt her shoulder getting wet.

His voice choked with sobs as he said, "Lilly... I... I just miss Lisa a little. Will she be alright there? Will

she be alone? Will she feel lonely..."

The muffled sobs of Anthony could be heard. They were not very distinct, and it even made one

question whether he was crying or simply speaking.

Lilly felt a deep sorrow in her heart when she saw him like this. Since she was a little girl, he had been

a strong, towering figure, supporting the entire Crawford family. Reаd at

Whenever her other uncles encountered difficulties, they would call out "Anthony." He would sternly

lecture his brothers while simultaneously solving their problems efficiently and effectively.

Still, she had never imagined that Anthony could cry, could feel pain, could appear so lost and

distraught.

He was taken aback by this and raised his head.