New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex)

Chapter 27 Anniversary

The day weighed heavy on Claire's heart, a reminder of the tragedy that had changed her life forever. As she stood on the balcony, lost in her thoughts, memories of the accident and the loss of her parents flooded her mind like a relentless tide. Claire closed her eyes, trying to push back the memories that threatened to overwhelm her. The screech of tires, the shattering glass, and the sudden void that was left in her life-all of it felt as raw and painful as if it had happened yesterday. Matthew, Claire's supportive friend and her partner in crime, entered the balcony and called out to her, breaking her reverie. She turned to him, inanaging a small smile despite the tears that welled up in her eyes.

"Hey, Claire. Are you okay?" Matthew asked, his concern evident in his voice as he noticed her teary eyes.

Claire blinked, surprised by the tears that had escaped her notice. She nodded slightly, trying to compose herself.

Matthew stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her in a comforting hug. "It's okay, Claire. Everything is going to be fine."

Claire leaned into his embrace, drawing comfort from his presence. "Thank you, Matthew," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

As they pulled away, Claire felt a surge of courage to voice her feelings. "Today is the anniversary of the accident. The day I lost my parents."

"I'm so sorry, Claire. I didn't know,"

Claire shook her head slightly, offering him a reassuring smile. "It's not your fault, Matthew."

*I want to visit their grave, but I don't even know where it is," she confessed, her voice tinged with sadness.

The weight of not knowing where her parents were laid to rest weighed heavily on Claire's heart.

Matthew placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, his eyes reflecting a determination to help ease her pain. "I'll find out for you, Claire. It might take some time, but I'll do everything I can."

Claire nodded gratefully, touched by his gesture of support. As Matthew stepped back into the balcony, Claire watched him make a phone call.

She just wish Matthew can help her find her parents grave.

As evening settled in, Matthew found Claire sitting on the couch lost in her thoughts. He approached her with a serious expression.

"Claire, I found your parents' grave," he said softly, his words breaking the silence

Claire's eyes widened in disbelief, and she jumped up from the couch. "You did? Are you sure?" she asked, a mix of hope and doubt in

her voice.

Matthew nodded; his expression solemn. "It's quite far from the city. If we want to get there before dark, we should leave now." Without hesitation, Claire sprang into action, her heart racing with anticipation. She quickly changed into all black attire, a sign of respect for the occasion. "Let's go," she said determinedly, her voice steady despite the emotions swirling inside her.

"Can we stop at the florist? I wanted to buy mum's favorite flower."

"Of course."

This time, it was just the two of them, as Claire opted not to use her driver, wanting this moment to be private and personal. They passed by the florist, and Claire carefully selected her mother's favorite flowers, lilies. The car ride was long, the silence occasionally broken by the soft hum of the engine. Around 4 in the afternoon, they finally arrived at the graveyard.

The scene that greeted them was disheartening. The graveyard appeared unattended, eerie in its neglect and disorder. Claire couldn't fathom that her parents were buried in such a place. But she pushed aside those thoughts for the moment, her focus solely on finding their graves.

"Don't worry Claire, we will find them."

With determination in her eyes, Claire and Matthew began to search, scanning the rows of graves covered in dirt and dust. It was a daunting task, but Claire refused to give up. After about 30 minutes of searching, they finally located her parents' grave.

Claire's heart clenched as she saw the condition of the grave. Tears welled up in her eyes, streaming down her cheeks unchecked. She didn't care about being loud or composed; her grief and guilt poured out in raw emotion.

"It's all my fault," Claire sobbed, her voice choked with so

sorrow. "If only I hadn't asked them to go on that road trip.

Matthew placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, his own eyes reflecting empathy and understanding.

"Hey, hry, Claire, it's not your fault," he said gently but firmly. "What happened has happened, and blaming yourself won't change that they're gode.

Claire leaned into Matthew's embrace, letting herself be vulnerable for once.

"I know, I just can't help but think if only I didn't force them to go with me."

"You didn't force them, Claire. Your parents wanted to go with you because they want to spend time with their daughter, and I know they did not regret a single thing."

The cemetery was quiet, save for the soft rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. Claire stood by her parents' grave; a bouquet of flowers clasped in her hands.

She carefully placed the flowers down, her expression a mix of sorrow and relief. Tears had streaked her cheeks earlier, but now they had dried, leaving behind a sense of calm. Matthew watched her with concern etched on his features.

"Are you okay, Claire?" he asked softly, his voice filled with genuine worry.

Claire sniffled and wiped her eyes, offering Matthew a small, grateful smile. "I feel slightly better now, Matthew. It's comforting to know where they rest even in a place like this."

As they stood there, Claire's thoughts turned to practical matters. "Matthew, I want you to arrange to have my parents' grave moved to a better location," she instructed, her tone decisive. "Somewhere closer to the city, where it's more accessible. They deserve to have a much better place to rest not thisConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Matthew nodded, taking note of Claire's wishes. "Of course, Claire. I'll make the arrangements right away. Should I do it discreetly?" Claire nodded, her gaze thoughtful. "Yes, please. Let's keep this incognito for now. I don't want anyone knowing" "Consider it done."

As they turned to leave the cemetery, Matthew couldn't help but broach another topic that weighed on both their minds.

"Have you made any progress in finding out who caused the accident?" he asked.

Claire shook her head, her brow furrowing slightly. "Not yet, Matthew. I have my suspicions, but I need concrete evidence before I can confront anyone."

She was not one to make accusations lightly, especially when it came to such serious matters.

Matthew nodded, understanding Claire's approach.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" he offered.

Claire paused, a sudden realization struck her, and she turned to Matthew with determination in her eyes.

"Actually, there is, I want you to investigate the drunk driver who caused the accident," she said firmly. "Find out everything you can about him."

Matthew nodded, his expression serious. "I'll get right on it, Claire. We'll gather all the information we need."

Claire sighed, a mix of frustration and hope in her voice. "I just hope that man is still alive somewhere. I need to know the truth."