?Chapter 869:


    In the living room, Bethel gently ran a woodenb through Christina’s hair. “You get prettier every day,” she said with a fond smile as she worked. Christina had long since lost count of how many times Bethel had said that to her, but she smiled bashfully nheless.


    “I should help you with your hair more often…” Bethel began, but the rest of the sentence stayed unspoken.


    There was a tradition in their culture—one where female eldersbed the hair of the bride before marriage, symbolizing wishes for harmony and bliss in matrimony. Bethel had meant to say she might not live long enough to see Christina as a bride, nor be there to braid her hair for that special day.


    But remembering Christina’s indifferent stance on marriage, Bethel chose not to say anything more. As much as she longed to see Christina get married again, she never wished to impose her hopes upon Christina. As long as Christina found happiness, she would stand by her without hesitation.


    Christina, perceptive as she was, sensed Bethel’s desire to see her wed. Yet, marriage was a world she had no desire to return to—not now. She could only disappoint Bethel’s hopes.


    “Alright then, I’lle visit more often,” Christina said with a smile as she took theb from Bethel’s hand. “I’d like tob your hair this time.”


    Christina rose to her feet and beganbing Bethel’s hair gently, a smile still resting on her face. “There are quite a few pressure points on the scalp, you know. Regrbing can do wonders.”


    Christina adjusted the pressure in her strokes just right,bing carefully and steadily.


    Though the task was simple and filled with warmth, as Christina continued, a wave of sorrow crept over her, gripping her chest with quiet intensity. Bethel was aging—her hair, now fully silver, told the tale more than words ever could. How much longer would she have thisforting presence in her life?


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    Bethel’s care had always been genuine. To Christina, Bethel wasn’t just family—Bethel was home. She didn’t know how long she could cling to that fragile warmth.


    Partings were inevitable in life. Sooner orter, the ones dearest to the heart would slip away, one after another, never toe back.<fn32d8> For original chapters go to find?novel</fn32d8>


    Christina leaned forward and gently wrapped her arms around Bethel’s neck from behind, holding her close. A powerful rush of emotion surged through her. Her eyes grew misty, and her voice trembled as she choked back the tears and whispered, “Bethel.”


    Sensing the strain in Christina’s voice, Bethel quickly turned to face her, worry etched into her features. She gave the back of Christina’s hand a gentle, reassuring pat. “What’s the matter? Did something cross your mind and upset you?”


    Hearing Bethel’s warm, soothing voice, Christina couldn’t hold back the tears that welled up in her eyes. “It’s nothing… I’m just overwhelmed by how kind you’ve been to me,” she whispered, her voice catching in her throat.


    “You’ve been nothing but good to me as well,” Bethel replied softly, her tone filled with quiet emotion as she reflected on their shared bond. “When two people grow this close, it can only be because they’ve treated each other with true sincerity.”


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