Dead at Heart novel

Chapter 820 That night, Ariel struggled to sleep, feeling unusually cheerful yet restless. She chose to stay awake, lost in thought, while Jayson stayed close, supportive and calm. Jayson had already arranged their travel plans for the next day-a long flight to Croinia with Claire and a medical team on a private jet to ensure Claire's wellbeing during the journey. Their goal was to introduce Claire to the family, as none of the elders knew about her yet. Jayson suggested inviting Katie and Leonard to Larkin Manor so the families could share the news together.

Ariel agreed but decided to call Katie personally to make sure she would accept the invitation, which she did without hesitation, trusting Ariel's judgment. Upon arriving in Croinia, Arthur greeted them with a spacious vehicle, and Jayson carried Claire while Ariel rested. Returning to Larkin Manor brought a wave of emotions for Ariel, filled with both painful and joyful memories. Jayson's gentle teasing and reassurance helped ease her nerves as they prepared to face the family. Inside the manor, tension filled the room.

Katie was guarded and distant, while Betty carried guilt over the past pain Jayson had caused Ariel. Betty spoke up, hoping their longstanding friendship wouldn't be destroyed by past mistakes. She expressed deep sorrow for Ariel's suffering, especially her lost chance at motherhood, and vowed to stand up for her granddaughter. Despite the heavy emotions, Jayson remained steadfast in his commitment to Ariel, determined to stay by her side no matter what the future held, even if they could never have children.

Evelyn stayed quietly, silently witnessing the complex dynamics unfolding around her. That night, Ariel found herself restless, her mind buzzing with a strange kind of cheerfulness. Sleep seemed elusive, so she chose instead to remain awake, quietly sitting in her room, lost in thought. Jayson didn't mind her decision at all; he stayed close by, alongside Ariel and Claire. He had already taken care of the travel plans for the following day - a flight to Croinia.

Since Claire was coming with them, Jayson had arranged for a private jet, ensuring a medical team would accompany them throughout the journey. It was a precaution, a way to prepare for any unforeseen complications during the long trip. Once they landed safely in Croinia, the medical team would return on a separate flight to Nacsall. Jayson's meticulous planning reflected his deep concern for Claire's wellbeing. Compared to the mild climate of Nacsall, Croinia was much colder, so he chose an afternoon departure.

The flight would last about thirteen hours, meaning they would arrive around 3:00 p.m. Their immediate priority was clear: introducing Claire to the family. None of their elders had yet been told about Claire's existence. After some discussion, Jayson proposed inviting Katie and Leonard to Larkin Manor so they could share the joyful news with everyone at once. It made sense to have the senior members of both the Larkin and Walker families present for such an important introduction. Ariel agreed with the plan but felt she should personally call Katie to inform her.

She suspected Katie might refuse the invitation if she heard it secondhand. Before boarding the plane to Croinia, Ariel picked up the phone and dialed Katie's number. Katie wasn't entirely sure why Ariel wanted her to visit Larkin Manor, but she trusted there must be a good reason. Assuming Ariel had something significant to share, she accepted the invitation without hesitation. Upon their arrival in Croinia, Arthur was waiting for them outside the airport with a spacious MPV, thoughtful enough to accommodate the whole family comfortably.

Jayson carried Claire in his arms since Ariel's arms were growing tired from holding the baby for most of the flight. As Ariel stepped into the yard of Larkin Manor, a flood of emotions surged through her. This house held so many memories-some painful, some joyful-and yet here they were, back again. Jayson stood firm, cradling Claire, who was now awake and alert. With his free hand, he reached out and took Ariel's hand gently, teasing her with a playful smile, "What's got you so nervous, Mrs. Larkin? You're just coming home." His lighthearted tone eased some of her tension.

Hearing him call her "Mrs. Larkin" stirred a warmth inside her. She squeezed his hand softly in return, and he responded with a faint, reassuring smile. As they walked together down the corridor, Jayson looked every bit like a man returning home after a hard-fought victory. Inside the living room, however, the atmosphere was thick with tension. After all that had transpired over the past year, it was only natural that bitterness still lingered between the Larkins and the Walkers. Katie sat upright, her expression unreadable and guarded.

She had little to say to the members of the Larkin family, and she was certainly not in the mood for pleasantries. Betty, on the other hand, carried a heavy burden of guilt. She knew Jayson had caused Ariel deep pain, and the weight of that knowledge pressed on her heart. She sighed quietly, breaking the silence. "Katie, I won't deny that Jayson made mistakes in the past-things he shouldn't have done.

But I hope those mistakes don't tear apart the friendship we've shared all these years." Betty and Katie had been close friends for a long time; their husbands had once fought side by side in war. Yet now, facing Katie's cold demeanor, Betty couldn't help but feel a sharp pang of remorse. "Ariel is my granddaughter, and she means the world to me. It breaks my heart to think about everything she's endured." Her voice trembled slightly as she continued. "Her illness, especially... So many people develop chronic conditions because of the pain and stress they carry inside. And Ari...

she's lost her chance to be a mother forever. If I don't stand up for her, then who will?" There was raw anguish in Betty's words. She knew how deeply Ariel had longed for children. Betty's posture stiffened, sadness flickering in her eyes. She loved Ariel dearly and cared for her well-being, but she couldn't foresee what the future might hold for the young couple. Evelyn sat quietly beside them, offering no comment. Jayson had already made his intentions clear to her-he was resolved to remain by Ariel's side for life, even if they could never have children of their own.

Official source is Fɪnd-Novel.net The chapter closes on a tender yet fragile note, capturing the complex emotions that bind the characters together. Ariel's restless hope and Jayson's steadfast support underscore their shared resilience amid lingering tensions and unspoken grief. The introduction of Claire to their families serves as a poignant reminder of new beginnings, even as old wounds and unresolved conflicts continue to cast their shadows over the moment. At the heart of the story lies a profound exploration of love, loss, and the enduring strength of family ties.

Emotions will run high as old wounds resurface, and the characters are forced to navigate the delicate balance between forgiveness and lingering resentment. Ariel's vulnerability and Betty's protective instincts hint at heartfelt moments that may challenge the bonds between them all. As the family gathers under one roof, the arrival of Claire and the revelation of her presence set the stage for both joy and tension. Jayson's unwavering support for Ariel will be tested, and the weight of their shared losses will likely come to the forefront.

Readers can anticipate a mix of quiet introspection and charged exchanges that will shape the path forward for these intertwined lives, leaving them eager to uncover how each character will respond when confronted with both hope and hardship.