Page 160 of Dare To Fall

There’s a rushing sound in my ears, and then warm fingers touch my cheek. “Eli?”

My eyes snap open and lock on blue ones, cloudy with concern.

“I’m okay.” I have to be okay; otherwise, I won’t make it through the rest of the day.

“Kellan added a clause to his will that if any of his relations try to contest it, everything reverts to you, and they get nothing.” The lawyer reaches into another pocket. “He also left you this and said you should read it after his funeral.” He holds it out to me.

I eye it but make no move to take it from him. Ari leans forward.

“I’ll take it and give it to him later.”

“I know this is something you don’t want to think about right now, so I’ll arrange an appointment for you to sign all the relevant documentation.”

I nod. Everyone around me stands.

“I’m sorry for your loss.” The lawyer shakes my dad’s hand, then Elena’s and leaves the room.

“We’ll leave you alone for a minute.” My dad’s hand pats my shoulder and then he’s gone, taking Elena with him.

Arabella moves to stand in front of me. “The car will be here soon.”

I tip my head back, eyes tracking over her face. “The day you met me must be carved out as the worst day of your life in your mind.”

Her head tilts and she reaches out to adjust my tie, then pats my chest. “It wasn’t your best first impression,” she tells me softly. “But you grew on me.” She holds out her hand. “Ready to go?”

“No?”

She catches my hands in hers and tugs me until I stand, then reaches up to press a gentle kiss against my lips. “It’s time to say goodbye, Eli.”

Chapter 108

Arabella

My mom and Elliot are waiting for us when we exit the room. The letter Kellan’s lawyer gave me is safely tucked away in my pocket for Eli to read later.

Elena’s gaze lingers on mine and Eli’s clasped hands, but she doesn’t say a word.

Emotions try to overwhelm me, but I count silently to ten and push them back down. I want to be strong for Eli. He’s finally spoken to me, and even though I’m still hurting, I don’t want to destroy this fragile bond between us. This isn’t about what I’m feeling right now. Today Eli has to say goodbye to his best friend.

“The car is here,” Elliot says.

Eli tenses beside me, but I squeeze his hand in reassurance and lead him forward. “Come on.”

He resists for a second before he gives in and allows me to guide him toward the main door. I’m not sure where the strength is coming from inside me, but I cling to it, focusing on a need to see this through. The driver waiting for us outside is wearing a stoic expression. He opens the rear door of the car as we approach and waits for us to slip inside, with Elliot and Elena joining us, before closing it with a bang.

No one speaks.

We all sit in silence, the grief that shrouds us a heavy weight over my shoulders. Eli doesn’t let go of my hand. If I’m his anchor to get through the next few hours, I’m not going to leave his side. My heart is bleeding a river in my chest, but I will myself not to shed a tear.

I need to be strong for Eli.

“If you need anything, son, I’m here,” Elliot murmurs. “Elena too.”

Eli swallows hard, and he nods. “Thanks.”

His exhausted eyes meet mine, and I offer him a small smile. “We’re all here for you.”

His lips lift as if he’s trying to smile but fall before it can take shape. “I know.”

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