Chapter 120 Crushed by Regret His own sister had lived in a dark , damp storage room with nothing but a few worn out pieces of furniture .
They had taken a dog on vacation , yet left their own daughter behind .
Every month , they spent a small fortune on Berry grooming , deworming , premium dog food , fish oil , calcium supplements , vitamins .
Yet Lauren never received a single cent .
She had to pay for her education by working part time and relying on scholarships .
Scenes played out in his mind like a slideshow , again and again .
He felt that have a sharp pain shot through his stomach , and before he could react , blood gushed from his mouth , staining the desk .
So this was what it felt like when pain was so unbearable , it made a person really cough up blood .
This pain .
I cant even put it into words .
Tears streamed down his face as he gazed at the family photo , tears streaming down his face .
The blood mixed with his tears , smearing across the image , blurred Laurens face in the picture .
Panicking.Elliat wiped at it , but the more he rubbed , the more bloodstains appeared , as if mocking her shattered life forever drenched in blood and suffering Just a single photo had dragged him into an abyss of regret , his heart hurt so much .
He no longer had the courage to open Lin Qians journal and abruptly shoved it into the drawer , shutting it tightly without hesitation .
Clutching the blood stained photo , he forced himself to stand .
But the moment he stood up , everything felt like it was spinning … His vision darkened , his legs gave out , and he fell to the ground .
The blood once again spilling from his lips , his stomach twisting in unbearable agony .
He struggled on the ground for a long time , but his body was unable to get up .
His trembling fingers barely managed to pull out his phone .
With the last of his strength , he dialed Jeffrey .
The call connected , and Jeffreys voice came through , laced with confusion .
Elliot ? Why are you calling this late ? Elliot opened his mouth , but no words came out .
His throat felt blocked , his body wracked with violent coughs .
Blood dripped onto the floor as the sounds of his suffering reached the other end of the line .
1/3 Chapter 120 Crushed by Rearet Finished It took a long moment before Elliot finally forced out a few broken words .
I … I was wrong … I finally understand … His voice cracked , each word seeming to squeeze out from the depths of a shattered soul .
Jeffrey couldnt make sense of it , but hearing Elliats anguished tone ,, he had a feeling it was about Lauren .
Calm down , just take your time .
Where are you right now ? he asked reassuringly But Elliat seemed not with him , lost in his own world as he continued , I saw her awards , her acceptance letter , and that family photo….
How could I do this to her ? How could I … At the moment he didnt know how to comfort him , he could only say that he hurriedly interrupted him Stay where you are .
Tell me your location Im coming right now ! Elliot didnt respond .
He simply lay there , staring blankly ahead .
Memories of Lauren in this home flooded his mind the moments he had ignored , the pain he had brushed aside , the expectations he had crushed beneath his feet .
He looked at the photo in his hands , now soaked in blood and tears .
In his mind , he could see Laurens eyes once filled with hope , now hollow and resigned .
Closing his own eyes , he let out a silent plea .
How do I make this right ? How do I fix what Ive done ? Jeffrey rushed to the Bennett residence .
By the time he arrived , David and Alice had already been startled awake .
Seeing the urgency on Jeffreys face , an ominous feeling settled over them .
Under his insistence , they began searching for Elliot .
Room after room , they found nothing .
Jeffrey pulled out his phone , dialing Elliot again .
The ringtone echoed from down the hall .
Following the sound , the three of them rushed to the storage room .
The door was slightly ajar , and they could vaguely see someone lying on the floor .
Jeffreys heart clenched as he quickly pushed the door open .
Athick , metallic scent filled the air , so strong it made him stop in his tracks .
Blood .
The room was soaked in it .
Elliza ku encoded on the cold floor surrounded by the dark crimenn noal of bland he had crushed un 2/3 Chapter 120 Crushed by Regret Finished His face was deathly pale , lips cracked and bloodied .
A long trail of crimson dripped from the corner of his mouth .
Despite the painful scene , his fingers still clutched the ined family photo , as if it was the only thing anchoring him to reality .
Jeffrey rushed forward , dropping to his knees beside him .
Elliot ! Wake up! His voice was sharp , edged with panic There was no response .
Behind him , David and Alice froze at the sight of their on drenched in blood .
Both of them were stunned .
Then , a strangled cry broke the silence .
Alice collapsed to her knees , immediately bursting into tears .
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