Stronger Every Time I Die

Chapter 248 A New Beginning

Arthur had always wanted to see Ashley in a wedding dress. To make sure neither of them had regrets, they had agreed—today’s engagement would follow Western traditions, and their wedding, after graduation, would be a traditional Chinese ceremony. Both families had fully supported the decision. Ashley, holding Spencer’s arm, slowly stepped onto the long red carpet. The moment she emerged from behind the doors, flower children tossed delicate petals into the air, showering her in a cascade of color. Bathed in the soft rain of flowers, Ashley looked even more ethereal—like a fairy who had wandered into the mortal world, taking graceful steps toward Arthur. Arthur’s entire world narrowed down to Ashley. In that moment, everything else faded away. There was only her. Spencer, feeling the weight of Ashley’s arm hooked around his, gazed at the couple with both deep reluctance and immense joy. Every father raising a daughter knew—her marriage was the one thing that worried him the most. People often said marriage was a woman’s second life. Whether she found a good husband and a loving family would determine her happiness for decades to come. Of course, marriage was more than just fate—it had to be nurtured. Beyond parents, every relationship needed effort, especially between husband and wife. A happy marriage depended on both sides. From the moment Ashley stepped out of that door, her eyes had been fixed only on Arthur. She held onto Spencer’s arm as she walked toward him—toward her future. Finally, Ashley reached the end of the red carpet, standing before Arthur. Spencer took in the way they looked at each other, unable to help but smile.He and Nancy had once been like this too. Life wasn’t just about romance—it was also about facing hardships together. But as long as love was strong, a couple could weather any storm, side by side. Spencer stopped in front of Arthur and took a good look at the young man standing before him. Arthur was still young, but his maturity and steadiness reassured Spencer. Taking Ashley’s hand, Spencer hesitated for a brief moment before solemnly placing it in Arthur’s palm. The act felt heavier than he had expected—letting go was never easy. Arthur grasped Ashley’s hand firmly, as if making a silent vow. Watching the moment unfold, Spencer, a man known for his toughness, felt his eyes sting. He patted Arthur’s shoulder, his voice carrying the weight of a father’s trust. "Arthur, from now on, I’m entrusting Ashley to you. Take care of her." At this moment, all Spencer wished for was his daughter’s lifelong happiness. Arthur held Ashley’s hand tighter and gave a firm nod. "Mr. Gibson, don’t worry. I will never let Ashley suffer." Seeing the determination in Arthur’s eyes, Spencer’s heart settled. His lips curled into a smile. "Still calling me Mr. Gibson?" he asked. Spencer chuckled. "You’re engaged now. Isn’t it time you changed that?" Ashley’s cheeks instantly flushed pink. She mumbled shyly, "Dad, we’re not married yet…" Arthur chuckled, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "We’re only not married yet because we’re too young. But one day, we will be." Ashley lowered her head in embarrassment but nodded softly, accepting the change. Arthur then turned to Spencer.He opened his mouth slightly, hesitating for just a second before saying the word he had never truly spoken from the heart before. "Dad." The moment the word left his lips, a warmth spread through his chest. It felt completely different from calling John father. Back then, he had only ever used that word with fear and caution. After his rebirth, he had never called John dad again. Spencer’s breath hitched. His eyes reddened, and for a moment, he looked like he was about to tear up. He nodded repeatedly, his voice filled with emotion. "Good, good! Good boy!" He had always wanted a son. When Nancy gave birth to Ashley, she had suffered complications, and he had never had the heart to suggest having another child. But now, standing before him was a fine young man calling him dad. It filled him with a deep sense of pride. More importantly, their family had declined over the years, and Arthur, as Cloudia Corporation’s chairman, was young and successful. There were bound to be women vying for his attention—Tia was proof of that. Maybe it was too soon for Arthur to change the way he addressed him. Maybe Spencer was being selfish. But if it meant securing his daughter’s happiness, so be it.

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