Landon remained rooted to the spot. Gabriella tugged at his sleeve, just as she used to as a child. She called out softly, "Landon."That one word was laced with plea and vulnerability, causing Landon's eyes to turn red. He lowered his head and gently held her hand, then pulled her lightly into his arms.They had grown up together, lost their grandfather together, and now, Gabriella was ill.Landon fought hard to suppress his emotions and responded softly, "Okay."He led her away, and just as he was helping her into the car, Xavier called out, "Gabriella."She turned back and looked at him calmly, offering a faint smile. "Xavier, we're not meant to be."As the sky darkened, sorrowful funeral music drifted through the Ziegler residence, steeped in sadness.Gabriella stepped into the car. Xavier instinctively reached for her hand, but before he could touch her, the car door closed with a soft click. Through the window, he saw her thin face. Only then did he realize she'd lost a lo
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