Chapter 28
As Hannah entered the funeral home, her eyes immediately caught sight of Cedric, his hair as white as snow, and Zachary, who sat in his wheelchair with a vacant expression.
Holding a bouquet of chrysanthemums, she approached Cecilia’s portrait, bowing three times before gently placing the flowers in front of it. She stood there, lost in thought, staring at Cecilia’s image for what felt like an eternity.
Her feelings about Cecilia were complicated. Gratitude, perhaps, because Cecilia had supported her education, allowing her to continue her studies. Resentment, because Cecilia had also taken away five years of her youth. But the dead don’t come back to life. With Cecilia’s passing, all of that was now in the past.
Hannah took one last look at Cecilia’s portrait before moving over to Cedric, offering him a slight bow. “My condolences.” Cedric nodded but said nothing.
She then turned to Zachary, studying him silently before speaking softly. “My condolences.” Zachary managed a bitter smile, remaining silent as well.
Due to the death of a close relative, Yolanda had been temporarily released from prison, accompanied by guards. Her once defiant demeanor was now replaced by a numbness that enveloped her entire being. Even upon seeing Hannah, she showed no emotion. It was only when she caught sight of Cecilia’s portrait that Yolanda collapsed to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably. “Mom!” The guests attending the service turned away, unable to bear the sight.
On the day of Cecilia’s burial, a gentle rain began to fall. Other families had sent representatives to pay their respects. It was on this day that Cameron and Doris noticed Hannah had slipped back into town quietly. They didn’t say much, but Hannah felt the need to explain herself. Doris gave her a comforting hug. “If you were threatened, we won’t let them get away with it.”
In the cemetery, Doris and Hannah shared an umbrella, watching as Cecilia’s coffin was slowly lowered into the ground. Nearby, Yolanda’s cries grew faint as she nearly fainted, restrained by the two guards standing behind her.
After the burial, the guests gradually departed. Hannah and Doris lingered, discussing the plans ahead.
“Hannah.” Zachary’s voice called out from behind. Turning around, Hannah saw him standing in the rain, looking at her. “Could you walk with me for a bit?”
Doris gave Hannah a worried glance, ready to decline on her behalf if she showed the slightest hesitation. But Hannah tightened her grip on the umbrella, then relaxed. The rain was falling harder now, and she walked beside Zachary, who was accompanied by the Cole family butler, holding an umbrella over him as he wheeled Zachary along the path out of the cemetery.
“Hannah, I have no home anymore.” The butler halted the wheelchair. Hannah stopped as well, looking at him.
His mother was gone, his sister imprisoned, and he himself was left disabled. His father, focused on grooming a new heir, hadn’t been home in ages; even at the funeral, he had been the first to leave.
Hannah opened her mouth, searching for words, but found none. What was there to say? This had been their relationship all along, hadn’t it? Perhaps realizing this too, Zachary let out a bitter laugh.
“If I could do it all over again, how different it could be.” He could have loved her fully, protected her. They wouldn’t have ended up here. He wouldn’t face the prospect of growing old alone. But there are no do–overs in life.
“Zachary.” The rain muffled the world around them, and for the first time, Zachary heard Hannah’s voice with perfect clarity.
“Life doesn’t give us do–overs. We can only move forward.” Whether it was for him or for herself. They could only keep moving forward. There would be no second chances for them.
It was three years post–divorce, and for the first time, they were able to talk so calmly. “Let’s part on good
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terms.”
When they had reunited, she had told him this, and back then, all he could think about was winning her back. He hadn’t understood the farewell in her words.
The rain suddenly stopped. She closed her umbrella and headed towards the exit. “Let’s not meet again.” Her figure slowly faded from his view.
Alright, Goodbye, Hannah.
