?


    It didn''t matter why anymore.


    Jace said Lindey''s death was on him and Wayne, but deep down, I knew I wasn''t meless


    either.


    She''d treated me like her own daughter, but I kept my distance, too wrapped up in the pain of losing my parents.


    Memories of her shed through my mind-how she''d tried so hard to bring me back, sneaking me mini tarts, even making my favorite pumpkin custard this morning


    She''d nned this. I could feel it.


    It was like someone ripped a hole in my chest, the cold cutting through me like knives.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.


    I''d resented her, sure. But I''d never hated her.


    I wanted to tell her that. But now, I never could. Even if I said it, no one would hear me Wayne tightened his grip on Jace''s cor, like he was about to unload, but then let go. Jace stepped to Lindey''s side, kneeling beside her. He smoothed her face, wiping the blood from her lips.


    "Mom, it''s okay,” he whispered. "Go be with Dad now."


    The funeral, set for 10:30, was dyed another hour. The Johnston living room turned into a mourning hall, with Matthew and Lindey lying side by side.


    Jace ced their hands together. They looked peaceful-like they were just sleeping.


    All the tension I''d been holding–the fear that Wayne might pull something at the funeral. -melted into a heavy, crushing sadness.


    I''d spent ten years in the Johnston residence, from kid to young adult. Matthew and Lindey had been there for all of it.


    Sure, they''d taken my parents from me. But they''d also given me their love, like they were trying to make up for what they''d done.


    Memories flooded back-Lindey always keeping me close, proudly calling me her daughter when anyone asked.


    She wanted me to call her “Mom? so badly.


    But I never could. That word stuck in my throat for years. It''s what she wanted most-and what I''ll regret never giving her for the rest of my life.


    I stepped forward, tears blurring my vision as I looked at her onest time. The word that


    had been buried so deep finally broke free.


    "Mom... safe travels,"


    The tears streamed down, blinding me. By the time I wiped them away, she was gone— gone forever.


    The funeral ended, and they were taken to be buried. As the caskets were lowered, Lena leaned in and whispered, "Nothing''s happened."


    Her words jolted me. Wayne had been expected to pull something today-but nothing happened.


    Had Lindey''s sudden death made him change his mind?


    I nced at Wayne. His red, swollen eyes told me he''d been crying.


    Then I looked at Jace. He was theplete opposite-calm, detached, like he didn''t feel a shred of grief. It was unsettling.


    Finally, my gazended on Hayden. His face was unreadable, shrouded in something I couldn''t decipher. Since he''d arrived, he hadn''te near me once, even though he''d had plenty of chances.


    Everything looked calm, but it didn''t feel that way.


    "Maybe it''s better like this," I murmured. "Lindey and Matthew can finally rest.


    Whatever sins they carried, it would all end once the earth covered their graves. "Please remove the ceremonial flowers from yourpels," the officiant instructed. One by one, people stepped forward, cing their flowers into the open graves. "Family members, please proceed with the final rites," the officiant added, motioning to Wayne and Jace.


    They knelt, each scooping a handful of soil.


    But just as they were about to scatter it, the wail of sirens cut through the air.


    Wayne''s hand shook. I turned to see police cars speeding toward us, officers pouring out.


    "We''ve received a report of illegal dealings on these premises," one officer announced, loud and clear.