My Funeral Awakened Her Love

Jack looked like he was in a good mood. The smile never left his face.

Course after course of beautifully plated food arrived, and he kept his manners in check, occasionally placing a few things on her plate.

Seraphine looked up and asked gently, "Are you feeling any better?"

So, she could be caring, just not when it came to me.

He kept cutting into his steak and replied casually, "Much better. It's just my stomach acting up, the usual stuff. As long as I eat on time, I'm fine."

"I can't remember if you had stomach problems back in school," she said.

His knife paused mid-slice as he lifted his gaze to meet hers. "Back then, you were always looking after me. I never had the chance to fall sick."

She looked away. "Is she not taking good care of you?"

Jack set down his utensils, his brows tightening. "Hayden stole five years of your life. And I forced myself to stay with someone else for those five years. But we both know that feelings can't be forced. We've always loved each other. If it weren't for Hayden, we could've been together long ago."

Right. It was all my fault. Now that I was finally gone, they could be together again.

Seraphine seemed to remember everything that had happened five years ago, and guilt flickered across her face. "I'm sorry. I let you down."

He stood up and walked over to her, leaning in. "No. You did nothing wrong. It was Hayden and his powerful family. Back then, we had nothing. We couldn't fight back."

His gaze settled on her face, finally drifting to her lips. Slowly, he leaned in.

In a flash, she turned her head, dodging his kiss. I couldn't help but wonder what went through her mind at that moment. Why did she react like that?

Was it because she remembered what I used to say?

"After we get married, stay away from other men. They never mean well. I'm the only one who truly loves you."

I shook my head. Who was I kidding? As if she ever cared about what I thought.

He froze, awkwardness flashing across his face as he straightened up. "Sorry. That was out of line. I forgot that you were married."

"We're divorced," she said while her fingers instinctively brushed the base of her ring finger. The wedding ring she'd worn for five years was gone, but the faint indentation remained.

He was shocked. "You're serious? Are you really divorced?" However, I caught the way the corners of his mouth curved just for a second.

She stood up and gently pulled him back into his seat. "Yeah. It's over," she said softly.

He covered her hand with his and grinned. "That's amazing news, Seraphine. You don't have to force yourself to be with him anymore." He gripped her hand tightly. "This is worth celebrating."

"It's not that big of a deal. There's no need to celebrate," she replied coolly.

"Of course, we have to celebrate!" he said, raising his voice. "I've waited five years for this day, Seraphine. For me, can we please just enjoy this moment?"

Looking at the joy on his face, she didn't want to disappoint him. So, she went along with it.