Chapter 2 - The Funeral Promise
Theodore died quietly in his sleep on a rainy Tuesday morning.
Paige found him in his room with one hand resting over a photograph of her mother.
The funeral was held four days later.
Kyle arrived wearing an expensive black suit and carrying no luggage. He embraced Paige in front of the guests but stepped away quickly.
“I have meetings in Los Angeles tomorrow,” he explained.
“Our father just died,” Paige said.
“My life didn’t stop because his did.”
The words shocked her, but Kyle seemed more distracted than cruel. He repeatedly checked his phone and disappeared twice during the reception.
Grant attended with Tabitha.
They stood near the back of the chapel as though they had every right to be there. Tabitha wore a dramatic black veil and accepted sympathy from people who barely knew her.
Paige ignored them until Grant approached the coffin.
“Theodore and I had our differences,” he said, “but I respected him.”
Paige looked directly at him.
“My father knew about the affair.”
Grant’s expression tightened.
“So?”
“So don’t stand beside him and lie.”
Tabitha appeared beside Grant and slipped her arm through his.
“We came to show respect,” she said.
“Then leave quietly.”
Grant leaned toward Paige.
“You won’t be able to hide inside that mansion forever.”
Paige felt an unexpected chill.
“What does that mean?”
Grant smiled without warmth.
“You’ll understand after the estate is settled.”
Later, Kyle found Paige alone near the cemetery gate.
“Dad made promises to me,” he said. “I need you to remember that.”
“What promises?”
“He always said the estate belonged to both of us.”
Paige frowned.
Their father had never discussed dividing Rosehaven with her.
“I don’t know what the will says,” she answered.
Kyle’s eyes hardened.
“You lived with him. You controlled who saw him. Don’t pretend you know nothing.”
Paige stepped back.
“I cared for him while you stayed away.”
“And now you expect to be rewarded?”
She stared at her brother.
For the first time, she wondered whether Grant’s warning and Kyle’s anger were connected.
Before leaving the cemetery, Paige placed a white rose on her father’s grave.
“I’ll protect what you loved,” she whispered.
May you like
She believed she was promising to protect the estate.
In truth, the most important thing Theodore wanted protected was her.
