He opened the bag and pulled a wrapped sandwich, placing it carefully in front of me.
In a gentle tone, he said, “Eat something first. I made this especially for you. You haven’t had a thing all day.”
When I didn’t move, he added, “Don’t take it out on your body. I’ve set your mom’s funeral for the day after tomorrow. The cemetery spot she liked, the sunny one she once mentioned; I’ve gone over every detail. Everything I promised, I’ll make sure it happens.”
At the mention of my mom, the tension in my back finally eased slightly.
I closed my eyes, swallowing the rage in my chest, and took the bowl.
The funeral day was gray and overcast.
Dressed in black, I stood at my mom’s grave, clutching a white chrysanthemum. Tears welled in my eyes, and grief weighed heavily on my face.
The wind lifted my skirt and ruffled the hair at Erving’s forehead.
He stayed by my side the entire time, greeting guests while still keeping an eye on me. Everyone said I had married a good man.
I forced a smile; it didn’t reach my eyes.
Then, the sound of hurried footsteps shattered the quiet.
I turned and saw a swarm of reporters charging in, cameras flashing like lightning in the solemn cemetery.
“Mr. Pollock! Are the photos of you kissing Anya Heffernan in the hotel hallway real?”
“Mandy! Did your husband turn to Anya because of your nude portrait scandal?”
“Sir, you’re at your mother-in-law’s funeral while rumors swirl about you and another woman. Aren’t you worried about what people will say?”
Their sharp questions hit all at once. My eyes widened as I turned to Erving.
His face went stone pale, and he raised his hand, demanding, “Guards! Get them out! Who let them in?” he barked.
In the chaos, Anya ran in, her eyes red. She grabbed my wrist.
“Mandy, please don’t blame Erving. I was drugged. He was just trying to make sure I wasn’t harmed…”
“It’s none of your business!” Erving stepped forward, putting her behind him. His voice shook with urgency. “Mandy, she was a victim, too. Don’t put this on her…”
A victim?
I stared at him shielding her, at the guilt in his eyes. A bitter laugh escaped me.
Even though I had expected this, the pain still stole my breath.
“When I was in the hospital, barely able to move without screaming in pain… when my mother hadn’t even been buried… you were in a hotel room with her? Erving, is that what you mean by returning the favor to that woman?”