Chloe smirked. "Mark didn't need that tacky old thing. I threw it out ages ago. Why don't you try upgrading your taste, sister? Here, I will give you this necklace. Mark bought me plenty and I am sure you have never worn anything like it."
I couldn't bear it and raised my hand to slap Chloe. But before I could do it, in the next instant, I felt a searing pain as my head hit the edge of a desk. Everything spun and I barely registered that Mark was gripping my hair, forcing me to apologize to her.
Pain engulfed me. My suitcase slipped from my hand, spilling open on the floor. Before I could react, Chloe snatched up the urn inside.
"Oh, what's this? It's so pretty. Mark, can I keep this box?"
"Don't touch my things!" I lunged, trying to grab it back, but the pain was overwhelming and I collapsed to the floor. Chloe looked down at me and then, with a twisted smile, hurled the urn to the ground.
As the urn shattered, my heart into pieces. "Mark, that was my mother's ashes," I choked out. "Do you remember your promise to her? The one where you swore to marry me in honor and give me a good life?"
He had once vowed to be my protector, treat me well and cherish our love. All lies.
He used shitty lies. It cheated me out of all of my love, my mother's savings and even her peace after death. Mark's face went blank when I confronted him with the truth.
"What nonsense are you spouting? Your mother's fine; there's no way she's dead."
Chloe kicked at the broken urn on the ground, pouting. "Who'd believe that? Would you be happy and planning a wedding if your mother had just passed?"
Mark's expression darkened immediately.
"Rachel, can't you come up with a better excuse? One moment, your mom's sick; the next, she's dead. Do you think everyone's as brainless as you are?"
He stepped around me with disdain, taking Chloe's hand. "Don't worry," he whispered to her, "I'll take you to the hospital right now. This madwoman won't get away with this."
The receptionist and a few of Chloe's friends had their phones out, recording with smirks on their faces. But I couldn't hear their words. I was numb, kneeling on the floor, gently gathering Mom's ashes back into the suitcase. I wanted to hurry to take my mom out of this dirty place, away from people who would only disrespect her.
When I returned to the hotel, a message from Mark was waiting on my phone.