At that moment, Brielle approached Ariana, an artificial veil of sympathy draped around her, her arm entwined with Jasper's.

“Don't Let your grief consume you, Ariana," Brielle said, her voice dripping with faux concern, her eyes sparkling with concealed scorn.

She tried to close the gap between them, forcing a facsimile of tears, attempting to portray a depth of sisterly love she clearly did not possess.

"Your sorrow is mine too, Ariana. Take care of yourself, or else you'll leave me worrying.”

Jasper spared Ariana a swift glance, but before he could utter a word, a wave of nausea washed over her. She wanted nothing to do with them.

Without a word, she sidestepped, distancing herself as she silently awaited the beginning of the funeral rites.

Her lack of response sent a cloud over Jasper’s face.

Sharon quickly picked up on the tension, donned an apologetic smile, and turned to the guests.

“Our Ariana is distraught, lost in her grief, and manners have slipped her mind. I trust you all understand.”

Her poise was unmistakable, the very picture of a gracious hostess; as if she'd forgotten her own past as a home wrecker. With Theodore's passing, all her inhibitions evaporated. She seamlessly stepped into the role of the Anderson family matriarch.

“Silence, please. The funeral is commencing," she announced.

Just then, a priest emerged, and a hush swept over the gathering.

Ariana stood to one side, quietly observing, her hands clenching unconsciously. The funeral was under way, and as for Theodore... would he finally make his presence felt?

The priest Lifted his hand, and eight pallbearers brought a heavy, black coffin into view.

By the book, the priest would lead in prayer, then the family and kin would pay their respects, culminating in a collective farewell. The coffin would then be taken for its final journey - to the crematorium.

Ariana's gaze was glued to the ominous black coffin; she could feel her heart racing. As the eight pallbearers made their way to the elevated platform, set down the coffin, and then began to open it, Ariana's brow furrowed slightly.

Despite their muscular builds, lifting the coffin seemed an ordeal. The weight of the coffin seemed unnatural.

Ariana couldn't glimpse its contents from where she stood; all she could do was watch the ominous black box settle on the platform from afar.

Her breath hitched, her hands started to tremble of their own accord.

She had to keep reminding herself that it couldn't be real, that Theodore couldn't possibly be in that box.