Semua Bab My Son's Funeral, Her Lover's Feast: Bab 1 - Bab 8

Lucas' POVWhen I walked out of the banquet hall, the hospital delivered the notice that my son was gone.As soon as I thought about my bright, sensible 18-year-old leaving this world for good, the pain became overwhelming, and I wept until I fainted.My son, Leo Hayes, had only wanted to help lighten the family's financial load, but instead he was hit by a vehicle and died a horrific death. When I saw his body, it was mangled so severely that it wasn't even recognizable.Before his death, he had hoped above all else that his mother would be by his side. However, she was busy hosting a lavish graduation party for her childhood friend's son.I held myself together just long enough to see Leo one last time. Afterward, I sat alone by the river for hours, until brilliant fireworks lit up the night sky. Out of habit, I reached for my phone, meaning to snap a photo and send it to Leo.Fireworks had always been his favorite since he was a child, but he had never once asked to go watch t

Lucas' POVJust then, Madeline's phone rang. I could clearly make out Jeffrey's voice from the other end."Maddie, Melvin suddenly spiked a fever. I don't know what to do.""Don't panic. I'll be there right away."Without a second thought, Madeline turned the car around at the cemetery gates. In her rush, the tires rolled over Leo's funeral wreath, destroying it completely."The company needs me back for overtime. I have to get there right away."I stood and watched Madeline drive off into the distance. Then I walked into the cemetery by myself.My gaze came to rest on Leo's black-and-white portrait.All Leo had ever wanted before he died was to see his mother one final time, but that wish was never granted.I managed the entire funeral by myself, greeting relatives and thanking every person who had come to mourn.After the service ended, I personally lowered Leo's urn into the ground.Memories of all the years we had leaned on each other came flooding back, and the pain I

Third-Person POVMadeline's eyes widened in shock, and she staggered slightly. For reasons she couldn't explain, her thoughts drifted back to the day Leo was born. She had held Lucas' hand with a glowing smile as she lovingly chose their son's name."Let's name him Leo. All I want is for him to grow up safe and sound."How could Leo be dead?She had always believed in raising Leo modestly. Unlike Melvin, who had been tutored in every subject since he was little, Leo had never had any of those advantages.How could he possibly have become the top SAT scorer?Madeline suddenly looked at the police officer. "Where's the victim's family?""The victim was raised by his father alone. The father has already hired an attorney and has refused all offers of compensation."At that, Madeline let out a breath of relief without quite knowing why. She raised her hand and wiped the cold sweat from her brow.The victim appeared to come from a single-parent family. It couldn't possibly be

Third-Person POV"Good job, Melvin. With Leo out of the picture, you're now the city's top scorer. Every top university is going to want you. You owe Maddie a big thank-you."Melvin looked across the street at Madeline and ran toward her with a bright smile.Suddenly, a speeding dump truck came barreling down the road. It plowed into Melvin, and its massive 22-foot wheels rolled over him, crushing every bone in his body."Melvin!" Jeffrey screamed, his face drained of all color."Someone call 911! Maddie, you've always treated him like your own son. Please, you have to do something! Save him!""My own son?" Madeline said coldly, turning to face him. "He was never my son."Behind her, the dump truck's engine roared back to life. In that crash, Melvin and Jeffrey both lost their lives.…When Madeline returned to the cramped apartment, everything was exactly as she had left it. She hadn't allowed anyone to tidy up. She spent her days staring at the wall full of certificates,