Ralph managed to conclude his diplomatic mission across Lumia around mid-May and could finally send Rowena and Caleb off.

Caleb’s and Rowena’s funeral would be held on May 17th.

The sky was overcast on the day of the funeral. The cloudy sky and gray clouds made the atmosphere seem all the more stifling.

There was a private cemetery to the north of the Jacobson residence.

It was the resting place of generations of Jacobsons.

Rows upon rows of neatly arranged tombstones rose from the ground. They were akin to the guardians of time as they bore witness to the deaths of countless lives.

Now, two new tombstones had been added to the cemetery. Names, birth dates, and the day of their deaths were engraved on the tombstones.

Mourners were all dressed in shades of black, their expression solemn as they entered the place where the deceased were laid to rest.

The two graves had been arranged with one above the other, silently representing the difference in their generation.

Bouquets of flowers and funeral wreaths surrounded the tombstones.

As the ceremony began, the pastor spoke in a low and solemn voice, guiding everyone through their prayers.

Heads were lowered in mourning.

Time seemed to slow to a heavy crawl.

Eventually, it was time for the living to bid the deceased a final farewell.

The mourners stepped forward to lay white flowers on the ground.

Samuel and Marianne attended the funeral even though their relationship with the Jacobsons was now strained at best.

They offered their condolences to the last remaining members of the Jacobson family after placing their flowers down.

When the funeral came to a close, a young woman with a white flower pinned to her black dress stepped forward. “Mr. Jacobson Senior, Mrs. Jacobson.”

Ralph nodded in greeting.

Sophia responded, “Hello, Marissa.”

Marissa Scott only looked toward the austere-looking man standing off to the side after greeting Ralph and Sophia. Her gaze shifted slightly as a hint of tenderness bloomed within them. “Stephen.”

Stephen remained dispassionate as ever as he said politely, “Thank you for attending my father and grandmother’s funeral.”

There was a hint of sorrow in her eyes as she murmured, “My condolences.”

Stephen merely hummed in acknowledgement before looking away. It was a clear sign that he had no intention of conversing further.

Marissa’s lashes fluttered as she looked away upon seeing his reaction. However, she simply pursed her lips and said nothing before leaving.

The attendees began to leave the funeral one after another.

A flash of disappointment appeared in Stephen’s eyes when he failed to find the

figure he had been desperately waiting to see.

It was as if the hug that stormy night had been but a fantasy.

It had been so beautiful that it seemed unreal.

Although days had passed since then, it still felt as if Tessa’s warmth had never left his arms.

Tessa was far from the picture of health. So, the doctor had warned

her against strenuous act

Apparently, walking was also one of those activities now.

She had wanted to attend the funeral, but Samuel had put his foot down and told

her no.

So, she had no choice but to stay in the hospital.

Tessa had shot Sienna a text during her enforced bed rest.

Naomi had also chosen not to attend the funeral. She had been traumatized by Caleb’s suicide and had been having recurring nightmares. It had gotten so bad that she had shut herself in her home and was now receiving therapy.

Tessa would call Naomi every few days to check in on her. Quentin was always the one answering her

phone, saying that Naomi wasn’t doing too well.

Sienna gave Tessa a call once the funeral ended.

“Hey, Tessa. The funeral’s over,” Sienna whispered as she walked to her car, updating Tessa about the situation.

She knew that Tessa had called her to hear about Stephen. So, she added, “Stephen seems no different than usual. You have nothing to worry about.”

Tessa let out a sigh of relief. “That’s good to hear.”

Sienna continued to chat with Tessa a while longer when she suddenly caught sight of a familiar face.

Sienna’s footsteps faltered as her voice died in her throat, the second half of her sentence dying an untimely death.

She was still in a stupor when Marissa approached and greeted her. “Sienna, it’s been a while.”

“Sienna, are you alright?” came Tessa’s puzzled voice on the other end of the line.