Chapter 5
As footsteps approached, a pretty girl emerged, her face showing traces of anger.
The moment I saw her clearly, I couldn’t help but clench my fists.
There was no mistaking it–this was Esther Bennet, the woman who had eloped with Daniel on Christmas.
In my previous life, after Daniel faked his death and left, he married her and had children, living happily together.
“Didn’t any of you hear? Daniel specifically said he wanted to be buried, and he even bought the coffin himself.”
“The dead deserve respect–how can you ignore his wishes?”
Esther held her head high, her expression solemn as she righteously scolded everyone,
She then walked over to Mary, speaking with concern: “Mary, don’t worry. Daniel will never be cremated. I’ll help you put him in the coffin.”
I could tell that Esther didn’t actually know Daniel was truly dead. She was probably worried we’d insist on cremation, which was why she stepped forward to take a stand.
1/5
07.00
Chapter 5
20 min left
But for some reason, Mary’s eyes flickered slightly, and she didn’t deny it.
Someone asked in confusion: “Who are you? What’s your relationship to Daniel?”
A blush appeared on Esther’s face as she unconsciously touched her stomach.
She said: “I’m Daniel’s friend. I happened to come visit him today and didn’t expect to walk into this. Daniel’s already gone, and he even prepared his own coffin–can’t you at least fulfill this one last wish of his?”
Her words began to sway the others.
For most people, cremation or burial didn’t matter much–they were just following the doctor’s recommendation out of habit.
Mary grabbed Esther’s hand, suddenly becoming exceptionally warm: “Esther, it’s so wonderful that you’re here. We don’t really have anyone to take charge, so you absolutely must help
us.”
She eagerly pulled Esther inside while waving at the neighbors: “Everyone can go now. This is a distant relative of ours, a friend of Daniel’s who came specially to help!”
She placed Daniel in the coffin and immediately moved to close the courtyard gate.
2/5
Chapter 5
Seeing there was no more drama to watch, the neighbors dispersed. Only Derek remained, repeatedly insisting on
cremation.
20 min left
Once inside, Esther’s gaze immediately fell on me, her eyes carrying a hint of secret provocation: “You must be Fiona, right? Why are you dressed so shabbily? Daniel’s a man who does big things–couldn’t he at least buy you some decent clothes?”
She covered her mouth and laughed softly, looking down to adjust her brand–new outfit.
I didn’t need to think twice to know Daniel had bought it for her.
Mary beamed at Esther, then shot me a disgusted look: “You have no sense at all–go get Esther some water.”
I complied and left, but quietly returned after stepping out of the room.
I heard Mary enthusiastically trying to convince Esther to stay: “You’re carrying Daniel’s child, so you should rest more. There’s no need to tire yourself with travel.”
Esther snorted arrogantly: “Mary, I came here to find Daniel. If he hadn’t almost been cremated today, I wouldn’t have bothered coming. Once I see Daniel, we’ll leave together so those debt collectors won’t keep bothering us.”
3/5
Chapter 5
20 min left
She stood up, heading toward the coffin, but Mary quickly grabbed her arm, repeatedly trying to dissuade her: “Actually, Daniel told me before that he wouldn’t leave until after dark–he has some things to handle. He asked you to stay here for a few days. The coffin is empty anyway, so don’t bother looking.”
Esther glanced at the sky outside and pursed her lips: “Fine, I’ll wait for Daniel to come find me. But looking at that woman’s face really makes me sick.”
Mary smiled obsequiously in agreement: “Fiona’s just a barren woman–how could she compare to you? Once you have the baby, she’ll serve you well.”
Standing outside the door, I felt my heart tighten, my nails nearly digging into my palms.
No wonder Mary insisted on hiding Daniel’s death–she was afraid of losing the grandson she thought was within her grasp.
I didn’t expose any of this, instead acting completely compliant. When Mary suggested I give up my room, I agreed without hesitation.
The next day, Mary began arranging Daniel’s funeral. The mourning hall had just been set up when the debt collectors returned.
Owen coldly surveyed the courtyard and sneered: “Well, well, having a funeral, are we? Since you have money for a coffin, shouldn’t you also pay back what you owe?”
