Chapter 2 Funeral!

The days following Paige's death felt like a never ending nightmare for Joana. Each morning, she woke up hoping that it was all just a bad dream, only to be struck by the harsh reality that her daughter was really gone. She spent her days in a state of grief, barely eating, barely sleeping, with tears constantly crying her eyes. Everywhere she turned, there was something to remind her of Paige, her favorite toys, the drawings she'd made, the sound of her laughter echoing faintly in Joana's mind.

The house that once felt warm and alive was now cold and silent, the absence of Paige's presence an unbearable void.

When the day of the funeral arrived, Joana moved through it like a ghost, her emotions drained after a week of nonstop crying. Family and friends gathered around her, offering their condolences, but their words felt empty. "Accept my condolences," they said, but Joana barely heard them. All she could focus on was the small coffin in front of her, a cruel reminder that her little girl was truly gone.

She stood beside the coffin, her fingers lightly tracing the outline of the wood. "Why did you have to leave me so soon?" she whispered, her voice trembling. She reached out to stroke Paige's cheek one last time, her touch tender and filled with sorrow.

"That's enough, Jo," Gina's voice broke through Joana's daze. Her friend's hand was gentle as she pulled her away from the coffin. Gina had always been the strong one, the one who knew what to say, but even she was struggling to find the right words. "I'm sure Paige wouldn't want to see her mom like this," Gina said, trying to comfort her friend, though she knew it was a nearly impossible task.

Joana nodded slightly, her eyes still fixed on the coffin. "Any sign of James?" she asked, her voice barely higher than a whisper. Despite everything, she had hoped he would at least show up for their daughter's funeral. But there was no sign of him.

The moment came for Paige's coffin to be lowered into the ground, and Joana felt as if her heart was being buried along with her daughter. The finality of it all hit her like a wave, and the tears she thought she run out of came rushing back. She couldn't stop them, couldn't stop the sobs that shook her entire body as she watched the coffin disappear in the ground, knowing she would never see her daughter again.

The burial rites ended, and people began to leave, returning to the comfort of their homes and the lives they had to continue living. Joana, however, returned to a house that now felt like a prison of memories. Every room echoed with the absence of her daughter, every corner a reminder of what she had lost. Gina stayed by her side, refusing to leave her friend alone in such a dark time.

Without Paige, the house felt unbearably empty. The silence was deafening. James had not returned home since that terrible day, and Joana's parents informed her that Martha had also disappeared, not having returned home since she left the hospital.

"It's probably for the best," Joana thought, trying to convince herself. The anger that simmered inside her at the thought of seeing James and Martha again was like a storm she wasn't ready to face. She didn't know how she would react if she ever saw them again, but she knew it wouldn't be pretty.

"So, what are you going to do now?" Gina asked gently, her voice filled with concern.

Joana's response was firm, though her voice was still fragile. "Now, I file for a divorce."

Gina nodded, understanding completely. She didn't need to say anything more. She knew Joana's decision was the right one, and she was ready to support her friend no matter what. If she were in Joana's shoes, she would have done the same.

"I know a good divorce lawyer," Gina offered after a moment. "He helped my neighbor get a divorce and keep half of her husband's assets. He's sharp and tough exactly what you need right now."

Joana wasn't interested in James's money or assets, but she was very interested in making him pay for the betrayal that had shattered their lives. "How do I get in touch with this lawyer?"

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A week later, a sleek red car pulled up in front of an old, worn-down building. Joana stepped out, her heels clicking against the cracked pavement. She wore a striking red dress, its bold color a stark contrast to the drab surroundings. Removing her sunglasses, she scanned the building with a look of disdain.

"Why would a top-notch lawyer work in a place like this?" Joana muttered under her breath, feeling a pang of doubt. She pulled out the business card from her purse, double-checking the address. It was correct, but that didn't make her any less skeptical.

With a sigh, Joana shoved the card back into her purse and walked into the building. The interior was just as unimpressive as the outside-dimly lit, with peeling wallpaper and a faint musty smell. As she approached the reception desk, she noticed the receptionist was fast asleep, her head resting on a pile of papers.

Joana's brow furrowed in disbelief. "Excuse me!" she called out, tapping the desk to wake the receptionist.

The young woman jolted awake, her eyes wide with surprise. "I'M UP! I'M UP!" she exclaimed, quickly wiping drool from her face and brushing off a few crumbs from her cheek. "How may I help you?" she asked, trying to regain her composure.

"I'm here to see Lawyer Reid," Joana replied, her tone cool and distant.

"Oh, he's in his office," the receptionist, who Joana now saw was named Lacy according to her nametag, said. Lacy quickly stood up and led Joana to the second floor, where Lawyer Reid's office was located.

The door to the office was slightly ajar, and Lacy gave Joana a hesitant smile before pushing it open. The room inside was dark, the only light coming from a small lamp on a cluttered desk. Lacy gestured for Joana to enter, but Joana hesitated, her instincts telling her to be cautious.

"Hello? Mr. Reid? Are you there?" Joana called out, her voice echoing in the darkness.

"Welcome. I've been expecting you," a deep voice replied from the shadows.

Joana took a step back, her heart pounding in her chest. The voice seemed to come from the center of the room, but she couldn't see anyone. For a moment, she considered turning around and leaving, but something compelled her to stay.

"You have?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady. As soon as she spoke, the lights flicked on, revealing the room in full detail.

The space was surprisingly elegant, a stark contrast to the rest of the building. The walls were lined with bookshelves, filled with thick legal volumes, and the furniture was polished and expensive-looking. The paintings on the walls were tasteful, adding a touch of sophistication to the room.

At the center of it all was a large, mahogany desk, covered with paperwork. Behind it sat a man with blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, his gaze sharp and focused. He looked up from his work as Joana entered, offering her a slight smile.

"Mr. Reid?" Joana asked, still feeling a bit unsure.

"Yes, Ms. Cameron," he replied, standing up and extending a hand. "I'm Arthur Reid. Please, have a seat."

Joana took his hand, shaking it firmly before sitting down. Despite her initial doubts, there was something about this man that instilled confidence. Maybe, just maybe, this was the beginning of the end of her nightmare.