Chapter 8 Caroline Forbes

Chapter 8: Caroline Forbes

April 15

Three years ago, Naomi received a call that shattered her world.

Three years ago, she rushed to the hospital, only to be told her mother had been stabbed.

Three years ago, a doctor in scrubs and a tired expression told her, "She didn't make it."

Three years ago, Naomi collapsed in the corridor, overwhelmed by a pain so deep her body couldn't hold it in.

Today, three years later, Naomi is walking with her husband to meet her mum, the weight of those memories pressing down on her like wet air before a storm.

The cemetery was quiet. Only the soft rustling of trees and the distant hum of passing cars reminded Naomi that the world hadn't stopped - not even on the anniversary of her mother's death.

She walked slowly beside Damien, the gravel crunching under their feet with each step. The breeze carried the hem of her black flared gown, making it sway gently around her ankles. It was a simple dress with thin straps and a ribbon tied just above her waist - the kind her mother would've called "elegant without trying too hard."

Damien matched her, dressed in all black. Black button-down shirt, black slacks, even a black coat he hadn't bothered to button. His fingers brushed hers as they walked, but Naomi kept her arms folded tightly across her chest.

They reached the grave, and for a moment, Naomi just stood there. The marble stone was smooth, the name carved clearly at the top, but it still didn't feel real - not even three years later.

Naomi took a quiet breath, then knelt down in front of the headstone. Damien stayed back for a moment, watching her, then slowly stepped away, his phone buzzing in his pocket. He didn't speak, only offered her a brief nod before walking off to answer the call, his back turned as he moved out of earshot.

Naomi was alone.

She was grateful for the space, though. She needed it.

She reached out and let her fingers trail over her mother's name. The stone was cold. Solid. Unchanging.

"Mum..." Her voice broke the stillness, barely more than a whisper.

Her chest rose and fell slowly, then quicker, like she was holding something back. She blinked fast. No. Not yet.

"I don't even know where to start."

Her voice shook as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and lowered herself all the way to the ground, sitting on her knees. The grass was cool and slightly damp beneath her. She wiped her hands on her dress without thinking.

"You missed my wedding," she said with a soft, broken laugh. "It was beautiful. You would've loved it. Dad came. He didn't stay long."

She paused, chewing on her bottom lip as she stared at the stone.

"I'm married now, Mum. Damien's good to me. He's sweet, and funny, and... I think you would've liked him."

She swallowed hard, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. She didn't want to cry - not yet. But it was coming.

Her breath hitched, and her voice dropped to a whisper. "But there's something I can't stop thinking about."

She leaned forward slightly, her arms resting on her lap.

"I found a picture. You were in it. With Damien's parents."

She looked up at the sky, searching for words she didn't know how to say.

"What were you doing with the Everharts?"

She bit down hard on the inside of her cheek, her voice breaking again. "Did you know them? Did you know him?"

Her chest rose sharply, then fell, her hands now clenched in the fabric of her dress.

"I don't understand. I wish you could just... tell me. Just one word. One answer."

Her shoulders shook slightly as she dropped her head, letting the tears fall freely now. The wind moved softly around her, brushing her skin like a mother's hand.

"I miss you, Mum," she whispered. "So much."

She stayed like that for a few long moments, tears falling freely, the cool breeze brushing her face as if comforting her.

That was when she heard the soft, unfamiliar voice behind her.

"She was a remarkable woman."

Naomi flinched slightly, turning quickly, her heart racing. Standing just a few feet away was a woman, elegant in a simple but striking black dress, her dark sunglasses hiding most of her expression, but her smile was wide - though it didn't quite reach her eyes.

Naomi blinked, a strange feeling creeping over her. She felt... like she knew this woman.

Where have I seen her before?

The woman took a small step forward, but kept a respectful distance. "I'm sorry if I startled you. I just... I knew your mother."

Naomi stood up, wiping her face quickly, and stared at the woman in disbelief.

"You did?"

The woman smiled softly. "We were business partners. Good friends too, when time allowed."

Business partners. Naomi's brows furrowed. She had never heard her mother mention anything about a business partner, certainly not someone she'd been close to.

"Your mum... she was brilliant. Tough when she had to be. We worked together for years. I miss her too."

Before Naomi could form another question, a familiar shadow approached.

Damien.

Naomi glanced back at him, relieved. But as she did, she noticed a change in him. His smile faltered just for a second when he saw the woman, and Naomi caught it. He quickly regained his composure, but Naomi felt a strange chill run through her.

The woman's smile stretched wider as she turned to him.

"Nice to see you again, Damien."

Naomi's heart skipped a beat.

Again?

Her eyes snapped between them, the knot in her stomach tightening. She didn't care about the woman's polite smile or her soft words. The connection between them was undeniable.

Damien took a deep breath and gave a small nod. "It's... been a while," he said, his voice steady, but his gaze never fully meeting the woman's.

Naomi's curiosity grew stronger. She hadn't seen him act like this before.

The woman turned back to Naomi, her smile soft and kind. She reached into her bag and pulled out a business card, which she handed gently to Naomi. "I'm sure you have questions. You can reach out anytime."

Naomi took the card, her fingers brushing lightly against the woman's. She glanced down at it. The name printed in elegant gold letters read, Caroline Forbes.

Caroline Forbes.

Naomi's mind raced, but she didn't say anything. Not yet.

The woman gave her one last look, then turned to Damien. "See you soon."

Naomi blinked, her heart stopping for a moment. See you soon? What did that even mean?

Caroline turned and walked away, leaving Naomi standing there, holding the card, a thousand questions swirling in her mind.