Chapter 2

I let out a wail that seemed to tear from the depths of my soul. I collapsed against the casket, my body shaking with manufactured sobs. The performance was flawless.

Police officers rushed to my side, offering words of comfort. My mother-in-law held me, whispering, "I know, dear, I know. Be strong."

I looked up at Michael, my eyes blurred with fake tears. "Mark," I choked out. "How will we live without him?"

He looked down at me, his expression a perfect mask of sorrow. "We'll get through this, Chloe. For Leo."

The sympathy in the room was a tangible thing, a heavy blanket of pity that I wrapped around myself like armor. I was the tragic widow of a fallen hero. No one would question me.

Later that evening, at the wake, Michael gathered the family.

"I have an announcement," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Ashley and I... we're getting married. In three days."

A gasp went through the room. An uncle muttered, "So soon? It's not right."

"It was Michael's dying wish," Michael said, his voice breaking. "He made me promise. He said he couldn't bear the thought of Ashley being alone. He wanted me to take care of her."

It was a brilliant lie. Who could argue with a dying man's wish? Michael was the only one who was with Mark when he died. No one could contradict him. Ashley, playing the part of the bereaved fiancée, sobbed into his shoulder.

My mother-in-law nodded solemnly, sealing the lie with her silent approval.

After the announcement, Michael pulled me aside. He still had the nerve to look me in the eye.

"Chloe," he began, his tone gentle. "I have a favor to ask."

"Anything, Mark," I whispered, my voice trembling.

"The wedding jewelry," he said. "The diamond necklace and earrings Michael gave you. Since you'll be in mourning, you won't be wearing them. Could Ashley... could she borrow them for the ceremony? It would mean so much. It would be like a piece of Michael is there with her."

I almost laughed. My wedding jewelry. For his wedding to another woman. The audacity was breathtaking.

"Of course," I said, my voice sweet and accommodating. "It's the least I can do. For Michael."

"Thank you, Chloe," Ashley sniffled, coming to stand beside him. "You're so generous."

Michael beamed, wrapping his arm around her. "I'll make you the happiest woman in the world, Ash. I swear it."

Ashley looked at me, a flicker of something possessive in her eyes. "And don't you worry, Chloe," she said, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "We'll take care of you and Leo. You'll always be part of the family."

"You're too kind," I said, my smile feeling like a crack in my face.

I would be part of the family, all right. Just long enough to take everything.