Chapter 4

“Do Mr. Gervase and Mr. Fogolla knows about this?”

The chief financial officer hesitated before speaking, “They said it was fine, that with you here, you’d handle it.”

I chuckled softly. “Then let’s breach the contract.”

I hung up the phone and checked out of the hospital. Today marked the seventh anniversary of my mother’s passing. It was also the final day of my promise.

I bought a bouquet of white roses, my mother’s favorite and headed to the cemetery in the western suburbs. But standing before that familiar headstone, I froze.

The photo on the tombstone was unfamiliar. The name engraved on the inscription was Laura Batard. She was Helena’s biological mother.

My blood froze in my veins. Behind me came the laughter and chatter of George and Helena.

“Felicia, you’re here so early.”

George carefully pushed Helena’s wheelchair, fearing the bumps might jolt her.

I pointed at the cold stone, my voice trembling. “Where’s my mother?”

George frowned, clearly displeased with my reaction. “Felicia, lower your voice. Don’t frighten Helena.”

He shielded Helena behind him before explaining slowly, “Helena had a dream a few days ago. Aunt Laura told her she was cold over there all alone.”

He added, “I had it checked. Your mother’s plot here is a rare, sun-drenched treasure spot. So we moved Aunt Laura over.”

My father, leaning on his cane, followed from behind, his expression utterly matter-of-fact. “Your mother disliked sunbathing the most, but you insisted on choosing this place.”

“Now it’s perfect, give it to your Aunt Laura. She’ll finally get her wish.”

I watched the three of them as if witnessing a masterpiece of absurd drama.

“Then where is my mom?” I asked, enunciating each word clearly.

“Her ashes have been moved to the public cemetery in the back,” George said casually.

“Don’t worry, I’ve made all the arrangements. Your mother won’t be left without a place to rest.”

Helena peeked out from behind him, timidly adding, “Felicia, please don’t be angry. My mother is also your elder.”

“Now she’s my baby’s maternal grandmother and part of both the Fogolla and Gervase families. Taking care of her fulfills the elder of Gervase’s final wish.”

My father tapped the ground with his cane. “That’s right, Felicia.”

“You promised your mother you’d look after both the Fogolla and Gervase families. Now Laura is part of our family too. You can’t favor one over the other.”

They used the promise I’d kept for seven years to force me into accepting this absurd situation. I stared at that unfamiliar tombstone for a long time, then suddenly smiled.

I didn’t argue with them anymore. Turning away, I walked toward the public burial section in the back.

Guided by the caretaker, I found a small compartment for my mother. It was the one that hadn’t even had time to be engraved with her name.

Holding the cold urn, I walked out. Passing by them, I didn’t stop.

George probably thought I had finally given in and his tone softened, “Felicia, stop acting like a child. Tonight, when we get home, our family will have a proper meal together.”

He added, “Helena specially brought you a gift.”

What a generous gift indeed. I quickened my pace. Leaving my family’s nauseating voices behind me.

Before leaving, I changed my surname to my mother’s—Humphrey.

I placed the completed divorce certificate on the bedside table in the master bedroom. Confirming I was severed from both the Fogolla and Gervase families.

I boarded an overseas flight with my mother’s urn.

***

Back home, George felt an uneasy restlessness.

He frowned at his father-in-law, then asked, “Dad, today seems to be mother’s anniversary, right?”

My father dismissed it casually, “So what if we missed a memorial? Just have the servants make up for it tomorrow.”

But just then, the group’s secretary burst in. “Mr. Gervase and Mr. Fogolla, something terrible has happened! The company’s cash flow has dried up and over a dozen projects have defaulted. The creditors are all blocking the entrance right now!”

My father frowned and shouted, “Where’s Felicia? Tell her to get her ass over here and handle the problem immediately!”

The secretary was on the verge of tears. “Madam left a message and then we couldn’t reach her.”

George grew even more uneasy. “What did Felicia say?”

“Madam said, ‘Your problems have nothing to do with me!’”