Marrying My Father's Enemy
Chapter 47: Funeral

Chapter 47: Funeral

Chapter 47: Funeral

Eira sat by the kitchen table, going through the morning papers with a smirk.

A bold headline read, "Henry Blackwood’s Stocks Drop 40% in Overnight Plunge."

She let out a small laugh, setting the paper aside.

Just then, Callian walked in, holding an envelope. "Morning. This came for you," he said, handing it over.

Eira raised an eyebrow as she took it, glancing at the formal seal on the back.

Breaking it open, she pulled out the letter and began reading. As her eyes scanned the words, her smile faded.

"What is it?" Callian asked, noticing her shift in expression.

She swallowed, staring at the paper. "My old teacher... the one from primary school. The one who..." She paused, taking a deep breath. "He passed away. Suddenly."

"Wow... well, he deserved it."

"I know, but they’re inviting me to attend his funeral."

"You don’t have to go to his funeral, you know. No one would expect you to."

Eira thought for a moment, fingers tracing the edge of the letter. "No, I think I will go."

Callian’s brow furrowed. "Why would you want to?"

She shrugged lightly. "Not for him. But my Aunt Marion lives close to the town. I haven’t seen her in months. This could be a chance to visit."

He nodded slowly. "If you’re sure. Just know you don’t have to force yourself."

"I’m sure," she replied, folding the letter back into the envelope. "It’s just... something I need to do."

The day of the funeral arrived faster than Eira had expected.

She and Callian drove in silence; she was watching the landscape of her childhood town come into view.

The town hadn’t changed much, though to her, it looked smaller now, more faded.

They reached the church early, parking a little distance away.

As they walked toward the doors, Callian kept close to her, his eyes scanning the sparse crowd gathering in front.

"You don’t have to stay the whole time," he murmured as they approached.

She shook her head. "I just want to get through this. Afterward, I’ll feel better."

Inside, the chapel felt cold and empty, despite the people filling the pews.

Eira spotted familiar faces, a few teachers from her past, and even some old classmates.

As she took a seat toward the back, she kept her eyes low, ignoring the looks of surprise from a few people who noticed her.

The service began, but she was caught in memories of the teacher who had made her childhood so difficult, stealing moments of peace and replacing them with anxiety and fear.

She felt no sadness at his passing, only relief.

After the service, people gathered outside, talking in small groups.

Eira stayed near the edge of the crowd, keeping her distance.

She had no intention of mingling or talking about the man they’d just buried.

Callian rejoined her after a few minutes, glancing at her with a gentle question in his eyes. "Ready to go see your aunt?"

"Yes," she replied quickly, grateful to leave. She cast one last glance at the people lingering near the church, feeling as though a final Chapter of her past had closed.

Turning away, she followed Callian to the car.

The drive to Aunt Marion’s house took them through winding country roads, past open fields that made Eira feel lighter with every mile.

By the time they pulled up to the small cottage, Eira’s tension had faded, replaced by a weird calmness.

Aunt Marion greeted her at the door, her eyes lighting up when she saw Eira. "Eira! Oh, it’s been so long!" She pulled her into a tight embrace, a warmth Eira hadn’t felt in ages.

"Aunt Marion," Eira murmured, hugging her back. "I’ve missed you."

Marion stepped back, looking her over with a soft smile. "You look well, dear. And who’s this?" She turned to Callian.

Callian extended a polite hand. "Callian. It’s nice to meet you."

Marion shook his hand, studying him closely. "Well, aren’t you handsome! Come in, both of you."

Inside, the cottage was cozy and filled with the scent of lavender.

They settled in the living room, and Aunt Marion immediately began catching up, asking Eira about life and recounting family stories.

Eira felt herself relax, letting the familiar comfort of her aunt’s presence soothe her.

After a while, Marion looked at her thoughtfully. "I heard about the funeral. I wasn’t sure if you’d come."

Eira hesitated. "I didn’t come for him. I came to see you."

Marion nodded knowingly. "Good. You’ve carried enough of that weight. Let it go, sweetheart."

Callian reached over, giving Eira’s hand a squeeze. She glanced at him.

"She said she wanted to come and see you because she missed you."

"This is Eira’s style. You know, I’m very thankful that she finally met someone who would cherish her."

"Always."

"It was hard for me. We were struggling a lot and—"

"It’s okay, Aunt, there’s no need to talk about the past. I’m over it now."

"Oh, I’m sorry. It’s just that I will always feel guilty for not being able to give you the life you deserve."

"You gave me a better life than my own father. I will be grateful to you until I die."

They spent the rest of the afternoon in Marion’s company, sharing laughter and memories of Eira when she was a child.

As they prepared to leave, Marion hugged her tightly. "You’re stronger than you think, Eira. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise."

Eira nodded, feeling a lump in her throat. "Thank you, Aunt Marion. I needed this."

On the drive back, the sky darkened as the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the fields.

Eira looked out the window, feeling lighter, as though she’d finally left a piece of her painful past behind.

Callian glanced at her. "How are you feeling?"

She managed a small smile. "Better. Maybe... free, in a way."

He nodded. "Then it was worth it."

She sighed, leaning back in her seat. "Yes. I think it was... but there’s something bothering me, Callian."

"What is it?"

"I don’t want him to have a peaceful funeral... he made me—"

"Say no more. We’re driving back to the church."