Chapter 7- First phase of her revenge plan.

Inside a tall and giant building, men and women of prominence and high status walked around in the well decorated and fancied hall. Some ate and drank on chairs and tables set in order, some stood with the bereaved family to console them while some rather discussed businesses, using the gathering as a means of getting more business connections.

A soft instrumental music played in the background, entertaining those who cared to listen. Today was the funeral which the Smiths' family prepared for the supposed dead Matilda Smith, and they were precisely in the reception after they've buried a body they didn't know was only a replacement.

The instrumental music finally ended, earning a loud ovation from the audience and that was when Eduardo walked up to the stage. His expression was looking very much sad, just as how it had been since his wife's death was pronounced to the whole country.

“First, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to everyone who made it here today. I truly appreciate you for joining us to mourn my beloved wife. It was already so bad that she left this harsh world with an injured soul….” Eduardo trailed off when his voice started cracking and his eyes became teary, of course they were all pretence as within him, he badly wished for the funeral to end quickly.

He sniffled and continued, “But regardless, thank you all for showing your love towards her to the end. Lastly, may her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

“Oh! No, darling, there would be no need for her soul to rest in peace.”

The majority of the people turned towards where the loud and familiar voice came from to see Matilda walking elegantly into the hall. Unlike the others who wore the dress code of the day which was all black, she was dressed in a royal blue gown with a white fancy purse and a white heels to match.

A smile plastered on her face as she finally settled in the middle of the hall where everyone could see her fully. The shocks on their faces were so evident, especially the one on her husband and his family's face.

“Surprised to see me? Well, I guess so.” She said to no one in particular with a shrug and glanced around.

Her eyes met Eduardo, whose lips parted in shock as his eyes remained widened, looking like he was in a trance. He was the one with the most shocking look. More of he had seen a ghost but this only made Matilda smile even more.

“By the way, the picture you used as my obituary photo..... Ah, I'm not dead.” She corrected immediately before she continued, “It didn't make my smile look pretty at all. It was as if you picked the ugliest picture.” She said that mostly to taunt her husband and not anything else as her gaze fixed on Eduardo who was still in his state of shock.

~~~~~~~~~

*IN THE SMITH'S MANSION*

“Why the fuck did you do that? How dare you play on my intelligence? Huh? How dare you, Matilda fucking Sullivan?!” Eduardo lashed out with clenched teeth, his voice loud and harsh as he turned violently towards Matilda.

Then silence ensued in the living room. Eduardo was busy catching his breath while Matilda watched him quietly after his outbursts. Avery and her mother, on the other hand, were still in a daze that the person whom they've buried was standing right in front of them and breathing the same air.

“Matilda Sullivan? It's no more Matilda Smith to you?” Matilda repeated, pain and hurt dripping from her voice, but she tried hard to conceal from showing on her expression.

Before coming there, she had prepared her mind for all the hurt and pain that was to come, but she promised she wouldn't cry in front of him.

'You should never let your enemies see your weak side, especially your tears, because they don't deserve it.' Those were words she remembered from her late adopted father, and she has been holding unto it since the night before.

“Hey! You aren't that dumb, are you? You are no longer my wife the moment you signed those papers. Get that?” An evil smirk appeared on Eduardo's face but it left just as it came, his countenance changing into anger once again.

Matilda scoffed out, and a sad smile struck her face as she took in a sharp breath. “What if those I tell you that I didn't sign those papers? Just what if those signatures weren't signed directly by me? Then, I guess I will still be known as Matilda Smith.” She let out calmly, leaving a profound impact on everyone as their faces became expressionless, including Eduardo.

“What did you say?” Eduardo asked, his voice as low as a whisper. It was obvious he was too stunned to react.

“You heard it clearly, darling husband. I didn't sign those papers, so legally, we're still married. Though, it's quite unfortunate.” Matilda spat out in mockery, but it had him clenching and unclenching his knuckles into tight fists.

Not able to control his anger anymore, he pointed towards the entrance, “Get out of this house, right now. Get the hell out of my house! Guards! Maidservants! Come and get her out!” He barked and grabbed her arms to force her out, but that was when Mrs. Ophelia stepped in.

Some guards and maidservants came rushing at that call but recoiled when they saw Eduardo's mother as they remained in their positions awaiting the next order.

“Stop it, Eduardo. She goes nowhere.” Mrs. Ophelia blurted out, halting every movement in the living room as she stepped forward.

Eduardo glanced at his mother, watching her keenly as she walked quietly towards them and freed Matilda off his tight grip.

“What are you doing, Mom?” He raised a brow, but she was rather focusing on Matilda, ignoring him completely.

“I'm so grateful that you are alive. I thought everything was lost when I heard of the terrible incident. Thank goodness you made it out alive.” She wrapped Matilda in a warm embrace as she patted her hair gently, slowly becoming teary-eyed.

“I'm so glad you're alive. I'm glad that you didn't die. What would I have done without you? Huh?” She cried loudly into her shoulder, and Matilda's heart melted immediately.

Her mother-in-law still loved her despite her husband's maltreatment. It warmed her heart so much, especially when she still loved and saw Mrs. Ophelia as a mother figure. At least, she had another person by her side who would defend and help her fight for her rights!

She disengaged from the hug but still held her mother-in-law with care as she gently wiped off her tears, “It's okay mother. At least, I'm fine. I didn't die. I almost gave up life at that moment, but thankfully, I didn't.” She tried not to break down as she spoke.

“You definitely did well. Now, go upstairs and freshen up. I'll ask the servants to prepare you a new room.” Mrs. Ophelia urged and Matilda nodded before heading upstairs as some maidservants followed her.

But as soon as her figure was no longer in sight, the small smile that managed to crawl on Mrs. Ophelia's face faded gently. Then, she turned to her son and gave him an ear-deafening slap.

“Mother!” Both Eduardo and his little sister yelled at the same time, staring at their mother in bewilderment.

“You should have done better.” With these words spoken lowly in between gritted teeth, she left to join Matilda upstairs and their faces suddenly went pale.