Chapter 1: The Funeral

It was a beautiful bright day, full of sun and butterflies but deep inside of her, Lucianda Castos felt nothing. She was neither cold nor hot, and even though she had wished for a certain numbness, she felt none of that as she stood on that open spot with a blank expression, watching the events around her. 

Even when she saw them placing her husband’s body in the grave, she felt removed from the emotions around her.

She was not numbed from feeling, she was just indifferent because at long last, she really did not care about anything except her son!

Thinking of her beloved five year old son, a fleeting expression passed behind Lucianda’s eyes but from past lessons, she quickly masked it even though there was none around to see it.

Feeling a tap on her shoulder, she glanced to her left and met the sympathetic eyes of her staff.

“It’s done, Mrs. Castos, we can now go home.” He told her softly.

Lucianda wanted to laugh out loud when she heard him referring to that cold lifeless museum as home but she knew it would be a hysterical laughter so she controlled herself and just gave a short nod.

Escorting her to the car, the servant held her arms respectively while everyone around gave her a sympathetic look as they passed. 

Lucianda knew the few people present at her husband’s funeral would think she was desolated because she was mourning her husband. 

‘If only they knew how far from the truth that was, she’s sure they would all be scandalised.’ Imagining their expressions, she wanted to give that welling laughter a chance but knowing they would all assume it was out of pain for her husband, she shoved the emotion deep down her throat.

Dead or not, she would not give Alex Castos that satisfaction. Knowing him, he is probably laughing in his grave right now, thinking he has won over her emotions. Lies! All lies.

You won nothing Alex and I will prove it to you. I will prove it to the whole world. 

Lucianda vowed as she allowed the servant to help her into the awaiting limousine. 

Before going out of sight, she glanced out of the window and was not surprised to see the few people who came for the funeral helping themselves to the snacks provided at the tent outside. 

She had not involved herself in any of the plans for the funeral but she had made one stipulation - No one is allowed to come to the house.

She knew Alex was not a friendly man, so of course, he had few friends, and she knew none of them really cared about him. 

But even if they did, she really did not care. She wanted none of them in the house. They expect her to mourn his death? Fine, she will.

But in her own way, by locking herself in the house and burning every picture she ever had with Alex, even their wedding pictures! 

Tonight, she wants to start with the business of erasing Alex Castos out of her life.

And this, as his widow, will be her own gift to him as a farewell.

*****

Dismissing the servant at the door, Lucianda calmly went up the stairs with the mind to drop her purse in her bedroom and then take a quick peek at her son who should be sleeping.

She had purposely made them put the funeral in the evening so her son could be spared of any unpleasant necessity. He had gone through a lot this last month since the demise of his father and it’s only now he is getting over it with the constant assurance and love from his Mum.

Walking into the only spacious space that’s a sanctuary for her in the whole house, Lucianda released a breath of relief upon seeing her neatly made room.

Dropping her purse on the bureau, she took a quick glance at the mirror and then turned for the door, but abruptly, she stopped.

Turning slowly to her right, she blinked repeatedly before giving a loud scream.

Moving swiftly like a wind, the shadow was beside her in a moment. covering her mouth with a large hand.

Grinning wickedly down at her, he asked in an amused voice. “Hello Mrs. Castos, don’t tell me you are not glad to see me?” 

Opening the eyes she had closed in fear, Lucianda glanced up and when she saw the face grinning down at her, she could not help it. She promptly fainted!

Surprised by this reaction, the shadow glanced down at the unconscious woman in his arms.

‘Who would have thought his presence would provoke such a powerful reaction? Hmm! There must be more to this than I thought.’ The shadow concluded as he calmly put the woman on the bed. Then he walked to her door and flipped the lock. 

‘She will not be attending to anyone for now anyways, not in her present position.’ He justified his action as he walked back to the room.

Taking a seat on the chair he had occupied earlier, he kept his gaze on the bed and waited.

Feeling heaviness behind her eyes, Lucianda tried to resist the temptation to open her eyes. She really did not know why, but her instinct was telling her she might not like the outcome.

Disoriented, she went still on the bed trying to buy time. Gradually regaining her senses, she listened for sound and when there was none, she slightly opened her eyes.

Before she could take a breath of relief, from the corner of her eyes, she felt more than saw the quiet figure on the chair, and from all indications, he seemed to be silently waiting for something.

Maybe waiting for her to wake up? Closing her eyes quickly without making a sound, she pretended to be asleep.

Too late, the figure detected the slight movement. Rising on his feet, he strode leisurely to the side of the bed and bending his head, he placed a soft kiss on her lips. Lucianda felt fire on her lips.

Discarding all thoughts of pretence, Lucianda’s brown eyes snapped open, shocked by his audacity.

“Welcome back, Mrs. Castos.” He greeted with a benign smile.

“How dare you, how dare you take advantage of an unconscious woman?” Luci was righteously indignant.

“You woke up just now before I came to the bed, so, drop the unconscious woman act. As for the other part, have you forgotten, my dear Mrs. Lucianda? I dared because I can dare anything.” He told her coldly.

Unable to say anything to that, Lucianda closed her mouth grimly. Ignoring him, she kept her gaze somewhere behind his head.

“I am sorry I scared you just now, that was not my intention.” He told her softly and Lucianda looked at him in wonder.