In pain

Amber

The day of Kris's wake arrived like an inevitable storm. I knew I needed to go to keep up appearances. The public believed that Kris and I had dated for three years, and any sign of disrespect to her memory would be a disaster for my image. I wore an elegant black dress, applied impeccable makeup, and looked at myself in the mirror. My image was perfect, but inside, I was broken.

The ceremony took place in a luxurious funeral hall, surrounded by white flowers and soft candles. The familiar faces of Kris's friends and acquaintances were there, all with expressions of sadness and compassion. I walked around the room, feeling their eyes fixed on me, evaluating every movement, every expression.

I sat in the front row, next to Kris's family. The words of comfort and whispers of condolence seemed distant, as if they came from another world. My mind was miles away, trapped in the memories and guilt that haunted me.

Then I saw her: Alexis Cline, Kris's girlfriend. She was walking tow