The day of the burial arrived, heavy and somber. The weather matched the mood, with gray clouds hanging low in the sky. The Wolfe estate had been transformed for the occasion, with a grand canopy and rows of black chairs set up in the sprawling garden. Business partners, family acquaintances, and even rivals had come to pay their respects.
Damian stood near the front, his posture stiff and unyielding, a man carrying the weight of his family’s legacy on his shoulders. Aurora was by his side, her hand resting gently on his arm. She wore a simple black dress that highlighted her growing baby bump, her expression solemn.
Raphael stood a few steps away, his face unreadable, while Luna stayed quietly by his side, her hands clasped in front of her.
As the guests began to arrive, there was a soft murmur among the crowd.
“Look, that’s Damian Wolfe,” one whispered.
“And the woman beside him? Is that his mistress?” another voice asked.
“No, she’s pregnant. That must be his fiancee,” a third voice chimed in.
Aurora caught snippets of the conversation and lowered her gaze, feeling the weight of their scrutiny. Damian, sensing her discomfort, gently squeezed her hand without looking at her.
Raphael, noticing the whispers, leaned toward Luna. “I hate how people talk at these events,” he said quietly.
Luna nodded. “They’re always looking for drama,” she replied.
“They’ll find none here,” Raphael said firmly. “Let them talk. It doesn’t change anything.”
Luna gave him a small smile, but her eyes kept darting to Aurora, worried about how she was handling the attention.
The ceremony began with a priest stepping forward, his voice calm and measured as he spoke about Mr. Wolfe’s life. “Today, we gather to honor a man who was both respected and feared. A man who built an empire with his own hands, who leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten.”
Damian’s jaw tightened as the priest spoke, his emotions carefully guarded. Aurora glanced at him, wishing she could ease the pain she knew he was hiding.
After the priest’s words, several business partners stepped forward to share their memories of Mr. Wolfe.
“I remember when he closed the deal on the Hanover shipping routes,” one man said, his voice filled with admiration. “No one thought it could be done, but he made it happen.”
Another man chuckled. “He was ruthless in negotiations. If you underestimated him, you’d regret it.”
Damian listened in silence, his expression hard. He knew his father’s reputation better than anyone, but hearing it spoken aloud felt like reopening old wounds.
As the ceremony continued, the whispers among the guests grew louder.
“Do you think Damian will take over entirely now?”
“He’s already running things. This is just a formality.”
“What about Raphael? Do you think he’ll try to claim a bigger role in the family business?”
Raphael overheard the comments and smirked, leaning closer to Luna. “They never stop, do they?” he said softly.
Luna shook her head. “They don’t know anything,” she replied.
“Exactly,” Raphael said, his tone light but his eyes sharp.
When it was time to lower the casket into the ground, Damian stepped forward, his movements precise and controlled. Aurora followed him, her steps careful. She placed a single white rose on the casket, her hands trembling slightly.
Damian stood beside her, his gaze fixed on the casket. His lips moved silently, as though he were saying something only his father could hear.
Raphael and Luna came forward next, each placing a rose of their own. Luna’s eyes glistened with unshed tears as she glanced at Damian, her heart aching for him.
As the ceremony ended, the guests began to disperse, but the whispers continued.
“Did you see the pregnant woman? I heard she’s carrying Damian’s child.”
“Do you think she’ll marry him now that his father is gone?”
“She doesn’t look like someone who belongs in the Wolfe family. She’s too… soft.”
Aurora kept her head high, pretending not to hear the comments, but inside, she felt a pang of hurt.
Damian turned to her, his voice low and firm. “Ignore them,” he said.
“I’m trying,” Aurora replied, her voice equally quiet.
“You’re stronger than they are,” Damian said, his hand resting on her back protectively. “Don’t let their words get to you.”
Aurora nodded, her resolve strengthening.
Raphael and Luna walked over to join them, breaking the tension.
“Well, that’s over,” Raphael said, his tone light.
Damian gave him a sharp look. “It wasn’t just an event, Raphael. It was our father’s burial.”
“I know,” Raphael said, his expression softening. “I just mean… it’s time to move forward.”
Damian sighed but didn’t argue.
Luna placed a gentle hand on Aurora’s arm. “Are you okay?” she asked softly.
Aurora smiled faintly. “I’m fine. Thank you.”
“You’re strong,” Luna said, her voice filled with admiration.
“Thanks to all of you,” Aurora replied, glancing at Damian and Raphael.
Damian wrapped his arm around Aurora, pulling her close. “Let’s go home,” he said.
The four of them walked toward the waiting cars, leaving behind the whispers and judgment of the crowd.