A Week Later
“Are we really going to Gloria’s funeral?” I asked Ethan as he adjusted his tie in the mirror. Though I knew from the moment we arrived in New York last night, part of me still hoped I could convince him otherwise.
“I am, but it’s fine if you don’t want to,” Ethan replied, straightening his black tie with ease.
“If you’re going, I’m going,” I insisted, rising to my feet. I knew I couldn’t protect him if Wayne and Christof had something planned, but at the very least, I could be by his side and warn him if necessary.
“Are you sure?” Ethan asked, his voice tinged with concern. “I know Gloria hasn’t exactly left you with good memories, and Jennifer and all your other friends will be there.”
“I don’t mind,” I said. “I just want to stay by your side.” I honestly didn’t mind seeing Jennifer again. She was still a good friend, but avoiding her had been essential for my sanity.
“Okay, if you insist,” Ethan said, giving in. I nodded and slipped on a black, three-quarter-sleeved gown. I moved closer to him, turning so he could zip it up.
“My love,” I began as soon as his hands left my zipper, “just promise me one thing.” I turned to face him, my eyes pleading.
“What is it?” Ethan asked, his brow furrowing with curiosity.
“The moment you notice anything is off, we leave. If Christof asks you to go somewhere else, don’t follow. I know you’ve got a gun on you,” I said, lifting his jacket to search for it. I was certain my boyfriend, who seemed more like a mafia boss, was carrying a weapon.
Ethan chuckled, moving his jacket to reveal a small gun hidden in an unusual pocket. “Do you always carry a gun?” I asked, even though I already knew the answer. I was just surprised I hadn’t noticed it until now.
He smiled and nodded. I quickly moved on. “I’m sure you have men here too. Please have them on standby, just in case.”
Ethan’s eyes softened as he let out a small smile. “I don’t think we’ll need any of that,” he said gently, lifting my chin to meet his gaze.
“We do!” I insisted firmly. This was the only way I could protect him and myself, ensuring he was extra cautious.
“Alright, I hear you,” Ethan said, still holding my face and staring at my eyes. “Can we go now?” he asked, and I nodded as he placed a gentle kiss on my lips.
My heart raced as Ethan drove us to Christof’s mansion, the location of Gloria’s funeral. The mansion was an old, antique-looking building with an eerie theme, like something straight out of a haunted house movie. The grounds were vast, with whitening gardens that seemed to belong to another era. The building itself, with its dark gray exterior, loomed in the center like a relic of the past.
“Does anyone even live here?” I wondered aloud as we drove through rusted gates.
“Not in a long time,” Ethan replied, his eyes focused on the road.
“Are you sure this is the place?” I asked, noticing the lack of cars or people around.
“Certain,” Ethan replied, driving further down the long path leading to the mansion. As we got closer, I finally saw a parking area almost filled with cars and people moving in and out of the building. Valets in blue jackets stood by, collecting keys and helping guests park.
“Oh, I see,” I sighed, feeling a little more at ease. “Why does it look so dead, though?” I asked, expecting something more extravagant for someone as rich and well-known as Gloria’s father.
“Because nobody’s been able to live here, not even the workers,” Ethan said.
“Why?” I asked, my curiosity piqued as I stared at him, hoping for an explanation.
“The bodies,” Ethan replied, sending shivers down my spine.
“Christof has buried so many people on this land that rumors started about ghosts appearing at night.
” A smile tugged at the corner of his lips, like he didn’t fully believe it.
“Do you think it’s true?” My voice cracked as I felt goosebumps rise, beads of sweat trickling down my face.
“When I stayed here, there was no such thing,” Ethan said, slowing down as we reached the valet. A young man opened my door.
“Thank you,” I said, stepping out and waiting for Ethan to do the same, handing his keys to the valet.
I hurried to Ethan’s side, suddenly feeling a wave of fear wash over me. “So, this place is haunted?” I asked, already sensing a terrible energy around the mansion.
“Maybe,” Ethan teased, a playful smile on his lips.
“Are you messing with me?” I frowned, grabbing his arm and holding him tight.
“Honestly, those are just rumors,” Ethan said, trying to reassure me. “But they aren’t true, I promise.”
“I don’t want to find out if they are or not,” I said, shaking my head, still unconvinced. “Please don’t leave my side,” I pleaded.
Ethan chuckled, holding me close as we made our way into the house. As soon as we entered, the sound of music filled the air.
“Here for the celebration of life, sir?” a young blonde woman in a suit asked. Ethan nodded, and she guided us to a large hall where music played, and people were dancing. There wasn’t a single grim face in the crowd. The room was filled with laughter and chatter, with most people either conversing or dancing.
I looked at Ethan, who just smiled at me. “If you’re wondering, this is how the Delonte’s celebrate life,” he explained. “They did the same for Jake too.” I stared at the crowd in awe; it all seemed so strange to me.
Ethan held my hand, guiding me to a table where an older man sat, laughing heartily with a group of equally aged men. He clinked his glass with them as he spoke, his voice booming.
“Christof,” Ethan said as soon as we were close enough for the man to hear him.
“My son!” the old man exclaimed, rising to his feet and giving Ethan a hug. I watched them, feeling confused. Christof wasn’t what I had expected. He was a simple-looking old man with gray hair and what appeared to be a bad hip.
They hugged for a moment before pulling away. Christof’s eyes moved to me, noticing me standing quietly beside Ethan.
“Emily,” he said, like he knew me, making my heart skip a beat. “You must be Emily,” he repeated, extending his hand as I nervously stepped closer. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
Christof smiled warmly at me, but my heart raced. I’m the reason he lost his grandson and his daughter, I reminded myself as he held my hand.
“You young lady have been causing so much trouble” Christof said with a smile, for a second i wasn’t sure if we was saying it in good faith or with anger and the uncertainty made my stomach churn.