Chapter 22

Chapter 22:

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In Olekgan, everyone knew the old tale—how Bettina had defied her family to marry Richard. For years, it had been passed around as a tragic romance, told in hushed, admiring tones. Whatever became of them later, their love had once burned bright.

Zoe sank to her knees before the casket, hypocritical tears spilling freely. “Bettina,” she sobbed, her voice deliberately strained, “I will only ever be a stand-in, looking after Richard because you’re no longer with us. You’ll always be the true Mrs. Moore.”

At her side, Jordyn played her part as flawlessly as her mother. She clutched the casket and wailed, her cries so heartrending that more guests reached for their handkerchiefs.

Richard caressed the polished wood as though it were flesh, his tone solemn yet theatrical. “Bettina will forever remain my wife. She will rest in the Moore family mausoleum, and when my time ends, I’ll lie beside her—together for eternity.”

R𝘰𝗆a𝗇𝘤𝘦 ո𝘰𝘷𝖾𝘭s oո ga𝗹𝗇o𝗏e𝗹𝗌.𝗰𝗈𝘮