Chapter 82: 82- Prayer Answered
Sienna sat in the front row with her hands folded on her lap. Hunter was sitting beside her in a black suit, his dark shades resting over his eyes. One of his hands was holding hers, brushing his thumb over it.
Sitting on Sienna’s other side, Ruby lowered her head dramatically and sniffed into a tissue. She could feel her husband looking subtly at Sienna, thinking that no one was watching him. Though she didn’t love him anymore, the thought that he was after Sienna was torture for her.
Come on, Ruby. One problem at a time. Thank God, everything worked, and I saved my father. Otherwise, Sienna might have donated everything attached to Papa’s body. Even his manhood!
The body lying inside the coffin wasn’t George Mason’s.
They managed to bring another dead body whose organs had already been donated before the funeral arrangements.
Thankfully, after that, Sienna hadn’t caused any trouble. In fact, she had cooperated.
Ruby almost smiled, remembering how Sienna had told the guests earlier.
"Please respect our family’s wishes. Papa wouldn’t want people staring at him like this."
Half of their problems were solved after she made that remark. Nobody questioned why the coffin stayed partially closed.
Nobody insisted on seeing George’s face.
Mariana was sitting on the opposite side, dabbing her dry eyes with a handkerchief. Now and then, her gaze shifted nervously to the coffin before she quickly looked away.
When Dr. Greyson was invited to the podium to deliver a speech, he went to the mic with a solemn face.
"He was more than a businessman. He was loyal, generous, and a kind man. I offer my condolences to his family, especially his widow. I’m sorry, Mariana, that you lost a wonderful husband. But let me tell you. His soul is happy after what George did after his death. He was generous enough to donate his organs, and that’s the reason none of you were allowed to see his face."
It was a silent message to everyone to avoid any rumors. They didn’t want Sienna or Tom to know the truth.
Ruby lowered her eyes again to hide the satisfaction flashing across them.
George was probably already halfway to the village by now, while the world sat in the hall mourning a stranger.
Sienna listened quietly as her eyes drifted towards the coffin. Beside her, Hunter slightly tilted his head towards her without looking directly at her.
"You okay?" He murmured under his breath.
Sienna didn’t say a word and silently leaned her head against his shoulder.
This might be her father’s fake death, but the way he stayed beside her and forced her to eat her favorite meals made her feel guilty.
Not only him, but Brian was also taking care of her more like a friend.
***
The graveyard had fallen silent after everyone left except the family. Sienna stood near the freshly covered grave with Hunter’s black coat wrapped tightly around her.
At some distance, Mariana and Ruby were talking quietly to Dr. Greyson before finally leaving. Both the ladies looked relieved now that the burial was over.
With a sigh, Ruby turned and found Tom standing behind her. He was still wearing a mask... and his eyes?
She followed his gaze and felt hatred for Sienna. She was effortlessly taking her husband’s attention.
Tom’s eyes were on Hunter’s hand, which was placed at the small of his wife’s back.
"I think we should head back," Hunter told her quietly as he brushed his knuckle against her cheek, "You’ve been standing here for too long."
Sienna didn’t move.
She didn’t know how long she had to act. Because now she was getting tired of it. Maybe going home wasn’t a bad idea after all.
Her eyes slowly lifted towards Hunter as the wind blew strands of hair across her face.
Hunter stared at her for a moment before stepping closer, "If you want to cry..." He seemed to be a bit hesitant, "Then I can offer you my arms."
Sienna chuckled and hugged him, not caring that her family might be watching them... or Tom might be looking at them.
For a second, Hunter seemed too stunned by the sudden hug. He raised his arms and wrapped them around her.
"It’s okay," he whispered, "You’re such a strong girl."
Sienna closed her eyes briefly, feeling the warmth of his body. A few feet away, Ruby’s nails dug into her palms as she watched them.
Tom, however, couldn’t take his eyes off them. He hated how Hunter was dipping his hose into her hair.
Hunter must have noticed their eyes because his grip around Sienna tightened possessively. He didn’t leave her even when they all walked away.
"Hunter!" Sienna whispered his name, and he smiled into her hair.
"Yes, my little chaos."
***
Once they were home, Ruby hugged Mariana, "Papa is safe, Mama."
Mariana nodded as she stepped back after the hug, "You should also take some rest, Ruby. You stayed with me the whole time."
Ruby’s lips pressed into a thin line. She wanted to remind her mother that neither of her parents was there for her.
Maybe later. She told herself.
"I’ll stay, Mama," she said softly and poured herself some lemonade, "David might call any moment."
Mariana sighed when Ruby handed her a tall glass filled with lemonade and sat down. David was Greyson’s acquaintance who was accompanying George to the village.
He had promised that once they reached there, he would make a video call and let them talk to George.
"I’m leaving, Ruby," Tom entered the room holding his car keys after using the restroom, "Sorry about your father."
Ruby accepted his condolences with a small smile. Both women wanted him out of the house before talking to George.
Tom went to the door, and Ruby followed him like a good wife, "You need to join Sienna’s office when this is over," Tom told her in a hushed voice.
Ruby wanted to roll her eyes, but she smiled, "Sure. I’ll make sure to give you more inside information."
Tom nodded with a grim expression. He stood there for a moment, then turned to twist the doorknob.
"Goodnight, Ruby."
Goodnight, Tom."
Their prayer was answered. Tom had left.
