My Funreal 52

Chapter $2 Heartbreak 

Where’s your bracelet 

She looked up at him her eyes empty and hurt. She hadn’t noticed his bare wrist earlier–her mind had been elsewhere. 

Kaol froze, unconsciously curling his right hand. “The bracelet…” 

He’d never forget it Nova had gone through so much to get it for him. He’d cherished it, never taking it off, even when showering or sleeping 

When had he lost it? 

It had been on his wrist just a few days ago. Maybe it had fallen off that night with Sloane. 

He’d planned to go look for it today, but the Royal Fencing Club mess had derailed him. 

“Did you lose it?” Nova’s voice was hollow. 

Her mind foggy, she didn’t know how she’d managed to say those words–her heart hurt so much she could barely breathe. 

Kael’s face paled with panic. “No! I must have left it in the office or the study. I’ll look for it later–I’ll find it, I promise!” 

Nova’s head throbbed. She couldn’t hear his excuses anymore, didn’t want to. 

she remembered the early days of their business–Kael had worked day and night, drowning in meetings and stress. 

His heart had started acting up, and she’d been terrified. A woman who’d never believed in religion, she’d gone to the church, praying for seven days, begging or his safety. That bracelet was her offering, her hope. 

And he’d lost it. Just like he’d lost her–easily, carelessly. 

Nova swallowed the metallic taste in her throat, forcing a smile. “It’s okay. It’s just a bracelet. If it’s gone, it’s gone.” 

Kael’s heart skipped a beat. Before he could react, Nova had turned and walked up the stairs. 

Nova!” He reached for her, but she hurried faster, slamming the bedroom door shut behind her. 

le banged on the door, his panic growing. “Nova, I didn’t lose it! You worked so hard for that bracelet–I’d never lose it! Don’t overthink this… Nova?” 

¡ova leaned against the door, just inches away from him. She was sobbing, her body shaking. Her heart, once full of love for him, was now in shambles. 

ven through the door, Kael heard her quiet cries. His hand froze mid–knock, then slapped himself hard. 

lova was tough, stubborn–she rarely cried. Before marrying him, even with a single father and limited means, her father and grandmother had spoiled her. 

Vith him, she’d suffered nothing but heartache. 

What had he promised her? To love her, to protect her, to never let her cry. 

Cael ran a hand through his hair, his guilt overwhelming him. He couldn’t face her until he found that bracelet. 

Baby, I’ll find it. I promise.” His voice was hoarse. “And that woman at the hospital–when she wakes up, I’ll make sure she pays for framing you up. You won’t 

e wronged again.” 

But you’re the one who’s wronged me the most. Nova stared at the ceiling, tears pooling in her eyes. 

Kael knew she wouldn’t answer. After a few more quiet pleas, he pulled out his phone and walked to the study. 

n the study, Kael tore off his tie, throwing it aside. 

00:03 

He Cried at My Funeral I Laughed at His Gala 

Chapter 52 Heartbreak 

the dialed Sam’s number, his voice cold with frustration How’s the woman at the hospital? You said shed wake up tomorrow–why is she still unconscious?” 

He’ll only found out about her coma that evening His shock and confusion inatched Nova’s. 

Sam trembled under his boss anger “Her condition took us by surprise. We didn’t expect this either…” 

Kael massaged his temples, his patience wearing thin. “Double the guards. Notify me immediately if anything changes.” 

understand, Mr. Voss.” 

As he hung up, Kael’s anger turned inward. He hated himself for failing Nova. 

He swept his arm across his desk, knocking over books and papers. It took him minutes to calm down. 

He went downstairs to make her a cup of chocolate milk–her favorite. 

He knocked gently on the bedroom door, his voice soft. “Nova, I made your favorite chocolate milk. Would you like some?” 

Inside, Nova had just picked up a red marker, crossing out a date on her calendar. 

Seventeen days left until I’m free from this cage. 

She wondered what Kael would do when he saw her “body.” 

Would he grieve? 

A bitter smile tugged at her lips. 

I’m already asleep. I don’t have an appetite,” she called out, her voice cold. She set the marker down and picked up her tablet, opening her design software. 

Only when she was drawing could she quiet her mind. 

You didn’t eat dinner. Your stomach will hurt later. Just a sip, please?” Kael begged. 

Nova didn’t respond. She focused on her designs, messaging her mentor to discuss her work. 

Mentor: [There’s a strong competitor in the competition–their skills are on par with yours. You gotta step up.] 

Nova: [Don’t worry. I will.] 

f her mentor thought this competitor was impressive, they must be extraordinary. Nova made a mental note, feeling a flicker of excitement. 

By the time she finished the design, two hours had passed. 

Her stomach ached–she hadn’t eaten anything all day. 

She put down her tablet and went downstairs to find food. 

In the kitchen, she noticed a food warmer still plugged in. A sticky note was taped to it, Kael’s handwriting: [I kept the food warm in the warmer. The cinnamon apple oatmeal is in the blender–just turn it on.] 

Nova stared at the note, her heart aching. 

This was the Kael she’d once loved–the man who remembered her every need, who took care of her without being asked. 

She’d teased him once, saying he was a mind reader. 

He’d smiled, his eyes full of love, and said nothing. 

In the end, she didn’t eat. She poured herself a glass of water and went back to her bedroom. 

Just then, her phone, charging on the nightstand, buzzed. 

00:03 

He Cried at My Funeral, I Laughed at His Gala 

32.1 

the thought it was har det vattingen hay estpreiswered what to 

– hang up 1 here thing to say ie wicht fromphant. 

show reaching to end the call–bart Bone Inghed. You never exin, do you? No wonder Kart keeps coming bar to me 

Sure true Instinctively she walked toward the study. 

She spent the dis–it wat Phyty 

the temples throbbed, then the rushed to the guest bedroom–also empty 

Shane’s taunts continued over the phone. “A marriage without love is a prison, Nova. I admire your nerve–holding onto that wife title for so long, even when 

he doesn’t want you.” 

Nova felt like she’d been doused in ice water. 

ust bours ago. Kael had been begging for her forgiveness. Now he was with Sloane? 

He couldn’t even pretend to care about her anymore. If she wouldn’t forgive him, he’d just run to someone who would. 

femories flashed through her mind: the teenage Kael, spending a month knitting her a scarf, his patience endless. He’d worried it wasn’t good enough, that she 

couldn’t like it. 

I she’d never known that kind of love, she wouldn’t be hurting this much. 

lova bit her lip until it bled, her voice trembling. “A stray dog digging through garbage–you two deserve each other.” 

loane paused, then snarled. “Nova!” 

lova fought back the pain, her voice cold. “Don’t call me again. I don’t care what you and Kael do.” 

he moved to hang up. 

loane’s laughter stopped her. “Kael doesn’t care about you either. He lost that bracelet of yours like it was nothing.” 

lova felt a blow to the head. She froze, her face turning deathly pale. 

loane sneered, “Honestly, I feel sorry for you. Should I return it to you tomorrow? It’d be a shame to waste such a precious‘ gift.” 

iling someone with words was never easier.