Chapter 6

Lena POV

The day before my child's memorial day, I went to the old cemetery section early in the morning.

I wanted to honor my son one last time in my own way before the relocation.

But the grave site had already changed.

Memorial flower baskets, fresh flowers, and place cards were all arranged. Shaw family members were checking service details nearby. The keepsakes and handwritten letter I'd brought were stopped by staff.

"Before the service, no personal items can be placed at the grave."

I looked at the hand blocking my way, my voice cold. "This is my son's grave."

Veronica walked over from beside the headstone, her tone gentle. "Lena, give me the things. I'll arrange everything."

I didn't move.

Veronica looked at the handwritten letter in my hands. "This kind of personal sentiment isn't appropriate for the Shaw family cemetery section. The child should have a new home from now on."

I looked up. "Move."

Veronica positioned herself to block the steps. "The roster has been confirmed. If you force your way in today, you'll only make things difficult for Shaun."

I stepped closer. "When did my son become your new home?"

The smile faded from Veronica's face.

She lowered her voice. "Whoever's listed as mother on the headstone has the right to decide how future memorial services are conducted."

I went around her to place the handwritten letter at the grave.

Veronica suddenly grabbed my wrist.

The handwritten letters scattered across the ground.

I bent down to collect them. Veronica took the opportunity to fall backward, knocking over the nearby flower stand. Flowers spilled everywhere. Shaw family members and staff all gathered around.

Veronica clutched her arm, eyes reddening. "I only advised Lena not to ruin the service, and she came at me."

When Shaun arrived, he saw Veronica sitting on the ground while I crouched among scattered letters.

He helped Veronica up first. "Are you hurt?"

I stood up. "She grabbed my letter."

Shaun didn't let me finish. "Put your things away first. Don't keep making a scene in front of outsiders."

I held up those handwritten letters. "Today is the day before our child's memorial day. I only wanted to leave one letter."

"Tomorrow is the relocation." Shaun suppressed his anger. "The family elders have all been notified. Veronica's been frightened by you like this. How long are you going to keep this up?"

I looked at him. "Even now, you still think I'm just making trouble?"

Shaun didn't answer. He only turned to instruct his assistant, "Take her home."

The assistant stepped forward.

I stepped back. "Don't touch me."

Veronica leaned against Shaun and suddenly drew a sharp breath. "Shaun, my arm hurts. I think I hit it just now."

Shaun's expression changed. "Go to the hospital."

I stood before the grave, clutching the crumpled letters.

Veronica's pulling motion earlier had aggravated my old injury. My abdomen throbbed with pain. Cold sweat ran down from my temples.

Shaun saw my pale face and paused mid-step.

Veronica called to him softly. "Shaun, I'm a little scared."

Shaun ultimately supported Veronica toward the car, only turning back to tell his assistant, "Take her home."

I didn't get in the assistant's car.

After Shaun's car drove away, I crouched down and picked up the handwritten letters one by one from the ground.

I didn't try again to place the letters at the grave. I only tucked one into the memorial album.

Then I photographed the altar that had been replaced, the overturned flower stand, the red marks on my wrist, and saved the video of Veronica grabbing my letter.

As I left the cemetery, they were setting up directional signs for the relocation service in the distance.

I messaged my old friend: Can the ticket be changed to tonight?

The reply came quickly: Yes, last train.

I looked at the screen and sent a simple reply.

"Change it."

Great. Tonight I could finally leave the man who broke my heart.

I only hoped he wouldn't notice.