The sky was overcast on the day of Mia’s funeral, as if the weather itself was mourning her loss. A small group of close friends and family gathered at the cemetery, their somber faces reflecting the gravity of the moment. The air was thick with the scent of fresh flowers, mingling with the faint smell of rain that threatened to fall at any moment.
Jade stood beside the gravesite, her body trembling as she clutched a bouquet of white lilies—Mia’s favorite. The wind tugged at her black dress, but she barely noticed. Her mind was elsewhere, replaying memories of Mia’s infectious laughter, her playful banter, and the way she always seemed to brighten the darkest of days. Now, that light was gone.
Milan, Enzo, and Thiago stood close by, their presence steady and protective. Milan’s icy-blue eyes scanned the crowd, his face stoic but his clenched fists betraying his emotions. Enzo’s usually composed demeanor was softened, his dark eyes clouded with sorrow. Thiago, always the one to lighten the mood, stood unusually quiet, his lips pressed into a thin line.
The minister’s voice broke through Jade’s thoughts, offering words of comfort and remembrance. But it all felt distant, like a muffled echo in her mind. She barely registered the condolences, the nods of sympathy, or the tearful embraces from those around her. All she could focus on was the grave in front of her, the final resting place of her best friend.
Later that evening, back at the house, Jade sat alone in her bedroom, the door closed tightly. She couldn’t face anyone, not even the three men who had been her anchors through all of this. What was supposed to have been the happiest day of her life had turned into a nightmare, and the weight of it was unbearable.
The room was dark, save for the faint glow of the lamp on her bedside table. Luna, her small gray kitten, curled up beside her, purring softly. Jade absentmindedly stroked Luna’s fur, her eyes red and swollen from crying.
There was a soft knock at the door, but Jade didn’t respond. A moment later, the door creaked open, and Milan stepped inside. He closed the door behind him, his movements quiet and deliberate.
“Jade,” he said softly, his voice steady but filled with concern. “You’ve been up here all day.”
“I just need to be alone,” Jade replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Milan walked over to her, sitting on the edge of the bed. “I understand that,” he said, his icy-blue eyes meeting hers. “But we’re worried about you.”
“I’m fine,” she lied, turning her gaze away.
“You’re not fine,” Milan said gently but firmly. “And that’s okay. No one expects you to be.”
Jade’s shoulders shook as she tried to hold back her tears. “I don’t know how to move on from this,” she admitted, her voice breaking. “Mia was… she was my best friend. She didn’t deserve this.”
Milan reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder. “No, she didn’t. And neither do you. But you’re not alone in this, Jade. We’re here for you.”
A few moments later, the door opened again, and Enzo and Thiago stepped inside. Thiago carried a tray with a cup of tea and a small plate of cookies, setting it down on the bedside table.
“I figured you could use something warm,” he said, his voice soft.
Enzo stood by the foot of the bed, his dark eyes studying Jade intently. “You don’t have to go through this alone,” he said. “We know how much she meant to you. She meant a lot to us, too.”
Jade looked up at them, her vision blurred by tears. “It’s just so unfair,” she said, her voice trembling. “She was supposed to be there for the wedding, for everything. And now she’s gone.”
Thiago sat beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “I know, Jade. It’s not fair. But if Mia were here, you know what she’d say? She’d tell you to keep living, to keep fighting. She wouldn’t want you to lose yourself in this.”
Jade sniffled, her fingers gripping the edge of the blanket. “I don’t even know where to start.”
“Start by letting us help you,” Milan said, his tone firm but gentle. “We’ll take it one day at a time.”
Enzo nodded. “And when you’re ready, we’ll make sure Vivienne pays for what she’s done. You have my word.”