CHAPTER THREE
–THE DAY OF FAREWELLS
The dawn of the fourth day arrived beneath a sky veiled in sorrow. The world seemed unusually quiet, as though even nature mourned the tragic loss of Claire and Claine's parents and beloved Nana.
Today was the day they would be laid to rest.
At the cemetery, rows of mourners stood dressed in black while a chilly breeze swept through the gravestones.
The atmosphere was heavy with grief, each heartbeat echoing the painful reality they had struggled to accept.
Claine stood beside his sister, his hand firmly wrapped around hers. Though his own heart was shattered, he refused to let her face the darkness alone.
"Stay strong, Claire," he said softly.
"I know you feel abandoned and betrayed by fate, but we must take this one day at a time. One small step after another."
Claire lowered her gaze to the freshly dug graves.
"Hmm... I suppose you're right," she whispered. "Let's say goodbye to them and figure out what comes next."
Claine's jaw tightened.
"Yes. We will honor them today. But after that, we get to work. The monsters responsible for destroying our family won't escape justice."
A nearby security guard overheard him and nodded respectfully.
"Everything is prepared, sir."
The burial procession began.
One by one, family members and friends approached the graves to offer their final farewells. Tears flowed freely as flowers were gently placed atop the coffins.
When it was Claine's turn, he stepped forward, his voice trembling with emotion.
"I know I haven't always been the perfect son or grandson," he began.
"But one thing has never changed—I loved you with everything I had."
His eyes glistened as he stared at the coffins.
"And to the people who took you from us..." his voice darkened, "...I promise you this. They will answer for what they've done."
Silence settled over the cemetery.
Claire felt as though her entire world was collapsing.
"My chest feels so empty," she murmured, tears streaming down her cheeks. "What do I do now? Who will call me their princess? Who will spoil me, protect me, and make me laugh when I'm sad?"
Her voice cracked.
"Who will tease me every morning? Every promise... every dream... vanished in a single night."
The pain in her words pierced everyone present.
Claine immediately pulled her into his arms.
"Don't say goodbye with despair in your heart," he said gently.
"Let them leave this world peacefully. Believe that they are watching over us now. Believe that they have become our guardian angels."
Claire wiped her tears and nodded.
"You're right. I'm sorry."
She forced a faint smile.
"I'll try to be stronger. I promise."
After a moment, exhaustion settled over her.
"I think I'll head home now. Finish things here and join me later."
She turned toward the driver.
"John, would you please take me home?"
"Of course, Miss Claire."
Together they left the cemetery.
The drive home was unusually silent.
Claire stared blankly through the window while countless memories of her parents replayed in her mind.
As their vehicle approached the mansion, John's expression suddenly changed.
Four sleek black vehicles were parked outside the property.
His instincts immediately sounded an alarm.
"Miss Claire," he said cautiously, "something doesn't feel right."
Claire sat upright.
"What do you mean?"
"Those cars weren't here when we left this morning."
A knot formed in her stomach.
"Call Claine."
John immediately dialed.
"Sir," he said once the call connected, "there are several unfamiliar vehicles parked outside the residence."
There was a brief pause.
"Do not engage recklessly," Claine instructed. "Alert every guard on the property. Stay vigilant. I'm leaving the cemetery now and heading home."
"Understood, sir."
The call ended.
Despite John's concerns, Claire stepped out of the car.
"Miss Claire—"
"It's my home," she interrupted firmly. "I want to know who's inside."
The guards followed closely as she entered the mansion.
The moment she crossed the threshold, she found several unfamiliar men occupying the living room as though they owned the place.
Her grief instantly transformed into irritation.
Claire folded her arms and stood tall.
"Who exactly are you people?" she demanded. "And what gives you the right to enter my home uninvited?"
Her eyes swept across the room.
"First, my family is murdered. Now strangers are walking into my house without permission. Is there some kind of sign outside declaring this place open to the public?"
The room fell silent.
Then one man rose from his seat.
Tall.
Confident.
Dangerously composed.
He walked toward her with an unsettling calmness.
Step by step.
Closer.
Closer.
Until barely a breath separated them.
John immediately moved forward, but the stranger's icy gaze stopped him in his tracks.
A faint smirk appeared on the man's lips.
"Such a fiery welcome."
Claire refused to back away.
"I asked a question."
His eyes darkened with amusement.
"You certainly did."
He leaned slightly closer.
"My name is Paniel."
The name meant nothing to Claire.
She frowned.
"And?"
The smirk widened.
"And I've come for what's mine."
A chill crawled down her spine.
Paniel's voice lowered to a dangerous whisper.
"You should consider yourself fortunate, Claire."
Her heartbeat thundered.
"Because among all the women in the world..."
His piercing gaze locked onto hers.
"...you're the one chosen to become my wife."
The words struck like lightning.
Claire froze.
John stood speechless.
For the first time since entering the mansion, complete silence consumed the room.
And deep within her heart, Claire knew one thing with terrifying certainty—
Her nightmare was only beginning.