He Kills My Mother for Her Beach House

Chapter 2

Only a thin door stood between me and Jacob, but it felt like a thousand miles. I didn't want to see him ever again.

My phone buzzed.

It was a message from Jacob.

[Juli, try to get some rest. Don't worry about the funeral, I'll handle everything. Your mother will have the grand farewell she deserves.]

I typed a cold, one-word reply.

[Okay.]

Then I opened another chat.

[Please draft a divorce agreement,] I texted my lawyer.

The funeral was grand.

Because of Jacob's reputation, countless people came to pay their respects. True to his word, he made sure my mother had a dignified send-off.

But none of that mattered to me.

I would have traded it all, every flower, every guest, every speech, just to have her back.

Even if it meant living a quiet, invisible life with her.

"Mom… I miss you so much," I whispered, kneeling before her portrait as tears rolled silently down my cheeks.

Then a voice cut through the air like a dagger.

"Juliana, everyone dies eventually. My condolences."

I froze.

Turning around slowly, I saw her, Wendy.

She wore a black trench coat, holding a bouquet of white roses like she actually belonged here. But beneath her collar, a sliver of bold red fabric peeked out. Seriously?

This was my mother's funeral. I refused to create a scene and disturb her peace.

So I swallowed the fury burning in my chest and simply nodded.

But Wendy didn't take the hint.

Instead, she walked up and carelessly tossed the white roses in front of my mother's photo. Her eyes scanned the picture, and she let out a long, exaggerated sigh.

"Auntie never got to find out who blinded her, huh? Such a shame."

I stared at her, voice icy.

"Justice doesn't forget. I've hired someone to reopen the case. The truth will come out eventually."

For a split second, panic flickered in her eyes, but it was gone as quickly as it came. She let out a soft laugh.

"After all these years? Come on, Juli. Let it go."

She shook her head dramatically.

"I just hope Auntie passed peacefully."

Then, as if struck by a thought, she covered her mouth and giggled.

"Oh, silly me. She was already blind, wasn't she? She'd closed her eyes long before she died."

Something inside me snapped.

Without thinking, I raised my hand and slapped her across the face, hard.

Wendy let out a dramatic scream and crumpled to the floor. Instantly, heads turned, and guests began to murmur.

Clutching her cheek, she burst into fake sobs.

"Jacob and I were just college classmates! If it makes you uncomfortable, I'll stop seeing him, okay?"

She sniffled.

"Juliana, I know you've never liked me… but I came today to show respect."

"Making a scene at a funeral? How is that fair to your mother?"

I opened my mouth to defend myself, but before I could speak, Jacob rushed over.

He didn't ask what happened. He didn't even glance at me.

He went straight to Wendy, helping her up with trembling hands, his face etched with worry.

I stepped forward.

"Jacob, just now, "

He cut me off, his voice thunderous.

"Get out!"

And then he shoved me.

I stumbled back, landing hard on the ground. The bouquet Wendy had dropped tumbled beside me, and its thorns dug into my palm.

It hurt.

But not as much as his words.

Jacob stood over me, glaring.

"Juliana, is this how you honor your mother? Starting drama at her funeral?"

"How many times do I have to say it? Wendy and I are just friends."

"Your jealousy is exhausting. And today, of all days? Have some self-respect."

"You're embarrassing yourself."

And with that, he walked away, arm in arm with Wendy.

Leaving me there. Alone. On the floor. In front of my mother's portrait.

The man who once held me like I was his whole world had now humiliated me in front of everyone, without even hearing me out.

The whispers from the guests were like knives.