He Kills My Mother for Her Beach House

Chapter 3

"That Juliana… She's completely classless. Jacob deserves better."

"She's the kind of woman who curses three generations just by being in the family."

"Jealous. Unstable. Always stirring up trouble. I honestly don't know how Jacob puts up with her. Poor guy."

"Can you imagine? If she can act like that at her own mother's funeral, what's she like behind closed doors?"

I couldn't say a word in my defense. The weight of their judgment pressed down on me like stones. My eyes burned with unshed tears as I quietly straightened my mother's memorial table.

At some point, I felt his presence behind me.

"Juli," Jacob said softly, "I was harsh earlier. I came to apologize."

I turned to face him.

His voice was gentle, but his eyes were cold, empty. Not a hint of warmth in them.

And just like I expected, he followed up with, "But you crossed the line with Wendy."

"No matter what, she came as a guest."

"Do you have any idea how many people are talking right now? And none of it is in your favor."

"I've been trying to explain things for you, but it's not helping. Look, if you come with me and apologize to Wendy, she'll speak up for you. Clear your name."

I let out a bitter laugh, my voice laced with sarcasm. "I'm not apologizing. I'm not interested in saving a reputation that was never mine to begin with."

Jacob's face darkened. He stepped in closer, his voice dropping low and sharp.

"You made a mistake. Own up to it. When did you become so shameless, Juliana?"

I closed my eyes as the tears finally slipped free.

Jacob had always been gentle with me. Always careful with his words.

But today, he'd humiliated me twice.

Both times, for Wendy.

I opened my eyes, blinking through the blur. His face was hazy, out of focus.

Then again, had I ever really seen him clearly?

My voice cracked. "Jacob… did you really never find out who blinded my mother?"

He hesitated, stiffened, then shook his head. "There were no leads. And now that she's gone, there's no point in digging it up."

A hollow smile tugged at my lips.

He didn't care. Not then. Not now.

Before I could respond, Jacob grabbed my wrist and dragged me into another room.

"Wendy, Juli's here to apologize," he said, loud enough for everyone to hear.

I glanced around. The guests had gathered. Every pair of eyes locked onto me like I was a sideshow act.

Jacob leaned in and whispered, "This is your chance. Clear your name."

Clear my name… or make me bow and beg in front of a crowd, just to make Wendy look like the gracious victim?

He gave me a light shove toward her. "Go on. Say it."

I stood frozen.

Wendy, ever the picture of benevolence, gave a soft smile. "There's no need for an apology. I understand, Juliana's going through a rough time."

Someone clapped. Then another. Soon, the whole room erupted in applause.

Over the noise, Wendy leaned in, her voice a whisper only I could hear.

"Do you want to know why your mother was blinded?" she murmured.

"Maybe it's because you stole someone else's happiness."

"Did you really think you deserved Jacob?"

My mind went blank.

Without thinking, I grabbed the nearest object and hurled it at her face.

I didn't hear anything. Couldn't see clearly.

All I could think of were my mother's muffled sobs late at night… the quiet pain in her voice after she was attacked.

By the time someone pulled me away, Wendy's face was already swollen.

Jacob stormed in, his eyes wild with fury. He didn't hesitate.

He slapped me.

Once.

Then again.

Hard.