Chapter 19. The Engagement Party

CELINE's P O V

The following morning, I made the necessary arrangements for the cremation of my mother, and her urn was deposited in a columbarium in this city. I was alone in my sorrow over her passing. I was alone myself, and no one showed me any compassion; nonetheless, I didn't feel the need for either of those things. I am a strong woman. My mom taught me how to be. And I was able to complete the task on my own. I am going to survive without anyone else in my life at all.

It was seven o'clock in the evening when my sister and her boyfriend's engagement party was held in a five-star hotel, and I didn't expect that my beloved dad would invite me. I was pleasantly surprised.

My ears continued to ring with the sound of his voice as I thought back to the conversation we had over the phone the day before. ‘‘You’re required to attend the engagement party for your sister tomorrow, looking like you are prepared to make positive changes in your life. You won't be able to leave