Chapter 161. The Gravestone

June POV

ONE WEEK LATER.

My face is crumpled, my eyes clouded, as the priest’s words float over the gravestone. I sigh, licking my lips, tasting the bitter salt of my tears.

This isn’t real, right? It has to be some cruel, twisted dream.

I can’t believe it. I never got the chance to say thank you, to apologize, to tell him anything.

I can still see his smile, hear the warmth in his voice, feel the kindness in his touch. And now… it’s gone. Vanished. Dust.

Beside me, Leila wails, her cries rising with each heartbeat. Kayla and Lia hold her tightly, trying to soothe her, but I can’t join them. I need comfort too, but there’s nowhere to find it. My hands tremble as they clutch the edge of the folded program, my chest heavy with grief that refuses to ease.

I swallow hard, forcing myself to stand tall, but the emptiness presses in from every side. All I can do is stare at the gravestone, whisper a quiet apology, and wish—wishing with every