Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts

Chapter 240

Ines lifted her tear-streaked face and looked at Silas before taking the tie from his hand. The tie seemed heavy, her movements slow.

The tie in her hand was old. Its colour faded as if it had been washed many times. It was one of Hunter's personal items, not brand new.

Seeing her hesitation, Silas explained, "Ms Galeana, you bought this tie for him with your first paycheck from your part-time job when you started college. You spent a whole month's salary on it. He scolded you but was genuinely happy, saying you were becoming sensible and would be a dutiful child in the future.” Silas sighed, “It must have been ten years now. He kept it all this time, only using it on special occasions and kept it nicely in the cabinet otherwise.

Hearing this, Ethan had an 'aha' moment. No wonder she tied his tie perfectly the first time. She must have been used to doing it for Hunter.

There was no doubt about it. She and Hunter must have been very close.

Ines was visibly shaken, clutching the tie tightly and trembling. She looked drained as if she had aged decades in an instant.

Ethan couldn't help but step forward and wrap his arms around her waist, supporting her.

Ines bent over to tie Hunter's tie, her hands shaking. She took ten full minutes to complete a simple task, adjusting it over and over, unable to let go.

A staff member came over to inform them that it was time to cremate the body and bid their final farewells.

Aiden Ramos accompanied Emma. She buried her face in his chest, clearly crying. Aiden kept patting her back comfortingly.

Hearing what the staff member said, Emma pushed Aiden away and cried, "Daddy!" Seeing her lose control like this, Ethan was sure that Emma had nothing to do with what happened to Hunter. Shirley must have been the only other possibility if this wasn't an accident. But why would Shirley suddenly act this way? Her life might not be after Hunter's death.

Emma's high-pitched wails were heart-wrenching, making Ines feel even worse.

The staff walked over to take Hunter's body for cremation. Emma growled, "You can't take my dad away. I won't let you."

All Aiden could do was hold her tight and soothe her, "Emma, stop it. He's gone. Let them take him."

Ines watched as Hunter was pushed into the cremation chamber, tears streaming down her face. Ethan held her face against his chest, trying to shield her from the gruesome sight.

Not long after, Hunter's urn was brought out. Ines attempted to hold the urn, but Emma beat her to it. Ines stared at the small urn, unable to believe that the once vibrant man was reduced to nothing but ashes.

Ethan gently patted her hand, and Ines didn't argue with Emma, who took the urn away.

Hunter's death was sudden, so the funeral was kept low-key. The attendees were mostly his business associates, close friends, and members of the Meyer and Ramos families.

The day of the funeral was sunny with a light breeze. The photo of Hunter showed him smiling, looking peaceful.

Ines was dressed in black, with Ethan by her side. Emma and Shirley were also dressed in black, with Aiden standing next to them. Seeing them approach, Shirley couldn't help but question Ines, "What are you doing here?"

"Shirley, I don't want to argue with you right now. It would be best if you watched your manners. Don't embarrass Dad even when he's gone."

Shirley wanted to retort, but Emma stopped her, "Mom, let's not make a scene now. It's Dad's funeral, and people are watching."

Shirley glanced at the crowd and chose to remain silent.

The five of them bowed slightly to show their gratitude to the attendees. Ever since the press conference, it was no secret that they were all connected. Most people offered comforting words to Ines.

The smell of the incense was making Ines nauseous. She couldn't stand it and ran outside for some fresh air. Shirley sneered at her, "She's so spoiled. She couldn't even stand here for a while and yet pretended to be strong."

Having stood all morning, Emma was also feeling it. She rubbed her belly and patted her back, "It's tiring to stand all morning."

Shirley glanced at Aiden, "You take Emma home. It's not good for a pregnant woman to stand for too long."

Emma waved him off, "No, I'll rest outside on a chair. I'm not going home. I want to send my Dad off myself."

"Since when did you become so close to your father? You two weren't that close before."

"Mom, he's my dad. It's only right that I mourn him. You've been acting weird lately. Ever since dad returned from abroad, you've been different. Did something happen between you two that I don't know about?"

Emma looked at Shirley, clearly confused. Belonging to NôvelDrama.Org.

"Don't be absurd. There's nothing between your father and me. I'm just worried about your health. Your dad wouldn't want you to hurt Jasmine because of him."

Emma didn't think more about it and leaned on Aiden to rest.

Ines came back after getting some fresh air. There weren't many mourners, so by 4 p.m., they were done and headed to the cemetery.