my soul. I collapsed against the casket, my body shaki

words of comfort. My mother-in-law held me,

red with fake tears. "Mark," I choke

on a perfect mask of sorrow. "We'l

ket of pity that I wrapped around myself like armor. I was

at the wake, Michael

oice thick with emotion. "Ashley and I..

oom. An uncle muttered, "

ing. "He made me promise. He said he couldn't bear the thoug

s the only one who was with Mark when he died. No one could contradict him.

olemnly, sealing the lie

pulled me aside. He still had

is tone gentle. "I h

" I whispered, m

you'll be in mourning, you won't be wearing them. Could Ashley... could she borrow them for

ry. For his wedding to another wom

weet and accommodating. "It's t

niffled, coming to stand bes

und her. "I'll make you the happiest

don't you worry, Chloe," she said, her voice dripping with false sympat

aid, my smile feeling

ily, all right. Just long