I didn't expect Beatrice would speak out against Jeremy and Kyra. I sit forward, still maintaining my composure. Jeremy's jaw tightens, his face a mix of pity and anguish.
"Mom, please." Jeremy says, his voice strained.
"Nelly is dead. You have to come with terms to it." Kyra says softly.
" I refuse to believe it." The discontent in Beatrice's voice is strong.
Kyra shoots a helping look at a family friend, Vivian. She nods, as if acknowledging Kyra's unspoken words. She quickly get up, hurrying to Beatrice. She places a gently hand on her shoulder, "Come on, Beatrice. Let's go somewhere quiet for a moment."
Beatrice breathes shakily. She tries resisting, her eyes pleading with Jeremy. However, Vivian coaxes her down the aisle, into the mansion through the back door.
She lets herself be escorted out by the blond woman. I narrow my eyes at the both of them as they enter the mansion.
"I apologize about my mother. Her health hasn't been well lately. The death of my first wife, Nelly, took a toll on her." Jeremy says, his deep voice dripping with sadness.
I feel my heart ache for my former mother in law. Beatrice always showered me with love and care since I started dating Jeremy, and until he married me. There was never a time they had a misunderstanding. I lost my parents at a young age due to an accident. Beatrice became like a mother to me. It hurts to see how her death has affected Beatrice.
The priest clears his throat. Then he speaks sympathetically, "Shall we continue?'
Jeremy turns to Kyra and smiles. The priest begins. The ceremony moves forward and soon the priest speaks, "You may now kiss the bride."
I stand abruptly, my face pale and fists clenched. I can't bear to watch Jeremy and Kyra kiss. I turn and swiftly walk out. I enter the mansion through the back door, hopefully with no one trying to stop me.
I slip in the living room unnoticed. The house is grand with polished, glossy white marble floor beneath an elaborate, tiered chandelier in the entryway, fresh flowers on a side table. Just how it was the last time I was here. I find Beatrice sitting alone on the couch. Her face is buried in her hands as she sobs silently. The sight breaks my heart. I have never seen Beatrice cry. It hurts so much and it's like watching her mother cry.
"Mrs. Beatrice," I say carefully while approaching her.
Beatrice looks up, her slightly reddened eyes wide with surprise. She quickly wipes the tears on her cheeks. "I'm sorry, but who are you?"
My lips hang open. I hadn't thought of this before calling for her. I smile a forced smile.
"I'm Jane, Nelly's friend." I answer carefully.
Beatrice nods, a small smile creeps on her lips, "Jane, you're welcome. Please sit."
I sit next to Beatrice and lay a gently hand on her back, stroking it carefully.
"I'm really sorry you're seeing me like this." Beatrice sniffs.
"No, please. Don't apologize. It's normal to feel this way." I say encouragingly, "You were very close to Nelly. I can understand how you feel."
"I thought I could handle it, but... seeing him with her. It's not just right." Beatrice says, her voice cracking.
"Everything is going to be fine. Nelly wouldn't want to see you like this. She would be heartbroken." I say, hoping that Beatrice calms down.
Beatrice swallows hard, "I don't want to believe Nelly is dead. I can never forgive myself for what I did."
I narrow my eyes at Beatrice. She does not understand where the statement is coming from.
Beatrice stands up, trying to smile, but her eyes still look sad, "I'm sorry. I don't know what I'm saying. I shouldn't take your time anymore."
I slowly stand on my feet, "It's not a problem."
I open my purse and take out a small jotter and pen. I tear out a piece of paper from the jotter and write down my mobile number.
I extend the paper to Beatrice, "Please call me whenever you feel like talking. Nelly said a lot about you and how you were like a mother to her."
Beatrice musters a brave smile, though a tear streaks down her cheek, "I don't want to disturb you."
"Please, I insist." I state firmly, hoping Beatrice takes the paper.
"Thank you, Jane." Beatrice takes the paper. She freezes, her eyes on my palm. I quickly take it away, hiding my hand behind my purse. Beatrice looks up at me, her eyes casting a suspicious look. I smile, trying to hide my nervousness, though I don't know why Beatrice was looking at my hand.
She looks at my mobile number and back at me. "I'll call you soon. Thank you."
"I'll be expecting your call." I respond, "Please take care of yourself, mom."
I inhale sharply as I realized I called Beatrice mom. Beatrice's lips hang open.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. You just remind me of my mom." I say quickly.
Beatrice smiles, nods, "I understand."
"Goodbye." I say before walking away. I intended to ruin Jeremy and Kyra's wedding by claiming Jeremy had an affair with me. I would spill believable facts because I was his wife after all. That would have been my first plan of revenge, but I couldn't do it.
I walk out of the mansion, heading to the gates. I have to find another way to begin my revenge. I halt abruptly when I realize I could start by creating partnership between myself and the Warren Enterprise, owned by Jeremy. I smirk as the plan continues to make more sense. My shares are in the company. I can quickly draft out a contract handing my shares to Jane with my signature on it and it would look authentic.
I take a step towards the gate.
"Stop right there!" A familiar voice sounds.
I turn around and see Beatrice heading towards me with a stern expression.
"You're Nelly, right?" Beatrice states firmly.
