Kate Gilmore's Funeral
1182 Words
The next few days were a whirlwind of adjustment for Kate. She dove headfirst into Anna’s life, studying every detail she could uncover. Anna’s phone was a treasure trove of information—call logs, texts, emails, and social media accounts. Kate scrolled through each one meticulously, piecing together the puzzle of Anna’s world.
By the time she finished, she had formed a clear picture.
Anna was an ordinary young woman with a small circle of close friends—just three, to be exact. It had been two years since she and Perry had begun dating each other, and as far as Kate knew, they had met in college.
Her hobbies were simple: makeup tutorials, Netflix marathons, and lighthearted outings. People adored her for her easygoing personality and genuine kindness.
The Forbes family, too, began to feel less foreign. Pat, the youngest, was a college sophomore studying to pursue a career in Law. Their father, Steve, was a doctor who worked at a reputable hospital, while Megan, their mother, worked as an executive secretary in a bank. Buzz, the eldest, was a gym instructor and social media personality who lived on his own but visited often.
Kate found herself slipping more naturally into the role of Anna. Conversations no longer felt forced, and her interactions with the family became second nature. She even began engaging in playful banter with Pat, enjoying the dynamic of sibling rivalry—a concept that had been entirely foreign to her before.
For the first time in years, Kate felt the warmth of belonging. It was a stark contrast to her former life, where power and wealth had come at the cost of intimacy and connection.
But amidst the warmth, a gnawing question remained: How had Anna died?
Kate had scoured every piece of information she could find. Anna had no enemies. She wasn’t struggling with depression or any hidden turmoil. By all accounts, she had been well-loved, happy, and full of life. Yet something didn’t add up.
And then there was Perry. Why had Anna broken up with him? From all appearances, they had been the perfect couple. Perry was sweet, devoted, and genuinely cared for Anna. Kate couldn’t reconcile his sincerity with Anna’s decision to end their relationship.
The unanswered questions weighed on her, but they were overshadowed by the reality of her own death.
---
Amid these unanswered questions, Kate kept checking her email, waiting for a response from the Gilmore Empire about her internship application. Days passed without any news, but she hadn’t truly expected to get in. Anna’s credentials were mediocre at best, far below the standards her company typically required.
Then came the announcement of her funeral.
It hadn’t even been more than two weeks since Peter had murdered her, but he was wasting no time. He wanted her gone—completely erased—and this funeral was his way of solidifying that.
What infuriated Kate most was Peter’s crocodile tears on television. The man who had pushed her to her death was now putting on a public display of grief, portraying himself as a heartbroken widower. Watching him made her stomach churn with rage.
Vengeance will come, she reminded herself. But not yet.
---
The day of the funeral arrived, and Kate was determined to attend.
The Forbes family showed little interest in the event. They had their own responsibilities and schedules to manage, and none of them had any personal connection to Kate Gilmore. For once, Kate was grateful for their indifference—it gave her the freedom to attend without raising suspicion.
As the clock struck 10:00 a.m., Kate stood in front of the mirror, dressed to the nines.
Her attire was anything but traditional. Instead of somber black, she wore an off-the-shoulder ruffled gown that hugged her figure, showcasing just enough of her flawless back and collarbone to command attention. Her hair was styled elegantly, her jewelry sparkling with understated luxury.
She looked breathtaking!
It was an intentional choice. This was her funeral, after all. If she was going to mourn herself, she might as well do it in style.
Kate smirked at her reflection. “It’s my funeral,” she said to herself, “and I’ll make the most of it.”
---
The funeral was held at one of her own properties, a sprawling estate that now felt like a stranger’s home. Kate was taken aback by the sheer number of attendees. The area was packed with people—business associates, celebrities, and members of the public, all there to pay their respects.
Walking through the crowd, Kate couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed. She had known she was admired, but seeing this sea of mourners brought a lump to her throat.
But the moment of sentimentality passed as quickly as it came.
Heads turned as Kate entered, her presence impossible to ignore. Some looked at her with admiration, others with envy or disdain, but Kate reveled in the attention. Anna’s natural beauty had given her a new weapon—one she intended to wield with precision.
Then her gaze landed on him.
Peter.
He stood among the guests, greeting them with a somber expression. He looked striking in his dark suit, his charm effortlessly drawing people in. But to Kate, his appearance was hollow.
This was the man she had once loved and trusted, the man she had married. And he had destroyed her.
The signs had been there—the constant demands for a position in her company, the extravagant spending, the subtle manipulations. But she had ignored them, blinded by love. Now, looking at his mournful facade, all Kate could feel was rage.
How shocked these people would be if they knew the truth—that the grieving widower before them was her murderer.
Her eyes shifted to Lisa, standing nearby with an equally sorrowful expression. Together, they were putting on a show for the ages.
“They should pursue a career in Hollywood,” Kate muttered under her breath.
---
The service dragged on, a tedious procession of prayers, eulogies, and musical interludes. Kate, who had never attended a funeral before, found the experience excruciatingly dull.
“So this is what it’s like,” she whispered to herself.
When the service finally ended, the crowd began to mingle, offering condolences to Peter, who graciously accepted each one with well-practiced grief.
Kate saw her chance.
Slipping away from the main gathering, she made her way to the parking area. She pulled a small folded note from her handbag and carefully slid it onto the back seat of Peter’s car, ensuring it would be impossible for him to miss.
“What are you doing?”
The voice startled her, sending a jolt of panic through her.
She spun around to see a tall, athletic man with tanned skin and mesmerizing brown eyes that seemed to stare into her soul. His dark hair framed a face that was both handsome and commanding, his presence instantly captivating.
She instantly recognized him.
“Jack…!” she blurted out, the name escaping her lips before she could stop herself.
- Writer
