LOVED BY STEPDAD

[2]

"Mom!" cried Susan, who became even more hysterical when she saw the beautifully carved coffin carrying her mother's body. She didn't care if Jillian or Tina tried to hold her back. Her gaze was only fixed on the chest where her mother lay peacefully there.

Whereas that morning, they were still chatting intimately. Susan could still see the hue of happiness that enveloped her mother. And she was very grateful to be a part of her mother's life. But now, everything was gone. So fast that Susan felt that God was so mean to her.

"Mommy!" Susan roared uncontrollably. "Let go of me! Let go!"

"Susan," Jillian, Susan's best friend was still trying to restrain Susan from acting rashly. The funeral ceremony will begin soon. The family, especially Lucian, did not want to prolong the autopsy process. The police and the hospital had also made a statement that Yossie died from a single accident. And the funeral process could take place today.

On a cloudy day, raindrops fell to accompany the funeral procession.

Many of Yossie's relatives, coworkers, and loved ones couldn't believe that she had left them so quickly. Yossie Barlow, was known as a humble, friendly woman, and did not hesitate to help those close to her who were in trouble. Aside from her good nature, Yossie was also known to be hardworking, independent, and reliable by the team she worked with.

Everyone felt lost. Feeling deep sadness, especially Lucian and Susan. Among those who came were Yossie's parents; Luna and Peter Barlow. As well as her two younger siblings; Idris and Selena.

"I... I can't believe Mommy left me! She promised to take me on vacation!" Susan was still trying to detach herself from Tina and Jillian. But the two friends understood, Susan had to be controlled so that this funeral process could take place immediately.

"Mommy," Susan suddenly went limp. Her head was dizzy with her vision starting to darken. She felt that her feet were no longer in the cemetery. "Mommy, don't leave me," she said softly.

"Susan," Tina looked at her friend sympathetically. "Don't be like this. Mrs. Yossie must be sad to see you like this."

"But, Tina," Susan could no longer support her body. Luckily, Jilian was alert. She supported her so that she wouldn't fall down and fall limp. "I..."

"Let's sit over there, shall we?" invited Jillian. "Don't let us not say our final goodbyes to your mom. You know, your mom is a good woman. I swear, your mom's face is smiling at what God has in store for her."

Susan shook her head in disbelief. "Mommy." But this time, she no longer rebelled. Apart from her weak body, Jillian's words were true. Crying, wailing, hysterical, asking God to bring back her mother was useless. Her mother was already gone. Meeting God and waiting for her in His heaven.

Meanwhile, at the cemetery, Lucian sat in silence. His eyes kept falling on his wife's coffin. He couldn't believe that the day he was abandoned in such an unexpected way had come to him. They were supposed to be in Florida today. Enjoying the sun and warm air there. Having fun while looking for references to culinary tours scattered there.

But the reality Lucian had to face was very different. He is required to sit and watch the funeral procession of the woman he loves. The one he had just made his wife, accompanying him to a new life.

"My condolences," Idris said as he tapped Lucian on the shoulder. Yossie's younger brother took a seat next to Lucian.

"Thank you." That was all Lucian could say. Aside from the fact that the leader of the funeral procession was starting to speak up, Lucian also felt that Yossie's family was suddenly approaching as if they were very familiar. Especially when the sad news came. Yossie's mother, Mrs. Luna, was hysterical as if the sadness in her life was losing Yossie.

Yossie's father and two younger siblings were the same. There was an obvious loss of Yossie. But Lucian wasn't easily fooled. They were just putting on an act, giving the impression to the many guests who came, that they were the ones who lost the most.

Ever since Lucian came into the Barlow family, most of them made Yossie angry. The only thing they often talked about was money. Money. And money. To them, Yossie was nothing more than a money machine. Whenever there was a chance, Yossie was always used as a lifeline by them, especially her parents.

But ever since Lucian was with Yossie, the woman began to realize that her parents and sister only needed Yossie's money. Not Yossie as a child and brother. Because of that, Yossie started to limit giving money to them and as a result, Lucian always got a cynical attitude from them.

Also... Susan. For some reason, Susan's relationship with Yossie's parents was really bad. They should have loved her like a grandchild. Was it because of Susan's background? I don't know. Lucian didn't really care but under the current circumstances, it felt like Lucian should start thinking about that girl.

The only person Lucian was worried about regarding Yossie's death was Susan Barlow. She was visibly shaken and it wasn't easy to talk to her. Lucian understood how close Yossie and Susan were. Even when approaching Yossie in the beginning of their dating, Yossie would often bring Susan into their midst.

Yossie's words that really stuck in Lucian's mind; "If you really love me, you should be able to accept me and my daughter. Not just me, but also Susan. She's the only encouragement in my life."

"How is the child now?" asked Lucian in a murmur. His eyes immediately searched for the beautiful magenta-haired girl. What he found was in the corner of the back seat. Together with her two friends who were still trying to make Susan calm down. At least Susan wasn't alone. After this funeral was over, Lucian thought he should meet and talk.

After all, Susan was Yossie's daughter. And Yossie had become a part of his life even though it had only been two weeks.

"I heard that the car my brother was driving that day was yours?"

That question made Lucian's focus shift, to the figure sitting beside him and asking a carefree question. His seat looked relaxed; his eyes no longer radiated sadness. Unlike the day before; they were crying hysterically together.

What... did Yossie's family have two personalities?

"Yes," Lucian said briefly. He had focused on being able to follow the funeral procession solemnly as a final farewell. But it seemed like that wish was blocked by Idris' words.

"Did you deliberately ask my brother to drive your car? So that you could cause him an accident and end up tragically like this?"

Lucian glared in disbelief. His eyes were red with emotion. "Watch your language, Idris."

"Oh, come on." Idris grinned. "We all know Yossie has a lot of money and a large inheritance. I believe you're the mastermind behind Yossie's death. Poor thing." He snickered sarcastically. He stood up from his seat and gave Lucian a dismissive look. "We, the Barlow family will not let you live comfortably because of my brother's death. You'll have to pay for it soon, Lucian. You're a murderer!"

"Don't talk nonsense, Idris!" snapped Lucian.

"You can deny it, but we'll put you in jail!" Idris walked away. "We'll also make sure that you don't get anything from Yossie. What Yossie has, is ours."