If I Never Married You

Chapter 17 Gabriel's Funeral

Three days had passed since the tragic events.

It was time for Gabriel's funeral.

Dominic, respecting Gabriel's preference for simplicity, arranged a quiet ceremony after her body had been cremated.

Dominic didn’t want Caleb to attend the farewell. They were divorced, and in her eyes, he was undeserving.

Calen, who had hurt Gabriel deeply, had no right to even look at her ash.

Just as Dominic had hoped, Caleb had not appeared during those three days. He hadn't come for the cremation, nor had he interfered with the funeral arrangements. Dominic wanted him to stay away from the farewell ceremony.

Before dawn on the day of the funeral, Caleb woke up in the bed where Gabriel used to sleep.

Today was the day for Gabriel's final farewell, and he couldn't forget.

As he rose from bed, he turned on the lights and buried his head deep into the pillow, taking in Gabriel's lingering scent.

The only regret was that he hadn't dreamed of her in the past few days.

Caleb knew that Gabriel would rather not to be in his dreams.

He believed it was because he had caused her so much pain while she was alive that she didn't wish to be with him even in the realm of dreams.

I miss you so much, Gabriel. What should I do?

Taking a moment to prepare himself, he donned a black suit, neatly shaved his beard, and looked more composed.

The funeral took place by the sea, as Gabriel had admired the sunset on the beach. She had said that if she were to die one day, she didn't want any tombstones or wreaths. All that's required upon her passing is to scatter her ashes into the sea.

She wanted to leave no traces of her past life behind.

Caleb shook his head, realizing that her traces had already been etched into his very being. They could never be erased even after years.

They were like tattoos on his heart, indelible and forever.

The ceremony was scheduled for the evening, and Caleb arrived at the venue early in the morning. He was used to Gabriel waiting for him before, but this time he wanted to be the one waiting for her.

As the sun gradually emerged from the horizon, it painted a breathtaking scene. Standing on the beach, the gentle breeze caressed his ears, and there were only a few people around. Yet, he felt like the loneliest person there.

No one knew what he was thinking, and he kept his emotions hidden.

But inside, his loneliness was growing.

He lit a cigarette and sat silently on the beach, gazing into the distance. Many passers-by noticed his handsome appearance but were intimidated by the aura of detachment he exuded.

While he was smoking, the waves kept crashing against the nearby reefs.

As he sat there, a couple passed by. The woman was thrilled and held her boyfriend's arm, telling him how excited she was. “Honey, we can settle down this time. What a beautiful scene! Living in a villa near the sea is a life that was only in my dream. Besides, the villa is not expensive as we expected.”

The man, however, seemed hesitant, saying, “The price is unusually low. And they wanted to sell it in a short time. It feels strange. I heard that a pop star had died there. Her name is...”

The man was interrupted by the woman since he had forgotten the pop star’s name.

“Her name is Isabella. She jumped down from the balcony. It's no big deal. People die. Don't be afraid. She has been dead for years. Be a man.”

“I mean it’s not good to be our new home. A new couple living in a house where a girl had died is not a good thing.”

“I don’t mind. Why are you care about it so much? The cost is three times lower than the market rate. Even though we need to make a lump-sum payment, I want to buy it. The ocean view from here is worth it to me. Buy it for us.”

Upon hearing the name Isabella, Caleb quickly rose to his feet, striding straight toward the departing couple. “Which villa were you talking about?” he asked eagerly.

Isabella's villa was also nearby.

The woman was startled by Caleb,  suspecting that he might also be interested in purchasing the villa. She cautiously tugged at her boyfriend, ready to run away, but Caleb stopped them.

“Is the villa's owner Isabella?”

“You already know, so why ask?” The woman glowered at Caleb, pulled her boyfriend along, and picked up speed to leave. “Call the agent to reserve this house before someone else buys it.”

The man, caught in his girlfriend's insistence, reluctantly took out his phone to make a call. Simultaneously, Caleb took out his phone as well. “Go and find out what's happening with Isabella's villa.”