Chapter 377 - Cora's Wake II

[YEAR 2019: ZOEY'S PREVIOUS LIFE. CORA'S WAKE II]

The next day...

"Cora…" Zoey whispered, staring at Cora's portrait that was surrounded by flowers. In front of her portrait was her urn, where her remains reside now. 'How funny how we could fit in a jar,' Zoey thought as she stared at the urn.

After careful consideration, for the first time, Zoey left her room last night. She went out to see Vivian, asking her for permission to visit her friend. Of course, Vivian agreed but only if she tagged along with a few bodyguards.

So, now, Zoey was here, looking at her friend's beautiful portrait. "You look so pretty, sis." She murmured, her eyes never leaving Cora's portrait. However, no matter how long she had been staring at the portrait, Zoey's heart couldn't break anymore. Her heart was numb, her mind too. 

Zoey could hear people whispering; saying how young Cora passed on, how kind she was, that they missed her, talked about how the accident happened, and how short a person's life was. Zoey couldn't disagree. Life was indeed short.

No one could tell if this was your last day, if the meal they ate was their last meal, if it was your last minute living. No one could say how long or short a person's life is -- no one. 

"I'm sorry…" Zoey whispered, yet, her expression didn't change --- not even the slightest. If anyone observed, they'd think Zoey wasn't affected nor was she grieving for Cora's death. Not that others' opinion mattered to her anymore.

Just then, the murmuring of the crowd went silent. Yet, Zoey didn't budge nor did it pique her interest. She was akin to a statue staring at Cora's portrait, not moving or bearing any expression. She sensed someone passing by her, and then Zoey's eyes moved to the person's back who came to pay respect to her best friend.

There, Zachery paid respect to the dead, reaching his hand to Cora's grieving parents. Zoey couldn't hear what he was saying, but her eyes were fixated on Zachery. 

On the other hand, Vivian, who was sitting behind Zoey, glanced at the lone bodyguard standing nearby. Since it was a funeral, Vivian only took one bodyguard inside to protect or restrain Zoey if ever she snapped and lost her mind.

With Zachery's presence, Vivian gestured to the bodyguard to stand by which alerted the latter. She knew Zoey and Zachery's relationship had reached rock bottom, Zoey might lash out to him since her father had been opposed to Cora and Zion's relationship.

Zoey didn't hear that Zachery finally acknowledged Cora as part of the Kwan family as she was in seclusion. Thus, Vivian was afraid Zoey would make a scene.

Minutes later, Zoey still didn't move from her seat which relieved Vivian. Not long after, Zachery was done paying his respect and then walked away. However, the moment he caught Zoey's figure, he decided to approach her before perching on the seat next to her.

"How have you been?" After a long silence between them, Zachery decided to break the silence, staring at Cora's portrait. But Zoey's answer was silent. "You seem to be alright, your mother is worried, your brother too." Slowly, Zachery turned his head to Zoey but she was just staring ahead.

"Zoey…" He sighed, shaking his head, acting like a father for once. "Your brother needs you." He muttered along with another deep sigh. Alas, despite his last remarks, Zoey was unfazed. It was as if she wasn't hearing anything.

"I know it's unfortunate…"

"Are you happy now?" Just before Zachery could finish, Zoey finally broke her silence. Yet, she didn't bother giving him a glance.

"Huh?" Slightly surprised by her question, Zachery knitted his brows together. "Zoey, if you think I am still against Cora and Zion, you're wrong. You didn't hear about it as you've shut yourself from the world." Upon realizing her question, he frowned and explained politely. 

Zachery didn't dare raise his voice. Surprisingly enough, his patience was longer than usual. This was the first time he spoke kindly to Zoey even if there's only two of them who could hear their conversation.

"They say the murderer always had this natural conscience of visiting their victim's wake." Zoey paused, slowly retracting her eyes away from Cora's portrait. "I wonder how they feel, why they do that? Maybe, I should do that; to understand?" The instant her eyes met his, her eyes permeated killing intent which Zachery sensed strongly.

"Zoey, don't go pointing fingers on your sister-in-law's wake. Please have some respect, at least for her sake." Although Zachery was almost reaching his limit of leniency, yet he still tried to calm himself because many people were looking.

"I'll take my leave first." After a sharp exhale, Zachery tugged the hem of his suit and slowly stood. Just as he tried to stand, Zoey stopped him by grabbing his arm and forced him back to his seat.

"What--"

"I am very happy to see you, Dad." Slowly, a twisted smile formed on the side of her lips. Zachery felt threatened with just that simple smile that emanated the same danger as those psychopaths. "I'll try visiting you more often." She added, her hand caressing his arm which sent shivers down his spine.

As if he was scalded, Zachery pulled his hand away in panic. "You…!" Before he could shout, he looked around which caused him to swallow his words with a 'hmp!'

"Bye, Dad." Unfazed by his fakery, Zoey waved her hand and watched Zachery leave with his chin high up in the air.

After some time, Zoey slowly rose from her seat. She then faced Vivian who was sitting behind her. "Mom," The corner of her lips stretched a little upward in the biggest and sincerest smile she could offer her.

"Little Zoey…" By the sound of her tone and the first smile, although meek, Vivian knew she was trying. "Should we go now?" She asked, getting up as she clung her arm around Zoey's.

"Yes," Zoey nodded, placing her hand atop hers.

--- end of flashback ---

CURRENT TIME: YEAR 2012

It has been hours since Matthew left Z Image Group, and the employees had left the office one hour ago. Hence, Zoey was left alone, thinking of the past as how she began her search for the truth.

"Zachery… as long as he exists, Cora and Big brother Zion's life would never be at peace. If they get together now, I might just end up killing him before he does the killing." Zoey rubbed her chin, mumbling things as if they were as easy as one two three.

That's right. What she said to Matthew earlier was all true. After the death of Evalyn's one true friend, Evalyn returned to her old self. The person that even the devils resented.

"I shouldn't drag my Darling in this anymore." Zoey muttered, realizing the path she would take from now on was a bloody path. She would rather walk alone on it than risk him with her. Little did she know, until in this lifetime, not everything would go as she desired and planned them to .

Unbeknownst to her, fate would force her to ride or die… a decision she would soon have to make.