Chapter 4

I arrived at Ryan's mother's village, carrying Keira's urn.

The courtyard was buzzing with activity, more than twenty tables set up, filled with relatives and friends.

"Ryan, you're so lucky to have such a brilliant daughter. She scored 1580 on her SATs! She could get into any Ivy League school. I'm so envious. My son only got a 1000. I don't even know if he'll get into college," one of the village relatives sighed.

"It's all in the genes. Ryan was a top student, so naturally, his child would be too," another chimed in.

"Each generation of the Greene family just keeps getting stronger," someone else added.

"You need to nurture Keira well. She'll bring honor to our whole village one day," another said.

The compliments were non-stop, and Ryan was practically glowing with pride.

"So, has Keira decided yet? Harvard or Yale?" Ryan's cousin, Ben, asked eagerly.

"It's up to Keira. Both schools have offered her scholarships. She can take her pick," Ryan boasted, a smug smile on his face.

I had to bite my tongue to hold back the bitter words rising in my throat.

"Why are you so late? I told you to come early," Ryan muttered under his breath when he finally spotted me. "Where's Keira?"

Just then, I noticed Sophia and her daughter in the crowd.

"Ryan Greene, you've really outdone yourself. You even brought your mistress to your mother's house," I said sharply, my words laced with contempt.

"Lena, don't be so small-minded," Ryan hissed, trying to keep his voice low. "They're here to congratulate Keira. You didn't leave her behind on purpose to embarrass me, did you?"

Before I could respond, his mother, her face tight with worry, asked, "Lena, why didn't my precious granddaughter come with you?"

All eyes were on me now, and I could feel the weight of their gaze, waiting for an explanation.

"Lena Johnson, stop making a scene. There will be consequences if you don't. Bring Keira here right now," Ryan warned, his voice low but furious.

"I did bring Keira," I said, my tone calm but cutting.

"Where is she?" Ryan demanded, looking frantically around the crowd.

I reached into my bag, pulled out the urn, and placed it on the table.

"She's right here..."