Chapter 4

Brenda clutched her chest, pretending to collapse. Kevin lunged forward fiercely, trying to snatch the machine.

But Jake, being much taller and stronger, easily pushed him back, making him stumble.

Mark's face was rigid, his brows furrowed as he accused me. "Lily, if you have issues with me, we can talk about them at home. My dad was just killed by your anger, and now you won't even spare his funeral?"

The people helping with the funeral also gathered around, pointing fingers at me.

"Lily usually seems so sensible. Why is she so weird today?"

"I think she's heartless. Look, Old Mr. Miller passed away, and she hasn't shed a single tear."

"Mark is so easygoing. If my wife killed my dad with her temper, I'd beat her half to death."

Brenda sat there whimpering, while Kevin kept egging Mark on. "Big Brother, look at this woman. She shows no remorse. You need to teach her a good lesson!"

Mark, usually so timid, suddenly looked menacing. "Lily, you've disappointed me greatly."

He raised his hand to strike me. At that critical moment, Jake pulled me aside.

"You're going to hit my sister in front of me? You've got some nerve!"

Jake's timely intervention made Mark's swing miss, only fueling his rage further.

He pointed at me, yelling:

"Lily Miller, if you don't want us to get divorced, then get on your knees and apologize to my mom. Then we can go on living peacefully together."

"Otherwise, don't blame me for turning my back on you."

Brenda, hearing this, suddenly stood up from the floor, dusting off her pants. She sneered at me. "Too late! An apology isn't enough. Give your brother-in-law the house your family gave you as a wedding gift. Otherwise, don't even think about stepping foot in our Miller family home again!"

Mark and Brenda were convinced I'd apologize and give in.

After all, I had loved Mark to death back then, willing to break ties with my own parents just to be with him.

I remained cold and silent.

Mark gave Kevin a look. Kevin immediately took a few of his friends and dragged Jake away, pushing him into a room.

"What are you doing?" A bad premonition gripped me.

"Mark Miller, you're breaking the law!"

Mark's face was smug. "Lily, a funeral is a solemn occasion. Jake's causing trouble at my dad's memorial. Even if you call the cops, he'll still be charged with disturbing the peace."

"If you want him to walk out of here unharmed, then just do as I say."

I felt incredibly stifled, but I had no choice but to back down.

Kevin, quick-witted, pulled up a chair for Brenda.

Brenda sat on it, looking down her nose at me.

Under everyone's gaze, I reluctantly walked up to her and bowed three times. "I'm sorry, it was my fault!"

Brenda held her head high and said nothing. Mark cleared his throat.