Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 70826 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 354(@200wpm)___ 283(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70826 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 354(@200wpm)___ 283(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
I can’t cry anymore, and only manage a dry sob.
When we make it to the safety of the SUV, I’m bundled into the backseat.
“Montparnasse cemetery,” Max gives the order to Danil.
Not once does he let go of me. I know I depend on him too much, but I just don’t have the will to make decisions for myself.
Danil parks quite a distance from where my father will be laid to rest.
“Are we walking all the way?” I ask Max.
“No. We’re just waiting for the other guards to check the grounds again. I need to make sure it’s safe for you.”
“Can we wait until after the ceremony is held and all the people have left? I don’t think I can face anyone right now.”
I want to be alone when I say goodbye to Papa.
“We’ll do whatever you want, baby.”
It takes thirty minutes before the hearse arrives. Fifteen before the ceremony starts and another thirty before the people leave.
He’s my father, yet the country buried him. Although I understand he was loved by many, I wish I could’ve done this alone.
“Ready?” Max asks. I nod, and he gives the order, “Drive closer, Danil.”
When we stop near the gravesite, we have to wait for all the guards to come to our SUV. Only then am I allowed to climb out of the vehicle.
I understand it’s for my safety, but it means I won’t be alone with Papa.
Max's body is tense as we walk to the fresh grave, and he keeps scanning the area for any possible threats.
We come to a stop, and I’m barely able to look at the coffin.
Papa.
My throat strains, and my eyes burn, but only a single tear rolls down my cheek.
God, I’m going to miss you so much.
I cover my mouth with my hand, and when Max pulls me to his chest, a sob escapes me.
Thank you for the amazing life you’ve given me. I’ve been so blessed to have you as my father. The hole you’ve left in my heart will never mend.
I grab hold of Max’s side to keep myself standing as my body trembles uncontrollably. My sorrow becomes unbearable, and I close my eyes.
Bye, Papa.
The three days after the funeral were the hardest.
That’s when Mr. Lafayette came to read Papa’s will. There was so much paperwork to sign, I thought I would lose my mind. Max read every single page, though. He wouldn’t let me sign a document he didn’t check.
He’s been my rock throughout the entire ordeal.
I’m sitting in Papa’s armchair in the informal living room and staring at the book he was reading. He always loved reading.
The sorrow is starting to change into something darker. I would describe it as anger. It’s more violent than any emotion I’ve ever felt.
Getting up, my body feels listless as I leave the room.
I walk to the kitchen, where Philippe is busy preparing dinner. Even though the food smells delicious, I don’t have much of an appetite.
I take a seat at the island and watch as Philippe kneads dough.
We remain quiet for a while, then he asks, “What are you going to do?”
I let out a sigh. “I don’t know.” I glance around the kitchen, then think to say, “I won’t sell the house. It’s your home, and you can stay here as long as you want.”
“It’s too big for me,” he mutters. My chin starts to tremble, and he quickly adds, “But I’ll stay here and look after the house for you.”
“Thank you,” I squeeze the words out while lowering my head.
Philippe walks to me and wraps me in a fatherly hug. That’s all it takes for me to break down.
I’m so tired of crying.
“You still have me,” he grumbles, his voice thick from his own sorrow.
I nod. “Thank you, Philippe.”
He pulls away and resumes kneading the dough.
“Cami,” I hear Max call.
“Coming,” I answer as I slip off the stool. I spare Philippe a smile before I leave the kitchen.
When I walk into the foyer, I see Max descending the stairs. He was taking a shower when I woke up from my nap.
“There you are,” he sighs, giving me the impression he was worried.
The man has one hell of an obsessive streak. He has to know where I am every second of the day.
Where it might be a red flag for other women, it makes me feel loved. He hasn’t said the words to me, but he’s shown me in many ways over the past week and a half that he cares.
Max is obsessive, dangerous, and probably one of the scariest people on the planet, but to me, he’s everything. He’s my sanity, my protector…and the love of my life.
When he reaches me, a frown line appears between his eyes. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Like what?” I ask.
“I’m not sure. I’ve never seen that expression before.”