Mated in the Shadow of My Sister novel Chapter 21

Chapter 0021

(James POV)

It is 10:58 am.

My parents, Stephanie’s parents, Nick, Jenny, and I are gathered at the back of the event hall. An Omega informs us that everyone has been seated. It is time to begin Stephanie’s first remembrance event of the day.

“Are you ready to go, Son?” my father asks.

“I think so,” I respond as I stare into the largest of Stephanie’s displayed portraits. “Who prepared this portrait?”

“This large one? I am not sure,” my father responds. “One of the Omegas. Why?”

“It does not flatter Stephanie at all. She looks… plain. It does nothing to highlight how beautiful she was.”

My father furrows his eyebrows. “Son, this is same portrait that we have used for every single one of Stephanie’s memorials.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

Huh. That is odd. If my father is correct, that means that I have stared at this portrait at every one of Stephanie’s prior memorials. Why have I never noticed how unflattering it is?

I dismiss the thought. I must just be tired.

“Is everything that I asked for done?” I ask.

“Yes.”

“Is everyone here?”

“Sheila is sitting in the front row, next to where Beta Robert and Margie will sit,” my father confirms.

“What about the Little Brat?”

“She had a bit of an accident this morning.” Stephanie’s mother, Margie, jumps in. “She will not be able to come today.”

I spin on my heel so that I can glare at Margle. “What kind of an accident?” I demand.

“She fell down the stairs while sneaking plates of food upstairs.”

“And?”