Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 822

He wore all white, the traditional clothes of mourning, with a cap pulled low over his tired eyes. Grief weighed on him so heavily, it seemed to cling to every inch of him. Emmy watched him, her heart twisting at the sight of those bloodshot eyes and the exhaustion that never seemed to leave his face.

James reached out for her hand, gently helping her out of the car as if she might break. His voice was rough and strained. “If you start feeling unwell, just tell me, okay?”

Emmy squeezed his hand, nodding. “I will.”

As they reached the entrance, the Nelson family staff stood on both sides, kneeling and bowing their heads in silent respect. Someone stepped forward and handed her a brand new set of mourning clothes, folded perfectly.

She changed quickly. James kept his eyes down, fastening each button for her with so much care. Then he took her hand again, leading her inside. The path from the gate to the memorial hall felt endless. Rain had washed the stone walkway clean. White lanterns hung everywhere, glowing softly in the gray light. They walked side by side, barely speaking, both lost in their heavy thoughts.

At last, they entered the courtyard. As soon as they stepped in, every head in the main hall turned their way. There weren’t many people, maybe twenty or so, but each one looked important. Their eyes were sharp and curious, some cold, some surprised.

Right in the center stood a massive crystal casket, and in front of it, Mrs. Nelson’s portrait smiled back, warm and gentle. White chrysanthemums and wreaths lined both sides, making everything look peaceful and dignified. Several priests in saffron robes knelt on cushions, chanting softly, the sound of the wooden fish drum echoing through the room. The air was thick with incense and the faint, tangy scent of burned paper offerings.

James guided Emmy to a long table at the side, where Cadence sat waiting, brush in hand, her face solemn. She nodded at Emmy, then bent over a length of white silk and wrote out a message of condolence in careful strokes. When she finished, James took the silk, passing it to Emmy.

Emmy held it close and walked to the nearest wreath. She hung the silk banner with trembling hands, making sure it looked just right.

Afterward, James helped her to the kneeling cushions in front of the portrait. He steadied her as she knelt, then joined her. They bowed, burned paper money, and lit incense. When everything was done, James helped her stand, leaning close so only she could hear. “Do you want to… see Grandma one last time?”

“And she’s about to pop. Must be almost time. I wonder if it’s a boy or a girl.”

“What family is she from? I’ve never seen her around before.”

Someone muttered, lowering their voice with a hint of scorn. “She looks familiar… wait, isn’t she that girl who went viral online as the new tech goddess?”

Immediately, someone pulled out their phone and started searching.