THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 1113

According to the old belief from their hometown, if the tears of the living fell upon the deceased, their soul would never find peace.

Hearing this, Carey quickly accepted a tissue from a maid, wiped her eyes, and forced back her tears as she began the solemn task of preparing her mother for her final journey.

Just as she finished, Hugo and Frederick Richards returned with the family elders. The old women wept as they approached the bed, taking Hannah's hand. "Hannah, Hannah, how could you leave us without a word?"

Only three days ago, one of the Richards matriarchs had been chatting with Hannah. They had made plans to attend morning prayers together next Monday. The words still echoed in her ears, but the person was gone.

Once the body was prepared, the atmosphere grew even more solemn. Following family tradition, Carey carefully placed Hannah's well-worn, leather-bound Bible between her folded hands. Then, Lyle and Willis positioned two heavy, silver candelabras at the foot of the bed. With the scratch of a match, the tall white candles flickered to life, their wavering light casting a peaceful glow upon the old woman's serene face.

"The light will watch over Mom until the Lord comes for her," Warren said softly.

By the time all the preparations were complete, it was just past five in the morning.

Carey looked at Warren, her eyes still red. "Warren, Jade, and all my brothers and sisters-in-law, you've all been up all day. Please, go get some rest. There will be so much to do tomorrow. Stuart and I will keep watch over Mom tonight."

No one had slept since Hannah had taken a turn for the worse, and at least Carey and Stuart had managed a brief nap on the plane.

Stuart nodded in agreement. "Yes, please, everyone get some rest. We have a long road ahead of us."

According to the customs in Neon Spire, Hannah's body would lie in state at home for seven days. Only after the sacred seven-day vigil was complete could her soul find true rest, and only then could she be laid to rest in the family mausoleum. For these seven days, someone had to remain vigilant at all times, ensuring the white candles never went out, guiding her soul toward the light.

The next day, a steady stream of dignitaries in black formal wear arrived to pay their respects. The diocesan bishop, accompanied by twelve senior priests, also arrived to preside over the services. A solemn Requiem Mass was held for six consecutive days and nights. The low drone of Latin prayers and the powerful chords of the pipe organ filled the mansion, never ceasing.

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