The Water Under the Bridge Chapter 2

When I was revived, a slap landed hard across my face.

It was Julian's mother, Mrs. Vance, glaring at me with fury. Behind her was a large coffin.

"You animal! You killed my son! You heartless wretch!"

Then, she and her husband, Mr. Vance, started kicking and punching me. If people hadn't pulled them off, my frail body would have been beaten to death right there.

"Where's Julian? How is he?"

I feigned anxiety, asking what I already knew.

"Julian is dead! Are you happy now?"

Mrs. Vance spat at me, but she couldn't hide the triumphant glint in her eyes.

It seemed she didn't know her son was actually dead.

"You slut, how do you have the nerve to live? Crawl over here and kowtow to Julian!"

Then, Mrs. Vance and Mr. Vance rushed forward, pinning me down in front of the coffin. They slammed my face into the dirt as if venting their rage, nearly breaking my nose.

Luckily, the town mayor intervened just in time, saving my nose.

"What is wrong with you young people? Always so dramatic about life and death. Now look what happened. A fine young man, an intellectual, gone just like that."

"Hannah, since you survived, you must carry Julian's will. Don't do anything foolish again!"

The mayor sighed with regret.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Vance fell to her knees, wailing theatrically.

"My poor son! Now that you're gone, how will your father, your brother, and I live? Hannah, if you have any conscience, you'll take Julian's place and support us. From now on, you hand over all your wages!"

"And sell whatever valuables you have at home! Didn't your mother leave you a jade bracelet?"

As she cried, her greed became undisguised. Already eyeing my family heirloom?

I glanced at her coldly, then walked straight to the coffin. I opened the lid a crack. Julian's face was gray, his lips purple. There was no coming back from that.

Good. I was relieved.

With that thought, I threw myself onto the coffin and let out a heart-wrenching wail.

"Julian! It's all my fault! I killed you!"

Hearing me, Mrs. Vance almost laughed out loud. She said shamelessly, "Don't think putting on this show makes you my daughter-in-law. You? A stupid country bumpkin like you isn't even fit to be Julian's maid! But... if you're obedient and serve us well, maybe I'll be generous and give you a title!"

Looking at her face, I suppressed the urge to slap her and nodded tearfully.

"Don't worry, I will. But before Julian is buried, I have one request."

I looked at the mayor and said decisively.

"Julian dedicated his life to serving the country. He was progressive and forward-thinking. So I think... we should cremate him!"