Our Vows Were Fake, Theirs Were Real

Chapter 5

I arrived at my grandfather's grave to find two men digging, his urn already unearthed.

"What the hell are you doing? Stop!" I screamed, rushing over to shove them away. I spread my arms, shielding the disturbed grave.

"Who gave you permission to dig here? This is desecration!"

The men exchanged uneasy glances, speechless.

A familiar voice rang out behind me. "Who's being immoral now?"

Timothy.

Mia dabbed at her eyes, her voice trembling. "Timothy, I searched so long to find this spot. There's no photo or inscription, clearly, no one cares about this grave. If we offer the family some money, I'm sure they'll agree to relocate."

She turned to me, her eyes pleading. "Evie, this is my dying wish. Why won't you grant it?"

I ignored them, snatched a shovel, and began refilling the grave.

Mia's sobs intensified. "Timothy, I don't want to die. Why is God so cruel? Can't I at least have a final resting place?"

Timothy held her close, murmuring, "I'm here for you."

Then he turned to me, wrenching the shovel from my hands.

"What's your problem, Evie? Mia's sick and doesn't need this stress. Apologize, and maybe we can move past this."

I glared at him. "Nice try. Don't push me, Timothy."

Mia stepped forward, her voice dripping with disdain. "Evie, are you jealous because I took Timothy from you? Maybe I shouldn't ask for this grave. Scatter my ashes if that's easier."

Tears streamed down her face, painting her as the victim.

Timothy's expression darkened. "Evie, stop being so heartless. Apologize to Mia, or you'll regret it."

I clenched my fists. "I won't apologize."

He grabbed my chin, his grip firm. "Remember, you rely on the imported meds I provide for your liver. I promised to supply them for life, but if you keep this up..."

My heart sank. He was using my own sacrifice against me.

Timothy signaled the men. One restrained me while the other resumed digging.

I struggled, tears falling onto the disturbed soil.

Timothy hesitated, then approached.

Suddenly, Mia kicked the urn, her face contorted in disgust. "It's just a stranger's ashes. Why are you so worked up? People might think it's your family's grave."

My grandfather's urn lay on the ground, the restraints loosened.

I lunged forward, shoving Mia aside, clutching the urn.

She stumbled, falling into the grave pit.

Timothy rushed to her aid, then turned to me, fury in his eyes. He slapped me hard, the sting immediate.

Before I could react, he snatched the urn and hurled it to the ground.

"I've had enough of you, Evie! Who do you think you are?"

I barely heard him. My focus was on the shattered urn, my grandfather's ashes scattered.

I dropped to my knees, desperately trying to gather them.

Timothy stepped on my hand, squatting beside me.

"Look at you now, Evie. Pathetic."

"Get off... Don't step on him..."

I didn't notice the cemetery's sprinkler system activating. Water soaked the ashes, some washing into the nearby drain.

"No! No..."

Grief overwhelmed me.

"I'm so useless. I can't even protect my grandfather's remains."

I turned to Timothy, rage boiling within me.