Funeral Service

The atmosphere that morning was melancholic and gloomy. The drizzle made it even gloomier than it was. All the Smith's family, relatives and friends had gathered and wore all black and stood quietly in front of the graveyard, paying their last tribute to the deceased: George Smith. Mr James Smith held his wife tightly next to him, his expression was solemn as Mrs Jane Smith sobbed uncontrollably in his arms. An elderly butler held an umbrella for both of them and was in tears as well.

Rose stood elegantly with tears streaming down her pale cheeks while Jude stood next to her, one hand holding an umbrella to cover her from the drizzling weather while another hand held her waist to steady her being.

There was another woman presented, it was Selena, George's wife, who knelt before his grave, crying while holding her seven-months baby bump. His five-year-old son, David was holding his mother's hand. It was a heartbreaking scene. Those who saw the scene would cry involuntarily. Even Leah began to cry on Jeremy's shoulder while Ellie and Stephanie sobbed quietly.

By the time the last soil covered the ground where the coffin was buried, Rose couldn't hold herself and instinctively turned into Jude's embrace and wept uncontrollably. Jude, who was at first taken aback slightly by her sudden move, instinctively wrapped her in his arm and kissed her head to console her.

Many who attended the service were curious and wondering about the relationship between the Smith family and Townshend. They had never heard about the possible merger between the two elite families. Looking at the way the two youngsters interacted with each other made others thought they were lovers. Was that why Rose Smith broke up with Devon Luke? Because of Jude Townshend?

Devon Luke was there too. He watched the two people with bloodshot eyes. The eyes indeed were vengeful and how he wished to kill off both. He had worked so hard in order to secure Smith's assets and capital. He thought after what had happened, Rose would run back to him to seek comfort. Never did he expect instead of choosing him, Rose went straight into Jude Townshend's arms. He cursed inwardly at the two of them. Where did it go wrong after all? Rose and he had been engaged to each other for a year until recently, last two weeks to be precise, Rose abruptly told him to break the engagement.

Devon Luke was not the only one to feel sour deep inside. Steve Mclare, stood quietly behind the couple and intensively watched them. He felt hopelessness and despondent by the scene unfold before him. He wished he would be the one to console Rose, not some other man!

Without thinking so much, Steve stepped forward and cleared his throat while gave a murderous stared at Jude. Jude looked back at him without much expression.

"Rose, I'm sorry for your lost. We all knew how kind George was towards others. If you feel need someone to talk to, I will always be here for you." he slowly uttered his lines while clenching his fists in nervous. He really wished Rose would turn to him instead of Jude. Hr knew, between Jude and him, there was a huge gap that he couldn't possibly to drew it closer. He knew Jude since three years ago when Jude took over Townshend businesses and how capable he was. And he also knew Jude had so many flings outside that he couldn't bear to see Rose to suffer for him. That's the reason he tried to break the two.

Rose wiped her tears and raised her head, looking at the man before her. She bowed her head slightly and said, "Thanks, I appreciate it. I'll be okay. No worries." her voice shook as she tried hard to control her emotion. Jude squeezed her hand gently and drew her back to his side in a protective manner. It was clear for all to see that he was taking his claim over the woman!

After everyone went off, leaving the Smith family behind, and of course, Jude as well and a few of their close friends, Leah and Jeremy, two directors from Smith Corporation and Luke's family.

Mr James Smith and Mrs Jane Smith bowed deeply to everyone that had come to pay last tribute to their late son, George Smith.

"Brother, I would like to talk to you in private." Mr Luke came forward. He darted his eyes towards Jude Townshend and Rose. It seemed like he didn't like the way Jude treated Rose. He, who had hidden agenda felt threatened by the appearance of a Townshend. He had managed to settle one of the Townshend before, thus he didn't think it would be much trouble to just cut off another Townshend.

Mr James Smith sighed and slowly nodded his head, gestured him to come with him to the car that was already waiting for them by the roadside. Seeing her parents left, Rose moved towards the tombstone, held it for a moment and said her prayer.

Brother, I'll make sure to find the cause of your accident. I won't buy the reason given by the police. I don't trust them. Please guard me from afar as I am going to uncover your untimely death. Forgive me brother for everything that I have done. Forgive me for the times I refused to listen to you. For the times I ignored you and for the times I refuted your opinions and ways handling company matters. I'm sorry...

Leah came to her side and hugged her, followed by Jeremy, Ellie and Stephanie.

"Be strong dear. We are here to support you." Leah said in her croaked voice. She knew just how much Rose loved her brother although they seemed to argue most of the time. And she knew just how did it feel to lose someone that we treasured most in love: father, mother, siblings and loved one. She even lost her younger sister before this and it was totally heartbreaking to the point you would want to commit suicide.

"Thank you, everyone. Thank you for the support and love. I appreciate it." Then Rose opened her arms wide and hugged all of her friends in one big hug while sobbing between the lines.

Jeremy swiftly moved to his uncle Jude's side with his reddened eyes. He quickly wiped away his tears and cleared his throat.

" Uncle... "

" Shh..." Jude hushed him that Jeremy quickly corrected himself.

"Sir, what should we do to help her?" he asked Jude.

"Take care of her business. She will need a lot of time to re-adjust everything." Jude's tone was gruff when he saw a man approached Rose before dragging her away from the rest.

Jude strode towards them to a shady tree not far away from George's tomb.

His instinct heightened as he could sense some dangers.