Chapter 25: Let the Show Begin

Valentina stepped up to the podium, a composed smile on her face as she adjusted the microphone. The room quieted, save for the occasional sniffle from the crowd.

Valentina had been the host for the funeral the entire evening, responsible for organizing the order of speakers and ensuring everything ran smoothly—whether that meant introducing a speaker or cutting them off if they went too long. But now, for the first time that evening, a flicker of apprehension crossed her features. This next part was bound to be… eventful.

"Next we have a rather unusual speaker—Luciana Lukas, please take to the stage." She paused, letting her gaze sweep over the attendees after gesturing for Lulu to come up.

"Now, I realize that many of you may not be familiar with her, but she is here upon special request from Amelia herself."

A ripple of hushed whispers broke out. The words special request from Amelia sent a wave of confusion, and slight unease, through some of the 'mourners.' An elderly aunt clutched at her pearls, while a younger cousin furrowed his brows in confusion.

Valentina, unfazed by the murmuring, walked toward the side table, where a laptop sat connected to the projector.

She took the USB drive that Lulu had given her and inserted it into the device. The somber slideshow of Amelia's life—a carefully curated selection of photos showing her from childhood to adulthood—flickered and changed.

The screen went black for a moment before the new presentation popped up. Large, bold letters appeared in a bright, eye-catching font:

"A Message from Beyond: Amelia's Final Exposé

Created by Amelia Sofía de la Cruz Montserrat Fernández-López

Presented by Luciana Lukas of Spectral Solutions: Bridging the Gap Between the Living and the Deceased!"

The audience murmured as they tried to wrap their minds around the what appeared to be a presentation made by Amelia to them.

An older man muttered, "What in the—" before being elbowed by the woman next to him.

"Ahem," Lulu strode to the podium and spoke into the mic, trying her best not to show her nervousness. She felt the weight of all the skeptical, confused, and—let's be real—horrified eyes on her. "Good afternoon, everyone," she began, her voice carrying through the room. "My name is Luciana Lukas, but you can call me Lulu. I am the founder of Spectral Solutions, a business specializing in communication between the living and those who have... moved on."

More whispers. Someone in the back murmured "what kind of weird business is this?"

"This is some kind of sick joke," another voice sneered.

Lulu allowed the tension to hang in the air for a moment before continuing. "Amelia was one of my clients. Before her passing, she placed an order for my services. Specifically, she wanted to ensure that her voice was heard today." Lulu glanced at the audience, taking in their skeptical and bewildered expressions. "And let me assure you—Amelia is still very much here."

A few heads turned sharply, some out of curiosity, others out of discomfort. A few of the older attendees subtly made the sign of the cross. Carlos, Amelia's (ex-)boyfriend, sat up straighter, suddenly looking more concerned than grief-stricken.

"I know this may sound unbelievable," Lulu continued, clicking a button on the remote control Valentina had given her, "but Amelia had a lot to say about you all that she didn't feel able to share in life."

The next slide popped up with a bold title:

"I Fucking Hate You All (Except Valentina)"

Aunt Mariella audibly gasped. Uncle Eduardo shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Carlos, Amelia's ex-boyfriend, stiffened, his jaw tightening. One of Amelia's cousins began to cough violently as he choked on his own spit.

And Valentina—dear, sweet, professional Valentina—was currently frozen, looking deeply conflicted. On the one hand, the knowledge that Amelia had truly, undeniably loved her filled her with warmth. On the other, she was not entirely sure she wanted to be singled out in front of this train wreck of a family under a title like that.

Lulu clasped her hands together and gave a sweet smile as though to pre-emptively comfort the souls of those she was about roast. "Now, shall we begin?"

Silence. Heavy, crushing, awkward silence.

Lulu clicked the next slide.

"Chapter One: Aunt Mariella, The Queen Bitch."