Chapter 136 WORDS AT THE GRAVE

Chapter 136 WORDS AT THE GRAVE
MAYA’S POV

The cemetery was quiet under a soft gray sky. Gentle wind moved through the trees, carrying the faint scent of fresh flowers and rain from the night before. I stood between Clara and Luca in front of Sebastian’s tombstone. The marble stone was simple but elegant, with his name and dates carved clearly. Flowers we had brought lay at the base.

It felt strange to be here together. The three of us, connected by love, secrets, and loss. Clara had asked to visit, and I had asked Luca for the location. Now we were here, facing the man whose actions had changed all our lives.

Clara held a small bouquet tightly in her hands. Her eyes were already red from crying on the drive over. I reached out and squeezed her arm gently. She gave me a small, grateful smile.

Luca stood tall and quiet beside me. His face showed the mix of sadness and strength he carried so often these days. He had driven us here without complaint, even though I knew this visit brought back heavy memories for him.

I stepped forward first. I placed my flowers next to Clara’s and touched the cool stone lightly.

“Sebastian,” I said softly, my voice steady but full of emotion. “I came here today with mixed feelings. You hurt me four years ago. The money you left made me feel small and worthless for a long time. But I understand now that you were complicated. You had your own pain and secrets. You loved Clara in your way. You felt guilty about me. I forgive you for the pain you caused. I hope you found peace. And I hope you know that we’re all trying to move forward and build something better from the pieces you left behind.”

Luca gave a sad smile when I stepped back. It was gentle and full of understanding. He nodded at me, he looked proud and supportive. Then he placed his own flowers down.

“Brother,” he said quietly. “I miss you every day. The good and the bad. I wish you were here to see what we’ve built. I wish we had more time. Rest well.”

Clara was next. She knelt down slowly in front of the stone. Tears streamed down her face, but she was smiling too. It was a bittersweet, loving smile that broke my heart and healed it at the same time.

She whispered words we couldn’t fully hear. Her shoulders shook with quiet sobs. She touched the stone gently, tracing his name with her fingers. The love she still carried for him was so clear. It had been hidden for years, but now it was free.

Luca and I stepped back to give her space. We walked a short distance away, far enough to give her privacy but close enough to watch over her. The wind picked up slightly, moving leaves across the grass.

We stood in silence for a while. I leaned against Luca, and he wrapped his arm around me. His presence felt warm and steady.

After some time, we returned to the car. Luca started the engine but didn’t drive away immediately. He looked out the window toward Clara. She was still standing in front of the grave. Her body was shaking with emotion as she continued her private conversation with Sebastian.

Luca turned to me, his expression full of concern. “What do you think she is saying to him?”

I looked at my best friend, standing there alone with her grief and love. “I don’t know,” I said honestly. “Probably telling him how much she loved him. How much she still does. Maybe forgiving him. Or asking why he had to leave so soon.”

Luca nodded slowly. He watched Clara for another long moment. “Will she be okay?”

I hoped so with all my heart. “I hope so,” I replied softly. “She’s strong. She’s carried this for four years in silence. Today might help her start to heal.”

We waited patiently in the car. Eventually, Clara wiped her face and walked back toward us. Her eyes were red, but there was a new kind of peace in her expression. She got into the back seat quietly.

“Thank you for bringing me here,” she said. Her voice was hoarse but steady. “I needed that.”

The drive back to the city was quiet but not uncomfortable. We stopped for coffee on the way. Clara talked a little about some of the good memories with Sebastian. Luca listened with respect and shared a couple of his own stories about his brother.

When we dropped Clara off at her apartment, I hugged her tightly.

“Call me if you need anything,” I said. “Day or night.”

She nodded and smiled. “I will. Thank you both.”

As Luca drove me back to my apartment, the weight of the day settled on us. He reached over and held my hand.

“Today was hard,” he said. “But I’m glad we went. Sebastian’s memory deserves to be honored properly.”

I squeezed his hand. “Me too.”

Back home, Damon ran to me with a big hug. Mom had kept him busy with drawings and snacks. Seeing my son’s happy face after the heavy morning at the cemetery reminded me why I had to find the courage to tell the full truth soon.

After dinner thatt night, I sat with Mom on the couch. She listened as I told her about the visit to the grave.

“You’re getting closer to telling him,” she said gently. “I can feel it.”

“I am,” I admitted. “I just need the right moment.”

The right moment would come. I hoped it would bring healing for all of us. For Clara, for Luca, for Damon, and for me.

For now, I held the memory of the day close. The words spoken at the grave. The tears. The love that still connected us all.

The past was painful, but it had led us here. To new homes. New beginnings. And hopefully, one day soon, to a complete truth.