The relatives nearby finally snapped out of their daze.
To partner with the Hopkins family–that was a ticket to unimaginable wealth.
“Celeste, what are you saying? With an opportunity this lucrative, do you really think your father would just turn it down?”
“That’s right, Herbert. You made this promise to your daughter ages ago. How could you possibly go back on your word now?”
“If you ask me, Celeste couldn’t have chosen a better day for this!”
The Duncans cared deeply about their image. They were terrified that Alfred–their golden goose–might walk away, leaving them penniless with nowhere to turn. So now, everyone started urging Herbert to go through with it.
With all the coaxing, Herbert and Amanda looked flustered and cornered. Herbert, unable to withstand the pressure, finally shot a venomous glare at Celeste before waving his hand with forced magnanimity. “Fine! Go in! Satisfied now?”
Amanda went pale as a sheet, but with so many eyes on her, she could only grit her teeth and swallow her indignation.
Celeste didn’t bother responding. She lifted her mother’s memorial plaque and, head held high, made her way toward the family chapel.
She was the one paying for all this. She was the one making it happen.
No one in the Duncan family dared protest. They just hung back at the edge of the chapel, listening to the peal of bells and the low chanting of prayers. Cradling her mother’s plaque, Celeste walked step by step into the chapel, her eyes glistening
red.
Mom, all those things you longed for but could never have–your daughter’s making them happen for you now.
You devoted your whole life to the Duncan family. Your name deserves to be in this chapel.
Amanda, however, stood off to the side, her gaze sharp with resentment. Just as Celeste was about to cross the threshold, Amanda suddenly blocked her path.
“Wait!”
Celeste stopped short.
1/3
20:21
υπαμαι υ
Behind her, the sound of bells rang out. Turning, she saw a man in priestly robes standing at the door.
“Not auspicious, not auspicious… Best to pick another day,” he intoned.
“Isn’t that Father Benedict?” someone exclaimed, and everyone turned to look.
Celeste frowned. Since when did priests ring bells instead of holding a rosary?
Before she could reply, a few of the older relatives spoke up.
“Well, if Father Benedict says it’s not a good sign, then maybe we should wait.”
“Amanda did the right thing stopping her. If we let bad luck into our family chapel, what if the Duncan fortune goes with it?”
Two of the elders gave Amanda a look of gentle approval.
Celeste recognized them immediately–elders Amanda regularly bribed, always ready to take her side.
Herbert lurked nearby, trying to disappear into the background.
Celeste let out a cold laugh.
“Don’t forget who saved the Duncan family with her ceramics! If my mother was really ‘bad luck, none of you would be standing here in your fancy suits
today–you’d be out on the street begging for scraps.”
“Now see here-”
“Uncle, today you use ‘bad luck‘ as an excuse to keep my mother out. What if, one day, you’re sick in bed and your own children turn it around on you, using the same excuse to toss you aside? Didn’t Father Benedict just say that what goes around comes around?”
The elders fell silent, their eyes darting nervously to their own children.
Everyone knew the Duncan family was vast and wealthy, handed down through generations. There had even been cases where the younger heirs hurt their parents just to get their inheritance early.
Celeste’s words hit a nerve. The elders‘ eyes grew wary; none of them wanted to end up betrayed by their own children.
With the elders cowed, the younger generation didn’t dare say a word either.
Celeste started forward again, but Amanda stood firm, blocking her way.
2/3
20:21
Chapter 4u
“A day like this is full of bad omens. If your mother’s plaque enters now, what if she’s doomed in her next life-?”
Celeste’s patience snapped. She was ready to brush Amanda aside.
But then a deep, steady voice spoke from behind.
“My mother–in–law passed far too early. I’d say by now she’s gathered more than enough blessings for her next life.”
Alfred strode forward, wrapping an arm around Celeste’s shoulders. His gaze was icy as he stared Amanda down. “Unlike you lot, still living and yet so unwilling to do good. Aren’t you afraid that, after death, you’ll end up in hell–or worse?”
3/3
