My Funeral Awakened Her Love

Right after I die, my wife goes on a date with her first love. I once told her, "If I die, I swear I won't love you in the next life." She scoffs. "Gladly. But people like you live forever, don't they?" Just as she wishes, I die. However, right then, she holds my urn close, whispering, "Are you still mad at me?" Chapter 1 The clock struck midnight. I stared at the sky-blue cake that was slowly melting on the table. The single candle had long since burned out. Just like that, my birthday quietly ended. I walked over, looked at the forgotten cake, and took a bite. "Happy birthday," I muttered to myself. Then, without a second thought, I tossed the entire cake into the trash can. It was late when she finally came home. I looked toward the front door as she stepped inside. "You're back." Seraphine Evans cast a cold glance my way, her brows furrowing in disapproval. "Do you ever do anything other than drink?" I swirled the drink in my glass and gave a soft laugh. "Drinking is an elegant thing to do." Then I staggered toward her. "It's good stuff. Come on, have a sip…" I held out the glass. She narrowed her eyes and pushed my hand away. "You should go to bed." The push sent most of the wine sloshing out of the glass. The sharpness of it sobered me up a little. I lowered the glass and finally looked at her properly. "Today's my birthday." Her eyes paused for a split second before returning to their usual indifference. "Since it's my birthday, there should be a gift," I said, exhaling. "You're not giving me one, so I'll give you something instead." I reached into the drawer next to the sofa, pulled out a document, and tossed it onto the table. "This is my gift to you." Her gaze fell on the words printed across the cover: Divorce Agreement. It was the one she gave me. She had signed it a long time ago. When she saw my name was also on the paper, her brow furrowed as she asked calmly, "What kind of stunt are you trying to pull now?" "Our families arranged this marriage and kept you tied to me all these years. I know it hasn't been easy. You've always had your heart set on your first love, haven't you? It's time to go back to him." I placed the papers into her hands. Before she could react, I leaned in and gently kissed her on the forehead. Chapter 2 Seraphine shoved me away almost immediately. I almost lost my footing. Lowering my gaze, I said, "It's bad for a married couple to end up like this. I guess we really weren't meant to spend a lifetime together." Seraphine's voice stayed cold. "If you'd realized that back then, we wouldn't still be stuck like this now." "It's my fault." I forced a faint smile. "And I guess the only way I can pay for it is with my life." She let out a cold laugh. "Like you'd actually go through with it." I paused for a second, my voice dropping lower. "If I die, I swear I won't love you in the next life." "Save it for when you're actually dead." She looked away and turned to leave. The door slammed shut behind her. She walked out again. The curve on my lips slowly disappeared. I let out a bitter laugh, knowing she still hated me. Sitting down on the sofa, I reached into the drawer and pulled out another document. It was my medical report. Stage 4 cancer. Those terrible words sat on the last page. I closed my eyes and took a long moment before opening them again. Then, I tore the report to pieces. The shredded pieces of paper fluttered to the floor. I stared at the wedding ring on my finger, rubbing it gently with my thumb. Slowly, I slid it off and placed it on the table. The next morning, I packed up everything I owned and threw it in the car. I didn't even bother with breakfast. I got in the car and drove off, leaving the villa behind. The car sped forward, the city shrinking in the rearview mirror as I merged onto the coastal highway. I rolled down the window and let the cold wind hit my face. My hair whipped wildly in the breeze. "Goodbye forever, Seraphine." I turned the steering wheel sharply to the right, let go, and slammed my foot down on the gas. With a loud bang, the car smashed full speed into the cliffside. The hood crumpled in on itself, and blood trickled down from beneath the driver's seat. Chapter 3 Even though I had died, my soul drifted in this world. I thought death would finally free me from Seraphine. However, for some reason, my spirit lingered near her. I drifted up to the 60th floor of Heeta International, Seraphine's company. After her parents died in a car accident, she took over the business. Her secretary handed her a cup of coffee. I floated in behind her into the office. "Ms. Evans, the video conference with Willer starts at 9:30. The briefing documents are already on your desk." Seraphine gave a slight nod. That was when I noticed something missing—her wedding ring. Even though she had always kept her distance from me, she had never taken off the ring. Now, her left ring finger was bare, save for a faint red imprint where the band used to be. Right. We were divorced now. There was no reason for her to wear it anymore. Still, a sudden ache assaulted my chest. I didn't expect to feel anything after death. Around noon, I glanced at the time out of habit. For five years, I had shown up at her office every day like clockwork to bring her lunch. However, today, I wasn't there. Her secretary, Helen Jones, seemed to realize something was off and ordered takeout for Seraphine. 30 minutes later, lunch arrived. "Ms. Evans, you should eat something." Helen placed the food on her desk and left. Seraphine finished up her work, then opened the lunchbox. She took one bite before frowning, as if something tasted wrong. She ate a few more bites and then set it aside. Her phone vibrated on the desk. I glanced at the screen and immediately recognized the caller. Without so much as a glance at the screen, she picked up the call, still focused on the documents in front of her. "Seraphine, are you off work yet?" the man's voice came through. She glanced at the screen, her lips curving faintly. "Yeah, almost." "Let's have dinner tonight," the man suggested. She looked down at the stack of files and said softly, "Okay." She sped up, flipping through the rest of the documents before leaving the office. That evening, Seraphine's car pulled up at the Haequinn Hotel from a distance. Jack Burton adjusted his blazer and smiled as he waited for her to step out. "Seraphine." She walked toward him. "Have you been waiting long?" "No," he said, slinging an arm around her shoulders like it was second nature. "I just got here." She stiffened slightly at his touch, but the moment passed quickly. The two of them headed into the restaurant on the hotel's third floor. Jack pulled out her chair like a gentleman and ordered a few dishes she liked. I felt bitterly amused. She had never once picked up a single bite for me. Whenever I placed food into her bowl and looked at her, hoping for some warmth, she would shoot me down coldly. "Hayden, have some self-respect. Stop trying so hard." Chapter 4 Jack looked like he was in a good mood. The smile never left his face. Course after course of beautifully plated food arrived, and he kept his manners in check, occasionally placing a few things on her plate. Seraphine looked up and asked gently, "Are you feeling any better?" So, she could be caring, just not when it came to me. He kept cutting into his steak and replied casually, "Much better. It's just my stomach acting up, the usual stuff. As long as I eat on time, I'm fine." "I can't remember if you had stomach problems back in school," she said. His knife paused mid-slice as he lifted his gaze to meet hers. "Back then, you were always looking after me. I never had the chance to fall sick." She looked away. "Is she not taking good care of you?" Jack set down his utensils, his brows tightening. "Hayden stole five years of your life. And I forced myself to stay with someone else for those five years. But we both know that feelings can't be forced. We've always loved each other. If it weren't for Hayden, we could've been together long ago." Right. It was all my fault. Now that I was finally gone, they could be together again. Seraphine seemed to remember everything that had happened five years ago, and guilt flickered across her face. "I'm sorry. I let you down." He stood up and walked over to her, leaning in. "No. You did nothing wrong. It was Hayden and his powerful family. Back then, we had nothing. We couldn't fight back." His gaze settled on her face, finally drifting to her lips. Slowly, he leaned in. In a flash, she turned her head, dodging his kiss. I couldn't help but wonder what went through her mind at that moment. Why did she react like that? Was it because she remembered what I used to say? "After we get married, stay away from other men. They never mean well. I'm the only one who truly loves you." I shook my head. Who was I kidding? As if she ever cared about what I thought. He froze, awkwardness flashing across his face as he straightened up. "Sorry. That was out of line. I forgot that you were married." "We're divorced," she said while her fingers instinctively brushed the base of her ring finger. The wedding ring she'd worn for five years was gone, but the faint indentation remained. He was shocked. "You're serious? Are you really divorced?" However, I caught the way the corners of his mouth curved just for a second. She stood up and gently pulled him back into his seat. "Yeah. It's over," she said softly. He covered her hand with his and grinned. "That's amazing news, Seraphine. You don't have to force yourself to be with him anymore." He gripped her hand tightly. "This is worth celebrating." "It's not that big of a deal. There's no need to celebrate," she replied coolly. "Of course, we have to celebrate!" he said, raising his voice. "I've waited five years for this day, Seraphine. For me, can we please just enjoy this moment?" Looking at the joy on his face, she didn't want to disappoint him. So, she went along with it. Chapter 5 The eighth floor of the Haequinn Hotel was home to a private club known as the Golden Den. It was a popular gathering place for Accanne's wealthiest socialites. After dinner, Seraphine and Jack headed upstairs. I hadn't intended to follow as I didn't want to see them being lovey-dovey, but my soul moved on its own, trailing them helplessly. When we reached the eighth floor, they happened to run into Seraphine's friends and a few men drinking in one of the private rooms. Without hesitation, Jack pulled her into the room with him. The deafening bass thumped through the walls as Jack draped his arm casually around her shoulders as if announcing to the world that she belonged to him. The ladies laughed, clinked glasses, and filled them again just as quickly. Before long, Seraphine was too drunk to stand on her own. Her world spun as she squinted at her watch and muttered, "It's midnight already. I need to go home. Hayden never lets me stay out late. It's annoying how controlling he is!" Jack, who had stayed close to her all night, clearly caught her slurred complaints. His expression darkened slightly, but he kept his arm around her waist, gently saying, "Seraphine, you're divorced now. No one's holding you back anymore, so you don't have to follow anyone's rules. You can drink, stay out late, and do whatever you want." "Divorced?" Seraphine closed her eyes and gave a bitter laugh. "Right. We're divorced now. We're divorced…" Yes, we were divorced, and she looked so happy now. I loved her for so many years, and not once did she ever return even the slightest bit of that love. She swayed as someone handed her another drink, and she downed it in one go. A bit of the liquor trickled from the corner of her mouth, sliding down the curve of her neck. Jack's eyes darkened as he stared at her, eyes burning with desire. He swallowed hard at the sight of her. "Alright, that's enough," he said, finally stepping in to block more drinks being pushed her way. "She's had too much. I'll take her to bed." With that, he helped Seraphine out of the room. She didn't resist, following him in silence as they rode the elevator up to the 60th floor. "Here, watch your step." He guided her to the door of one of the rooms, pulling out a room card that he had clearly prepared in advance. "Go on in," he said. Was I really about to watch them getting intimate, right in front of me? That felt far too cruel. Inside, Jack helped her onto the bed and bent down to take off her coat. However, just as he reached out, Seraphine suddenly sat up and pushed him away. Her clear eyes were unreadable. He froze before asking carefully, "What's wrong?" "I'll get another room," she said, rising to her feet. Her head spun, and she staggered, nearly losing her balance. She stumbled to the door and happened to bump into the floor manager in the hallway. After the quick word, the manager got her a room. Without looking back, she walked into the new room alone and shut the door behind her. I didn't understand what she was doing. Wasn't this the moment she had been waiting for? Across the hall, Jack's warm gaze turned cold and then simmered into a quiet rage. He muttered under his breath, "She's already divorced, and she's still keeping herself untouched for him?" The next morning, he had composed himself, wearing the same polished smile he always did. He wrapped an arm around Seraphine and escorted her down to the lobby from the 60th floor. As soon as they stepped into the hotel lobby, they ran into a familiar face. Chapter 6 The hotel lobby shimmered, bustling with people moving in and out. Jack and Seraphine stood side by side with smiles on their faces as they looked toward a man across the room. It was the lobby manager. He was someone I had grown up with and my closest friend since childhood, Zedd Fletcher. I instinctively tried to run over, wanting to warn him not to get involved. However, my soul passed straight through his body. Only then did it hit me again. I was dead. He stood tall in a black tailored suit, posture stiff and sharp. His gaze, cold and cutting, landed squarely on the couple standing together. Zedd sneered, "Ms. Evans, you really know how to play, huh? A man is waiting for you at home, and you have a whole parade outside. You're having the time of your life, aren't you?" Seraphine's eyes dimmed, but she said nothing. Jack's smile faded. He stepped forward, instinctively shielding her like a protector. "Zedd, whatever happens between the three of us is none of your business. "Five years ago, it was Hayden who used his family's influence to force Seraphine into marriage. If it weren't for him, she and I would've never been separated. And look at him now. What's he got left? He's nothing but a man living off a woman." Zedd's gaze sharpened as he glared at Seraphine. "Living off a woman? Don't talk crap. I've never met anyone like Hayden, who gave up his entire career for a woman." "Shut your mouth!" Jack's face twisted with anger as he stared at Zedd. "You don't know anything about Seraphine. I won't let you insult her like this!" "You won't let me? Who the hell are you? A homewrecker?" Zedd snapped. Jack snapped back, "I knew Seraphine first. Hayden is the one who came between us. He's the homewrecker." Zedd scoffed. "Funny. I remember how you ditched her to chase some rich lady overseas. You left her first." Jack's eyes darted to Seraphine, guilt flickering across his face. "If Hayden hadn't stepped in, I wouldn't have left Seraphine. "You've got the timeline backward," Zedd said flatly. Five years. Even a dog would learn to wag its tail for someone who treated it well in five years. I gave Seraphine my heart, my soul, and all of me. Still, she never once looked at me like I mattered. Zedd looked her dead in the eye. "You better hope you don't end up falling for him. Because when you realize what you've lost, it'll be too late for regrets!" He was the first person to see my body at the hospital, the first to fall apart when the news broke. Now, he was the one still standing up for me. I wanted to tell him to stop, to not waste his breath on someone who didn't care. However, Zedd looked like he wanted to tear them both apart with his bare hands. I knew he was furious. He was furious at me for being such a fool and furious at her for throwing everything away. Seraphine finally looked him in the eye, her voice cool and steady. "I don't love him." Zedd laughed coldly. "I hope you remember what you said today. And I hope it doesn't haunt you for the rest of your life." With that, he turned on his heel and walked away with his fists clenched tight. Chapter 7 Seraphine returned to the office after her night out, as busy as ever. The hangover left her with a dull ache in her head. After a morning of meetings, she allowed herself a short break and asked her assistant to bring in an extra-strong coffee. While waiting, she reached for the private phone that had stayed quiet all night and flipped through the screen. I floated over to glance at it. Jack had messaged her, asking if she wanted to have dinner that evening. She replied with a simple line, saying she had something on tonight and that they could meet another time. After that, she scrolled through all her texts and missed calls. It was like she was looking or waiting for something. Her eyes lowered slightly as she remained silent. Just then, Helen entered the room with a cup of coffee. "Your coffee, Ms. Evans." "Thanks." Seraphine glanced once more at her phone, then looked up and asked, "Did Hayden call?" Helen froze for a split second, then quickly replied, "No, he didn't." Seraphine looked down again and said nothing. Helen seemed confused. Seraphine probably had never asked about me. After all, I was always the one who showed up. After finishing the coffee, Seraphine set her phone down and dove right back into her work. At noon, Helen brought her a boxed lunch. Seraphine took a few bites, but quickly frowned. "Where did this come from?" "A new restaurant," Helen said, pausing before asking, "Is it not to your liking? I can order something else if you'd like." "Is it the same place as before?" Seraphine asked again. "No…" Helen replied hesitantly. "From now on, stick to the old one," Seraphine said. Helen gave her a careful look but remained silent. Seraphine glanced at her. "Is that a problem?" Helen hesitated, clearly torn, then said the truth. "The previous meals were all brought by Mr. Carter." She added nervously, "For the past few years, your lunch was always delivered by Mr. Carter. Rain or shine, he was never late. He even told me not to let you know they were from him, in case you refused to eat. That was why I never told you. "I'm sorry, Ms. Evans. I shouldn't have kept that from you." Yes, no matter how hard I tried, she would never touch any food from me. Ever since then, I had been careful when I wanted to do something for her. I never asked for her to love me, only that she would let me love her. Maybe she had just grown used to it now. Now that the taste had changed, she couldn't get used to the difference. Seraphine said nothing and only waved her hand for Helen to leave. She stared down at the meal, her expression unreadable. I looked too. It was decent and neatly packed. My meals were never extravagant, but they always felt like home and were made with love and care. She unlocked her phone again to check, and there was still nothing from me. She set it aside and got back to work. By the time she wrapped up for the day, it was late. She looked at the time before driving home. The house had been quiet for two days. The staff kept the villa spotless in our absence. When she walked in, the housekeepers were visibly relieved to see her. "Mrs. Carter, you're back. I'll have the kitchen start on dinner." Seraphine shrugged off her coat and handed it to a maid. Then, turning to the housekeeper, she asked, "Is Mr. Carter home?" The housekeeper shook her head before asking in a worried tone, "He drove out yesterday morning. He hasn't come back since." "Alright. Have dinner prepared, then," Seraphine said. "Yes, Mrs. Carter," the housekeeper replied. I had been gone for two days. Did she not notice that? Seraphine climbed the stairs and headed into our bedroom. She walked around the room and noticed how empty it was. Everything I owned was gone. My clothes, my shoes, and my belongings were all gone. The man who had waited five years for her to come home every day was no longer there. Only now did she realize that I had really left this place and her. She looked at the empty room, and her heart felt unexplainably empty. She sat down slowly on the sofa, her eyes falling on the wedding ring shining under the lamplight, the one matching hers. She picked it up, her eyes flickering with something unreadable. She held the ring tighter, and she seemed to be lost. Maybe the fact that I was really gone finally hit her. Chapter 8 The next day, Seraphine returned to the office right on time. The morning meetings were still ongoing when Jack went to find her. By the time Seraphine got back to her office, she found Jack already waiting. She was mildly surprised. "You didn't say you were coming." Jack set down the coffee in his hand and stepped toward her with a smile. "Someone was too busy to have dinner with me last night, so I figured I'd stop by in person today." Seraphine dropped into her chair, glancing at the mountain of paperwork on her desk. "I might not be done anytime soon," she said in a helpless tone. "That's alright. I'll wait," Jack replied, ever the gentleman. Time ticked by. An hour slipped past before Seraphine finally cleared the last file from her desk. Just as she rose to take Jack to lunch, her phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at the caller ID and hesitated before answering. Very few people had her personal number. The voice on the other end was cold. "Seraphine, it's Zedd. I need you to come down to the station." She asked calmly, "What's going on?" There was no reason for them to speak unless it had something to do with me. Zedd's voice was cold as ice. "It's about Hayden. We need your signature to proceed with the cremation." Cremation required a family member's consent. My parents were long gone. Other than Seraphine, I had no one else. Even though we had signed the divorce agreement, we never finalized the paperwork. Legally, she was still my next of kin. Seraphine narrowed her eyes. "What did you just say?" Hayden? A cremation? Zedd repeated flatly. "We need your signature for Hayden's cremation." She clearly didn't believe him and replied, "Do you think this is funny?" "You'll see for yourself when you get here," Zedd said and hung up. Seraphine let out a cold, sarcastic laugh. "After hiding for two days, now he's pulling this kind of stunt." Jack stepped closer and asked gently, "Who was that?" Seraphine blinked out of her thoughts, then gave him a small, apologetic smile. "Sorry, Jack. Something urgent just came up. I won't be able to join you for lunch." He froze for a second, then quickly masked it with a smile. "That's alright. Work comes first. Let's do lunch another time." "Okay," Seraphine replied. She headed for the parking lot. Moments later, she was on the road, driving straight toward the police station. At the police station, her expression remained indifferent, clearly assuming this was just another one of Zedd's and my games. She thought it was an elaborate attempt to make her stay. She fully expected to find me waiting there with a smug grin, thinking I had won.