3. Kaori's Funeral

Kaori prepared to attend her funeral. She chose to use a black dress that was available in her wardrobe.

"Jake must have prepared these clothes for me," Kaori said to herself,

Kaori immediately put on the dress she took from the closet. Then Kaori polished her face naturally. Kaori ruffled her hair. She wanted to show Selina and Lara that he was okay. Kaori clenched her fists, Kaori suddenly remembered the betrayal of her lover, Bastian. Bastian also had to feel what Kaori felt. Kaori would not let go of those who hurt her family. They must pay for the crimes they committed with their blood.

Kaori immediately came out of her room. Then she walked over to Jake at the dinner table. Before leaving for Kaori's burial site, the two of them enjoyed breakfast together.

"Are you sure you want to show yourself there?" Jake asked without looking at Kaori and enjoying the sandwich on his plate,

"Of course. I was looking forward to this day. Selina, Lara, and Bastian had to pay for what they did."

"Okay. We finish our breakfast first, after that we will immediately go to your burial site"

"Well"

**

A vast expanse of green grass stretched out in front of Kaori. Kaori's burial site is in an elite burial complex whose burial grounds can cost millions or even billions. Kaori felt slapped with a reality that made her feel the luxury in exchange for her death.

"Are you ready for the surprise we will give them?"

"Of course"

"Then you can use me as your protector"

"I must have used you well. Because I paid a very high price for it"

Jake smiled. Kaori and Jake walked towards the crowd of mourners who were gathered waiting for Kaori's coffin to be buried in the ground. Selina and Lara's sobs sounded sad. It was as if they were saddened by Kaori's death.

"I think they deserve an award. They both love their roles" Jake whispered making Kaori smile sarcastically.

"I also agree with you"

Kaori wore a wide hat that partially covered her face. Jake and Kaori pushed their way through the crowd and approached where Selina and Lara were. Selina and Lara looked at the arrival of Jake who was none other than Kaori's cousin, they both had not realized the existence of Kaori who was by Jake's side.

"I'm sorry," said Jake,

"Thank you. Kaori is a good child, God must have put Kaori in heaven" said Selina while looking at Kaori's chest covered with flowers.

"I don't grieve for Kaori"

"What do you mean?"

"Why would I grieve for people who are still alive?" Jake replied, making Selina silent.

"Don't joke. I saw Kaori's body" Selina said confidently. Lara who was by Selina's side found Jake annoying.

"Are you playing with us?" Lara asked, now joining in,

"No" Jake replied, "Kao, you better show your face immediately. It seems they think I'm boasting" Jake said while facing Kaori.

Kaori followed what Jake said. What Kaori did made the people who attended Kaori's funeral couldn't believe what they saw. Even the reporters were scrambling to take a picture of Kaori.

"How are you, Lara," said Kaori making Selina's and Lara's faces look pale.

"Kaori! Thank goodness you're still alive!" Selina shouted as she ran towards Kaori and hugged Kaori. Selina carried Kaori into her arms. Selina tried to hide the panic in her heart.

"Of course, I have to stay alive, Mother. I will make you and Lara pay for what you did to me" Kaori whispered making Selina widen her eyes.

**

Kaori hugged Jake's body, She was very happy with what she did to Selena and Lara. Jake returned Kaori's hug. Jake could feel the strawberry scent wafting from inside Kaori's body. Kaori's scent was intoxicating. Jake tried to suppress his desire to have Kaori.

"Thank you, Jake. You made me feel happy today"

"I just did what I had to do for you. You know that right?"

"I know, I have to pay dearly for it" replied Kaori who now let go of her hug. Jake looked disappointed with what Kaori did.

"So tell me your wish?"

"Are you sure you want to do it now?"

"Of course"

"Do you remember what I said back then?"

"You mean?"

"The reward I want," said Jake who purposely whispered in Kaori's ear.

Kaori looked deep in thought, she tried to remember what Jake said that day. Kaori widened her eyes, looking at Jake with a look she couldn't quite decipher. Right, Kaori remembered what Jake wanted from her.

"Are you kidding me?"

"No. I do want you. Not necessarily now, only if you want it"

"But-"

"Remember Kaori, I've done my part. You should show your gratitude"

"Do you want my body?"

"Indirectly, yes. Besides, I also want a position in our family. I'm just an adopted son. Not worthy of you. If I marry you, I can become the head of the family. Isn't that right?"

Kaori smiled bitterly, she didn't expect Jake to want that from her. But, Kaori didn't care. Jake only wanted her body, Jake wouldn't let Kaori die. Jake will take care of Kaori and help Kaori repay the pain that Selina, Lara, and Bastian give.

"Alright. Do what you want" Kaori said resignedly,

Jake smiled. He approached Kaori. Jake brought Kaori's body closer to his body, there was no distance between their bodies. Kaori closed her eyes, trying to surrender to what happened next. In Kaori's mind, her body belonged to Jake.

"Why do you close your eyes?"

"I'm just trying to surrender to my situation"

"I wouldn't have done it without the mutual liking between the two of us"

"Ha?"

"Never mind! Forget it. I have to go to work. We'll meet at dinner time" Jake said while kissing Kaori's forehead.

"Jake" Kaori called and made Jake stop his steps and turn to look at Kaori. "Thank you" Kaori muttered quietly, but Jake could hear Kaori's thanks.

"I'll make you happy," said Jake, "but all of that applies, if you are mine" added Jake.

Kaori could only stare at Jake's departure. Kaori didn't understand what Jake was saying. If Jake's goal was to gain recognition from his extended family, why would he want to help Kaori go this far?