Chapter 2: Marcus

"How did this happen?" Marcus crossed his arms, staring hard at the policeman.

"Your wife was crossing the road and was hit by a car. She's in critical condition." he replied nervously.

"I already know that much." he snapped. "I mean have you caught the driver?"

The policeman shook his head. "According to witnesses, the driver fled the scene once they saw the severity of the injuries. We are looking for them as we speak."

Their attention turned to the door as the doctor walked out of the hospital room. "Mr. Liu, we tried the best we could. But unfortunately, your wife didn't make it."

Marcus stilled. His heart stuttered. The self assurance he had built up in his mind crumbled.

Things had always gone his way, and this was supposed to be no different. Maybe Vivian was just in a really deep sleep. People do that when their bodies are really injured, right? This doctor must not know what he's doing.

The policeman stepped back, giving Marcus some space. "We'll contact you once we get more information." He silently slid out of the room, and heaved a sigh of relief on the other side of the door.

"Would you like to see her?" The doctor pushed open the door, and stood off to the side to let Marcus in.

Marcus walked into the room and the doctor closed the door behind him. He walked to the bed, where Vivian rested. It was hard for him to believe that just a few hours ago, he had talked to her for what would be the last time. They were like strangers that time. How could he accept that their last conversation would be like that?

He sank down into the chair beside the bed. Vivian's face was already paling, drawing a strong contrast with the remnants of dried blood that matted and blended into her dark hair. He grazed her palm that was laying on top of the blanket. Cold and stiff, he took a hold of it and noticed how smooth it was. A stark difference from the hard working hands he used to hold.

He pressed his forehead to her hand, lips trembling.

Marcus felt regrets accumulating in his heart. On the drive here, he went through a list of things he would tell Vivian when she woke up. How sorry he was for letting her go out alone. He wasn't going to stop her from doing what she dreamed of doing. Screw those stuck up elites.

But too late for that now.

Setting down her hand, he arranged the pillows and blankets for her in some semblance of comfort, whether for her or for him, he didn't know, and exited the room.

The funeral was arranged a week later and the sun shone brightly, as if mocking Marcus for the warmth he could have had if only he had done the right things.

Many people came, most of them wealthy and influential. Exactly the type of people that didn't approve of Vivian pursuing her passions, But he couldn't exactly blame them since they were the people he chose to include in their social circle. However, the fact that they showed up when he specified it was going to be small and private, irked him very much.

His brows twitched in anger watching them put on a fantastic show of crying and grieving. If it wasn't Vivian's funeral, he would have applauded them for their acting. Marcus knew that many of them held disdain for Vivian in their hearts and they probably rejoiced at her death. Finally, the stain on their precious high society has been wiped away.

Carina and her family were being especially vocal, loudly lamenting over the death of their close family friend. When they noticed Marcus' glowering look, the family of three hustled over and began fawning over him and expressing their sorrows for his loss.

"My deepest condolences for the passing of your wife." Carina said, sniffing and wiping her dry eyes with a handkerchief. "I can't imagine how lonely you must be."

Not lonely enough to even consider accepting the proposal her family has been pushing for years.

Carina glanced back at her parents, who's subtle nod didn't go unnoticed by Marcus. She tread closer to him and reached out to touch his arm. He jerked his arm away and stepped back.

"Ms. Camilla, while I appreciate your sentiments, please refrain from touching me. I do not want any untoward rumors to spread and affect either of our reputations." he brushed his sleeves, "This is my wife's funeral and I wish you and your family will respect that."

"But Marcus, your wife is dead now." Carina blurted, "You're free to marry me and we can—"

"What makes you think I would ever plan on marrying you?" Marcus was revolted that she would even think to bring this topic up here, now. No doubt her father must be getting desperate to latch onto his company.

He had enough of them. Calling security, he requested that everyone that was not invited be escorted out. If they wanted to throw a pity party, it can be done later.

Then, the only people left were the closest friends and family.

Emma and Luca, who had known Vivian since their college days had driven several hours to attend. Emma was sobbing quietly with Luca gripped her shoulder. His red rimmed eyes glared at the fresh dirt, as if his gaze could penetrate the veil between life and death and bring Vivian back to life.

Adrian was there too patting Luca on the back while clutching onto his husband's arm. Marcus was touched that they came, even when Adrian didn't know Vivian all that well, having only heard stories from Marcus.

Vivian's grandmother had surpassed grieving with tears. She neatly arranged the incense on the grave, gently brushing away the non existent dust on top of the stone.

"I never thought that I'd live longer than my own grandchild." she said tiredly.

Marcus stood, silent. What was he supposed to say? She had witnessed the passing of her husband, grandson, and now granddaughter. And he knew the pain wouldn't numb with each passing.

His own mother was there as well, speaking in quiet tones to Vivian's grandmother. The passing of his father made her no stranger to the grief of losing a loved one.

The sun began to set, cooling the air. Everyone started leaving until Marcus was the only one left. He knelt down by the grave and touched his head to the sun warmed stone.

"I'm truly sorry for not giving you the life you wanted."

He thought about how many years of hard work she devoted into the culinary arts and her dream of owning her own restaurant. They had grand dreams for their futures, but only his came to light.

"I should have gone with you. I should have been the one to get hit. I should have paid more attention to you. I shouldn't have let business get in the way of our relationship." Marcus leaned back and traced the engravings with his finger.

"But what's the point?" he laughed bitterly, "It already happened. My stupid, useless money can't buy more time with you to fix my mistakes. What is the point?" the corners of his eyes crinkled as tears, finally, began to fall.

Marcus cried. Cried over Vivian's death. Cried over their broken relationship that could have been fixed if only he had made more time her her. And he cried for the life that Vivian never got to live.

He picked up a white chrysanthemum and twisted it in his hand. The petals had started to wilt in the heat. Standing up, he laid the flower to rest on top of the tombstone, the smoke of the incense drifting up to meet the setting sun.