2 Chapter 2: Marcus (1/2)

”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.”