Sandy's POV
The rain began falling the moment they lowered the casket into the earth. Nobody dared to move. This final gesture of respect demanded completion. One after another, mourners stepped forward, releasing handfuls of dirt into the grave before retreating into respectful silence.
Charles appeared at that exact moment. He offered no words of comfort or acknowledgment.
He moved forward with measured steps, allowed soil to slip through his fingers, then turned his back on the scene. His departure matched his arrival in its quiet efficiency. His father remained conspicuously absent from the entire ceremony.
I remained frozen in place. My arms stayed crossed as I absorbed the weight of countless stares boring into me. Dominic was studying my every movement. Watching. Anticipating. Demanding.
Our eyes met. I refused to break the connection first.
