secret lover 280

280 The Funeral Day

Finally, the day of Maxime’s funeral arrived.

If someone asked Evelyn whether she was

nervous, the answer would have been obvious. Absolutely. Completely. One hundred percent.

From the moment she and Axel left the house, her heartbeat had been thumping wildly, growing louder and faster with every passing minute.

Her palms felt cold.

Her stomach twisted.

And even Axel’s fingers curled securely around hers did nothing to quiet the storm inside her

chest.

As their car approached the area where the

Knight family graveyard was located, Evelyn felt her throat tighten. Her heart gave another series of uneven thumps.

09:51

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280 The Funeral Day

:.

This was the first time she would appear in front of Axel’s entire extended family. Not only that,

most guests were military officers who worked with General Henry Knight or high–ranking government officials who held the Knight name in the highest regard.

And to make matters worse, even though the funeral was private, some media outlets were allowed to cover it.

Meaning: her identity as “Mrs. Axel Knight” would be exposed publicly.

She stared ahead as the car continued moving, watching the scene grow more overwhelming.

Luxury cars lined the roads inside and outside the family graveyard.

Security personnel guided VVIP guests.

Family members gathered beneath large white

tents.

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280 The Funeral Day

Her heart felt like it was being punched from the

inside.

The car finally slowed to a stop at the family entrance. Evelyn swallowed hard and turned toward Axel.

He was watching her with warm eyes.

“Are you nervous?” he asked softly, the moment their gazes met.

Evelyn tried to smile. Unfortunately, her face was so tense it came out more like a grimace. “If I say no, would you believe me?”

Axel didn’t answer. He simply chuckled and lifted a hand to rub her cold cheek.

“Oh, you’re freezing,” he murmured. “Relax. You’ll be fine. My mom and grandparents are already inside. We’ll meet them first.”

He adjusted her coat gently before stepping out of the car. Within seconds, he opened the door

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280 The Funeral Day

for her.

Evelyn’s heart thrashed wildly again. She forced a calm smile and took his hand.

Axel leaned in slightly as she stepped out. “You’re doing great,” he whispered teasingly. “No fainting, no trying to escape. I’m proud.”

She glared at him. “I wasn’t planning on escaping…”

“Really? You didn’t consider entering the car again and asking Liam to drive home?”

She stifled a smile, cleared her throat, and answered him, “I’m not that dramatic, Mr. Knight!”

“I recall a certain someone trying to cancel to avoid my father.”

“Axel!”

He laughed, the sound low and warm, but he still

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squeezed her hand. “Just keep holding on to me. I’m right here.”

Light as the banter was, Evelyn’s nerves refused

to settle.

Because the moment she stepped fully out of the

car-

Click. Click. Click. Click.

The media stationed at the designated spot reacted instantly.

Cameras pointed toward them.

Voices whispering.

Shutters flashing like a thousand tiny explosions.

Evelyn’s hand clenched Axel’s tightly. Her breath seems to stop as dozens of eyes lifted toward them from the funeral seating area.

Axel leaned slightly closer and murmured, “Don’t mind them. They already love you.”

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“No, they love you. I’m just the person

accidentally standing next to you.”

Axel leaned in closer to her and said, “Exactly. So

they love you by association.”

“That’s not how it works!”

But he only squeezed her hand again and continued walking her forward.

Guests bowed their heads respectfully as Axel passed, some whispering quietly, others observing Evelyn curiously.

Their stares made her shoulders stiffen, but Axel’s steady presence kept her going. She was grateful to conceal her nervous eyes behind her sunglasses.

Soon, he led her toward the front seating area reserved for the Knight family.

Waiting there was Amanda Knight.

280 The Funeral Day

Axel’s mother brightened the moment she saw

them.

“Oh, Eve,” Amanda said warmly, taking Evelyn’s hands before pulling her into a soft embrace. “I’m so happy you’re here.”

Evelyn felt a wave of relief envelop her. Amanda’s gentle voice and loving embrace made her chest loosen just a bit.

A second later, another familiar figure stepped forward… Eleanor, Axel’s grandmother.

“My dear, thank you for coming,” Eleanor said, grasping Evelyn’s hands tightly. “You look lovely. And so nervous. Don’t worry, you’re doing just

fine.”

“I, I’m trying,” Evelyn admitted shyly.

Amanda squeezed her shoulder. “We’re right here, sweetheart.”

Their warmth steadied her more than she

280 The Funeral Day

expected.

Axel smiled at the sight of his mom and grandmother comforting his wife. But soon, he touched Evelyn’s back lightly. “Come. There’s someone else we need to greet.”

Evelyn nodded and followed him, though her heartbeat once again picked up speed.

They approached Maxime’s parents, Henry and Melinda.

Henry looked exhausted, with dark circles beneath his eyes and a stiff, grief–stricken posture. Melinda looked pale and worn out, barely able to stand.

When they saw Axel and Evelyn approaching, they straightened slightly.

“Uncle Henry… Aunt Melinda,” Axel greeted softly.

Melinda’s eyes widened when she noticed Evelyn beside him. Her lips parted slightly in surprise.

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Henry’s brows lifted as well.

“This is my wife,” Axel said gently, placing a hand on Evelyn’s back. “Evelyn.”

Evelyn bowed her head deeply. “My condolences, Uncle Henry. Aunt Melinda. I’m so sorry for your

loss.”

For a brief moment, Melinda and Henry looked

stunned.

Then Melinda slowly reached for Evelyn’s hand, voice trembling. “Thank you… for coming.”

Henry nodded. “Thank you, Evelyn. And Axel… thank you for bringing her.”

Evelyn squeezed Melinda’s hand softly before stepping back.

They didn’t stay to chat with Melinda and Henry for long because they needed to welcome other guests and family.

280 The Funeral Day

Axel held Evelyn’s hand tightly and guided her away, back toward Amanda and Eleanor.

“Eve, I need to help Uncle Henry greet a few important guests,” Axel said quietly. “Stay with Mom and Grandma for a little while, okay?”

Evelyn nodded. “Hmm… Don’t worry about me.”

Axel brushed his thumb along her hand before letting go. “You’ll be fine.”

He walked away, leaving Evelyn standing between Amanda and Eleanor.

Amanda immediately linked their arms together. “He’ll be busy. Focus on breathing for now.”

Evelyn gave a faint smile. She knew Amanda and Eleanor were aware of her worry about attending this funeral, and she appreciated their help in making her feel at ease.

“I’m surprised I’m not panting, or worse, fainting,” Evelyn said.

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280 The Funeral Cay

“Oh dear… You’re doing more than alright. You’re doing great,” Eleanor whispered.

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Sara Lili

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.