Page 56 of The Millionaire Mortician
The days dragged after the accident, each one heavier than the last. Search and rescue turned into recovery, and recovery turned into nothing at all. There was no body, or no clothes, not one trace. By the third day, the city coroner’s office put it in writing—presumed deceased, lost at sea.That line hit harder than a bullet. The word presumed didn’t sit well with me. It was as if she were gone, but not confirmed, making it, in a way, I had to accept it without seeing it.
Once things were official on paper, I stayed in the house with my blinds drawn and the phone buzzing nonstop, but I never answered. Mav came through a few times and tried to pull me into conversations about business, about Frost, about anything but Daija. I brushed him off, though. I couldn’t focus on any of that shit.
The only person who got me to listen for a little while was Talina. She came by to let me know Daija’s aunt wanted to do a memorial service and of course wanted me to do it. I wasn’t inthe right state of mind for that, so I linked her and Parys to sort out the details on my dime.
A knock on the door broke my thoughts. It opened before I could even answer. Daija’s aunt stepped in, dressed in black, with her face lined with grief.
“Milan,” she spoke low. “I just wanted to say thank you for handling everything, and for taking care of her.”
I nodded with my jaw tight because what else could I have done? Thank her for thanking me, knowing damn well I wasn’t the man she thought I was in the end? Inside, guilt ate at me like acid. I wanted to tell her I failed Daija, that I pushed her out when she properly needed me most. But the words stayed locked in my throat.
She gently touched my arm, offering a soft smile. “God is with you,” she stated, before leaving the office.
As she walked in, in walked Parys. “Boss, it’s time.”
I looked at him and nodded. Standing to my feet, I fixed my suit, then made my way to the chapel.
When I walked in, the place was packed. I saw Daija’s friends, family, and a bunch of her clients. She was definitely loved. My team lined the back of the walls and at every entrance. Maverick sat in the front row in the last seat. It felt good to know my people were around for me.
I sat in the front row, staring at her picture. My hands were clasped tight, as I kept my face calm, but inside, I was unraveling.
Overall, the service was sweet and simple, just as Daija would’ve wanted. Roses lined the front. Her picture was blown up on an easel, her smile caught forever in a frame. Voices cracked through prayers, while friends spoke about her laughter, her fire, and her ambition. Every word felt like it was spoken through me, not just about her.
When it ended, people hugged, cried, and filed out into the hallway as they prepared to attend the repast.
As I was making my way down the hall to return to my office, Frost appeared in my direct view. He wore an all-black suit, and his eyes were colder than the steel he carried on him. Our eyes locked on each other, cutting through the crowd without hesitation.
We stood toe to toe. “You killed her, didn’t you?” he asked, but also assumed at the same time.
My jaw clenched. “What? You are out of your fuckin’ mind, nigga?” My voice rumbled low, but dangerously.
“You think I don’t know your MO?” Frost stepped closer, close enough to smell his cologne. “Bodies disappear around you. They don’t get found. They get burned, just like her. That’s why she’s gone without a trace.”
My fists balled at my sides. “I ain’t have shit to do with her death. Watch your fuckin’ mouth.”
My team, which was initially posted at the back, shifted forward in sync. Maverick quickly stepped to my side, his hand brushing the edge of his jacket like he was seconds away from pulling.
I glared at Frost, fury shaking inside me. “You’re a wild nigga to stand here and accuse me of something like that.”
He smirked, but his eyes stayed cold. “You had every reason to off her. She cheated on you.” He shrugged.
“So, that ain’t enough for me to take her life,” I simply stated.
He shook his head and smirked. “And she was pregnant.”
Those words sliced through me like glass.
“The crazy shit is, she ain’t even know who the baby’s father was,” Frost added, twisting the knife. “Me or you?” He paused as I took it all in. “And now she’s gone. Real convenient, huh?”
Just when I thought my world had crumbled enough, he hit me with the craziest revelation.
Pregnant? Was it mine?