Chapter7 Wake

Those were the words her stepmother, Camelia Anne Madrigal-Di Angelis, greeted her with once Aurelia finally made it back. The Di Angelis residence, draped in somber elegance, was the setting for the wake. The main hall had been transformed into a place of mourning, with family members gathered in clusters along the hallways and in the rooms. Their attire was uniformly black, a stark contrast to Aurelia's solitary presence in white, a symbol of her immediate family status among the grieving clan. Aurelia observed the old witch with a mixture of disdain and begrudging admiration. She was impressed that Camelia played the role of a mourning widow with convincing grace. Her half-sister, Ashlyn Di Angelis, usually known for her reckless behavior, had adopted an air of decorum for the occasion, leaving Aurelia begrudgingly acknowledging her transformation into a proper daughter. They were dressed in white as well, reminding Aurelia that these two were her remaining immediate family members, although she knew they would do a poor job at it. ”It was about time she came,” Ashlyn sneered. “It had been a disaster since Father died, and she only came once everything had been dealt with. She was never around even when he has been confined.” “Don’t be so negative cousin, I’m sure trying to deal with a husband disgusted by her is too much work.” Annalise suddenly showed up with her mother, Ophelia Iverson-Vivienzo. Annalise’s haughty demeanor made her suspect she might have an idea about what had transpired back in the Castellan household… though she shouldn’t be too proud, since what they eventually agreed upon were children. Maybe she thought Aurelia’s behavior towards Dante benefited her, “Ah, if only it was Annalise who went to be married to Dante, then maybe things would have been better,” Camelia sighed. “That sudden shooting at their wedding must be an omen of how their marriage is never going to work.” Her words were laced with cynicism, hinting at the perceived doom of their union with such shameless confidence. Ophelia touched her chest, obviously flattered. “How nice that would be. Dante has always courted Annalise ever since they were teenagers. Ah, who knew they’d come to this? Poor Dante must feel that being forced into marriage with someone else must be stifling.” “How funny,” Aurelia finally spoke, attracting their eyes back to her. “Wasn’t it Mother who fully supported my marriage in front of Father? I was only doing my duty, yet it seems like you weren’t satisfied. I wonder, how many times have you deceived us with your ever-changing words?” Camelia’s eyes shot daggers at Aurelia,. “You insufferable bra-” “Behave yourselves,” The younger brother of her father, Cassius Di Angelis, snapped at them before the situation could escalate further. He had been nearby when he overheard their conversation and began chastising them. “Bickering during the wake of my older brother is inappropriate. Have you no shame, even picking on his original daughter?” Ashlyn’s face darkened as she opened to mouth in a brazen attempt to dispute her uncle’s words, but Camelia shoved her back and smiled at her brother-in-law. “Cassius, don’t you think that’s rude? What original daughter? My Ashlyn is also the daughter of your brother.” Cassius shot them a look with a mocking smile. “I have my doubts, Camelia. And I hope you know Atticus did, too.” Although Aurelia loved the theatrics in front of her. She wasn’t in the mood to indulge herself. She only turned her back to them as she approached her uncle. “Uncle Cassius, don’t mind them. Let’s have a talk, it’s been awhile.” The man gave the women a final sideward glance before smiling at Aurelia. “Of course, dear.” Aurelia and Cassius walked side by side as they approached her father’s open coffin. Along the way, family members expressed their condolences and engaged in small talk with them in honor of Atticus’ memory. Once they stopped in front of the coffin, the other family members left and gave them space. She looked down at her father in the coffin, looking as handsome as ever in a white suit. The makeup done by the funeral services was so well-done that it made Atticus look like he was only sleeping as if one tap would wake him up. “I hated him, Uncle Cassius,” Aurelia confessed, her voice heavy with unresolved emotions. “After my birth mother passed away, he wasted no time in marrying his mistress, not even a year later. He never fought for me the way he fought for Camelia and Ashlyn in front of my grandparents.” “Mother and Father truly thought my brother was mad, especially because Celestine was a Vivienzo,” Cassius sighed, referring to Aurelia’s birth mother. His eyes filled with a blend of understanding and regret. “That family is influential, imagine what they would do if we offended them.” Aurelia’s bitter chuckle rang through the air, carrying with it the weight of years of frustration and disappointment. “But they didn’t really do anything,” she lamented, her voice tinged with a mixture of resignation and resentment. “I guess my mother didn’t amount to anything in that family. Look, even her own relatives go against her biological daughter and are friendly with the second wife.” Cassius, her trusted confidant in this moment of vulnerability, could only offer a compassionate hug. It was a simple gesture, yet it provided solace in the midst of turmoil. Aurelia welcomed it, her emotions a tumultuous whirlwind that threatened to consume her. She has already been reborn, yet she’s still unable to deal with her emotions. Well, at least it was her father’s death. She’ll allow herself to feel like shit for now. Later on, she will need to learn how to be more calm if she wants to last long enough for her agendas in this life. “It’s going to be okay. I heard a lot of gossip about your marriage, and let me just say that you should do your best. That way, you can live a better life in the future.” “I will, Uncle,” Aurelia nodded. “Also,” he whispered into her ear. “Your father’s advisors contacted me to let you know that they want to meet with you. I’ll message you their contact information. I am sure it will be about his assets.” Aurelia’s eyes widened briefly, her mind racing to grasp the significance of this revelation. “I was never allowed to dabble much in the business, and I wasn't even sure I'd get anything out of the inheritances," she admitted, her tone carrying a mix of gratitude and apprehension. “I’m grateful that you informed me, Uncle.” Cassius leaned in closer, a shadow of concern clouding his features. “You’re correct to think that way, but it's good that your father still held you dearly.” He lowered his voice even more as if sharing a forbidden secret. “No matter what happens, you must never let your stepmother and half-sister know about this.” Aurelia's jaw tightened as she contemplated the implications of his words. “Why? Did they do anything?” “I don’t know the details,” Cassius replied, his expression grave. “But it’s likely nothing good.” Aurelia sighed in exasperation. “What did I even expect from them…” “You shouldn’t worry about it too much. If things are bad, you can always come to me for support. Things have been going well for my ventures abroad, I don’t lack the finances to aid you.” She nodded in acknowledgment, her gratitude for her uncle’s support deepening. “Thank you for everything, Uncle.” Cassius pulled away and held her at arm’s length. “Anything for my niece.”