CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND NINETY FIVE – EULOGY FOR A LOVER

The New York sun beat down mercilessly as Jasmine stood in the funeral home, surrounded by somber faces and hushed voices. She'd never imagined she'd be here, arranging Gordon's funeral in a foreign country. The past few days had been a blur of phone calls, paperwork, and tears. "Ms. Delacroix?" A soft voice broke through her reverie. Jasmine turned to see a middle-aged woman with Gordon's eyes. "Mrs. Barrett? I'm Jasmine." Gordon's mother embraced her, tears flowing freely. "Thank you for doing this. We... we couldn't..." "It's the least I could do," Jasmine replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Gordon's father, a tall man with a military bearing, approached. "We appreciate your efforts, Ms. Delacroix. Gordon spoke highly of you." Jasmine nodded, unable to form words. The weight of loss pressed down on her chest, making it hard to breathe. "Could you... could you tell us about his last days?" Gordon's sister, Emma, asked hesitantly. Jasmine swallowed hard. "I... I wish I