Chapter 514
Michael cast a fleeting glance at Megan, his sigh resonating deeply in the silence.
Joseph, who had remained mute for an extended period, suddenly broke the silence. "What brings you back so abruptly?" he questioned.
Megan's gaze lingered on Joseph's all too familiar face, a wave of melancholy washing over her. She then shifted her attention to the portrait of Joyce. "She was my beloved younger sister. Despite all that has transpired, I owe her a dignified farewell."
A profound silence descended upon the room. It was abruptly shattered when Tony advanced towards Megan, enveloping her in a warm embrace, his tears flowing freely. "Megan, why did you return so late?"
"Aunt, how did Joyce meet her end?" Megan inquired, her voice thick with unshed tears.
Tony's response was swift, her gaze landing on Joseph with a glare. "Joseph’s wife and Nina conspired to end her life."
Megan's countenance momentarily froze, her complexion paling. She turned to Joseph, disbelief etched on her face. "Joseph..."
Joseph averted his gaze, his voice barely a whisper. "It was Nina..."
"Joseph, cease your attempts to shield Cassie. That woman is undeserving of you; her malevolence knows no bounds. Now that Megan has returned, you should reconcile with her," Michael interjected, his tone seething with anger.
Joseph remained silent, his thoughts unreadable. Megan, however, was quick to interject. "Michael, refrain from such absurdity. Joseph is a married man. It's inappropriate to suggest a divorce. Moreover, any chance of a relationship between Joseph and me has long since evaporated."
"What do you mean there's no chance? He has always held you in high regard. Don’t you reciprocate his feelings?" Michael pressed on.
"Enough," Joseph's stern voice cut through Michael's words. "Michael, I appreciate Megan's return, but I am a married man."
"Enough with the bickering. Megan's return is cause for celebration. We should host a welcome party in her honor," Lucas suggested.
"Thank you, but I'd like to spend some time with my uncle and aunt," Megan responded, her gaze meeting Lucas's with gratitude.
The trio exited the funeral parlor, Michael's joy palpable, while Joseph and Lucas wore furrowed brows, lost in contemplation.
"I still can’t believe Megan is alive," Lucas sighed, breaking the silence. "It's unfortunate she returned too late."
"It's all Joseph's fault for his inability to remain loyal. Had he waited another six months, he could have reunited with Megan," Michael grumbled.
Joseph merely lit a cigarette, choosing to ignore Michael's complaints.
At half past eight in the evening, Megan made her way to a private room in the clubhouse. "My apologies for the delay. My uncle and aunt were inconsolable after Joyce's cremation."
"It's alright, we understand," Lucas dismissed her apology with a wave of his hand. "Please, take a seat."
The trio sat apart from each other, Lucas occupying the center with Joseph and Michael flanking him. Megan hesitated briefly before opting to sit beside Michael.
"Megan, we're alone now. Could you shed some light on why you never returned?" Lucas asked, his gaze fixed on Megan. "We were your friends. Your presumed death devastated us. Don't you think we deserve an explanation?"
"I..." Megan began, taking a sip of her red wine. Her gaze dropped, her smile a mix of pain and fear. “When I went abroad for further studies, I visited a forest park with friends. That's where I encountered my kidnappers."
"Yes, Joseph went searching for you. After six months, he found a mutilated body in a nearby reservoir. We all believed it was you," Michael interjected, his voice laced with sorrow.
Megan's grip on her wine glass tightened. "But did any of you ever consider what might happen to a young and beautiful woman like me when she falls into the hands of kidnappers?"
Megan’s words left the trio taken aback.
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