Life after Death: The Afterlife of Hezekiah Chamblee

Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Chamblee Wedding Scandal, Pt. One

Third-Person POV

Three months after Hezekiah's death...

Gentle reader, they say that a good wedding can bring families together in all situations.

For Jeffrey and Adelle Chamblee, their daughter Mariah's wedding to Andrew Coleman would not only bring in a new revolution but also regain their good graces following the scandals that had affected them since Hezekiah's memorial service. And after countless hours of planning and preparing everything while making their appearances to the general public, the couple hoped that everything would pay off.

"It won't be long now until we're finally back in favor with everyone," Adelle chirped as she and her husband sat down to a light breakfast of granola and berries, the servants hurriedly cleaning up everything before they too were to get dressed for the event. "All the sacrifices that we've made have led to this very moment, Jeffrey."

"Right, dear," her husband agreed before taking a sip of his cup of coffee just as Cameron (who had arrived two days before) came from downstairs dressed in his pajamas. "Son, I take it that you slept well?"

Cameron hummed as he accepted a small bowl of berries. "That I did," the teen replied. "Today's going to be a very important day for everyone, especially for Mariah and Andrew."

"Of course," Adelle crooned. "This is going to be when everything is going to fall in place with our vision and we will finally be free from the shadows of scandals. Mariah and Andrew will make sure that the Chamblee Diamond Standard will be in its full glory once again."

Cameron said nothing as he ate his fruit. Wonder what Valentin's doing now, he mused to himself.

"Cameron, darling, I know that you're still adjusting to everything after you chose to exile yourself from this family," Adelle began, "but it would do if you learn to give Andrew a chance. Hezekiah is gone, no matter what you say. He was never meant for our world to begin with and things would've been better off if we had him aborted. I know this makes you uncomfortable for your father, siblings, and I to say it; but the fact remains the same. Our family is better off without that son of a rapist. If you really love him, then let the memories you shared with him go and move on with your life. Be a part of the winning family and make your father and I proud."

Cameron faced his parents. "I'm sorry, Mom, but I can't do that," he said. "And I won't. As long as you all refuse to acknowledge Hezekiah as one of our own, I want no part of this family. As soon as the wedding is over, I will be heading back to Britain to begin my schooling in Eton."

"Cameron, let's be reasonable," his father began.

"I am being reasonable, Dad. Like I said before, I'll say it again. You all have crossed the line to the point of no return. What you do from here on out, I am no longer concerned. With that, I will be upstairs getting ready for the wedding." Cameron finished his food before drinking his glass of orange juice and heading upstairs.

"Really," Adelle sniffed. "Fine son he turns out to be. It looks like we have no other choice, Jeffrey."

"Quite right," Jeffrey commented, pulling out his phone. "I'll let them know what needs to be done."

"Think Mariah and Andrew have a clue on what'll take place?"

"None at all, my dear. By the time the reception ends, things will end in the same way that things ended for that spawn. After that, the Chamblee Diamond Standard will indeed shine like none other."

The couple finished their food before retreating to their bedrooms, ready to make sure that the wedding of a lifetime will go according to plan.

******************

After showering and getting dressed in his rented Zegna tuxedo, Cameron was in his bedroom and sending a text to Valentin. I'll be back at St. Anslem's after the wedding, he typed. Won't stay for the reception. This family is dead to me. Hope you're having a better day than I am.

He pocketed his phone just as his burner phone buzzed. "Hello?" he said quietly.

"Cameron, this is Senator Coleman," the older man said over the line. "I know that you're getting ready to leave with your family for the wedding of your sister and my son, but I needed to talk to you."

"I got some time, sir," Cameron replied. "What's up?"

"I'll make this quick, but you'll need to prepare yourself for what'll happen today. And son, you're going to want to  sit down for what I'm going to tell you."

"What's going on?" Cameron asked, sitting on the edge of the bed.

And for the next several minutes, the teen's life would be changed from what the Massachusetts senator would reveal to him.

*********************

Meanwhile...

"Everything's all set," Captain Slater said to the female DA as he and his team of officers made their way to their cars. "By the end of the day, all who had a hand in wanting Hezekiah Chamblee dead will be charged rightfully and justice will be made known."

"What about Cameron Chamblee?" Adelaide Barker, the assistant DA asked. "There's no telling what can happen with him even though he's not involved. If anything, he might be next on the hit list."

"All the more reason to get to St. Angus Catholic Church with Mrs. Simmons and the others," Slater intoned, already sweating from the humid air before getting into his cop car. "All right, folks! Move out!"

Short chapter, but necessary as we're getting ready for a wedding- one that will end in a giant cliffhanger! You better hold on to your rice and hats, folks! Part two is coming up next, so stay tuned!

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