The Room of Hidden Secrets - Demon Bride (Book 1)

Chapter Three - Laid to Rest

A different setting, with the same audience, that attended the event of love and happiness for this individual only two days ago. They will now, attend one to pay their respects and bit their final farewells. Freshly groomed green grass beneath rows of steel chairs outside on a warm summer day.

The friends and loved ones of Hailey Campbell were covered in all-black suits and dresses and were seated on the steel chairs for this special occasion, at eleven in the morning. Behind them were rows of gravestones with the ones that would keep Hailey company.

"A pleasant good morning, ladies and gentlemen," Father Shepherd speaks as he greets everyone.

He stood by the wooden platform covered from his neck to his feet in an all-black robe with two white crosses a silver chain around his neck and a silver cross pendant. He wore black dressed shoes on his feet and his ash gray hair was in a buzz cut style.

"We're all gathered here today to celebrate the life of Hailey Campbell," continued Father Shepherd.

He glances at Hailey's parents, Penelope and George Campbell. George held Penelope in his arms and consoled her while she sobs.

"I know the Campbell family well I was tasked with joining Hailey and Henry's hands in holy matrimony, what a complete tragedy this is, the family of the deceased has organized a meticulous list of guests that would be allowed to speak," he stated while he reads his speech.

"I would like to call one of Hailey's close friends to the stand," Father Shepherd introduced Emma Lewis before he exited the platform.

Emma strolled up to the platform in her black Horsebit Loafers and wiped the tears that filled her gray eyes. The strong winds rippled through her dark straight hair and her Black round, neck Sheath Dress that she wears.

"Good morning, my name is Emma Lewis and I'm a work colleague of hers," She began to sob before the rest of her words could exit her mouth.

"I'm so sorry, this is so painful, she was like a sister to me," she continues to sob while running both hands through her hair and wiping away her tears.

"I remember when Hailey and I first met, we were the new interns. Hailey was always kind and caring, such a loving individual....,"

"Emma!"

Before Emma had the chance to complete her sentence, she suddenly, collapsed onto the ground. Father Shepherd, her boss Thomas Jones, and her boyfriend Hudson Clark raced towards her.

"Give her some space let her breathe," Hudson hollered, Hudson and Thomas guided Emma to her seat. Hudson sat beside her, he opened a bottle of water and handed it to her.

"Hailey, how can I find the words to describe you? You were one of the most intelligent, independent, and hardworking that I knew, it was truly an honor being your boss," Thomas voiced, his words before exiting the platform and strolling back to his seat.

Father Shepherd, once again took the platform to end the Ceremony with a closing prayer. Hailey's body couldn't be viewed due to its gruesome state. The loved ones and friends now gathered around the burial site where they would lay Hailey to rest.

I Will Rise composed by Chris Tomlin played in the background, as the casket slowly lowered into its grave. During the Ceremony George glanced at Henry's father approaching him.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" he screamed before Clifford could speak, George launched his fist at him connecting with his jaw, shattering it.

Clifford fell to the ground with his hands in an attempt to defend himself. this caught the attention of the other guests. George jumped on Clifford, repeatedly launching punches at him.

Clifford's black suit was torn up, during their altercation. His middle-aged Caucasian face was bruised up. George was about to launch another attack when Clifford's wife intervened.

She stepped, in front of her husband in her black dress with her brunette French Bob hairstyle and black sandals.

She screeched, "Clifford and I had no clue as to what took place, Henry never did anything like that before, if we only knew what was taking place we would have intervened. George, you know, Clifford and I loved Hailey as our daughter and we're very ashamed of what transpired. Freya explained.

"My son loved your daughter, she was his entire life," Clifford breathed while lying on the green grass.

Out of nowhere the bright blue skies suddenly turned dark and murky and then a bolt of lightning struck down and a voice echoed the words.

"No!" A silhouette of a woman wearing a wedding dress appeared and disappeared in the blink of an eye and then the skies turned back bright blue.