At the front, Naomi’s photo showed her laughing, and that image had always annoyed Elliot because it made her look too simple.
The priest began speaking about kindness and humility, and Elliot lowered his head at the right moments, even forcing tears when needed.
It was a perfect performance, but there was one detail he had not noticed.
A technician near the sound system who kept glancing at the clock.
At exactly 12:17, the music cut off abruptly, and a faint crackle spread through the speakers.
Then Naomi’s voice filled the church, clear and steady.
“Before anyone finishes this prayer, I think we should correct a few things.”
The silence shattered instantly as heads turned in confusion and fear.
Elliot froze, his breath catching as if the air had been pulled from his lungs.
“I know this is inconvenient,” her voice continued calmly, “especially for my husband, who has been preparing for this day for quite some time.”
Rachel’s fingers tightened around her purse while her face drained of color.
From the back, a woman stood up and walked forward with calm precision, holding a folder filled with documents.