Page 40 of His Broken Queen

“The visitation is through this hall.” He motioned down a long corridor. “There’s been a steady stream of people all morning.”

Rocco led me down the hall and to the room where Stella rested. There were so many pictures of her through the years.

Her as a child. Several on her wedding day. Lots of photos of her smiling with her children. Vacations, birthdays, anniversaries. My heart hurt as I passed by the memories. She still had so much life to live. Her girls weren’t done with school. She wouldn’t see them graduate college, get jobs, fall in love, get married, have kids.

“You’re trembling,” Rocco said.

“I…this is horrible.” With each step toward the white, closed casket, my legs became slower. “I can’t believe she’s in there.”

“Breathe.” He put his arm around me as we made our way to the casket. “She knows you’re here.”

“How dare you come here.” Stella’s husband Mike stood in front of the coffin. “I told your husband I didn’t want any of you here.”

“I know but I wanted to…”

“I don’t care what you want.” He pointed at me. “I want my wife back. My children want their mother back. Can you make that happen?”

“No.” My face burned as everyone stared at me. “I’m sorry.”

I looked at Stella’s three girls who were holding one another and crying. I wanted to tell them how much I loved and appreciated their mother, but I didn’t want to make things worse.

“Mr. Carone,” Rocco said. “I’m very sorry for your loss, but my cousin means no disrespect. Your wife meant a great deal to her, and Stella cared very much for Luciana. Is there any way you could allow her to pay her respects?”

“I’d rather she not.” He blocked the path to the casket. “I’d like you both to leave.” He looked into my eyes. “If you cared about my wife the way you say you do, you’ll leave. Your presence is nothing but a horrible reminder of what happened to her.”

“I understand.” My voice shook because his words cut deep. “I’m very sorry for your loss.”

I turned, bumping into Rocco as I hurried out of the room, and back down the hallway. Rocco stayed close to my side. I stopped in the corridor and sobbed. I couldn’t catch my breath.

“Take a breath,” he said.

“I didn’t mean to…I just wanted…” I rested my hands on my knees. “I shouldn't have come here.”

“I’m sorry that happened.” He rubbed my back. “I know he’s grieving, but you meant no harm.”

“Excuse me, Luciana?” An older man approached us.

“We’re leaving,” Rocco said. “Just give her a second to catch her breath.”

“I’m Stella’s father.” He extended his hand.

“Oh.” I took his hand. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”

“Yes.” He continued to hold my shaky hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “She was taken from us way too soon.”

I nodded because I didn’t know what to say.

“I’m sorry about what happened in there.” He motioned toward the room where we had just come from. “My son-in-law is grieving. He’s trying to protect his children.”

“I should have respected his grief.”

“My daughter cared for you, and I know you loved her too.” He nodded. “Everyone who knew her did.”

“She was very important to me.”

“Her death isn’t your fault. She knew who Romero was when she accepted the job. He has been generous to our family. He never would have willingly put Stella in a situation like that. I believe that with all of my heart.”

“She was bringing me a birthday cake.”

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