What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger novel Chapter 40

I bought a new urn. With infinite care, the cemetery staff helped me transfer Noah's ashes, each movement gentle as if handling the most precious thing in the world.

Then I cradled him close as we left.

That pathetic funeral? My baby deserved better than their cruel mockery.

And that cold-hearted father? My Noah didn't need him anymore.

Back home, I gave the housekeeper paid leave. Hudson called:

"Hey baby, you make it home okay? Look, Val's ankle's fine. I was a total dick earlier - shouldn't have gone off on you while you're grieving. My bad."

"But those steps were sketchy as hell. If something happened to Val, what about Leon? We've already lost one kid - can't let him lose his mom too."

"I'm just looking out for the kid. I'm his godfather, and Valeria's an old friend. Don't read too much into it."

"Whatever. Take care of them," I said flatly.

"That's my girl. Hey, remember how Noah was always begging to see the ocean? Got us flights for the day after tomorrow. Get your mind off things."

"Even though he's gone, we should do this for him. I pick you up later, o'kay?"

All night, Valeria spammed my phone with messages.

To make it up to her and keep Leon happy, Hudson had dropped millions on a private jet, whisking them off to Vegas for a shopping spree.

My Noah couldn't get thirty minutes of his father's time to see the beach in three years.