About three weeks later, Claire was wiping the table during her shift when her phone buzzed with the news. The tv broadcasted the news. Claire froze as a familiar face appeared on the screen for the first time in a while. Gabriel was alive. Gabriel was still okay.
No, he wasn't okay. He lost even more weight. He looked like a ghost. He looked unwell, sick. His hair was a greasy mess. His clothes didn't seem to fit him anymore. He was alive but not okay.
Claire stared at the screen trying to understand what the reporter has asked.
"If I agree to give a statement, will you stop shouting in my face?" Gabriel asked through his gritted teeth. "You have no conscience, do you? You're all vultures, aren't you? Prying on other people's tragedies." He was angry. He was furious. "First of all, how dare you accuse me of an affair. I've made it clear that Claire was someone very dear to me. I didn't have an affair with her as there was no one else besides her. She was my wife so speak about her with respect. She was Claire Moore, so get that right too! We were married since April this year but you still try to find some indecency between us. You still try to tarnish our names. Claire's name. I've had enough of it. If one more person speaks ill of my wife, I'll make sure that they face the consequences of this. And now you're standing in front of a man who saw his wife die in front of him. Or rather, I am sure that she was killed, that her death was orchestrated, and I'll ensure that all involved will pay for this. And when it comes to my father, he better be ready for what is coming to him. He is now facing a man who has nothing else to lose and that is very dangerous."
"What does it mean?" The reporter asked stupidly.
"I will be standing in court against my father. All those accusations are very true. He is responsible for the deaths of thousands. He took lives and ruined lives. He will be brought to justice. For that and much more."
"Why did you marry Miss Thompson?" The reporter's question provoked Claire further.
"Because I loved her, of course. Claire Elise Thompson was the most magnificent person I ever came across. And I was more than privileged for her to become my wife. For her to hold my name, even if in secret." Gabriel replied. Claire's pain resurfaced with a whole new strength.
"How we are to know that it's true."
"I will publish the confirmation of our marriage. Although my word should be enough. And now, please respect that I am still in bereavement and leave."
"He really must've loved her. What a tragedy?" Claire's new colleague said, breaking Claire out of her thoughts.
Claire couldn't speak as she tried to contain her sobs. She just nodded and focused all of her energy on cleaning the tables after the rush hour.
Finally, after nearly a month, she received a message from Pierre.
"Your funeral is tomorrow. All seems fine. I'll come and visit in a couple of days. Let me know if you need anything."
The funeral. She planned it to make it easier for everyone. She paid for it. But yet it still was eerie.
Pierre showing up was confusing. He was the only familiar face in a long while but yet, she didn't know him that well.
"You're settling in well." Pierre smiled at her. She wanted to hug him but also punch him. She couldn't quite explain her anger towards him.
"I'm doing my best."
"I've brought you the stuff passed to me by the funeral home. I thought you might want to keep it as a souvenir."
Claire stared at him blankly as Pierre passed her a box. She opened it and broke down into tears immediately. "I believe that this was chosen for you to be buried in."
Claire nodded as she looked at the outfit, jewellery, and pair of glasses. They were all things of high sentimental value. The engagement ring from Gabriel that she thought she'll never see, the pendant from her mum, and her very favourite blue cardigan.
"Thank you."
"The funeral went well. I am happy to tell you anything about it if you wish to know. I guess not everyone gets a chance to know what their funeral looked like."
"All I need to know is if they're all okay."
"They're safe if that's what you mean. Your widowed husband made it very clear that he was married to you so that was interesting." Pierre still seemed to have some reservations about Gabriel.
"Do you know how my parents were?"
"They're grieving, of course. Your mum's condition hasn't changed as of yet. They seem to get along with Gabriel okay. The wake was held in the villa on Oak Avenue instead of initially planned Best's house and your entire family was there too." A small smile crept on Claire's face as she realised that her parents must get along with Gabriel as she predicted. "Gabriel gave a rather heartfelt eulogy. I've recorded it. The eulogies. In case you wanted to hear it." He passed her a USB stick. "I wasn't sure if you would want to but here it is. I thought that you may find it curious at the very least."
"What's happening with Michael Moore?"
"We gathered a significant amount of evidence in the past month. Your husband picking up a lawsuit is complicating a few things but we don't think he is in direct danger yet. Michael Moore did back off after so many people suspected him of your death." Pierre sighed. "Besides that, as promised, I will provide Gabriel with additional evidence and I'll support him anonymously throughout the trial. If things start to go down I'm south again, I'll let you know and we will move Gabriel to safety."
"Thank you, Pierre."
"No worries. Again, if you need anything, message me. I will check in again in the next few weeks."
"Understood." Claire bid him goodbye. She wasn't sure whether she was more relieved or worried after his visit. She contemplated the USB stick and its content. In the end, she decided that she wasn't ready to head any of the eulogies.
The trial restarted barely days after her funeral. It was so widely televised that Claire couldn't avoid it. It was even on in the cage that she worked in.
Gabriel was determined to take his father down. There was no doubt about it.
With each screening, Claire could see Gabriel's deterioration. It was painstaking. But, she still wanted to see the outcome.
She looked up again at the screen as she just handed the cups of coffee to the customer. It was a middle-aged woman with dark locks. She came to the cafe once in a while. But since the trial started, she seemed to be around more frequently. Claire started to recognise her. There was something unnerving about the woman's curious gaze, and how she sometimes watched Claire studiously.
Claire ignored it, but she started to worry if she was recognised.
The woman hasn't approached her directly. Instead, she sipped on her coffee watching the trial and glancing over at Claire once in a while.
Claire picked up the newspaper from the table that was left by a customer. She quickly scanned through it. The first few pages were occupied by the photos of Gabriel from the trial. She decided to keep it. She wanted to have at least a photo of him, as she had nothing left.
The engagement ring was hung on the pendant, hidden under her vest top. That was the only reminder of her old life.
She scanned through the newspaper, and on the last page there was an advert for a junior designer position. Claire hesitated, a thought popping into her head. She knew that she shouldn't but it was tempting.