This is the LAST chapter before the Epilogue. It's short, but all three parts together create a well-sized conclusion chapter. I hope you all enjoyed this story and continue to love the sequel. Sorry about the dark gif, but it's true. (Guess I'm in a dark mood from watching 13 Reasons Why season two)

Funerals are a funny thing. So many faces, both recognizable and unfamiliar, gather around a descending casket of the unlucky bastard who bit the dust and then wonder if just maybe they're next. What's funnier, is that I'm not even upset when he's deep in the ground.

Sabrina squeezes my hand next to me, an unnecessary comfort. She doesn't understand that Charles Griffin and I didn't have the same kind of loving relationship that she shares with her grandparents. In fact, I haven't seen that man in years, until now. And judging the way he talks to Andrew, his own son, in conference calls I've overheard, I understand why contact became limited.

Maybe one day, Andrew and I will have a similar fate.

I look to my father, whose expression is tight and his arm wrapped around Sandra's waist. There's not a single tear shed for the man who raised him, and that's something I can't relate to. Even after everything my father has done, a part of me would hate to see him dead. In a messed up way, things have been good between us.

Although, I wasn't the one who received hundreds of millions of dollars, along with full ownership of the Griffin family business. Now, it's like we are untouchable.

One week has passed since I've left the hospital, and both Sabrina and I were able to get off almost unscathed. If I still had friends, they'd tell me it was because I got my daddy involved. And Brett, he would have made some comment about my rich, white privileged, ass, even when his parents are pretty well off.

My hand grips the handle of my cane when my eyes land on Rodney Reid. It's the first time we're within a hundred feet of each other since the day I attacked Amber. The very reminder of my actions that day make me want to look down in shame, but my gaze doesn't falter, even when his glare intensifies. His mom (AKA Andrew's personal assistant) and step-dad are at his side, but Amber is nowhere to be seen. No doubt, too afraid to face me after what happened.

Thoughts run rampant in my head until the ceremony ends, Sabrina's face being the first thing that comes into focus.

"Hey, you going to be okay?" She squeezes my arm, the same concern I've seen for over a week now.

It's pissing me off. It makes me feel weak, like I need someone to take care of me. She is just being a good girlfriend, but the grip on my cane still tightens.

With a deep breath, I let it go and smile. "Of course I am, Rina."

The sound of a throat clearing gets our attention. Rodney glances between the two of us, almost like he's nervous.

"Um, Griffin, can I talk to you for a second?" When neither Sabrina nor I make a move, he adds, "Alone?"

At first, it looks like not even a crowbar could pry Sabrina from my side, but when I nod, she wastes no time making herself scarce.

"You have me alone." I shrug. "What now?"

"Uh, I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry how things went down between us. I'm supposed to have your back, man. Right? No matter what." He crosses his arms in front of his chest. "I went overboard, and I promise things will be cool between us when you come back."

"You're forgiving me," it's almost too good to be true, "just like that?"

He smirks. "Let's just say it's tolerance for now, and we can build up to the forgiveness part."

When he stretches out his hand, I almost don't know what to do. Hesitation would be a sign of weakness, though, and I've shown enough of it for a lifetime. I take his hand with my free one and he pulls me in for a somewhat-awkward hug before leaving in the direction of his parent's car.

Sabrina watches as the Reid's take off and I limp over to her.

"What was that about?" She asks, straightening my tie.

I pull her into me and kiss her forehead. "Things are finally starting to look up, babe."

***

If you want the happy ending, don't look any further. If you like the sad ending, by all means, continue. In fact, I dare you. (;

With just the epilogue to go, I'd like to thank everyone who has been so patient with me through my depression, hectic work schedules, long vacations, and just writer's block in general. Each and every one of you readers mean so much to me, and I couldn't have gotten this far without you guys! If you thought the chapter was deserving, there's a little star in the corner in need of some attention, and the comment section is always open...

Until Next Time,

TheWriterD