=== When Rose had asked how a marriage so mismatched in status was even possible, her father had told her it was because she was politically useful to Crawford. She hadn't asked further at the time due to a lack of interest, but by now, she was genuinely …

Obituary

Happy

=== “So, I’m not attending that luncheon?” As they reached the doors of the mansion, Rose stopped in her tracks and asked. It wasn't a pleasant feeling, being treated like a mere lapdog, but Ray didn't let it show. He lowered the arm he had used to es…

Obituary

Happy

=== The expression left behind after a wide, unrestrained yawn had passed through was one of pure boredom. Ray, watching the woman who, as if she had never been born with any sense of decorum to begin with, even slumped back against the bench, let out a soft …

Obituary

Happy

=== "Oh, no wonder you were conversing so skillfully with the Antakan ambassador earlier. I have some history with Antaka as well. What was your mother's maiden name?" Someone asked cheerfully. "Detwa." Rose responded to the man's …

Obituary

Happy

=== It would have been much easier to endure if she could at least have a cigarette. The smoking cessation that began with the unwanted marriage had already lasted a month. The woman who was Rose Davis and is now Rose Crawford let out a sigh as she climbed th…

Obituary

Happy

=== The obituary arrived like an invitation. A hollow laugh escaped the lips of Ray Crawford as he quietly read the fine paper bordered with a black band. The sound of the slow waltz from the phonograph had already begun to feel like an unpleasant noise. Unti…

Obituary

Happy