Chapter 1

My mother, Eleanor Vance, was a legend on Broadway. I am her son, Ethan. I teach music at a high school.

My wife, Chloe, was her star pupil. Mom found her when she was just ten, an orphan with a voice that could break your heart. Mom taught her everything, molded her, loved her like the daughter she never had. She gave Chloe the skills and the connections to become a star.

Now, Chloe is a rising star on Broadway. I am the man who makes her dinner.

For the past two months, my mother was dying. For the past two months, Chloe was in Europe on a "promotional tour" for her new show. She was with her agent, Leo.

I called her every day. The calls went straight to voicemail. I left messages. Hundreds of them.

First, they were just updates. "Mom's not feeling well today."

Then, they got more urgent. "The doctors are worried, Chloe. Please call me back."

Near the end, I was begging. "She's asking for you. She doesn't have much time."

No reply. Not one.

Tonight, my mother died. I held her hand as she took her last breath.

I called Chloe again. This time, after ten rings, she picked up. The background was loud, music and laughter.

"Ethan, I'm working. Can this wait?"

Her voice was sharp, annoyed.

"It's Mom," I said, my own voice hollow. "She's gone, Chloe. She passed away an hour ago."

There was a pause. Then, a cold, disbelieving laugh.

"Are you serious? Lying about your own mother's death? That's a new low, Ethan, even for you. I know you're lonely, but this is pathetic. I'll call you when I'm back in the States. Don't pull this kind of manipulative crap again."

She hung up.

I stood in the silent hospital room, the dial tone buzzing in my ear. The world felt quiet, empty. My mother was gone. My wife thought I was a liar.

I had to plan a funeral. Alone.