April 9, 2023 - Easter Sunday, Mark, Diana, and his workers arrived at the beautiful St. Mary's Church, eager to celebrate Easter. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the congregation.
As they entered the church, Mark couldn't help but notice how stunning Diana looked in her yellow sundress, her hair adorned with a elegant hat. He felt proud to have her by his side.
Emma, Bernard, and the other workers followed, all dressed in their Sunday best. They took their seats in the pew, surrounded by the joyful sounds of hymns and chatter.
The service began, and Mark felt a sense of peace wash over him. He glanced at Diana, who was smiling serenely, her eyes closed in prayer.
As the minister delivered his sermon, Mark's mind wandered to the recent events. He thought about the suspicious activity near the perimeter fence and the secrets hidden in his diary.
But for now, he pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the celebration of renewal and hope. He joined in the hymns, his voice blending with Diana's and the rest of the congregation.
After the service, they filed out of the church, greeted by the warm sunshine and vibrant flowers. Mark and Diana exchanged Easter greetings with the other parishioners, their faces filled with joy and gratitude.
As they walked back to the mansion, Mark turned to Diana and smiled. "I'm glad we could share this special day together."
Diana's eyes sparkled. "Me too, Mark. It's a beautiful reminder of new beginnings."
Little did they know, their Easter celebration would soon be overshadowed by secrets and lies, threatening to destroy their newfound happiness.
As they approached the mansion, Emma greeted them with a warm smile. "Happy Easter, everyone! I've prepared a special lunch in the dining room."
Mark's stomach growled in anticipation. "Sounds wonderful, Emma. Thank you."
Bernard, who had been quiet during the service, suddenly spoke up. "I'll go set the table."
Mark raised an eyebrow, noticing Bernard's eagerness. "Thanks, Bernard. I appreciate it."
As they entered the dining room, the aroma of roasted lamb and fresh vegetables filled the air. Mark took his seat at the head of the table, with Diana to his right.
Emma began to serve the food, and they dug in, savoring the delicious flavors. The conversation turned to their Easter plans, with Mark mentioning a possible egg hunt in the gardens.
Diana's eyes lit up. "That sounds like fun! I love Easter egg hunts."
Bernard, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. "I can help with that, Mark. I know the gardens well."
Mark hesitated, unsure if he wanted Bernard involved. But Diana's enthusiasm was infectious, and he agreed.
As they finished lunch, Mark felt a sense of contentment wash over him. Maybe this Easter would bring new beginnings, after all.
But little did he know, Bernard's actions were far from innocent. The photos of Mark's diary were already on their way to Larry Johnson, and a plan was set in motion to destroy Mark's happiness forever.
As the afternoon wore on, Mark, Diana, and the others prepared for the Easter egg hunt. Bernard seemed particularly enthusiastic, and Mark couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
"Bernard, what's gotten into you?" Mark asked, as they hid eggs in the gardens.
Bernard smiled, his eyes gleaming with a knowing glint. "Just enjoying the festivities, Mark. It's a special day, after all."
Mark's instincts screamed at him to be cautious, but he pushed the feeling aside. Maybe Bernard was just trying to make amends.
As they finished hiding the eggs, Diana clapped her hands together. "Okay, let's get started! Who will find the most eggs?"
The hunt began, with laughter and shouts filling the air. Mark watched, a smile on his face, as Diana and the others searched for the hidden treasures.
But Bernard's behavior grew more and more suspicious. He seemed to be lurking around the edges, his eyes fixed on Mark with an unnerving intensity.
Mark's instincts were screaming at him now. Something was wrong. And then, just as he was about to confront Bernard, a loud noise echoed through the gardens...
As the Easter egg hunt came to a close, Diana wandered over to the garden bench, where Bernard had left his phone. She picked it up, intending to return it to him, but her eyes widened as she saw the screen.
A call was coming in from the hospital. Diana's heart skipped a beat as she hesitated, wondering if she should answer it. But something compelled her to swipe right and take the call.
"Hello?" she said, her voice tentative.
"Hello, is this Bernard's phone?" a somber voice asked.
"Yes, it is. I'm Diana, a friend. Who's this?"
"This is Dr. Smith from St. Michael's Hospital. I'm afraid I have some bad news. Bernard's mother passed away a few minutes ago."
Diana's eyes welled up with tears as she processed the news. She looked around, trying to spot Bernard, but he was nowhere to be seen.
"I'm so sorry," she whispered. "I'll find Bernard and tell him."
"Please do," the doctor said gently. "He needs to know."
Diana hung up the phone, her heart heavy with sorrow. She spotted Bernard across the garden, his back to her, and took a deep breath before approaching him.
"Bernard," she said softly, touching his shoulder.
He turned, his eyes questioning, and Diana's heart broke as she saw the hope in his eyes.
"What is it?" he asked, his voice trembling.
Diana took a deep breath before delivering the news. "It's your mother, Bernard. I'm so sorry... she's gone."
Bernard's eyes widened in horror as Diana's words hit him like a ton of bricks. He felt like he'd been punched in the gut, his breath knocked out of him.
"Nooooo!" he screamed, his voice echoing through the garden. "No, no, no!"
He fell to his knees, his body shaking uncontrollably as he sobbed. Diana tried to comfort him, but he pushed her away, his grief too raw to be consoled.
"Why?" he wailed, his voice cracking with anguish. "Why did she have to leave me? I need her!"
Mark and the others rushed over, concern etched on their faces. "Bernard, I'm so sorry," Mark said, trying to put a hand on his shoulder.
But Bernard shook him off, his eyes wild with pain. "Just leave me alone!" he screamed, his body wracked with sobs.
Diana knelt beside him, tears streaming down her face. "Bernard, I'm here for you," she whispered, her voice gentle.
But Bernard was beyond comfort. He wept, his heart shattered into a million pieces. His mother, his rock, his everything – gone