Chapter 301
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Cynthia thought this request was completely ridiculous. How could a bridesmaid stand in for the groom in the ceremony?
Cynthia immediately refused, “Sorry, my duties are done. If you need a stand–in, find someone else.” Ignoring Lilian’s expression, Cynthia turned to leave, only to have her arm grabbed by Lilian.
Cynthia turned around to see Lilian looking at her with tear–filled eyes. “Cynthia, please, just help me one last time.”
A beam of light shone on Lilian’s face. Her expression was full of pleading, and her eyes showed a humble hope, so desperate, so worried, and so expectant. Her grip on Cynthia’s arm trembled slightly.
She looked so fragile, so in need of help, as if they’d just met. But Cynthia had long seen through her act.
“Let go. I’m not interested in playing games with you,” Cynthia said.
“Cynthia, this is my wedding, an once–in–a–lifetime event,” Lilian requested.
Cynthia laughed and said openly, “Well, congratulations on ruining your own wedding.” With that, Cynthia turned and walked away.
Lilian watched Cynthia’s figure fade away, tears streaming down her face. This wedding was originally prepared for her. In Lilian’s mind, it felt like it was meant to be a wedding between her and Cynthia.
Cynthia, though stubborn, was often soft–hearted. Many times, if Lilian begged or acted coy, Cynthia would give in. But she’d forgotten that Cynthia was no longer the same person.
Lilian also felt that Cynthia was drifting further and further away, so far that it seemed beyond her control. She wasn’t sure if she could bring Cynthia back anymore.
Lilian once wanted to see Cynthia’s reputation ruined, stuck in the mud. Then, she would reach out a hand. She thought that Cynthia would definitely grab it.
But despite all her scheming, Cynthia remained that radiant person standing in the light.
‘Cynthia, how can I get close to you, stay by your side forever, and make you see only me?‘ Lilian thought.
Lost in her thoughts, Lilian suddenly caught sight of something dark among the crowd–the barrel of a gun. Though it was dark, she could see the glint off the gun’s metal.
At that moment, in the crowd, a man wearing a baseball cap was holding up a gun in the darkness. The ominous barrel was aimed directly at Cynthia’s chest.
Lilian was shocked, shouting Cynthia’s name loudly, and ran directly towards Cynthia.
Suddenly, a gunshot rang out–loud and deafening! For a moment, the world went silent, a strange, eerie quiet. Everyone froze in shock. Then chaos erupted.
When Jonathan and Filip rushed in, they found the ballroom in utter disarray. They had worked together to open the door, but they were too late.
After a momentary silence, the room was a scene of complete turmoil. Someone pointed at the stage and shouted, “Look! Someone’s been shot!”
At that moment, the lights in the entire ballroom turned on.
The bride and bridesmaid lay on the stage, their white gowns soaked in blood, a vivid red spreading across the carpet like an Enmeria rose in bloom.
08:15 Mon, Nov 18
Chapter 301
Cynthia was in complete shock. She’d heard the gunshot, then felt herself pushed aside–by Lilian.
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She and Lilian both fell to the ground. Cynthia didn’t understand what had happened, but a terrible sense of foreboding rose within her.
When the lights came on, she saw a pool of blood, flowing from Lilian’s chest, staining the wedding gown red.
Cynthia’s forehead throbbed intensely. She realized what had happened. Lilian had been shot.
Instinctively, she pulled Lilian into her arms. “Lilian, Lilian!” She yelled to those around her, “Call an ambulance, call an ambulance!”
Cynthia was heartbroken. She tried to carry Lilian outside but found she couldn’t; her usual strength was now gone.
No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t lift Lilian. Her whole body was trembling. In the end, she could only sit there, holding Lilian.
Blood oozed from the corner of Lilian’s mouth. “Cynthia, Cynthia…” she kept calling out Cynthia’s name.
For some reason, tears streamed from Cynthia’s eyes. “I’m here, hold on, I’ll get you to the hospital, hang in there, Lilian.* Lilian finally managed to grip Cynthia’s hand. “Cynthia, I don’t want to die… I still have so much to tell you…”
“And… my baby…” Lilian placed her other hand on her belly, tears flowing down her face. “Save our baby, please save him…* Filip and Jonathan had already arrived. Seeing the blood–drenched wedding dress, Filip stood dumbfounded, like a lost child. “How could this happen?”
Jonathan stayed fairly calm. “Pick her up. The ambulance will be here soon, and we need to get downstairs.”
Every second mattered for Lilian’s life. Filip quickly gathered himself and lifted Lilian into his arms.
But Lilian clung tightly to Cynthia’s hand and wouldn’t let go. “Cynthia, I’m scared.”
Cynthia gripped Lilian’s hand just as tightly. “Don’t worry, I’m coming with you.” Cynthia and Jonathan followed them out. The ballroom was still in chaos. Some guests ran for cover, while others hid under tables. A few dared to watch.
The Yates family was still in shock, having seen Lilian get shot.
Despite their tight security guards, which required invitations for entry, someone had managed to bring a gun inside. Who fired the shot?
Pamela was in tears. This incident was beyond embarrassing; it was devastating. A murder attempt at a wedding, and the bride herself was the victim. She was at a complete loss, utterly helpless.
Yasmine, however, remained calm in this critical moment. “Mom, Dad, call the police, quickly!”
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