Chapter 301

Cynthia found the request ridiculous. How could a bridesmaid stand in for the groom? She refused immediately. "Sorry, my duties are done. Find someone else," she said, turning to leave. Lilian grabbed her arm.

Cynthia turned to see Lilian's tear-filled eyes. "Cynthia, please, just one last time." A beam of light illuminated Lilian's pleading face, her eyes filled with desperate, worried hope. Her grip trembled slightly. She looked fragile, in need of help, as if they were strangers. But Cynthia saw through her act.

"Let go. I'm not playing games," Cynthia said.

"Cynthia, this is my wedding!" Lilian pleaded.

Cynthia laughed. "Well, congratulations on ruining it." She walked away.

Lilian watched Cynthia go, tears streaming down her face. This wedding, she felt, was meant to be between her and Cynthia. Cynthia, though stubborn, was often soft-hearted; Lilian usually only needed to beg or act coy to get her way. But she'd forgotten Cynthia had changed. Cynthia seemed to drift further away, beyond Lilian's reach. Lilian had once planned to ruin Cynthia's reputation, then offer a hand, believing Cynthia would accept it. But Cynthia remained radiant.

Cynthia, how can I be with you, always, and make you see only me? Lilian wondered.

Lost in thought, Lilian saw something dark in the crowd—the barrel of a gun. A man in a baseball cap held a gun aimed at Cynthia's chest.

Lilian screamed Cynthia's name and ran toward her.

A gunshot rang out—loud, deafening. Silence, then chaos erupted.

Jonathan and Filip arrived to find the ballroom in disarray. They were too late. After a moment of silence, the room erupted. Someone pointed to the stage, shouting, "Someone's been shot!" The ballroom lights flickered on.

The bride and bridesmaid lay on the stage, their white gowns soaked in blood, staining the carpet crimson.

Chapter 301

Cynthia was in shock. She heard the gunshot, then felt Lilian push her aside. They both fell. A terrible sense of foreboding washed over her.

When the lights came on, she saw blood flowing from Lilian's chest. Cynthia's head throbbed. Lilian had been shot.

Instinctively, she pulled Lilian into her arms. "Lilian! Call an ambulance!" she yelled.

Heartbroken, Cynthia tried to carry Lilian outside but couldn't. Her strength was gone. She could only sit, holding Lilian.

Blood oozed from Lilian's mouth. "Cynthia, Cynthia…" she whispered.

Tears streamed down Cynthia's face. "I'm here, hold on, I'll get you to the hospital," she said. Lilian grasped Cynthia's hand. "Cynthia, I don't want to die… I still have so much to tell you… and… my baby…" Lilian placed a hand on her belly. "Save our baby, please…"

Filip and Jonathan arrived. Filip stood dumbfounded. "How could this happen?"

Jonathan remained calm. "Pick her up. The ambulance will be here soon."

Every second mattered. Filip lifted Lilian, but she clung to Cynthia's hand. "Cynthia, I'm scared."

Cynthia held on tight. "Don't worry, I'm coming with you." They left the chaotic ballroom, some guests running for cover, others watching in shock.

The Yates family was in shock. Despite tight security, someone had smuggled a gun inside. Who fired the shot?

Pamela wept. A murder attempt at her daughter's wedding? She felt helpless.

Yasmine remained calm. "Mom, Dad, call the police!"

(The final line "曲" appears to be musical notation and is irrelevant to the text.)