"From now on, we're strangers. Touch Cassidy again, and I'll make sure you regret it."
Through my blurry vision, I watched him carry Cassidy away, leaving behind nothing but blood and shattered glass.
At some point, my sister's framed photo had cracked down the middle—a perfect reflection of what we'd become: fractured beyond repair.
My sworn brother stumbled toward me, panic laced his voice. "Vienna, you're just going to let her go? How could Hendrix treat you like this? You're his sister!"
I let out a bitter laugh, pressing a trembling hand to my bleeding side.
The blood soaked my palm instantly. "I won't let her go," I said quietly. "Not unless I die first."
"Between me and Cassidy, only one of us gets to live."
—
At the hospital, after hours of emergency surgery, Cassidy survived.
The child in her womb—Hendrix's child—was saved as well.
Hendrix never left her side, his expression clouded with guilt and fear.
When she finally woke up, she broke into tears the moment she saw him.
"I didn't kill anyone, Hendrix! I swear I didn't! You believe me, don't you?"
He quickly pulled her into his arms, his voice low and gentle. "I know you're scared. I don't blame you."
"Don't worry. No one will ever hurt you again."
Her tears flowed harder. "You're lying! You'll never marry me! You'll go back to the Wilson family once I'm gone—I mean nothing to you!"
"I'm not lying," he said softly. "We'll get married in three days. I promise."
To prepare for the wedding, Hendrix worked tirelessly.
The gown was one he had once designed for Leila. Even the wedding ring had been crafted from Leila's keepsake.
Everything was set.
The ceremony was flawless.
Until the moment the bride was supposed to walk down the aisle—the doors stayed closed.
Then the massive LED screen behind the altar flickered on.
Instead of wedding photos, a single image filled the hall—Cassidy's terrified, blood-drained face.
A deafening thud split the air.
A large gift box fell from above and crashed right in front of Hendrix.
The box shattered open—splinters and silk ribbons flying—spilling out a heap of bloody, mangled flesh.
