Chapter 5

The night before the wedding, Serena knocked on my door again.

This time, she didn't even bother to feign politeness,

a victorious, stinging smile playing on her lips,

as she leaned directly against the doorframe.

"Autumn, you're getting married tomorrow. I've come to bring you a wedding gift."

She kept her voice low, just for the two of us to hear.

"You know, lately, I've been having dreams… interesting dreams."

She tilted her head, her gaze like a poisoned needle.

"Dreams about you having a baby once? Too bad… you couldn't keep it. How did that feel? Pretty exhilarating?"

A deafening roar filled my head. My entire body went numb.

My blood ran cold, then surged back through my veins, frantic and burning,

making my limbs tremble violently.

I stared at her, my nails digging deep into my palms, almost drawing blood.

She knew! How could she know so precisely?!

"You…"

My voice was bone dry.

"How did I know?"

Serena giggled, her eyes cold and cruel.

"It doesn't matter. What matters is, Sister, you'd better be sensible this lifetime, and stay gone in the Kingston family, don't come back and be an eyesore."

She stepped closer, almost pressing her lips to my ear.

"So what if you're the biological one? Damon and Mom and Dad, their eyes are only on me!"

"If you dare to come back, or touch anything of mine again… I won't mind helping Damon again. Helping him… kill you with his own hands."

With that, she turned and sashayed away like a peacock displaying its plumage.

Leaving me frozen at the doorway, cold all over, my stomach churning, threatening to spill its contents.

That familiar despair, once again, choked me.

The next day, before dawn, the Hayes household was bustling.

All for Serena's extravagant wedding.

I packed my few belongings; there wasn't much to sort through.

Stepping out of the guest room, I passed the living room,

and my footsteps involuntarily halted.

In the nascent morning light, Damon stood before the grand floor-to-ceiling mirror in the living room, undergoing final adjustments from the tailor.

He wore a perfectly tailored black tuxedo,

his profile sharply defined in the soft light,

still the alluring man from my memories.

Memories flooded back uncontrollably.

In my previous life, he had been like this too, in a well-fitted suit,

walking towards me amidst everyone's blessings.

Then, there was a smile in his eyes, as he gently placed the ring on my finger.

I had once believed that was the sum total of happiness,

even after learning it was an eight-year-long, premeditated revenge.

But in that moment, walking towards him in my white gown,

the pounding heart and shy anticipation,

those had been real.

A dull ache, a belated one, spread through my chest.

It wasn't love, not hate, but a somber elegy for a past I'd been foolish enough to believe in.

He seemed to catch sight of me in the mirror, his movements pausing slightly, then he turned around.

The tailor discreetly retreated.

Damon's gaze settled on me, assessing my simple dress.

His brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, then smoothed out.

"Where are you off to?"

He took two steps closer to me, carrying a crisp, unfamiliar scent.

He suddenly raised a hand, slowly adjusting his tie,

his eyes fixed on me, "Does this look good?"

His voice was low, his breath caressing my face.

Once, I would have flushed crimson.

But now, I only felt a sickening chill.

I met his gaze, forcing a calm smile.

"It looks very good. Congratulations, Damon, on finally getting what you wanted, on marrying the woman you adore."

My voice was clear and steady, like I was uttering the most commonplace blessing.

"I wish you and Serena a lifetime of happiness, and many children."

His pupils seemed to constrict. He stared at me,

a complex emotion I couldn't decipher churning in his deep-set eyes.

He pulled at the corner of his mouth,

saying nothing more, but that look, it was unnervingly heavy.

I averted my gaze, no longer looking at him,

and pulled my lightweight suitcase, walking step by step towards the grand entrance of the Hayes mansion.

Behind me, the prosperity and hypocrisy that had held my two lifetimes of blood and tears,

were finally left behind.

At the entrance, a discreet yet undeniably luxurious motorcade from the Kingston family awaited.

Liam stood by a car, his eyes lighting up when he saw me.

He quickly came forward, took my luggage, and opened the car door for me,

his movements careful, filled with tenderness.

"Let's go home," he murmured, his ears slightly red.

I settled into the car,

and through the window, I took one last look at the carved gates of the Hayes mansion.

Just then, another motorcade, grand and boisterous, arrived.

Adorned with flowers, ribbons, and boisterous laughter – it was Damon and Serena' grand wedding procession.

The two motorcades passed each other at the Hayes mansion's entrance.

One, silent and understated, drove towards an unknown, yet perhaps peaceful, future.

The other, loud and festive, rushed towards public adoration.

I didn't look back, and in my heart, I whispered.

"Damon, we'll never meet again."