In an instant, the entire church hall fell into a chilling silence. Jameson's subordinates, dressed in black, rose to their feet, their sharp gazes fixed intently on the proudly standing Axel."Axel…"Amber's pale face was initially as lifeless as a marionette's. However, Axel's determined smile rekindled life within her. Tears streamed down her face, washing away her exquisite makeup. Despite her makeup running, she looked even more radiant and genuine.Carl, standing beside her, felt a tightening in his chest. Anger boiled within him, his eyes turning red.His fury stemmed not only from Axel's interruption of the wedding but also from Amber's tears for Axel. It became clear that she hadn't moved on; she was still in love with Axel, while Carl had failed to win her heart."Don't be afraid, Amber. I'm here." Beneath his black coat, Axel trembled uncontrollably, his blood rushing to his head. He cried out with every fiber of his being, "Nothing and no one else can ever separate
"Don't move!" Carl roared and yanked Amber into his arms. His arm draped protectively across her front as he pressed the gun against her temple. "Take a chance if you want to see your beloved die before your eyes!"Carl knew Axel was one of the top secret agents. Facing all of them alone, taking Axel's life would be effortless.Carl had nowhere to run—Amber was his last shot at staying alive. The woman he professed to love was now his hostage, a tragic twist of fate that seemed almost too absurd to bear."Axel… Leave me… Go!" Amber's voice was resolute despite the tears brimming in her eyes."Don't you dare touch her. If you do, I will ensure you die a torturous death!" Axel's eyes burned with fury and ice, radiating a palpable menace."Amber has registered her marriage with me. She is legally mine!"The look in Carl's eyes was feral. He was choking Amber so hard that her face had puffed red. He continued, "We were supposed to have our wedding ceremony, escape to a distant land
Alyssa's eyes welled up, turning red. She felt as if her insides were being crushed into smithereens. After a while, she replied in a shaky voice, "You're actually right, Jameson. I have been thinking about you every second of the day. I'm thinking about how you're going to die." Jameson laughed. "You're so adorable, Lyse." Jameson's voice overflowed with affection. If they weren't on the phone, he'd wish he could let everything go and give her a kiss. "Even if you despise the person I am, I am still deeply in love with you. So deeply in love that I can't escape it." "Would a sinister and cold-blooded person like you even know what love is?" Alyssa's glare was sharp, a feeling of disgust surging within her. She enunciated, "Don't you taint such a holy feeling. You don't even deserve to mention anything about love!""I know how to love, Lyse. I will never feel like I've made any mistakes, even till I die." Jameson's croaky voice contained the pain that he had been holding bac
Amber was being held hostage by Carl as he retreated toward the back of the church in an attempt to escape. However, there was nowhere for him to run. The church was surrounded by the police on all sides. Carl was already at the end of his rope. He was at a dead end!"Stop resisting!" Carl snarled, tightening his grip on Amber. Her face paled as she struggled for breath, her lips turning purple.Amber rasped, "You can't escape. It's over for both you and Jameson.""Shut up!" Carl roared, his eyes bloodshot and body trembling violently.Unexpectedly, Amber burst into laughter, her eyes filled with delight and relief.With no other option, Carl dragged her up the ten-story old tower at the church's back. All exits were blocked, leaving them trapped. The only option was to call for backup. If a helicopter arrived, they might still escape with their lives.Carl called his trusted aides and subordinates, but none answered. It was as if they had all agreed upon this. "Fuck! They're
"But Carl is holding Ms. Altman hostage, and he has a gun in his hand. If his viciousness leads him to hurt her, things might not end well for Ms. Altman even if Axel shoots him dead on the spot!" Cyrus said as he watched the confrontation anxiously, his heart in his throat. "I've never seen Axel this frantic. He's always been fearless, confident, and carefree. I can tell he's truly in love with Ms. Altman.""Yeah," Jonah replied. He, too, had someone he loved. He could totally empathize with Axel. "Passionate love and composure are rarely compatible. The more you love, the more afraid of losing you become, and the less you know what to do.""So, what should we do now?" Cyrus asked, worry etched on his face.Jonah looked at the church balcony across the street. His eyes narrowed. "I believe justice will prevail, and he'll succeed."…After gathering flowers, Alyssa and Miley returned to the living room, arms linked. They began arranging the flowers in a vase."What's up with you,
Alyssa, with a fiery gaze, stared straight at the seemingly endless road ahead of her. She followed the GPS route and drove herself in the black car toward Rose Nursing Home. She had also switched her phone off per Jameson's instruction. She knew Miley would soon realize her absence from the presidential office and would undoubtedly launch a city-wide search. She would also track the location of her phone. Green flashes blurred past the window as she sped along. The steering wheel was gripped tightly in her hands, her brow furrowed in concentration.An hour later, her car glided to a stop in the flower-filled courtyard of the nursing home. Cautiously, Alyssa stepped out and surveyed her surroundings. To her surprise, the home seemed to operate normally. Cars belonging to visitors filled the courtyard, and people moved about with ease.Despite the appearance, Alyssa remained vigilant as she entered the building. The brightly lit hall was adorned with colorful paintings and vib
A flicker of emotion passed through Lily's vacant eyes as she heard Alyssa's soft voice. The instant their eyes locked, her clarity of mind seemed to return. Her gaze brightened and sparkled with life once more."Lyse… Lyse, you've finally come to see me! Jimmy said you would, and he was right. He wasn't lying." Alyssa's long lashes fluttered as she clenched her hands into fists. "Hi, Mrs. Schmidt. How have you been? How's your health?" "I'm good... I'm good. Seeing you makes me feel better." As Lily spoke, her body trembled slightly, as if she was a little cold. Alyssa removed her suit jacket and draped it over Lily's shoulders. "Come, Lyse. I have something for you." Lily eagerly grasped Alyssa's wrist. Without a word, she slipped an emerald bracelet onto Alyssa's hand."I can't accept this, Mrs. Schmidt!" The cool sensation on Alyssa's wrist made her uncomfortable. She wanted to remove the bracelet immediately, but Lily held her hand tightly."Lyse, Jimmy loves you
The swans extended their wings, abruptly sending ripples across the lake's surface. Lily's gaunt face tightened. Her reddened eyes widened as she stared at Alyssa's unwavering expression. "You're already married? You have a husband? When was this? How could this be?" "There's no need for me to lie to you, Mrs. Schmidt. It's true," Alyssa replied, trying to maintain a warm tone without faltering. "My husband and I have known each other for over ten years. I've loved him since I was young. I was simply waiting for the day I could become his wife. "We've faced countless challenges together. My dream has finally come true—we're finally together. I'll never love another man. I'm sorry to disappoint you.""That's impossible… It's impossible!" Lily's emotions surged. Her grip on Alyssa's hand tightened until it turned red. "You grew up with my Jimmy. You're so kind to him, and he loves you. He only wants to marry you."Jimmy has told me about you both but never mentioned you were marr