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Chapter 7
The second those words left her mouth, the entire ballroom went dead silent for a beat, then Sophia’s girlfriends exploded into cheers.[]
“Kiss her! Kiss her!”
You’re married for Christ’s sake–what’s with the shy act!”
Kerian’s body went rigid, his fists clenching involuntarily.
His eyes swept across the crowd, automatically searching for Victoria.
She was standing in the corner, watching him with this eerily calm expression–like staring into still water.[]
“Kerian…” Sophia’s eyes filled with tears, her voice breaking. “It’s just one tiny little wish. Can’t you even do that? We’ve been married for months and you’ve never even kissed me…”
She looked down, tears streaming down her face: “People are gonna think there’s something wrong with me…
Kerian’s throat bobbed, and finally he slowly leaned down. The crowd went wild as he kissed Sophia.
Victoria’s best friend was shaking with rage: “This is so fucked up!”
She grabbed Victoria’s wrist “Come on, let’s go confront these assholes!“]]
But Victoria gently pulled her hand free.
“Vic?” Her friend stared at her in confusion.
“Forget it.” Victoria’s voice was almost a whisper, but her eyes never left the kissing couple. There’s no point anymore.”
Her friend looked at her and suddenly realized something had completely changed in Victoria’s eyes
The light in them had completely died out
The party moved to its climax as everyone headed to the rooftop for fireworks]
The entire terrace had been transformed into this fantasy garden filled with Sophia’s favorite pink roses
All the guests were gushing about how thoughtful Kerian was while Sophia clung to his arm, glowing with happiness
“BOOM-
The first firework exploded across the night sky, brilliant colors lighting up everyone’s faces.
Victoria stood at the edge of the crowd, looking up at the fleeting sparks, suddenly remembering her eighteenth birthday when Kerian had rented out an entireSix Flags just for her fireworks show.
Back then he’d said: “Vic, our love is gonna last way longer than any fireworks.”
But now she realized that at least fireworks actually burned bright for a moment. Their love had just become a joke.]
“Oh my God, FIRE!]
A scream suddenly pierced the night air]
A stray spark had landed in the rose garden, instantly igniting the dried petals
The flames spread like crazy, everyone panicking and shoving toward the exits.
“Sophia!” Kerian grabbed her wrist and rushed her toward safety
Victoria got caught up in the chaos too, about to follow everyone out when someone shoved her hard from behind!
She crashed to the ground, her knees slamming into the concrete so hard she saw stars. Before she could get up, dozens of feet trampled over her, the pain almost making her pass out.
The fire was getting bigger, thick smoke everywhere. Victoria curled up on the ground and closed her eyes in despair.
That’s when she heard this loud “CRACK” above her-
A burning wooden beam snapped and came crashing down straight at her!
Victoria threw her arms up instinctively, but the crushing blow never came.
CRASH!
Someone threw themselves over her, pinning her to the ground protectively
Victoria opened her eyes and found herself face–to–face with Kerian.[]
His arm was sliced open from the falling beam, blood pouring from the gash, but he didn’t seem to notice. He was holding her so tight she could barely breathe, his voice all ragged:
“Vic… you’re safe now.
For one split second, Victoria felt like they were back to how things used to be.
But the next moment, reality crashed back in []
They could never go back.
The hospital reeked of disinfectant
Kerian had passed out from blood loss, and since he wouldn’t let go of Victoria’s wrist even while unconscious, she had no choice but to stay and look after him
Around 3 AM, Kerian finally cracked his eyes open.
“Vic..” His voice was hoarse. Seeing Victoria sitting by his bed, his eyes brightened slightly.
Victoria calmly pulled her hand free: Thanks for saving me. I’ll send you a thank–y
-you gin.“]
Kerian fruze like she’d just slapped him.
He’d imagined a bunch of different ways she might react, but he’d never expected this polite, distant gratitude.
“Why are you suddenly being so formal with me?”
Victoria smiled faintly. “Being polite is appropriate. After all, we’re basically strangers now.
