Stay away from Zoe

I turned to Avil, hoping to diffuse the situation. "Avil, please. This is supposed to be a happy day."

"Avil, was that so important to ask?" I got a little angry and asked her, my voice tight with frustration.

"Zoe, I just want to make sure you're happy. She's... different."

"Different isn't bad," I replied, trying to reassure her. "She's wonderful, and she makes me happy."

Max, sensing the tension, stepped in. "Why don't we all get some fresh air? It's a bit stuffy in here."

"Zoe, she isn't so beautiful. Then why did you choose her instead of me? You knew I loved you, but still, you chose someone else," Avil said, her voice filled with hurt and jealousy.

I knew this would happen, and that's why I didn't want to invite her. Only at Max's request did I invite her here.

"Avil, don't create scenes here," Max uttered firmly. "And also try to understand, Zoe doesn't love you."

We restrained our gaze from each other, the tension between us palpable. Max took me with him to attend to the other guests, trying to diffuse the awkwardness. We mingled, exchanging pleasantries and thanking everyone for coming. The celebration seemed to regain its joyous atmosphere, if only briefly.

Suddenly, we heard a commotion. A loud gasp followed by the sound of glass breaking. Max and I exchanged a worried glance and rushed towards the noise. As we pushed through the crowd, we saw Avil doubled over, clutching her stomach, vomiting blood.

"Avil!" I cried out, rushing to her side and holding her arm to steady her.

Her face was pale, eyes wide with pain and terror. Blood stained her lips and dress, a stark contrast to the festive decorations around us. Guests stepped back, murmuring in shock and horror.

"Zoe, we have to call the ambulance," Max spoke urgently. I nodded, carrying Avil inside the house while Max pulled out his phone to call for help. Avil's condition was deteriorating rapidly; she was vomiting uncontrollably, and there seemed to be no sign of it stopping. My suit, the floor, everything was stained with blood. My hands were shaking as I held onto Max's arm, panic rising in my chest.

"Max, what will we do now?" I asked, my voice trembling. "She was fine just a while ago. What happened to her?"

"Zoe, I don't think we should wait for an ambulance," Max replied, his tone grim.

The guests around us were frightened, their faces pale with shock. Max knelt beside Avil, holding her hand gently. "Did you eat something, Avil?" he asked, trying to get any information that might help.

Avil shook her head weakly, her eyes filled with pain and confusion. She tried to speak, but another wave of agony wracked her body, and she pressed her lower abdomen in pain. I couldn't bear to see her suffer like this, so I moved to carry her, but suddenly, Arina rushed in.

"Cough... Cough," Avil choked, throwing up blood clots. The sight was horrifying.

"Avil, what's wrong? Zoe, take her to the hospital. What are you waiting for?" Arina said urgently.

I nodded, trying to stay calm. "Avil, you will be fine," Arina said, rubbing her back gently. Avil looked up at her, eyes wide with fear. She started trembling and tried to say something, pointing a trembling finger at Arina.

"Avil, I'm taking you to the hospital. Just hold on a little bit longer," I said, trying to reassure her.

We moved quickly, guiding her towards the car. As we reached the door, Avil suddenly split a blood clot, her body freezing in place. "Avil," I called out, panic rising in my chest. "Avil, open your eyes," I pleaded, but there was no response.

I couldn't believe what was happening. My childhood friend, who had come to celebrate my wedding, was now lying motionless in my arms. My hands were shaking, covered in her blood. It felt surreal, like a nightmare I couldn't wake up from.

"Zoe," Max called my name, his voice steady. He placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, trying to ground me, "she's gone," he said softly. "There was nothing we could do."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. I sank to my knees, feeling numb. Avil was gone, and I couldn't do anything to save her.

"Zoe," Max said gently, helping me to my feet. "Let's get you cleaned up."

A while ago,

Avil's POV

What's wrong with Zoe? What did that girl do to him? Avil sighed and turned back.

"Oh Jesus!" I was about to scream.

"Don't sneak up on me like that, you scared me to death."

"Am I?" Arina spoke, but her voice was different. She was giving me a creepy smile. I took a sip of wine and rolled my eyes from her. What's she think of herself? I don't care about her.

"I know I'm beautiful, so no need to murmur."

I looked at Arina. Strange! Ho-how did she know?

I cleared my throat and said, "What are you saying?"

Arina stepped closer, her gaze piercing through me. "You were thinking about how Zoe could choose me over you, weren't you?" Her tone was almost mocking.

I stiffened, trying to maintain my composure. "That's none of your business."

Arina laughed softly, a sound that sent chills down my spine. "Oh, but it is. You see, Zoe is mine now. And I don't appreciate others meddling in our affairs."

I felt a surge of anger. "You don't own him! He has his own mind, his own choices."

"Does he?" Arina's smile widened, and for a moment, her eyes seemed to glow with an unnatural light. "You see, Avil, Zoe and I share a bond you could never understand."

I took a step back, suddenly feeling a wave of unease. "What do you mean?"

Arina leaned in closer, her breath cold against my skin. "Let's just say, Zoe and I are connected in ways beyond your comprehension. And you, dear Avil, are just a distraction."

I swallowed hard, my mind racing. "What are you?"

Arina straightened up, her demeanor shifting back to the sweet, innocent girl everyone saw. "I'm just Zoe's loving wife. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have guests to attend to."

As she walked away, I felt a strange sensation in my stomach. I placed a hand on my abdomen, wincing in pain. The room started to spin, and I felt a wave of nausea.

"What… what did you do to me?" I managed to whisper before doubling over in pain.

Arina turned back, her smile now a cold, sinister smirk. "Consider it a warning, Avil. Stay away from Zoe."