ManyWriters

After 5 years of marriage, my husband finally agreed when I proposed a wedding ceremony for the 99th time.
That night, however, a fire broke out. I was nearly blinded by the smoke, suffered multiple organ damage, and our daughter was severely burned and fell into a coma.
Heartbroken, Garrison rushed us to the hospital and had the arsonist sent to prison.
When I regained consciousness, I frantically inquired about our daughter's condition, but unexpectedly overheard a conversation between the doctor and Garrison in the next room.
"If we treat Miss Winters and the child now, there's still hope. Any later and Miss Winters will be blind for life, and your daughter might die. That's your own flesh and blood. Is it really worth taking such a big risk just to give Melody a wedding?"
"The girl was never likable anyway, and we can always have more kids. If she goes blind, she won't have to see the wedding ceremony. It'll save us the trouble."
"I owe Melody a debt. I just want to fulfill her dying wish and prevent her child from being called a bastard. With our daughter dead and Evelina blind, she can focus on caring for Melody's son."
It turns out the ceremony I've been longing for all these years is something others can have at the drop of a hat.All these years, I've deluded myself into thinking my little family was blissful and perfect. In reality, it was nothing more than a dank, gloomy prison.
If that's how it is, then I might as well leave.

99 Failed Wedding Attempts

Still immersed in sorrow, a pair of warm, large hands gently wiped away the tears from the corners of my eyes and pulled me into an embrace.


"Don't be afraid, I'm still here. Is the wound still hurting? I've had the doctor prepare some special medicine that can relieve the pain."


"The renowned specialist I've just hired can perform skin grafting surgery. I guarantee we'll restore your beautiful body. After a short nap, you'll be back to your old self."


I felt the warmth of his embrace, just like every time before when he comforted me in times of sadness.


But now, all I could feel was a cold emptiness, and the person before me seemed utterly unfamiliar.


I took a deep breath and looked at him with pleading eyes. "Garrison, will I really go back to how I was before? Will I be able to see again? And where's our Callie? I..."


I still wanted to test how much he cared about me and our child, hoping for a shred of conscience to save us both.


But I guessed wrong. The next instant, I felt his body stiffen, and his tone turned harsh as he cut me off: "Enough! You're a mother now, and we've been married for so long. Don't you trust me? Do you think you're still that little girl obsessed with beauty? Don't let Callie learn your vanity."


He looked at my pale face and finally realized his tone had been harsh. He softened a bit, stroking my hair. "It's okay, sweetheart. You don't need to be scared when I'm here. I won't abandon you. Just sleep it off, and it'll be over. Let's be brave and set a good example for Callie, alright?"


Can sleeping really make everything go away? No, it can't. Waking up will only bring greater sorrow and deception.


I closed my eyes briefly, only to feel Garrison kiss my forehead.


Then, from somewhere, a needle pierced my body, and my consciousness gradually blurred.


The searing light above shone on my body, dazzling my already hazy vision.


At that moment, I could only feel the blood draining from my body, the cold machines scraping inside me, and the smell of burning flesh invading my nostrils.


Beside me, there seemed to be someone else undergoing surgery, just like me. But that person was radiating happiness.


I knew it was Melody, the next owner of my kidney. Tears, unbidden, streamed down my face again.


The surgery went smoothly. My waist and abdomen were wrapped in layers of bandages, much like how our relationship was entangled with layers of obstacles.


"Evelina, you're so brave. If you need anything, just tell me. I'll do it for you. Be careful not to let the wound get infected.""Your eyes flutter open, greeted by the harsh glare of fluorescent lights. The sterile smell of disinfectant fills your nostrils as you struggle to focus on your surroundings. A dull ache throbs behind your temples, and your throat feels dry and scratchy.


"Our little Callie would be so proud of her momma if she knew," a familiar voice reaches your ears, warm and comforting. "Oh, and I adopted another child. His name is Jaxon, and he's quite the little gentleman. Don't you worry, we'll be right here by your side. You won't have to face the darkness alone - we'll all be your strength."


He's so eager to reveal Jaxon's identity to me now. The aura of happiness surrounding him makes me think his family must be whole again.


Once upon a time, I might have seen him as a dependable husband, basking in the warmth of family bliss. But now, I can't help but notice the uncertainty in his voice, the underlying coldness.


It's funny how love - or the lack thereof - can be so glaringly obvious. I was blind, not just in my eyes but in my heart, turning a blind eye to this deception."


Chapter 2