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

I straightened up, my legs numb from crouching. The bandage around my waist had bled through, leaving faint stains on the floor.


But I couldn't worry about that now. I made my way to Melody's hospital room door.


Before I even entered, the stench of blood hit me. I furrowed my brow and knocked.


Melody's sickeningly sweet voice drifted out: "Oh stop it, babe. Be gentle, I'm still recovering. Haven't you had enough? Your bites hurt so much, you're so bad..."


I closed my eyes, picturing Callie's tear-filled gaze. I knocked harder.


Before anyone inside could answer, a little boy clutching a teddy bear slammed into me and shoved the door open.


"Mom, Dad, there's an ugly lady knocking. Should we let her in? I just got this teddy bear. It's as ugly as its owner..."


A passing nurse whispered: "Mr. Carlisle and Miss Stratton are so in love. Their kid is so lucky, he can just grab whatever he wants."


"And he visits every day. Most people couldn't be that devoted and attentive for so long. It's a shame about his wife though.""The women's gossip faded as they walked away, but I remained standing in the wide-open doorway.


So everyone knew about their relationship. I was the only one pretending it didn't matter, even though I should have realized it when he came home every night smelling of perfume mixed with disinfectant, unable to return home.


Now, I've not only hurt myself but also my Callie.


My heart clenched painfully as I clenched my fists. I walked in with a smile, getting straight to the point: "Garrison, Callie's awake. She wants to see you."


Garrison panicked, hurriedly walking towards me, feigning excitement while blocking the flushed-faced Melody behind him. "Really? That's wonderful! I knew our child was blessed with good fortune. I'll be there in a moment. Wait for me by the door."


After saying this, he returned to Melody's side, acting as if I couldn't see a thing, and kissed her cheek. "I'll be right back. Tonight, we'll go try on wedding dresses. The designer is already at the hotel, and I've prepared outfits for Jaxon too.""Your husband and son will be the center of attention at that time. Jaxon, you stay here and keep Mom company. In a couple of days, I'll take you to the amusement park."


"You're too good to me. You've prepared so much for me. If Evelina finds out, won't she be angry? I don't want to cause any conflict between you two because of me."


"She won't be, and besides, she can't see any of this stuff now. It's actually convenient that she's blind. You just focus on looking beautiful."


After hearing this, Melody instinctively glanced at me standing in the doorway. Then, covering Jaxon's eyes, she nibbled on Garrison's lips and coyly said, "Alright, you're so naughty, big brother Garrison. This is so thrilling. You should go back now."


At this point, Garrison finally sensed something was amiss. He put his arm around my waist and led me to the adjacent hospital room. "You didn't hear anything just now, did you? She's been sick for so long without many friends, so she chatted with me a bit more. She just loves beauty, that's why she wants nice clothes."


Hearing his explanation made me sick to my stomach. My child and I nearly died in a fire, and we're just trying to get treatment, but he says we're being vain.


Meanwhile, for Melody's wedding, she wanted the most beautiful wedding dress, so he repeatedly flew in designers from across the country.


Now that he's gotten everything he wanted, does he even care about my feelings anymore?


Chapter 5