Chapter Twenty Four (Hurt).

All eyes were fixated on me, while Vincent flashed a wide smile. 

*It can't be Vincent; he's been here the entire time. Who stood up...?* 

"Adriel! What on earth?!" I shouted at him. 

"Relax, it's nothing personal. Just enjoy some singing," he shot back, grinning as he adjusted his glasses. 

"Blossom, could you please step up to the stage?" said the woman who had once faced embarrassment, a sly grin on her face. 

"Oh, just you wait until I finish. I'll take care of you," I whispered to Adriel while I made my way to the stage. 

*** 

Moments later, backstage nerves had me shaking. 

Kai was performing his part, soon to transition into mine. 

He picked *GONE by NF & Julia Michaels,* a peculiar choice for karaoke, but the crowd had backed it, so who was I to disagree? 

I cautiously peered through the curtain and saw him acing the performance. 

*Oh no! This is the worst day ever! I'm going to totally screw this up and humiliate myself; I can't handle being in front of people!*

I could feel the nervous energy buzzing within me.

"Time's up!" The woman ushered me onto the stage in a rush.

My heart began to race, and my palms felt damp.

After taking a deep breath, I launched into the song, trying to ignore the audience's gaze.

"♪ Yeah. I can blame us breaking up on being...♪"

I kept my voice steady and in tune.

"♪ Yeah I do, I think about you too.♪" Our vocals blended beautifully together.

A quick glance at the crowd revealed nothing but Vincent's playful, wide smile.

We continued our performance, cheered on by the enthusiastic audience.

*Well they were mostly cheering for Kai.*

A sense of lightness washed over me as I lost myself in the melody.

*This feels amazing.*

***

Soon enough, the song came to an end.

The champagne lady looked stunned when Kai and I made our way back behind the scenes.

"We totally crushed that! I had no clue you could sing like that," Kai beamed at me.

"Thanks! It's a bit of a hidden talent. I didn't know you could sing either," I responded.

"We make quite the duo," he said with a smile.

"Definitely," I agreed.

"Well, I've got to run. I'll see you later."

"Absolutely!" I replied as I made my way back to the table.

"You were fantastic!" Lily complimented.

"Thank you," I said with a grin.

"Where did Vincent and Adriel go?" I inquired, looking around the room.

"I'm not sure; they stepped away a little while ago," she clarified.

"Oh no, this doesn't feel right—"

"Good evening, everyone. We have an important update," Adriel declared from the stage.

"Here it comes—the real reason Vincent showed up tonight," I thought, sensing it was going to be trouble.

Vincent took the stage as Adriel exited.

"Hello everyone. I'll keep this short," Vincent's tone was calm and serious.

"Many of you may be curious about why I chose to come to this gathering after our five-year hiatus. Let me explain." An image appeared on the screen.

*Wait! That's the email address I hacked!*

"This image displays the questionable activities Secretary Nathan has been involved in, all while keeping it from Mr. Reginald," he stated confidently.

"Don't you dare let this be misinformation, or you'll learn what it means to behave appropriately," Reginald bellowed at Vincent.

"Secretary Nathan has been working with a rival company I'm currently in conflict with, and he's also skimming funds from Mr. Reginald's business." Gasps of shock rippled through the audience as the tension escalated.

"Bring me Nathan! I want him to clear up this absurd claim, so I can handle this disrespectful brat," Mr. Reginald fumed.

"Actually, that won't be needed. We can observe him live from where he is right now." Vincent gestured to Adriel as a real-time video began playing on the screen.

Whispers erupted among the crowd as the footage focused on the secretary and an unknown man leaning against a van.

"Did you get the money from the old man?" the stranger probed the secretary.

"Yeah, I did. I've got updates for the boss," he replied.

"What?!" The stranger looked taken aback.

"Vincent is at the party," the secretary remarked, glancing around to see if anyone had noticed them together.

"No way! Why would he even do that? Is he there now?" The easygoing guy by the van suddenly appeared on edge.

"Yes, and he brought a girlfriend along," the secretary exclaimed.

I sank deeper into my seat as all eyes turned toward me.

*What does Vincent have to do with me?!*

"Something's not right! Hold on!" The secretary noticed the camera and smashed it.

Nathan's crew—tough-looking men decked out with guns—burst into the party, sending guests into a panic. Vincent's eyes locked onto mine, overflowing with worry.

Gunfire erupted.

I clasped Lily's trembling hands and pulled her down beneath the table.

Vincent dashed toward us.

"Where's the weapon I gave you?" he asked, urgency in his voice.

I revealed the gun I was gripping.

"There's a back exit just around the corner. Take Lily and go now!" he commanded.

"Shoot anyone who tries to stop you!" he insisted.

Without a moment's hesitation, I took Lily's hand and rushed toward the exit, my weapon at the ready.

Vincent kept a vigilant eye on us as he joined the other men in fighting back.

As I weaved through the pandemonium, I remained alert for any signs of danger.

Just when we reached the exit, a bullet zipped by Lily's head, making her cry out. Instinctively, I pushed her to the ground and returned fire, hitting the assailant.

When I stood up to assist Lily back to her feet, another bullet struck me, sending me crashing to the ground.

*

Vincent's world darkened as he witnessed Blossom fall, her weapon slipping from her fingers.

He fought his way through the tumult, his focus locked on Blossom lying on the ground. Cradling her in his arms, he positioned himself to protect her from further threats.

"Stay with me! Keep your eyes open!" he pleaded, his voice thick with emotion.

Lily's frightened expression hovered above them, but Vincent hardly registered it. His focus had narrowed to the woman he held, the one who had risked everything to shield another.

As the sound of gunfire began to fade, Vincent realized he had to get Blossom to safety, and fast. He held her tenderly like a fragile child and hurried toward the exit.

As Vincent burst into the night, the brisk air hit him hard, with Blossom's lifeless form cradled securely in his arms. He had to find her medical assistance—immediately.

Yet, as he gazed upon her ashen face, an overwhelming sense of guilt washed over him, a relentless reminder that this was all his doing.