---- Chapter 23 An explosion rocked the studio. "Elton!" Lillian screamed, her eyes wide with horror, before collapsing. She woke up in the hospital, met by Alonzo's bloodshot eyes. She'd been out for seven days, and he'd stayed by her side the entire time. Thankfully, she had only minor injuries. Her coma was caused by shock. Sitting up, she recalled the fire. Her breathing quickened, and she grabbed Alonzo's hand. "heard an explosion before I passed out. How is Elton?" "Breathe, take it easy," Alonzo soothed her, holding her hand." He is alive.

He's badly burned and needs multiple skin grafts to live normally again. When I got there, he was being pulled out, still conscious. He wanted you to forget him. He didn't want you to see him like this. He's upstairs in a ward. Do you want to see him?" Lillian exhaled, lowering her eyes. After a while, she shook her head. "No. He and I should've ended things long ago. Never seeing him again is the best closure." Alonzo nodded, shifting topics. ---- He told her that Tanya had been arrested for attempted murder, facing a long prison sentence.

Bruce and Alice had flown to Arathum, hoping to see Lillian. It wasn't about Elton but her, the daughter in their minds. Finally, he looked into her eyes. "Lillian, marry me. These seven days, I was terrified I'd lose you forever." Her heart raced at his eamest gaze. Six months later, Lillian and Alonzo held a grand wedding in Arathum. The venue was adorned with fresh flowers flown in overnight, with flower girls scattering petals like rain. Lillian, in a white gown, walked through the floral sea toward Alonzo as music played.

They stood together, looking like a perfect pair from a classic painting. Under the officiant's guidance and guests' cheers, they exchanged vows and sealed their promise with a tight embrace. No one noticed a man in a mask, his burn scars hidden, standing in the corner. He blended into the crowd, but his eyes never left Lillian. ---- When the officiant asked the groom if he'd cherish the bride forever, never abandoning or betraying her, Elton mouthed, "I do." But his words would never reach her. A tear slipped from his face, hitting the ground.

It carried the regret of a heart he could never redeem.

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