The blood soaked my palm instantly. "I won't let her go," I said quietly. "Not unless I die first."
"Between me and Cassidy, only one of us gets to live."
—
At the hospital, after hours of emergency surgery, Cassidy survived.
The child in her womb—Hendrix's child—was saved as well.
Hendrix never left her side, his expression clouded with guilt and fear.
When she finally woke up, she broke into tears the moment she saw him.
"I didn't kill anyone, Hendrix! I swear I didn't! You believe me, don't you?"
He quickly pulled her into his arms, his voice low and gentle. "I know you're scared. I don't blame you."
"Don't worry. No one will ever hurt you again."
Her tears flowed harder. "You're lying! You'll never marry me! You'll go back to the Wilson family once I'm gone—I mean nothing to you!"
"I'm not lying," he said softly. "We'll get married in three days. I promise."
To prepare for the wedding, Hendrix worked tirelessly.
The gown was one he had once designed for Leila. Even the wedding ring had been crafted from Leila's keepsake.
Everything was set.
The ceremony was flawless.
Until the moment the bride was supposed to walk down the aisle—the doors stayed closed.