Chapter 6 A Secret Exposed Beneath Sacred Grounds
677 Words
The bracelet she had obtained through the pilgrimage ascent rite, bowing step by step, had been destroyed just like that. A bitter ache spread through her chest, then slowly sank back down.
How ridiculous! Even now, he still thought she was waiting for him to change his mind. What was there left to say to someone like him?
Selene stopped Master Rowan, who was about to speak up for her. Her gaze was cold. "I already said, this isn't for you…"
Adrian met her gaze and found stubbornness and mockery in her eyes, but not a trace of sadness. For some reason, that unsettled him, yet he still tossed the remaining string aside.
"Enough. Aren't you tired of repeating this? Don't let me hear you spouting delusions again. I will never attend your wedding."
With that, he pulled Vivian into the inner room.
Selene pressed a hand to her forehead, letting out a quiet breath. It seemed she would have to stay here another night.
Late that night, faint sounds drifted in from the next room. Soft, muffled moans. Selene froze for a moment before pulling the blanket over her head.
So much for the cold and disciplined ascetic heir. Even in a place like this, he couldn't seem to hold himself back. If word got out, who knew what people would say.
She reached out, turned on her phone's recording function, and set it by the wall. The next morning, she woke to a commotion outside. After saving the nearly ten-minute recording, she pushed the door open.
Outside, Vivian stood in her wedding dress, sweetly holding onto Adrian's arm. He was still dressed in his white attire. Surrounded by his friends, they were actually taking wedding photos in front of the abbey.
The moment Selene appeared, the crowd fell silent, their gazes turning toward her with quiet contempt, exactly as she had expected.
"She followed him all the way here?"
"We can't let her ruin Adrian's wedding photos. I'll deal with her."
"No need." Selene walked straight to the Fatebound Tree. She took out a blessing ribbon. "I'm here to pray for my fiancé. It has nothing to do with Adrian."
Her fingers moved deftly as she tied the ribbon high onto a branch. It truly seemed she wasn't here for him. In the past, she would have been kneeling on the ground, crying, begging Adrian to come back. Some of the men exchanged awkward glances with Adrian.
“Still acting?” Adrian stepped forward and yanked the ribbon down. Written on it were the words, "May your heart be as mine…"
He laughed loudly. "You just broke off the engagement, and now you're already hanging a love ribbon? Is the Vale family really this desperate? If you're that eager to marry, then when the Hale family acquires yours, I'll make sure to find you a suitable match."
The crowd quickly came to an understanding. Of course she could not let him go. This was just another attempt to make Adrian fall for her.
A surge of anger rose in Selene as she stepped forward to snatch it back, only for Vivian to block her path.
Just as Selene was about to tell her to move, she noticed something. Wedding dresses were usually fitted tightly at the waist, yet Vivian's had extra space, as if…
"Are you… pregnant?" The words slipped out before she could stop herself.
Vivian's expression changed instantly. She raised her hand and slapped Selene hard across the face. "Don't talk nonsense!" But there was fear in her eyes.
Adrian strode forward, grabbing Selene's wrist forcefully. His face darkened. "Don't think I won't hit you. How dare you ruin a girl's reputation? Vivi could never be pregnant!"
From his reaction, it truly seemed as though nothing had happened between them. But what about last night? Had she stumbled onto something far bigger than she realized?
Selene shook him off and pulled out her phone. "Don't touch me! What exactly did you two do? Want me to play it back for everyone to hear?"
- Writer
