Chapter 585

A sound forced its way from Vivian Bennett's throat.

It was like sandpaper grating against rough wood, dry and fractured, yet she forcibly smoothed it into a steady tone.

"I was thinking..."

She paused, her fingertips trembling uncontrollably.

"What excuse I could fabricate to make the guests believe the engagement ceremony is merely postponed."

Sophia Miller's heart, which had been suspended in her chest, plummeted back into place.

She had almost rushed forward to hug Vivian just then—that utterly desolate look had made her think Vivian was about to break down.

Thank goodness.

Thank goodness Vivian was still thinking of Liam Sullivan.

"The excuse Oliver Winston suggested is quite good," Sophia quickly chimed in. "You rest here for a moment. I'll go find the emcee to make arrangements."

Vivian nodded.

The movement was slight, like a feather drifting down.

Sophia closed the door behind her as she left.

Vivian was alone in the room.

She sat down on the chair before the vanity, her gaze empty as she stared at her reflection in the mirror.

Her mind held no thoughts.

It was a complete blank.

Perhaps she had sensed this outcome long ago.

But when it truly drew near, that surge of unwillingness and agony still flooded her like a tidal wave.

She had lived over twenty years, stumbling her way to this day.

Why couldn't she even hold onto happiness that seemed within reach?

At the very least...

At the very least, she should struggle a little more.

It wasn't too late for despair.

Vivian took a deep breath.

The mirror reflected a pallid face.

She tugged at the corner of her mouth, forcing a smile uglier than tears.

Then she opened the powder compact.

Her fingers were still shaking.

She grabbed the blush brush and swept it fiercely across her cheeks.

One layer, then another.

The rosy powder couldn't cover the deathly pale base, so she kept applying it.

She chose the brightest, boldest red for her lip gloss.

The moment it was applied, her entire face finally gained a semblance of vitality.

"Good."

She whispered to her reflection in the mirror.

Her eyes reddened, but she clenched her teeth, refusing to let the tears fall.

"Even if I have to lose, I'll lose with grace."

This love, tainted with sin from the very beginning.

She wanted to see just what kind of ending fate would give her.

The banquet hall's lights glittered like a river of stars.

Vivian walked onto the stage alone.

Her pure white gown trailed on the floor. The diamond roses in her hair refracted delicate, sparkling light.

She smiled sweetly, blissfully.

As if she truly were the world's luckiest bride.

But a restless murmur gradually rose from below.

Guests whispered among themselves. Media reporters raised their cameras, but the lenses were focused solely on her.

Where was the male lead?

Vivian picked up the microphone.

She didn't offer an explanation. Instead, she sang a song first.

Her voice was clear and bright, the sentiment lingering.

When the song ended, the entire hall fell silent.

She set down the microphone and tilted her head playfully.

"What should we do?"

Her voice carried a girlish, coquettish tone.

"The male lead in the story hasn't arrived yet. Only the heroine is here all by herself."

The audience erupted in an uproar.

The sound of议论 surged like a tide.

But seeing her relaxed smile, everyone felt perhaps the situation wasn't that serious.

Vivian sighed, a trace of worry coloring her brows.

"I truly regret it."

She sounded like she was pouting, yet also blaming herself.

"If I hadn't been so willful, I wouldn't have made everyone wait with me. You must all be wondering, why hasn't the male lead appeared yet?"