(READER DISCRETION ADVISED: The following content may contain mature themes, graphic violence, or disturbing subject matter. Reader discretion is advised.)
As Lila and Axel leaned into their kiss, the cathedral filled with an eruption of applause, each clap echoing in the ancient stone chamber. The moment felt suspended in time, a culmination of their journey together. Axel's hand gently cradled Lila's cheek, his touch tender yet possessive, sealing their vows with a passionate embrace.
Their kiss deepened, the intensity palpable amidst the shower of flowers cascading from above. The congregation's initial applause evolved into a murmuring buzz, whispers rippling through the crowd as the kiss lingered, becoming more intimate than expected. Some chuckled nervously, others exchanged surprised glances, while the priest, taken aback, discreetly cleared his throat to subtly remind them of the sanctity of the ceremony.
Lila's heart raced as Axel's lips moved against hers, a mixture of emotions flooding her senses—joy, relief, and a lingering hint of apprehension. She could feel the weight of their shared history, the echoes of their past lives intertwining with the promise of their future. Breaking the kiss at last, they gazed into each other's eyes, breathless and smiling amidst the soft laughter and scattered applause that followed.
"I think the priest was about to faint," Axel whispered with a mischievous grin, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Lila couldn't help but laugh softly, her hand finding his as they turned to face the congregation, now erupting into hearty cheers and applause once more. The cathedral seemed to resonate with their joy, the walls echoing their happiness as they walked hand in hand down the aisle, ready to embrace the grand feast and celebrations that awaited them.
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In the midst of the post-wedding celebration, Lila leaned in close to Margaret, her trusted maid, and asked in a hushed tone, "Have you seen Heather? Is she still with Prince Mateo?"
Margaret, bustling with the duties of the evening, nodded discreetly. "Yes, Your Highness. They decided to extend their stay for the celebration. Seems like Prince Mateo is quite taken by the festivities."
Lila's brow furrowed slightly at the mention of Mateo. Despite his role in her past life, she couldn't help but feel a pang of unease knowing his obsession with her hadn't faded entirely. She glanced around the room, catching glimpses of guests laughing and toasting to her union with Axel.
"And Axel?" Lila inquired softly, her eyes searching for her new husband amidst the crowd.
"He's been attending to matters of state, as expected," Margaret replied, her voice respectful and neutral. "He's handling everything with the grace befitting his station."
Lila nodded, relieved. Despite the complexities of their intertwined pasts, she found solace in Axel's presence. As the festivities continued around them, she resolved to focus on the joy of their new beginning, hoping that this second chance at life would bring the happiness and peace she deserved.
As Lila wandered through the grounds, she noticed Heather lurking nearby, a tense expression etched on her face. Sensing trouble, Lila instinctively kept her distance, but Heather's jealousy and bitterness were palpable. Without warning, Heather approached, her voice sharp with resentment.
"You think you can just waltz back into his life and steal everything from me?" Heather's words sliced through the air, laced with venom.
Lila squared her shoulders, meeting Heather's glare with a calm demeanor. "I didn't ask for any of this, Heather."
"He should have chosen me from the start," Heather retorted, her hands curling into fists.
The tension between them crackled like electricity. Lila took a deep breath, trying to diffuse the situation. "I'm tired of this, Heather."
Heather scoffed, her eyes flashing with a mix of envy and fury. "You don't deserve him, Axel."
Lila shook her head, her voice firm but controlled. "Axel is my husband now, and you should move on. You're carrying another man's child. For heaven's sake!"
Heather's face contorted with rage, and in a moment of blind impulse, she shoved Lila. Caught off guard, Lila stumbled backward and lost her footing, teetering dangerously close to the edge of the pond.
Instinctively, Lila grabbed onto Heather to steady herself, both women now dangerously close to the cold water's edge. The air crackled with the intensity of their confrontation, each woman locked in a battle of wills and emotions.
Above them, the sky darkened ominously, as if reflecting the turbulent emotions below.
As Heather lunged forward to push Lila, fueled by her intense jealousy and anger, her foot caught on a protruding root hidden beneath the grass. With a yelp of surprise, she lost her balance and fell hard onto the ground, a sharp pain shooting up her leg.
Gasping, Heather struggled to regain her composure, her mind racing with fury and confusion. As she tried to push herself up, she felt a wet warmth spreading around her legs. Looking down in horror, she saw her lower legs were covered in blood, staining the grass beneath her.
Fear gripped her heart as she realized the severity of her injury. The pain was intense, throbbing with each beat of her heart. Heather's hands trembled as she tried to assess the damage, panic rising within her.
Lila, having swiftly moved away from the pond after Heather's stumble, turned back at the commotion. Seeing Heather's plight, a mix of concern and wariness flashed across her face. Despite the tension between them, she couldn't ignore Heather's distress.
"Heather, are you okay?" Lila asked cautiously, taking a hesitant step closer.
Heather gritted her teeth against the pain, her breath coming in short, panicked gasps. "Don't... don't come near me!" she snapped, her voice strained with agony and fear.
Lila hesitated, torn between empathy and caution. "You're hurt... I should get help," she offered tentatively.
Heather's eyes flickered with a storm of emotions - pain, fear, and a lingering resentment. "Just... go away," she muttered, her voice wavering. Tears welled up in her eyes, whether from pain or frustration, it was hard to tell.
Lila lingered for a moment longer, torn by conflicting emotions, before finally turning away. As she walked briskly towards the castle, her thoughts raced.