The Wedding That Never Was Chapter 11

The soldier glanced cautiously in Adrian's direction.

From the moment those words were spoken, Colonel Hayes stared blankly at the radio, entranced.

The soldier drove, an ominous feeling creeping into his gut, nervously watching for any movement from the Colonel.

By now, the radio voice had switched to another sound—one Adrian knew better than his own heartbeat.

“...Until she met a boy who loved her. He said when the girl turned thirty, they would get married...”

“I can’t wait until thirty anymore...”

“...Thank you to everyone who liked me... and thank you to that boy. Thank you for protecting me once.”

As the car came to a halt, Ilara’s voice faded into silence.

Everyone just returning from the drill saw Colonel Hayes push open the door, stumble a few steps, and then crash to his knees on the ground.

His knees slammed onto the gravel, but he seemed immune to the pain.

He just clutched his chest tightly, feeling the oxygen ripped from his lungs, breathing becoming a struggle.

He finally understood what those inexplicable palpitations were.

But it was too late... No.

Adrian looked up. The soldier he had pushed aside stared in shock at the Colonel’s face—it was twisted, inhuman.

But then, Adrian suddenly ripped out a mocking smile. He jumped back into the car and drove off like a madman, crashing through the gears, accompanied by the solemn mourning on the radio.

The soldiers didn't know why the usually stern and cold Colonel was acting so strangely today. Since the afternoon, he had been restless, checking his watch every few minutes.

Was there something important? Unfortunately, the General above assigned an urgent task, so none of them had time to check the time.

And just now, driving away shaking like that... was the Colonel a fan of Ilara Vaughn?

Adrian felt perfectly normal.

This had to be another one of that woman’s childish tricks. Faking suicide? How stupid could she get?

Those radio stations played her songs every day; it would be easy for her to plant fake news.

She probably bribed the people around him to play it specifically for him...

She just wanted him to spend her birthday with her, right? Fine. Tomorrow, the day after, a whole month—he would take leave and stay with her.

Thinking of how annoyed Ilara would be when he exposed her to her face, Adrian let out a scoff.

His mouth smiled, but his eyes were terrifyingly red.

The car sped up.

At the entrance of the Pear Blossom Apartments in downtown Los Angeles.

A crowd packed the main gate, clamoring to get in, but a line of Marines blocked them.

Adrian slammed on the brakes, striding toward the entrance as if the soldiers didn't exist.

The leading officer shouted, “Didn't you hear General Peterson’s order? No one enters today except professionals!”

Adrian pulled out his officer ID. But a dozen rifles were immediately aimed at him.

“Apologies, Colonel Hayes.” The leading officer stood tall, his gaze sharp. “The General said no one enters.”

Adrian looked at him for a moment, then suddenly spoke. “I am Ilara Vaughn’s husband. I can’t enter?”

“Talk is cheap, Colonel Hayes.” The officer’s expression was stern. “Unless you can produce proof, we have to assume you are maliciously damaging Miss Vaughn’s reputation.”

Red-eyed, Adrian threw a punch.

The officer didn't back down and immediately returned the blow. Other soldiers swarmed, surrounding Adrian.

No one in the crowd dared to interfere or sneak in.

Until an ambulance slowly drove out, red and blue lights flashing.

From the crowd, sounds of weeping erupted.

Adrian stared straight at the back of the ambulance. He didn't even notice taking two more punches to the face as several soldiers pinned him to the ground.

The radio in a nearby car played the obituary perfectly: “We mourn with deep sorrow. Ms. Ilara Vaughn passed away at 11:59 PM last night. Relatives currently cannot be contacted...”

In the background music, Ilara sang mournfully: “I melt three feet underground, nourishing a withered soul...”

“Growing dull in eternal sleep...”

Adrian closed his eyes.

A bright red birthday gift box fell from his pocket. The crystal ball inside shattered, and the little girl in the white dress holding flowers rolled onto the ground, covered in dust.

On his pale face, a single dark red tear slowly rolled down.