The Wedding That Never Was Chapter 20

[Ilara’s POV]

In the coffee shop, I put down my cup and saw Jessica walking toward me with a smile.

As soon as she spoke, she choked up. "Jessica..."

When Jessica received my call a few days ago, she was shocked.

Then she covered her mouth and cried, scolding me through her sobs, "You haven't contacted me for two years! Do you even consider me a friend!"

I tried to comfort her but hearing this, I could only apologize.

"I'm sorry, Jessica... I only woke up when I got abroad, and I couldn't make international calls easily..."

Jessica probably guessed as much.

I explained for a long time, and finally, hesitantly, I told her my real reason for returning.

"Jessica... I want to make a comeback."

After we met up, Jessica picked up her still-hot coffee, clinked it gently against my caramel macchiato, and snorted.

"You only remember to contact me when you need to use me. How did I raise such a little ungrateful wolf?"

I knew she was just joking to bring us back to the time when nothing had happened, so I lowered my head cooperatively.

Seeing that I wasn't really repenting, Jessica turned the topic back to business. "Have you thought it through?"

"Let me remind you, there is no precedent in this country for a singer to 'come back from the dead' and take the stage again."

I nodded. I had made up my mind long ago.

Back then, I had hit a dead end mentally, giving up on leukemia treatment. Coupled with the deterioration of my ten-year relationship with Adrian, I felt I had no anchor.

That was why I did the stupid thing of jumping off a building.

But in my heart, the trace of the spotlight on the stage always remained.

Coming back now might attract endless abuse, but I couldn't care less.

I didn't want to make the people who truly cared about me and loved me sad anymore.

Jessica looked at me and probably guessed what I was thinking. She hid her worry behind her coffee cup.

She knew how soft-hearted I was. Otherwise, I wouldn't have put up with Adrian for so long...

Thinking of that man, Jessica felt a wave of disgust.

She remembered Adrian's actions over the past two years and couldn't help but shudder. She quickly asked me, "Um... Adrian. Has he come to find you?"

I was stunned. How did Jessica know?

Thinking of Adrian at the airport, looking haggard like a different person, I felt no ripples in my heart.

The coffee spoon spun in my hand. I looked up with a faint smile. "I ran into him, but I didn't say much to him."

"And I have no intention of getting back together," I added, digging out the shadow named Sarah Jenkins from my hazy memory.

Although Adrian's every move was weird back then, I still insisted on believing that given how strong their love was...

They must have gotten married long ago.

Jessica looked at my indifferent appearance. She should have been relieved.

But now, she hesitated to speak. Finally, she sighed heavily and left me with a warning.

"Adrian has gone crazy now, Ilara. You can't see the shadow of the person he used to be at all."

"If you meet him, stay far away. Otherwise, you will be in danger."

I was actually curious why the people around Adrian called him "Boss."

Hearing Jessica say this, I endured for a while but still asked, "Is he doing some kind of business now?"

What kind of ordinary business would make her so secretive? Jessica had weathered so many storms in this industry; what hadn't she seen?

She sighed again, looking at me with sadness. "Don't ask, Ilara. Just let him completely become a passerby in your life."

Unexpectedly, I didn't even get an answer to this question. My heart felt heavy.

Jessica finished the last sip of her coffee and discussed some details of the comeback with me.

I paid the bill and watched Jessica leave with her bag.

But then I heard a dispute at the door. Jessica's angry voice was particularly clear.

Out of curiosity, I pushed open the door of the coffee shop to check the situation.

And once again, I saw the person I least expected.

Adrian stood there, holding a bouquet of red roses that looked vibrant enough to be drinking blood. His expression was icy.

On the other side, Jessica was being restrained by several men in matching suits, yet she was still cursing Adrian for being fake.

Adrian seemed not to hear, his eyes searching around the coffee shop.

I saw the leader of the men holding Jessica walk up to Adrian and say something respectfully.

Adrian turned his head following the man's words. His gaze caught mine. The corners of his mouth and eyes curved up, blooming into a stunningly beautiful smile.

I felt a chill run through my body, freezing me in place uncontrollably.

Adrian walked slowly, his leather shoes reflecting shadows on the floor tiles. Step by step, he forced me into a corner with no retreat.

Those eyes looking at me held a tenderness that was impossible not to find terrifying.

"Ilara, I'm here to admit my mistakes."

He held up the bouquet of red roses and stopped in front of me.