The Wedding That Never Was Chapter 5

That accident pushed me into the eye of the storm.

Inside the hospital ward, Jessica had just finished her tenth call with reporters. Her voice swung between furious shouting and flattering appeasement.

I flipped through the newspapers and magazines on the bedside table.

[Diva Falls from Stage After Ten Years: Suspected Heartbreak!]

[Hidden Truth Behind Ilara Vaughn’s 10th Anniversary Concert Accident? Live Audience Reveals All!]

Fortunately, the stage wasn’t too high, and I only suffered minor injuries from the fall.

Looking at Jessica’s grave face, I felt apologetic.

“I’m sorry, Jessica. This is all my mistake... deduct all the financial losses from my account.”

Jessica sighed and waved her hand. “None of that matters.”

“What matters is, you can’t stop taking your meds again.”

She didn't mention the phone call I made at the concert.

I also knew that after I was sent to the hospital, Jessica had contacted Adrian.

But his lieutenant answered, saying he was on a mission and couldn't pick up.

For such a huge incident, Adrian didn't even offer a single word of concern.

I stared at my phone, looking at the empty call log and messages, my heart full of disappointment.

Jessica looked at me and seemed to sigh again.

The incident didn't die down until two months later.

I recuperated in the hospital for two months. My injuries hadn't fully healed yet.

But the charity performance I promised earlier couldn't be delayed any longer, so I forced myself to be discharged.

Of course, there was another reason... I wanted to see Adrian.

As for why he didn't call when I was injured, or why he didn't trust me before—I didn't want to dwell on those questions anymore.

I just wanted to see Adrian. I wanted to see him, to hear his voice.

That was all.

The next day, I arrived at the San Diego Naval Base.

The ones responsible for receiving me were Adrian and another Marine Corps officer.

I looked at Adrian and whispered, “Adrian.”

Adrian’s eyes darkened, his tone distant. “Miss Vaughn.”

I froze instantly, bitterness spreading from my heart to the root of my tongue.

I wanted to speak again, but the man beside Adrian spoke up. “Miss Vaughn, Colonel Hayes isn't much of a talker. If you need anything, just find me.”

“I’m Leo Vance.”

I snapped back to reality and politely extended my hand. “Hello, Major Vance.”

On the other side, Sarah Jenkins walked over cheerfully. “Colonel Hayes, so you’re here! I’ve been looking for you for ages!”

Seeing her, my heart trembled.

Adrian looked accustomed to it.

Sarah looked at me again, smiling like the sun. “Hello, Miss Vaughn! I absolutely love your songs. I finally get to meet you in person!”

Her cheerful demeanor reminded me of my younger self.

Just then, Adrian raised his hand and lightly flicked Sarah’s forehead. “Don’t be naughty.”

This scene stunned me completely.

Such an intimate gesture... was their relationship already this close?

Sarah called Adrian away under the pretense of needing help moving supplies.

The two left side by side.

I watched their backs, bitterness surging inside me.

Beside me, Leo suddenly snapped his fingers in front of my face. “Hey, stop looking. No one can disturb those two.”

I withdrew my gaze in panic. “What do you mean?”

Leo smiled. “Just wanted to remind you, Miss Vaughn. Don’t hang yourself on one tree.”

“There are plenty of good men. Don’t waste your feelings on an engaged man.”

Engaged?

In an instant, I felt like I had fallen into an ice cellar. My throat felt blocked, unable to speak.

I clenched my palm. “I don’t understand what you’re trying to say...”

Leo pointed at Sarah. “Look at her right hand.”

I looked in the direction he pointed, and saw it on Sarah’s right ring finger—

A simple silver ring sparkling in the sunlight.