Of course, Helena was familiar with churches—she and Rafael had discussed countless times how they would decorate their wedding venue.
She stared blankly at the ceiling. She felt like she was drowning in pain, yet not a single tear would fall.
“They look so happy... I wonder how they’ll choose the lucky guests. If only I could be there in person.”
The nurse, oblivious to her thoughts, sighed wistfully before realizing she was awake. Her tone instantly turned cheerful.
“Oh! You’re finally awake? Thank goodness the wounds weren’t fatal. You’ve been out for two days.”
Noticing someone entering, the nurse added with a smile, “Your friend is here. Call us if you feel unwell.”
Maeve rushed in, gripping Helena’s hand tightly, her eyes brimming with emotion.
“You’re finally awake! You have no idea how scared I was when I got that call.”
Seeing her still staring dazedly at the television, Maeve huffed in frustration.
“Why are you still paying attention to that scumbag? You almost died! I used to think you shouldn’t let Kaylee off so easily, but now I see that trash like them truly belong together!”
“Maeve.” Helena suddenly spoke, her voice was calm. “Can I stay at your place for a while?”
Despite her composed expression, something about her request made Maeve’s heart ache.
Inhaling sharply, she lowered her voice. “Do you want me to help you pack?”
Helena shook her head. She only asked her to inform the housekeeper before leaving the hospital against the nurses’ advice.
—
Back at the villa, Rafael froze at the sight of Helena before his expression darkened.
“Where have you been these past few days? You ignored my calls, didn’t reply to my messages—what the hell are you trying to pull?”
Just as he was about to press further, Kaylee quickly interjected.
“Sis, we were really worried about you! And our wedding is coming up—I’d love for you to be my bridesmaid.”
At the mention of the wedding, Rafael pulled out an invitation and tossed it at her, his eyes filled with undisguised disgust.
“Our wedding is next week. Kaylee is kind enough to invite you, so don’t try anything stupid.”
Helena didn’t respond. Instead, she bent down and picked up the invitation.
[Groom: Rafael Suarez. Bride: Kaylee Perkins.]
She stared at the words for a long time, as if only now comprehending their meaning. Her face turned pale as she nodded.
The next second, a hand gripped her bandaged wrist tightly.
Rafael’s expression was grim, his voice carrying an edge of panic.
“What happened to you? Where have you been?”
The pain made Helena break into a cold sweat. She yanked her wrist free and replied, “You’re getting married. It’s time for me to move out. I wish you both happiness.”
She paused, then added, “And if you really feel bad for me, just give me some money.”
Her words seemed to strike a nerve in Rafael. Without warning, his palm struck her face with brutal force, his eyes burning with rage.
“Money, money, money—is that all you care about? You disgust me, Helena! Get out of my sight!”
Without hesitation, Helena silently packed her belongings.
'Rafael—since there’s no turning back, then let’s just keep hating each other.'
—
Three days before the wedding, the lucky guests were selected while Helena received the final copy of her funeral portrait.
Two days before the wedding, Rafael hosted a bachelor party for Kaylee while Helena finalized the arrangements for her burial plot and coffin.
One day before the wedding, the internet was flooded with pre-wedding coverage. On the other hand, Helena finished handling her affairs and took a quiet walk down the street in front of her old university.
She and Rafael used to love coming here for noodles when they were dating. Years had passed, yet the place remained lively, filled with students.
A young couple entered, chatting and laughing. Their voices were familiar.
“Boss, two bowls of beef noodles—one without cilantro.”
“Got it! Have a seat while I prepare it.”
For a moment, she saw her past self.
Back then, she used to drag Rafael here all the time. If the owner was busy and forgot her preference, adding cilantro to her bowl, she would grumble about it but never asked him to redo it.
Rafael would always chuckle, ruffle her hair, and say, "Our Helena is so kind." Then, with endless patience, he would pick out the cilantro one by one.
No matter how small the detail, he had never once found her troublesome.
