Chapter 8
Just then, my phone buzzed with a message notification.
The package I sent to Herman was out for delivery.
As the deliveryman moved closer to the banquet hall, my anticipation
grew.
But before that could unfold, Bethany, realizing Herman had only used her as a pawn to lure me out, lost it.
She cried, screamed, and threatened suicide, determined to see the wedding through.
She even started calling herself “Mrs. Donnelly“.
Calvin and his friends promptly dragged Bethany out of the stage.
Herman dropped to one knee before the camera, shouting with deep affection, “Hollie, I know you’re watching me, aren’t you? I know everything the second personality did. I never thought he could be so despicable and hurt you so badly. But my first personality is innocent! I never meant for you to suffer any of it!
“When I was kidnapped on the way to retrieve your wedding dress and nearly got killed, the only thought in my mind was: I have to survive and come back to marry you!
“It was my strong love for you that triggered my second personality in that moment of life and death! The doctor said my second personality was more clever and brave. That was how I managed to escape!”
If I hadn’t already known the truth, I might have believed his nonsense.
After all, when the doctor first told me, I was glad that his second personality was clever and brave enough to survive.
But never did I expect his wit and courage to be used against me,
I grabbed Betty’s hand just as she furiously typed insults in the live chat. “Stop cursing him. I’m afraid you’re just making him enjoy it.
“If he still has any feelings for me, he’s about to be in a world of pain.”
Betty didn’t believe me.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure I believed myself either.
But a betrayed heart always needs some form of closure.
Finally, the deliveryman entered the banquet hall, standing just a few steps away from Herman.
He called out, loud and clear, to the murmuring crowd, “Is Herman Donnelly here? There’s a package for you!”
Herman was still deep in his dramatic confession and had no time for a delivery.
Calvin stepped forward to sign for Herman, but the deliveryman shook his head. “This package is sent to Herman Donnelly by Hollie Vaughn. He must sign it in person.”
Hearing my name, Herman immediately scrambled to his feet, making sure the photographer adjusted the camera angle.
Herman quickly scribbled his signature, his face beaming with joy.
That radiant smile was so familiar. It overlapped with the memory of him. crying tears of happiness when I had said yes to his proposal.
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But I knew he was no longer the man whose world revolved around me.
Our love had long faded into nothingness, buried beneath my own delusions.
Excitedly, Herman turned to the camera and declared, “Hollie! I knew you wouldn’t just disappear! This must be your wedding gift to us, right?
“Everyone, start typing and give us your blessings! I’m about to unveil the surprise!”
The insults from Betty and our friends were instantly drowned out by waves of well–wishes in the chat.
Beaming at the surging viewership, Herman proudly held up the package. “Louder, everyone! More enthusiasm! I want the whole internet to know I love Hollie Vaughn!”
The livestream’s popularity skyrocketed. Curious strangers poured in, showering him with congratulations.
Facing the camera, Herman said with deep affection, “Hollie, do you see this? My love for you is indisputable! Tell me where you are. Once I open this gift, I’ll come find you!”
Then, he unwrapped the package. The first thing he pulled out was a glass jar.
Inside the transparent glass was an unformed mass, eerily unsettling.
Guests in the front row exchanged uneasy glances.
Finally, a gynecologist among them broke the silence. “Isn’t that an undeveloped embryo?”
In the meantime, Herman pulled out a sheet of paper.
He stared at the abortion record, his body trembling uncontrollably.
