99 Bloody Lashes And A Bullet To His Hear

South Bay, Hilton Hotel

Ariana sat in the bridal suite, gazing at her resplendent reflection in the mirror, still feeling a sense of unreality.

She had expected to marry a man in a vegetative state, resigned to a lifetime as a caretaker. Yet fate had played an unexpected twist-

On her very first day at the Sinclair estate, Christopher had awakened.

At the time, she had simply been standing beside his bed, looking down at the man who had lain dormant for years. His features were striking, with eyelashes casting shadows across his pale face, peaceful as a portrait.

She had sighed, thinking that if he weren't confined to this unconscious state, he would likely be quite a remarkable

man.

But in the next moment, Christopher's fingers moved.

She retreated a step in shock, watching as his eyes slowly opened, dark irises focusing directly on her.

In that moment of eye contact, she was so startled her voice trembled: "D-doctor! He's awake!"

Everything that followed seemed to happen in fast-forward.

The Sinclair household erupted in joyful chaos, doctors rushing in to conduct examinations while she stood frozen in the corner, watching as the man who should have remained comatose gradually regained awareness.

The mansion descended into beautiful pandemonium-medical staff, servants, and Sinclair family elders all converging at once.

After confirming Christopher's miraculous recovery, Christopher's mother Elena Sinclair fell to her knees, clasping Ariana's hands with tears streaming down her face: "Ariana, you're our family's blessing!"

Later, Christopher requested to see her. She entered his room expecting to discuss the cancellation of their arrangement.

After all, the Reeves family had always been reaching above their station in connecting with the Sinclairs. Now that he was awake, surely the marriage would be called off.

Before she could speak, however, he asked: "Do you know why the Sinclair family agreed to this marriage, Miss

Lawrence?"

She shook her head, puzzled by his use of her mother's maiden name.

"We didn't agree with the Reeves family," Christopher's voice was soft but distinct. "We made the promise to the Lawrences."

CHAEL 19

The Lawrences-her mother's family,

"Your mother and mine were best friends,” he explained, watching her trembling eyelashes. "They made a pact that if they had children, they would unite our families through marriage,"

Ariana's throat tightened with emotion.

"After your mother passed away, when your life in the Reeves household became... difficult," Christopher slowly sat up, "the Lawrences wanted to bring you into their home, but your father refused to release you. When he finally proposed this marriage alliance, the Lawrences saw it as an opportunity to free you from that household. So you see, Miss Reeves, whether I remained in a coma or regained consciousness, I would never have married your half-sister-only you."

"I've been asleep too long and need time to readjust to the business world," Christopher suddenly smiled. "But I promise you, I'm quite capable. I will protect you for the rest of your life, as will the entire Sinclair family. From today forward, spend whatever you wish, do whatever makes you happy,"

He paused, his voice softening: "We may not have feelings for each other yet, but we can build something after marriage, taking it slowly. Would you be willing... to try?"

In that moment, Ariana found herself nodding without fully understanding why.

"Click."

The dressing room door opened, interrupting her reminiscence.

Ariana returned to the present, discovering Christopher standing behind her.

He cut an impressive figure in his perfectly tailored black tuxedo, the broad- shouldered, narrow-waisted silhouette filling out the formal wear impeccably.

He bent to place a kiss on the nape of her neck, his warm breath sending shivers across her skin.

"So shy," he chuckled softly. "What will you do tonight?"

"Who-who's shy?" Her ears burned crimson. "I was just lost in thought! I'm perfectly experienced, I'll have you know!"

"Oh?" Christopher raised an eyebrow, his tone as intimate as if they'd been in love

for years. "So my Ari is quite the expert, then?"

Ariana's heart skipped a beat.

What happened to the "marriage first, love later" arrangement? Why was he acting like they were already deeply in

love?

"Why are you here? Isn't the ceremony still a while away?" she attempted to change the subject.

"I was worried you might be nervous," Christopher took her hand, interlacing their fingers. “So we'll enter together-I'll hold your hand the entire time."

His palm was warm and dry, oddly comforting in a way she hadn't expected.

As they stood waiting outside the ballroom, Ariana felt a strange sense of déjà vu.

She had imagined her wedding countless times-wearing a pristine white gown, walking down the aisle on her father's arm toward... Dominic.

A sharp pain lanced through her heart. She took a deep breath, forcibly erasing that name from her thoughts.

"Ready?" Christopher asked softly.

Ariana nodded, returning his smile.

The wedding march began as the doors slowly opened.

Hundreds of eyes turned toward them, and Ariana instinctively tightened her grip

on Christopher's hand.noveldrama

"Don't be afraid," he whispered in her ear. "I'm right here."

Whispers followed them down the aisle:

"What a perfect match..."

"Mrs. Sinclair is stunning-they say she was the one who woke him from his coma..."

"The Sinclairs have found themselves a lucky charm..."

From the moment she'd arrived in South Bay, the entire Sinclair family had treated her with exceptional kindness. There had been no condescension, no malice, not even a single unkind word.

Now, even the wedding guests seemed to be celebrating her, with no one mentioning the Reeves family at all.

Christopher had clearly arranged everything meticulously.

A warmth spread through her chest at the realization.

When they reached the exchange of rings, the officiant smiled as he asked: "Christopher Sinclair, do you take Ariana Reeves to be your lawfully wedded wife,

in sickness and in health..."

"I do," Christopher answered without hesitation.

"Ariana Reeves, do you take..."

"She does NOT!"

The ballroom doors crashed open, revealing a tall figure silhouetted against the

bright light behind him!

Ariana froze, slowly turning around.

Dominic stood in the doorway, his suit disheveled, strands of hair damp with

sweat against his forehead

His chest heaved as if he'd run all the way there.

"Ari...” his voice was hoarse beyond recognition. "Don't marry him."