The scene suddenly descended into utter chaos, and the guests below the stage lifted their phones, frantically taking pictures.
I was outnumbered and at a disadvantage, but thankfully Adrian Gordon's parents cared about their reputation and hurried up to intervene.
"In-laws! In-laws! This is the children's wedding, so many guests are watching! Stop now!"
"Don't stop me! Today, I'm going to beat this unfilial girl to death! Jinx! Born to curse me!"
Jason Miller was completely enraged by me, his whole face twisted and out of control, even the two elders of the Gordon Family couldn't hold him back.
Suddenly, Shirley Turner shouted, "Stop fighting! Sophie has fainted! Someone! Get someone here fast!"
Jason Miller's movements froze, he turned his head and glanced before shoving me aside, then rushed towards his youngest daughter, "What's going on? Call 911! Call 911 quickly!"
The crowd around me instantly dispersed, all rushing toward the bride who had fainted on the ground.
Adrian Gordon was burning with anxiety, he rushed over and scooped up Sophie Miller, "Sophie, hang in there! You must hold on! I'll take you to the hospital right now!"
I was in a sorry state, my cheeks were covered with dense pain, yet watching them become a complete mess, watching this utterly ruined wedding, I felt incredibly satisfied in my heart!
So this is how exhilarating madness can be!
I was extremely pleased, grabbed the emcee's microphone, and soothed the entire venue with the tone of a host: "I'm sorry, everyone, for letting you witness such a spectacle. The wedding banquet dishes were carefully selected by me, and they are quite good. I wish everyone a delightful meal and a fulfilling life."
After speaking, I left gracefully, not taking a single cloud away with me.
Back in the car, I let out a heavy sigh.
Pulling down the sun visor above my head, I looked at my injuries in the small mirror.
Both cheeks were red, but fortunately, I wasn't disfigured. My hair was also a bit messy, but a quick adjustment with my hand sufficed.
From childhood to adulthood, being hit by Jason Miller was routine.
Especially after he divorced my mom and brought the temptress into the house, during which I was going through a rebellious phase, deliberately opposing them to disgust them. Being hit and punished became the main theme of my daily life.
These few slaps were considered light, previously he used belts, picked up books to slap with, and would kick without warning, which hurt much more than this.
The fact I could grow up resiliently and still be alive today was purely due to my strong fate.
Later, I met Adrian Gordon, he treated me well and allowed me to experience the warmth not found at home. I thought he would be my safe harbor from then on.
But I didn't expect the turmoil he brought me was more intense and cruel than that of the infernal home.
After sitting quietly for a while, my emotions calmed down, and I reached into my pocket for my phone.
Unexpectedly, I felt something soft, and upon taking it out, I frowned slightly.
The handkerchief a kind guest handed me earlier, I'd forgotten to return it.
I found it strange, in this day and age, a grown man actually carries a handkerchief in his pocket when going out, what kind of habit is that?
But the handkerchief was of excellent texture, as someone in high-end tailoring, I instantly recognized how expensive this fabric was.
This fabric is called silk wool, a natural fiber material.
Light and thin as a veil, with a fine and clean surface, it has the elegance of silk along with the texture and luster of cashmere.
A handkerchief made with such attention to materials.
I thought this person must have a good sense of taste as well.
The handkerchief carried a faint scent of forest grass and wood, reminding me of the person's speech tone, which was cool and gentle, just like the impression the handkerchief gave.
A "Carter" was embroidered on one corner of the handkerchief with a double-sided embroidery technique.
I suddenly remembered my pathetic father referring to someone as "Second Master Carter."
In Fallhaven, there's only one person who would be called Second Master Carter.
But that's the illustrious Carter Family!
Moreover, isn't the Carter Family always known for being isolated and aloof, mysterious and low-key, never participating in any social events, and showing up in public?
As for that Second Master Carter, he was only known by name and never seen in person. Outsiders even rumored he suffered from a strange illness that prevented him from meeting people.
Why would he make an appearance at my wedding with Adrian Gordon?
I couldn't make sense of it and wondered if there was a mistake somewhere.
Nevertheless, for someone rarely seen in public to witness such a spectacular show in person makes it a worthwhile visit.
Suddenly, my phone rang, dragging me back from the chaotic thoughts.
Wennie Lane shouted excitedly and angrily over the phone: "Adrian Gordon and Sophie Miller are too disgusting! I was so angry I almost smashed my phone! But thank goodness you didn't back down, you spoke your mind and humiliated those shameless people brilliantly!"
I sighed, leaning back in the seat with one hand on my forehead, "Has it already spread across the internet?"
"What do you think? Such a rare scandal is hard to come by, even soap operas couldn't make this up. The internet users are now divided into two camps, and the debate is in full swing."
"..." I closed my eyes, feeling even more of a headache.
While I genuinely wanted revenge on them, I didn't intend to pull myself into this swampy whirlpool.
If this matter blows up, I won't escape the backlash.
"Lily, are you okay? I saw you got hit." Wennie Lane, after venting her anger, immediately showed concern for me.
I replied faintly, "It's nothing, just a few slaps."
"Your dad is too much! Hitting you in front of so many guests is outrageous! If I had known earlier, I should have gone to at least help you fight back!"
Initially, Wennie was going to be my bridesmaid. The dress was already prepared.
But because of this incident, I didn't let Wennie attend today, nor did I let my grandma and aunt come.
"Jason Miller is not my dad, I've severed my relationship with him." I said coolly.
"Good riddance! A father worse than an animal, calling him that only shortens your life."
"Hmm..." I responded blandly, still thinking about how to quell the online storm.
I didn't want this matter to affect the company and my career.
Hearing my lackluster tone, Wennie Lane worriedly asked, "How are you? Where are you? I'll come to keep you company."
"Don't worry, I'm fine, I won't waste energy on these scumbags—I'm just thinking about how to calm the public opinion storm."
Understanding me well, Wennie Lane sighed and said, "True, online violence is terrifying nowadays, those trolls don't consider right from wrong when they start cursing."
We pondered for a moment, then Wennie Lane consoled, "Don't worry, I know someone in public relations who can help you figure out how to deal with it."
"Okay."
The call hadn't ended yet when my phone rang again.
"Wennie, I'll hang up first, Rachel Boone is calling."
"Hmm, she's probably calling to console you too."
After hanging up on Wennie Lane, I answered Rachel Boone's call, and she also checked in on me and angrily cursed the shameless pair.
Afterward, quite a few other friends who I shared good relationships with called to express their concern.
Exhausted from responding, I simply posted a status update on social media explaining that I was okay, then shut my phone off to enjoy some peace.
After getting home, I tidied up, took a shower, and lay down.
But as soon as my mind calmed, the pain surged back like tidewater.
Tossing and turning restlessly, unable to fall asleep, I had no choice but to reach for the sleeping pills in my bedside drawer and swallowed two to aid sleep.
I've suffered from depression since adolescence, but fortunately, with years of therapy, it's mostly under control, only occasionally causing insomnia during times of stress and anxiety, hence why I keep sleeping pills at home.
After taking the medication, I fell into a deep sleep, completely oblivious to anything happening around me.
Until the middle of the night, when the villa's alarm sounded and the parrot screeched incessantly, I gradually woke.
Realizing someone was knocking at the door, I dragged myself out of disorientation and went downstairs to open the security system.
"Lily! Did you sleep like the dead? Your phone's off, and you're not responding to knocks, don't you know there's almost a life-threatening situation!"