Chapter 147

4, Months Later

Lily smiled and giggled in her sleep, having the most beautiful dream she had ever had in her life. After facing many life challenges, for the first time in years, she was able to enjoy such a peaceful sleep with such a beautiful dream.

She had gone to sleep with so much excitement and joy in her heart that it felt like her heart would burst from the overwhelming happiness.

She was busy enjoying the world of her dreams, rolling around like a child in bed when her sweet slumber was suddenly interrupted.

“Wakey Wakey, it's time to get up, Lily. I know you're living in dreamland right now, but you've got to wake up, because today's your big day!" Sarah said, unable to contain her laughter when she saw Lily frown in her sleep.

Lily slowly opened her eyes and rolled them at Sarah. “Can't you just let me be?”

“I wish I could, but if you don't get up now, you're going to be late for your wedding."

Lily smiled at the reminder that it was her wedding day, but she still felt like sleeping a bit more. “Can't you just let me sleep?" Lily groaned.

“I wish I could, but Alexander would definitely have my head if I don't make sure you're at the church on timne for your wedding."

Lily smiled at the mention of Alexander's name, even giggling as she shook her legs like a child.

Sarah noticed her reaction and remembered seeing Alexander get into a vehicle last night two houses away in the estate when she had stepped outside for some fresh air after putting Anthony Jr. to bed. She was certain he had secretly come to see Lily. He had been told he couldn't see her until their wedding day, as that was tradition, but Alexander clearly couldn't sleep without seeing her.

“You think I don't know he came last night to see you?" Sarah said, and the look on Lily's face confirmed Sarah's suspicion.

“Didn't they say it's bad luck?" Sarah asked with a smile.

Lily rolled her eyes. “All that'sjust a myth."

Sarah spanked her lightly.

“Ouch!” Lily groaned in pain.

“I know you're getting married again, but couldn't both of you manage to stay apart for two hours?" Sarah scolded, though still smiling.

“Who says we did?”

“You didn't?” Sarah asked in surprise.

"We kissed a lòt and made promises to each other, but we didn't do the real thing because Alexander wanted our wedding night to be special."

“Awww,that's sweet.”

“Yeah,”Lily giggled.

"Alright, it's time to get ready so you won't be late for your wedding!"Sarah said excitedly, and Lily got up, ready for her day.

The whole house was busy, everyone running around the estate trying to get everything prepared for the big day. Little Viola was also making sure her mother's big day was perfect. She was so excited for today.

Alexander, on the other hand, was at a hotel with his friends Ethan,Richard, and Anthony. They were also doing their part to make sure Alexander was ready.

Alexander was the most excited groom ever. He wanted everything to go perfectly. The traditional rites had already been performed a week ago at the Blake ancestry temple, so today was the church wedding. They would sign the court papers there, and later they would hold a grand party.

Lily and Alexander's wedding was the talkof Country A and neighboring countries. Everyone was tuning in to watch the wedding, as it was going to be broadcast live on TV and the internet.

Alexander wanted everyone to witness this momentous day for him and Lily, which is why it would be aired live for all to see.

2 Hours Later

Lily was fully dressed in a stunning masterpiece. Her gown was made from the finest silk satin that shimmered in the light. The silhouette blended classic and modern styles perfectly, an A-line shape that flowed gracefully to the floor, accentuating her slender figure. The sweetheart neckline framed her delicate collarbones, while the off-the-shoulder sleeves,made of intricate French lace, added a touch of romance and sophistication.

Her face was flawlessly made up to match her entire look.

Sarah,who stood close by, was in awe as they finished dressing Lily.

"You look like a goddess," Sarah said.

Lily smiled; she truly did look like a goddess. She was so beautiful that she almost didn't recognize herself. Her face was glowing,and her heart was overflowing with joy. She gazed at her reflection in the mirror and smiled, but then she recalled everything that had led her to this moment.

She had lost her sisters and fought for justice in their deaths. She had entered into a contract marriage with Alexander and then became pregnant with Viola. Eventually, Alexander came to love her, and their bond had grown stronger. She had battled her stepmother and stepsister, and she had won. Then, just when she thought peace had finally come to her life,Ariana-who was thought to be dead-came back to haunt her.

Ariana had done everything possible to see Lily dead. She had tried to take her life twice and had attempted to frame her for murders that happened in a home for the elderly and less privileged. But despite it all.Lily emerged victorious.

The past four months had brought peace and quiet, along with happiness.

She remembered that a week after Alexander asked her to marry him again,she had gone to visit Ariana in prison-not to gloat or show her how she had won, but to pass a message from Ariana's mother, who was still in the hospital at that time, since Ariana wouldn't be able to visit her.

Lily had sat across from Ariana, separated only by a see-through glass.

"Why are you here?” Ariana, looking unkempt, had asked with a frown.

"I came to pass a message from your mother."

Ariana laughed. "Please, spare me the nonsense. We both know you came to remind me how you won in our war.”

“You must think I'm like you, Ariana. I'm not petty. I've already sought

justice, and now I'm at peace. That includes all the families of those you killed in the demolition."

Ariana fell silent for a moment before locking eyes with Lily. “I'm wondering why you didn't kill me like you said you would. Tell me why?”

"That was what I really wanted, but at the last moment, I couldn't let mny desires overshadow my judgment. I had to think about the people you killed and how their families would want justice."

"I see. So, what message did you bring from my mother?"

“Your mother, when she woke up, told me to tell you to seek forgiveness from all those you've wronged and try to find peace."

Ariana frowned. “So she means I should ask for your forgiveness?"

"And the forgiveness of all those you've wronged, including their families,"Lily added.

Ariana smiled. "Is there anything else?”

"She said that when she fully recovers, she will come to see you."

“Tell my mother not to bother. There will be no need. Tell her I love her and wish her a peaceful life without me in it."

Lily didn't understand why she had said that but simply nodded. Her conversation with Ariana only confirmed that she was unrepentant and would never ask for forgiveness.

Lily stood up, ready to leave, and turned to walk away as the prison guard opened the door for her. But then she remembered something.

She turned around and called out to Ariana, who was being escorted back

to her cell by the guard.

Ariana stopped and turned to listen.

“You should have listened to my stepmother when she toId you not to mess with me," Lily said, knowing about the conversation between Bella and Ariana.

She saw the surprised look on Ariana's face.

"Yes,you won. Now you can live in peace with Alexander and your daughter. I will no longer be in the picture. Rest assured that you will never see me again after today." Ariana smiled a sad smile before being taken away.

Lily didn't think much about what she said at the time, but the next day they received a call that Ariana had committed suicide in prison. It was then that Lily understood why Ariana had made that statement.

Did Lily feel sad? No, but she felt pity for Ariana's mother, Carolina, who had fallen unconscious again upon hearing of her daughter's death. What hurt Carolina the most was the fact that her daughter died a sinner.Ariana never repented or showed any remorse for her actions. She didn't regret her actions-only the fact that she had failed in her plans. Unable to stand being in prison, she killed herself because she felt life wasn't worth living anymore.

If anyone was truly angry about her suicide, it was Alexander. He felt that it was the easy way out. Alexander said that if he had tortured Ariana, she would have begged for her life.

Lily sympathizes with Carolina, who still, to this day, apologizes to the victims on her daughter's behalf.

But despite all this, Lily felt at peace. There was noone left who posed a threat to her or her family.

She was the happiest woman today, and today was her big day.