Echoes of a Shattered Vow

After hanging up, Lillian limped back to the party.

From a distance, she heard a shout. "Lillian, you're hurt?"

Elton's parents rushed toward her, worry etched on their faces. The commotion caught Elton's attention as he led Jill to entertain the guests.

Lillian glanced down and saw that her leg, grazed in the accident, was bleeding. Her white dress was stained.

Alice Ruiz called for someone to bandage her up, then scolded Elton. "Lillian is badly hurt, and you ignore her to fawn over some nobody? Have you forgotten who your fiancée is? This is ridiculous!"

"Enough, Mom!" Elton snapped, shielding Jill. "I never accepted the arrangement. That's all your wishful thinking."

Though Lillian had heard these words countless times in her past life, they still stung.

The Ruiz and Hogan families were old friends. Elton and Lillian had grown up together.

When she was eight, a camping trip turned tragic when a landslide hit.

Her parents protected the young Elton at the critical moments but died in the process. Their bodies were found by the rescue team.

Elton knelt, vowing to protect Lillian forever.

His family adopted her, and he doted on her like a princess. He'd throw lavish birthday parties for her and spend millions at auctions on jewelry she admired.

His tenderness touched her, and she saw him as her future husband until he saved Jill.

Everything changed after that.

Jill found various ways to stay close to him. Their bond grew from pity to desire.

Elton brought her home, telling his parents that Jill was his true love.

Lillian watched as his affection for her turned to resentment.

Alice and Bruce Ruiz had raised her as their future daughter-in-law, announcing her engagement to Elton on her 18th birthday.

But to Elton, that promise became a chain. He accused her of using her parents' sacrifice to trap him.

Lillian pressed Alice's arm, looking at Elton calmly. "You're right, Elton. I've been the one holding on. I shouldn't force you. Let's call off the engagement and go back to being siblings."

Everyone froze, stunned.

Elton clenched his fists, his brows furrowing. "Is this some kind of game? You think playing hard-to-get will make me ditch Jill for you? You'd better mean what you say."

Alice touched Lillian's forehead, worried. "No fever, so why are you talking nonsense? Don't worry. We will make sure Elton keeps his promise to marry you."

Lillian gave a bitter smile.

They all thought she was joking, but living a second life, she refused to repeat that fate.

"Don't worry about me. I'll talk it out with Elton," she said.

"Alright, you two sort it out. Clear up any misunderstandings," the old couple said, shooting Elton a warning look before leaving.

Elton ignored Lillian, pulling Jill to cut the cake.

Watching them share that tender moment, Lillian took a deep breath and whispered to a waiter. Then she stepped into the control booth.

The room suddenly went dark. Then a giant screen lit up, showing photos of Elton and Jill, along with a love letter Elton hadn't sent.

The crowd was moved by the heartfelt words, and Jill teared up.

Elton had spent a month planning this party, inviting the city's elite.

In his past life, the accident had derailed his plan to confess to Jill. In this one, Lillian made it happen for him.

Elton was stunned until a waiter brought a bouquet of roses. He took it and knelt before Jill.

She covered her mouth. "Gosh! Is this the surprise you planned? You did all this for me?"

He smiled softly, his hand trembling as he wiped her tears. He raised the roses and declared, "Jill, I love you. Will you be my girlfriend?"

Jill nodded excitedly, taking the bouquet. "Yes!"

They embraced and kissed, and the room erupted in applause.

At the control booth, Lillian set down the mouse, watching with a smile that turned to tears.