Chapter 5

With the last remaining time.

I came to my mother's special care ward.

Seeing her frail form in the hospital bed, tears welled up.

My mother looked up at me, immediately sensing something was wrong.

Her voice hoarse as she spoke: "Isn't today your wedding? Claire, why aren't you there?"

Eyes red, I forced back my sobs: "Mom, I don't love him anymore."

My mother's expression changed instantly: "Did Lucian... also cheat?"

I couldn't hold it in anymore. I nodded hard and collapsed by the bedside, crying uncontrollably.

My mother gently patted my back, her voice full of heartache and helplessness: "Good girl, don't cry. Men can't be relied on."

"My daughter is wonderful. You'll never lack people who love you."

But the more gently she comforted me, the more my heart twisted.

The countdown kept ticking in my mind.

I ultimately couldn't tell her I was about to leave her forever.

"Mom, I've already arranged to send you abroad for treatment."

"In a little while, I'll come join you."

My mother immediately grabbed my hand, her eyes full of anxiety: "The hospital transfer and special medication cost a lot of money, don't they?"

"Claire, are you hiding something from me?"

I suppressed the sharp pain in my chest, gently patting the back of her hand: "Mom, just focus on getting better. Don't overthink it. I'll definitely come find you."

The countdown showed only 1 hour remaining.

I went alone to what should have been my wedding venue.

On the grand wedding stage, Nina wore a white wedding dress, nestled against Lucian.

The backdrop that should have displayed photos of Lucian and me had long been replaced with wedding photos of him and Nina.

The guests below saw my disheveled appearance and immediately began gossiping: "Isn't that the daughter of the mistress who jumped from a building back then?"

"I heard she's crazy too. She once tried to stab her own father with a knife."

"Mr. Foster already said she's here today to admit she's the mistress. Like mother, like daughter indeed."

Seeing me, Nina covered her mouth and laughed lightly: "Claire, is that twenty million spending well?"

"I knew you and I are the same—what you've always valued about Lucian is his money."

Lucian's face was cold, his tone full of impatience and contempt: "Claire, am I really worth so little? You sold me out for twenty million?"

"If you obediently be Nina's bridesmaid today, I'll give you two hundred million."

Amid everyone's mockery and disdain, I numbly accepted the bouquet.

Standing behind Nina, silently holding up her long wedding train.

Finally came the wedding vows. Lucian looked at my docile appearance.

His face showed satisfaction as he said quietly: "Claire, you've finally grown sensible and learned how to be Mrs. Foster."

"This wedding is just going through the motions. I promise, the marriage certificate will still have your name."

Nina also turned around, her face full of fake sympathy: "Thank you, Claire, for making this possible for Lucian and me."

"You can go down now. We're about to exchange vows."

At that very moment, I suddenly smiled—smiled through my tears.

"Lucian, I'll give you a wedding you'll never forget."

I pulled out a fruit knife and slashed Nina's face.

Blood instantly gushed out.

Lucian's expression changed drastically. He immediately shielded Nina behind him and shouted: "Security! Grab this crazy woman now!"

But I didn't give him the chance.

The countdown in my mind was about to reach its final second.

I gripped the blood-stained knife.

Without hesitation, I plunged it deep into my own heart.

In the last moment before my vision blurred completely, I clearly saw.

The fury in Lucian's eyes instantly transform into terror.

He lunged toward me like a madman, desperately reaching out.

His voice hoarse and broken: "No! Claire, I never actually meant to hurt you!"

"I just wanted you to stay by my side, I just..."