Vows and Bullets
Chapter 43: The Wedding (Part 1)

Chapter 43: The Wedding (Part 1)

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[The day of the wedding...]

I never dreamt of getting married, even as a child. It was something I considered the least of my priorities, or better yet—it wasn’t even on the list. But as my eyes peered into the beauty of this island that the wedding planners transformed into something so extravagant... I couldn’t help but think of how enchanting it was.

From the entrance of the private island owned by Eun-Woo’s father, tall arches of flower vines led towards an uphill path where the wedding ceremony would be held. There were light posts also covered in different flowers with the same hue of white, blue, pink, and purple. The fairy light hidden beneath the flowers gave them a magical glow despite the morning’s light. How more beautiful it would be during the night.

That wasn’t all. Every tree, bushes, fountains, furniture, and even the clothes of the staff that could be seen all throughout the island were decorated to compliment the wedding’s motif, which after much deliberation with my mother, turned out to be "Union in the Garden of Stars." Indeed, how the whole island turned into a place so magical. It was as if you got transported to another world. How very romantic—if only this wedding were rooted in love. Unfortunately, it wasn’t—what a waste of money.

"Ms. Ye-Ji, the guests are arriving," one of the maids informed me while I sat on a chair in my room, getting dolled up by my make-up artist and stylist. "Mr. Eun-Woo is waiting for you to welcome them together."

"Yes, I’m coming."

Before the wedding ceremony started, our first task that morning was to greet all the guests that would arrive either via yacht, helicopter, or private jets. To think there were over hundreds of them—composed of all the Elites in Korea and other countries. Truly, how vast their connections were, and this would help immensely in our mission. After all, the main reason for all the recent publicity we had was for the Elites to know us and to build a connection with them—for the sake of getting the leads we needed.

’Oh, what a busy day this would be.’

"Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Lee."

"It’s a pleasure to have you, Mr. and Mrs. Song, and your family."

"What an honor to have you, Mr. and Mrs. Choi, and your family."

"Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Chung."

On and on, we greeted them as they arrived. My mother, Yoon-Ah, and her family also came. After that, our staff ushered them to the villas where they could relax and stay for as long as they liked. Apart from a handful of media personnel allowed, there was heavy security everywhere as well, given all the VVIPs gathered in one place. And, of course, Mythos was part of that security.

Soon enough, lunchtime came, and we ate together while watching entertainment on the stage—dancing, singing, orchestra, and all those stuff rich people enjoy. Mingling started between the guests as a pre-celebration, and everyone just relaxed and enjoyed themselves. Hours passed by once more until it was near dusk—the time we set for the wedding ceremony.

As the appointed time came near, everyone gathered at the highest place on the island where the ceremony would be held. Why did we choose dusk? Well, ask the wedding planners. I just remembered them saying it would look more fantastic if the kiss were done at the perfect time of sunset, given we were near the sea, and the place was the perfect spot for it.

Luxurious but comfortable chairs and mirror tables were set up on either side of the aisle. A long, white carpet with golden patterns lay atop the green grass, separating the two sides, leading up to the priest’s altar. A lovely arch adorned with flowers and drapes accentuated the place. A whole orchestra was seated on either side of the altar, playing the most beautiful melodies. To top it off were carefully placed lighting and water walls designed to illuminate the beauty of the stars once the night comes.

"Haah..." I sighed as I paced back and forth in my room. "Why am I suddenly getting nervous?"

"It’s normal pre-wedding jitters," Yoon-Ah said, who had just come and probably heard my long sigh. "You’re just too excited about everything but, at the same time, overthinking what may happen. I say you relax and simply enjoy the wedding."

I wanted to refute her, but I couldn’t. That wasn’t what I was concerned about, though—it’s more of... my instincts. I’m not sure, but for some reason, something’s telling me that something terrible would happen. It was like those times I went on a mission and felt an ominous presence nearby. My body would automatically be in a defense mode, so focused on every little movement in my surrounding.

’Ughhh... I should stop thinking about this. What could possibly go wrong in a wedding carefully planned such as this? Bad people can try to come, but we’re heavily guarded, so there’s no way they could escape Mythos’ security.’

"Yeah," I nodded in reply. "You’re right. I should just relax."

Deciding to do that, I leaned my back on the couch and closed my eyes to rest for a moment. My mother’s voice was a bit loud, though. She was happily chatting with our assistants and other staff. Meanwhile, I could hear Yoon-Ah’s footsteps getting closer to me. She walks elegantly and lightly that you could barely hear her steps—probably because she’s too thin. Along with that, I could smell her perfume—a cute flowery scent perfect for her personality.

...

...

...

’Wait. What is that smell? Why do I smell another sweet but earthly scent like musk, agarwood, and sandalwood? Normally, that’s a man’s perfume, and for it to attach to her must mean she was rather close to whoever that man was.’

I shot my eyes open when I realized that and glared at Yoon-Ah.

"Who are you flirting with earlier, huh?"

"Huh? Flirting? I wasn’t flirting with anyone. Why would I even—"

But then... as she got nearer, the scent became more apparent and more... familiar!

My eyes shot wide open in my surprise.

"T-This scent... T-this is..."

My heart thumped loudly in my chest. My hands trembled as I jolted up from my chair and grabbed Yoon-Ah by her shoulders. I glared at her, desperate for information. Tears started to swell in my eyes before I even realized it.

"Y-Yoon-Ah’ya... tell me," my voice trembled. "W-who did you meet?"

Yoon-Ah’s expression was as shocked as I was.

"Ye-Ji’ya, I... well, I passed by a couple of people, but which one—"

Noticing the scent came from her shawl, I grabbed it and smelled it again to make absolutely sure.

Alas, I was right. There was no way of mistaking it.

It was the exact same scent I smelled on that rainy night...

And the exact same scent I smelled on that day I swore to avenge my father...

That unique scent that I abhor so much...

THE SCENT OF THAT MOTHERF**KER WHO CAUSED MY FATHER’S DEATH!!!