The muzzle of the gun was aimed at her brow, yet her hand trembled slightly. Claire Randall was a woman forged in the fires of adversity, her spirit unyielding, her resolve unbreakable. She had faced the darkest corners of the world, her hands stained with the blood of her enemies, and yet, she was known for her ruthlessness.
But before her stood Edward Cullen, the one man who was the light to her darkness, the beacon that guided her through the storms of her life. "Edward, you know I always mean what I say," she declared, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Edward stared at her with a coldness that chilled her to the bone, his silence a heavy weight between them. The situation had reached an impasse, with onlookers holding their breath, captivated by the mysterious woman who had burst onto the scene.
She exuded an aura of frosty determination, her presence as formidable as it was enchanting. Despite her striking beauty and graceful form, she cast an invisible shadow of intimidation, like one who had been tempered by the ice of a thousand glaciers.
Her loveliness was as perilous as it was captivating, and in her presence, even the bride in her resplendent gown seemed to fade into the background. The bride, Elizabeth Bennet, was not of noble birth but came from a humble background. Yet her union with Edward was blessed by all, their story a cherished tale in Boston.
Five years prior, Edward had been caught in a deadly shootout, managing to escape but severely injured and on the brink of death. It was there that Elizabeth, a mere textile worker, braved the bullets to bring him to safety, thus saving his life. In gratitude for her life-saving act, Edward had relocated her family to the heart of the city and kept Elizabeth by his side.
While the media had speculated about their relationship, it was firmly denied by the Cullen公关部. However, a month ago, Edward had shocked everyone by announcing his intention to marry Elizabeth. The public had been overwhelmingly supportive, and their love story had become a celebrated legend in Boston.
Little did they know that their wedding day would take such a dramatic turn. Everyone was curious about Claires identity and her complex relationship with both Edward and Elizabeth.
After a long while, Edward spoke in a dark, heavy tone, "Then you should also understand that what I dont want to do, no one can force me to."
Without giving Claire a chance to react, several burly men rushed onto the stage at Edwards signal, intending to drag Claire away. With a flash of mockery in her eyes, Claire swiftly holstered her gun. Before they knew it, the men who had been so formidable just moments ago were all lying on the ground, crying out in agony.
These men were not worth wasting her bullets. She stood there, as proud and unshaken as before, as if nothing had happened.
Elizabeth, her face drained of color, instinctively shrank behind Edward. Edward quickly reached out to protect her, treating her like some priceless treasure.
Claire felt a pang in her heart, a pain that was not quite as sharp as the 89 bone nails that had been driven into her body over the years.
Forcing herself not to dwell on that hurtful scene, Claire spoke coldly, "Edward, dont forget, were still married."
"As of now, I am still your legitimate Mrs. Cullen, and if you marry her, youll be committing bigamy."
Her words, spoken indifferently, dropped like a bombshell.
The crowd erupted into a frenzy of speculation and conjecture. Elizabeths face turned pale as she cried out in sorrow and grievance, "Edward, is she your ex-wife? Didnt you say she was dead..."
Her trembling, weak voice was that of a pure and innocent girl who had been terribly deceived.
Edward comforted her gently while glaring at Claire in anger, "Dont push it too far."
Hearing this, Claires heart skipped a beat, and she turned away, "I know you still hate me, but this time I will never leave you again, I..."
"Enough!" Edward bit out through gritted teeth, "Dont think Im afraid to kill you."
Claire was taken aback, took a deep breath, and said coldly, "Then lets see if you dare. As long as Im alive, the position of Mrs. Cullen is mine."
Elizabeth was already crying uncontrollably, and at this moment, she was even more furious and ran out in her wedding dress.
"Elizabeth!" Edward was about to chase after her but was stopped by Claire, who pressed a gun to his back.
Edward turned around, grabbed her hand, and pressed the muzzle of the gun to his left chest, "Claire, Im giving you a chance to shoot."
"If you dont shoot now, and if anything happens to Elizabeth, Ill make sure you wish you were dead."
His words were as cold as ice, causing her heart to ache.
Had their once passionate vows of love been so easily replaced by a new lovers tears?
Claire laughed wildly, her eyes seemingly filled with tears, "Alright, I look forward to it."