Chapter 30
The next day, Damian kept his distance from us, staying with the others but glancing over occasionally. It was clear whom his gaze was fixed on.
The journey went smoothly, and we arrived at St. Joseph’s Church.
The church’s main hall was spacious, a grand altar at the front where a figure of Jesus looked out compassionately over the congregation. I sat on the pew, remembering that sincerity in prayer is important. I clasped my hands together and whispered in my heart:
“May the next life be peaceful and safe.”
Standing beside the altar was an elderly woman with her hair neatly pinned up. She had a serene and wise presence, and her calm, reassuring tone had an almost mystical effect:
“Dear, in your next life, you will find peace.”
I pressed my lips together and smiled, replying, “Thank you.”
After stepping outside, Stella caught up with me and handed me a small charm.
“I got this for you, hoping it will help you stay safe and well.”
Hearing her, I carefully placed the charm into my bag and promised, “I will make sure your wish comes true.”
None of us expected that moment to arrive so quickly.
Calista and Damian also emerged from the church. They had come to seek blessings for their relationship, but Calista’s expression was less than pleasant, and she didn’t say much more.
On our way back, it suddenly started to rain. The weather in this season can be so unpredictable like that-the rain comes without warning, and none of us had an umbrella.
Initially, we thought the rain was light enough to manage with hats and by walking quickly. But soon, the rain grew heavier, with no
shelter in sight. Damian, concerned for Calista, stayed close to her.
The rain poured down, obscuring our vision.
I walked carefully, but to my dismay, I still slipped and fell toward the muddy ground.
Damian’s pupils widened in shock, and he seemed to flash back to a similar scene. Instinctively, he lunged toward me.
The fall didn’t look too severe-there was just mud below. I closed my eyes, bracing for the impact.
Instead, I landed on top of Damian. I opened my eyes to see him murmuring, “Anna…” before The lost consciousness.
No one knew the turmoil I felt inside. Had he remembered something?
Damian woke up in the hospital, his head throbbing. He remembered the earthquake three years ago and Arianna but still couldn’t recall their relationship.
Calista was by his side and quickly asked, “Kia, how are you?”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
The doctor had said his fainting was due to extreme heart palpitations. Calista, anxious and fearful that he might recall me, tried to hide her concern.
“I’m fine, just a headache,” Damian said.
Seeing his calm demeanor, Calista sighed in relief. “That’s normal; you probably hit your head. Rest for a few days, and I’ll call the doctor.”
She left the room.
Damian pressed his temples and tried to push the memories away.
I arrived at the hospital and saw Calista sitting outside the room. I took a seat beside her and asked, “Has he woken up?”
“He’s awake but fell back to sleep. It’s better if you don’t go in,” Calista replied.
I understood her concern, smiled, and said, “Alright, then I’ll leave the fruit with you and head back.”
Calista’s voice was soft and tinged with guilt. “I’m sorry, I…”
Before leaving, I told her, “I’ll come by for your wedding in a few days, and then I’ll be on my way.”
“Okay.”
As the fine rain fell again, I walked down the street under my umbrella, passing by the bridal shop. The beautiful wedding dresses were displayed in the window.
I had visited this shop before with Damian. He had mentioned wanting to have our wedding here, and I had liked the dresses here.
I wished, so much, to be married to him in one of those gowns.
The fifteenth arrived swiftly. I woke up early and applied a light makeup.
Stella found a white dress and asked, “How about this one?”
I took a look and saw it was one Damian had bought for me, barely worn.
I put on the dress, but it didn’t fit as well as before I had lost quite a bit of weight, and the waist was a bit loose. However, it still suited me.
The wedding venue was outdoors, beautifully decorated with a warm ambiance. Many of the arrangements were things Damian had planned. It resembled the outdoor garden wedding we had once envisioned.
In countless dreams, I had imagined marrying him in such a setting, but today, my groom would not be mine.