Stanley wasn't clueless about Elodie's games . But drowning in grief over losing her last time around , he convinced himself I'd killed her . The truth ? Easy to find - if he'd bothered . But he didn't . Too scared to admit he'd come back too . When the call cut off , I tossed and turned all night . Ciel must've noticed , because he pulled me in . " What's wrong ? " I shook my head , just praying tomorrow wouldn't implode . *** +25 Bonus The wedding rolled on like a dream . Even with Ciel's hand in mine , it didn't feel real . He smiled , brushing a kiss against the corner of my lips . " Why so distracted ? " The church doors banged open . " Vivienne ! " Stanley stumbled in , blood seeping through his torn suit . He didn't seem to notice the pain - his eyes were fixed on me . That dazed smile - half awe , half heartbreak - was worse than the wounds . " Vivienne , you look beautiful in a wedding dress . Shame you're not marrying me . But soon ... you'll be mine alone . " Ciel's face iced over . He stepped in front of me , smile sharp . " Mr. Hamilton , crashing the wedding - trying to steal my bride ? " Stanley looked down , pulling something from his sleeve . Bloodshot eyes . Voice shaking . " Ciel Clementine , I've planted twenty pounds of explosives in here . If you don't let go of Vivienne , I'll blow this place in ten minutes - take everyone with us . " Gasps and screams rippled through the guests , but the doors were already locked from the outside . Ciel drew his gun , aiming between Stanley's eyes . " You're not taking her . " *** Before he could pull the trigger , I caught his hand . Gave it a squeeze . "This is between him and me . Let me handle it . " His hand trembled as he lowered the gun . " Vivienne , I- " 1/2 I walked up to Stanley and slapped him hard . He didn't even try to dodge . $ 25 Bonus " This is what I owe you , " he said . " Hit me , kill me I won't fight back . But I can't watch you walk straight into hell , I remember everything now . Elodie's death wasn't on you . I was wrong . I'm sorry ... " He grabbed my arm . " We can start over . It's not too late ! I was given another shot so I could fix things with you ! " I stared at him , nothing but pity in my eyes . " You came back and the first thing you did was ask my dad to marry Elodie . We've made that mistake once . Why repeat it ? " He dropped to his knees , spilling apologies . Said he'd loved me once but kept telling himself Elodie was the one . " I couldn't face that I'd betrayed her ... and then seeing you with her - Vivienne , I couldn't stop hating you . By the time I realized it was you I loved , I'd already pushed you away . " Shaking , he slammed his free hand against the floor over and over . " I'm sorry , Vivienne ... I was wrong . I'm so sorry ! " Support Share