Chapter 9 A gentle spring breeze blew as he reached out to me , just like that first meeting . Only this time , I wasn't the pitiful orphan girl , and he wasn't the boy who saved me . Alexander's eyes were bloodshot . " Victoria , come with me , let's go home ... " He already knew my sight was restored , my limp healed . I shook my head at his outstretched hand , my veil fluttering in the wind . " Alexander , I owe you nothing . " With that , I turned to leave . The sickening sound of a blade piercing flesh echoed behind me . I whirled around , stunned to see Alexander plunging a knife into his own eye . Then , gritting through the pain , he slashed viciously at his ankle . Amidst the crimson tide , his broken voice cried out . " Victoria ... I've felt all the pain you endured ... " " Now ... will you forgive me ? Please ... don't leave me ... " Kneeling on the ground , he was no longer the commanding head of the Hartwell family . We stood frozen in the wind . Until James's strong arm wrapped around my waist . He kissed my cheek , asking softly . " Darling , who is this ? " I quickly explained . " This is Alexander ... the brother who raised me ... " James chuckled lightly , signaling for someone to tend Alexander's wounds . 0.0 % 07:51 288 iVouchers Chapter 9 But Alexander staggered backward , laughing bitterly . " Brother ? Victoria ... you call me brother ? " What else should I call him ? I held his gaze . The wedding ceremony began ; the Grant estate was no place for Alexander's theatrics . He couldn't stop it . James and I exchanged vows flawlessly . From the dual " I do " s to the ring exchange , Alexander witnessed it all from the shadows . One eye blinded , his ankle a mangled ruin - he seemed broken . Just as James and I leaned in for our first kiss , Alexander lunged forward desperately . Guards tensed , but he spoke . " Can't the bride's brother offer a few words ? " James glanced at me , silently seeking permission . I nodded . Alexander smiled , stepping onto the dais , his voice thick with emotion . " Victoria , first ... congratulations on your marriage . " 288 Vouchers " Truth is ... being your brother , protected by you all these years - I was lucky . And I regret ... regret not being there when you needed me most . I'm sorry ... " " I believe ... no one else has ever cared for me like you did . " " So ... if I'm gone someday , the Hartwell legacy is yours . Consider it ... your dowry from your brother ... " His words sounded like a farewell , yet my heart remained still . After the reception , while seeing off guests under the moonlit portico , I spotted Alexander collapsed beneath a distant streetlamp . I summoned a butler , sending him a single piece of candy . Turning away , I caught him staring at the sweet in his palm , sobbing uncontrollably . " Victoria ... you truly won't forgive me ... " Yes . " Since we're settled , no need for entanglements . From now on , I have someone more worthy to love . James rushed over , swept me up in her arms , and carried me off . " Honey , I got my driver's license ! Come on , hubby's taking you on our honeymoon ! " I smiled and nodded . " Okay . " [ The End ] 2 07:51 288 iVouchers