The moment the cruel words left her tongue , Vionnet's wrist flicked - her blade almost plunging straight into Xanthe's neck . But in that split second , just as disaster struck , a gunshot cracked through the air - the bullet went through Vionnet's head . She was dead . But her eyes remained wide open in disbelief . While she collapsed to the ground , Xanthe stood frozen , her face splattered with blood . Shocked beyond words , she couldn't even scream . The groom rushed to her side , wrapping her tightly in his arms . " Xanthe . Xanthe ," he murmured , " it's over . Don't be afraid . You're safe now . " He had anticipated something might go wrong at the wedding , which was why he had stationed snipers in advance . But snipers needed time to get into position . Trevor had been stalling for exactly that reason . Fortunately , the shot came at the critical moment . Still , the damage had been done - what was supposed to be a grand and joyous wedding of the century ended in a tragedy . Vionnet's intrusion traumatized the bride so badly that she fainted and remained in the hospital for a full week before finally waking up . But when she did , she had lost part of her memory . More precisely , she suffered from selective amnesia . She remembered everyone in her life ... except her ex - husband and her ex - best friend . The doctors said it was likely trauma - induced , a psychological defense mechanism blocking out the most painful memories . " Maybe it's for the best, " her parents thought , forbidding anyone around their daughter from ever mentioning those two names again . Meanwhile, in Springfield , under pressure from the W Industries , BMC Global had officially declared bankruptcy . One by one , business partners pulled out of deals , leaving the BMC Global buried in breach - of - contract penalties . Barrington himself was now facing possible criminal charges . It didn't take long before everything of value in his company had been seized and auctioned off to repay debts . In his empty office , the CEO sat by the floor - to - ceiling window . As he was staring blankly in the direction of Chicago , a strange smile appeared on his face . When the assistant walked in , he saw tears glistening at the corners of his boss's eyes . " President Connolly , " he said quietly , setting a letter at his feet , " here's my resignation . " Everyone else had already left . Only the assistant had stayed with him till the very end . Barrington gave a faint , tired smile . " Go . It's alright . Everyone's gone . You should leave too . " The assistant sighed deeply , then replied with the same respect in his voice . " Thank you for Chapter 24 12:45 pm D everything you've taught me over the years , sir . I wouldn't be who I am today without you . " I was there from the beginning . I saw everything that happened between you and Ma'am Xanthe . Before I leave , I just want to say one last thing . " Ma'am Xanthe truly loved you - once . And now , she truly wants to forget you . " The truth is , you both loved each other . But you were never in love at the same time . " Let the past stay in the past , sir . Life moves forward . I hope one day , you can too . " With that , he turned and walked out , leaving Barrington alone in the vast office that no longer looked like it belonged to a CEO . He sat in silence for a long time , lost in thought . And slowly , the pieces fell into place . The assistant had been right . Barrington and Xanthe had both loved each other - but never in sync . Their timing had always been off . Suddenly , he felt like everyone had seen right through him . Vionnet had known he was a coward , someone who'd never risk his life for Xanthe . Xanthe had known he was unfaithful - always chasing after something else even while holding on to her . Even the company's shareholders had known he wasn't really capable . Much of BMC Global's early success had been because of Xanthe . At last , he understood why he had lost everything . ' A man like me ... How can I ever deserve Xanthe's love ? ' Slowly , he stood up and looked out the window again , smiling faintly in the direction of where his ex belonged now . In Chicago , Xanthe had been discharged from the hospital , though she still suffered from headaches on rainy days . She used to love the ocean . But now , even the sight of seawater filled her with dread , so Trevo no longer dared take her to the beach . After the first wedding was ruined , they quietly arranged a new one - this time , at a hotel . Surrounded by friends and family offering warm congratulations , Xanthe walked slowly down the aisle toward Trevor . The proud heir of the Michelsons knelt before her in front of everyone and asked , almost in tears , " Xanthe Wentworth , are you willing to spend the rest of your life as my wife ? " As she looked at him , she felt a strange sense of déjà vu and a dull ache that stirred in her head . Just as she was about to respond , the doors of the venue were flung open , revealing a few uniformed police officers . " Ma'am , " one of them said gravely , " we've received an urgent call . Your ex - husband Mr. Connolly attempted suicide by jumping from his company building in Springfield . He was resuscitated , but he doesn't have much time . He requests to speak to you - just once - before the end . " The mood in the room dropped instantly . 212 21.0 12:45 pm D Under everyone's expectant gaze , Xanthe frowned . Flashes of disjointed memories began to flicker behind her eyes . She clutched her head , trembling , pounding her fists against her temples as if trying to chase the images away . Trevor's heart ached at the sight . He couldn't help but gently take her hand . " Don't , " he whispered . " If you can't remember , don't force it . " He turned to the officers . " Officers , whatever happened to that man has nothing to do with my bride . Today is our wedding . If you're here to join the celebration , you're welcome . But if it's about anything else , I'll have to ask you to leave . " Gesturing his hand to the security , he ordered , " Somebody show them out please ." Just as the officers were about to be escorted out , Xanthe's body tensed . Her eyes widened - her lost memories came rushing back to her . In her mind echoed his ex's once - sincere words . " Let's build a good life together , Xanthe . " " Wait ! " she called out , getting the officers ' attention . All eyes turned to her - including Trevor , whose palms were now slick with sweat . " Please tell him , " she said slowly , clearly , " that from this life onward , there is nothing between us There's no need for us to meet ever again . " The officers exchanged glances before nodding in unison . " Got it , ma'am . " When Xanthe turned back to her groom , a smile bloomed on her face . " Yes , Trevor Michelson , I'm willing to spend the rest of my life as your wife ." Her face glowed with a sweet smile she never had in years as she promised , " This time , let's never be apart again ." Trevor's lips quivered as he smiled too , tears shimmering at the corners of his eyes as he pulled his wife into a tight embrace . She hugged him back just as tightly , her eyes gazing into the distance as she whispered in her heart . ' Barrington , do you see this ? This is my goodbye . And this is forever . Let's not meet again - ever in another universe .