A Lifetime Sealed by a False Oath

On the day of the performance, Chandler held my hand tightly the whole time.

It wasn't until the musical began that I realized it was the same musical we'd watched seven years ago. The familiar storyline and songs pulled me back to the night he proposed, when I'd thought I was simply there to watch a show.

At the finale, the theater suddenly went dark before a single spotlight illuminated him standing there in a suit, holding a bouquet of roses.

Amid the actors' soaring voices and a shower of rose petals, I tearfully said yes.

Seven years had passed since that night, and the man beside me was no longer the same person I used to know. Once again, tears started streaming down my face.

Chandler noticed I was crying and gently wiped my tears with a tissue. "Why are you getting emotional over a musical? You're still as sentimental as ever, my love."

I didn't respond.

Just then, a familiar figure appeared beside us. It was Heather, dressed in a striking red dress, as she casually slid into the seat next to Chandler.

"What are you doing here?" Chandler frowned. Though his voice sounded sharp, his eyes remained fixed on her.

"I just wanted to apologize," she said softly, putting on a pitiful act. "I shouldn't have flirted with that doctor at the hospital. Let's not stay mad at each other, and forgive me, alright?"

I could feel the tension around Chandler ease visibly. That was when it struck me—his fight with Heather was the reason he'd let me out of the basement early and brought me here. Everything was just an act to make her jealous.

I almost laughed out loud, feeling utterly absurd. What did they take me for? A tool for their games?

The theater lights dimmed as the musical reached a climactic scene. In the darkness, I gripped the armrests tightly, listening to the hushed whispers and rustling sounds of fabric coming from the two beside me.

They probably thought the musical's volume was loud enough to drown it out, but I heard everything.

Suddenly, a sharp, metallic snap echoed through the theater. Someone screamed, "Watch out above!"

I looked up toward the ceiling. In the deep shadows, I could make out a massive crystal chandelier swaying precariously. And before I could react, it came crashing down on us.

The sound of shattering glass filled the theater. An excruciating pain shot through my body as something like a giant boulder heavily pinned me down.

Just before darkness swallowed my consciousness, I saw Chandler throw himself over Heather and shield her with his body.