Chapter 5

Lily's world shattered as she stood before her father's lifeless body. The warehouse's dim lighting couldn't hide the brutality of his murder. Her knees buckled, but Dimitri's swift catch prevented her fall. He swept her into his arms, holding her tight as she dissolved into uncontrollable sobs.

"Daddy!" she wailed, her voice echoing off the warehouse walls. Dimitri's chest absorbed her tears, his warmth a fleeting comfort. He stroked her hair, murmuring softly. "It's okay, Lily. I've got you." But it wasn't okay. Her father was gone.

As the reality sunk in, Lily's cries intensified. Dimitri's grip tightened, a lifeline in her turmoil. She clung to him, her fists twisting his shirt. Time lost meaning as Lily mourned. Dimitri's steady heartbeat comforted her, but the anguish threatened to consume her.

Eventually, Dimitri gently lowered her to the floor, sitting beside her. Lily wrapped her arms around her knees, rocking back and forth. Tears streamed down her face, her body shaking. Dimitri's hand remained on her back, offering what little comfort he could.

"How... how did you find him?" Lily stammered between sobs. Dimitri's expression turned grim. "One of my men received a tip. We tracked the location to this warehouse." Lily's gaze locked onto her father's body.

"Why... why would they do this?" she whispered. Dimitri's jaw clenched. "We'll find out, Lily. I promise." His words offered little solace, but Lily clung to them.

As she wailed, her wedding gown tangled around her, a cruel reminder of the joy that had been shattered. Dimitri's eyes never left hers, his expression softening.

"Lily, I'm so sorry," he whispered. "I should have protected him." Lily's sobs intensified.

"No... no, it's not your fault," she managed between gasps. "You saved me." Dimitri's face twisted in anguish.

"I should have done more," he muttered. "I’m sorry this happened." Dimitri’s hand reached out.

"You didn't fail me, Dimitri," she whispered. "You're really my knight in shining armor huhhh? Only that your shot isn’t shining right now." She chuckled, Her eyes flashed with pain.

"I'll take care of you, Lily," he vowed. "Always."

But Lily's heart was breaking even harder.

She thought of her father's smile, his laughter, now forever silenced. The pain ravaged her, leaving her breathless.

As the minutes ticked by, Lily's tears began to dry, replaced by numbness, while Dimitri's hand remained on her back.

"Lily, talk to me," Dimitri coaxed. "What are you thinking?"

Lily's gaze drifted.

"I keep thinking... this is a nightmare," she whispered. "That I'll wake up, and Dad will be there."

"I wish that were true," he said. "I promise to help you get through this."

Lily nodded.

But the reality was crushing her. Her father, her rock, was gone.

Suddenly, Lily's vision blurred. Her chest constricted.

"Dimitri..." she gasped.

His eyes widened.

"Lily?”

Everything began to spin. The day had taken a horrible twist and her mind was finding a hard time processing it.

Gabriel burst into the warehouse, his face grim. "Boss Dimitri, we have a problem," he announced, his voice urgent. The FBI are closing in. They've connected the dots to your...family." Dimitri's grip on Lily tightened.

Lily's ears rang. The FBI? What did they want now? Suddenly, a spark ignited within her. She stood, sweating in places she had never sweat before. Was this what her life would eventually turn into? A bloody circus?

"No," she declared, her voice shaking. "I won't do it."

Dimitri's eyes narrowed. "Won't do what, Lily?"

"I won't marry you any longer," she spat, tears streaming down. "The deal's off. My father's dead."

Dimitri's face suddenly turned cold, his voice dripping ice. He couldn’t help but wonder what the hell was wrong with this young woman.

"You think your father's death nullifies our agreement?" he asked. "Think again, Lily."

Lily's defiance faltered, her legs trembling as she weighed his words.

"What about your mother's hospital bills?" Dimitri's words cut deep. "Who'll pay them now?"

And for the umpteenth time that day Lily’s reasoning crumbled. Her mother's health, her own safety...

"You have no option, Lily," Dimitri's voice hardened. "Stay with me, or I leave you to the wolves."

Lily's cries intensified. She felt trapped, suffocating.

"You're cruel," she sobbed painfully but Dimitri's expression didn't waver. "I'm practical," he corrected. "And you need me."

Lily's world shattered further. Her father's death, her mother's illness, and now her life was in massive danger. The man she just got married to might end up being her worse nightmare... The weight crushed her.

As the reality sunk in, Lily's vision blurred. Her chest constricted, making breathing difficult. Dimitri's concern etched on his face.

“I.. I can’t do this. I want to go home.” She managed to voice out, staggering away from Dimitri.

"Lily, no!" he shouted, catching her. "No not now please!" But Lily's body began to shut down.

Pain shot through her left arm, radiating to her chest. Her heart raced, pounding against her ribs. Dimitri's voice faded into the distance.

Had she even eaten anything today? He wondered to himself.

"Lily,?! What the hell is really wrong with my wife!.” he yelled, panic creeping in. But Lily's world went dark.

Dimitri scooped her up, sprinting out of the warehouse. "Gabriel, get the car in here!" he bellowed. "Now!"

As they sped away, sirens wailed in the distance. Lily's limp body rested in Dimitri's arms.

"Hold on, Fuck!" he whispered, his voice trembling.

The hospital ahead seemed like a lifetimes journey, a beacon of hope. Dimitri's prayer echoed in his mind.

How does he explain to anyone that his bride died on their wedding night.