Let These Star-crossed Lovers Be Together
Hearing the village chief speak up for her, May Parker couldn't help but feel a secret thrill. She was determined: tonight, she would force Lily Evans to settle her engagement to Lucky—right in front of the chief!
May Parker sobbed, covering her face. "Lily, are you trying to drive your own sister to her death? Lucky truly loves me! Please, have a heart and let us be together—just let these star-crossed lovers have a chance!"
Lily Evans glared at May Parker, teeth clenched in fury. "Cut the waterworks! If you want to accuse someone, bring proof—not just your mouth twisting the truth! You waited for Lucky to be gone so you could make a scene and throw dirt on my husband's name. Why not claim the Emperor snuck into your room too, since he’s not here to deny it? You can say whatever you want!"
The village chief hesitated, weighing Lily's words. She did have a point—the accusations against Lucky were just Helen Parker and May's statements, and that bloody handkerchief was barely enough as evidence.
Helen Parker grew frantic and yanked May Parker, who wailed even louder, covering her face and running toward the backyard. "I can't live like this! I'll jump into the well and die at Lucky's house, and when I become a ghost, I'll ask him why he wronged me!"
With that, May bolted a few steps toward the well, ready to throw herself in.
Helen Parker grabbed May, hugging her tight and sobbing, "My poor daughter! Her innocence was ruined by Lucky, and he won't admit it. There's no way out except death! Village Chief, our family cares about reputation—how could we make up such a thing? Lucky really did take advantage of May, and look, the blood's still on this handkerchief! If Lily doesn't agree to this marriage today, we'll die in her well!"
Helen Parker waved the bloody handkerchief as if it were a flag, and the village chief found her argument convincing. A woman's reputation was no joke—no one would make light of such a thing.
The village chief wavered, and Lily Evans turned pale. She knew she couldn't give in and let May Parker marry into her family tonight.
Staring at the bloody handkerchief, Lily Evans suddenly had a flash of inspiration—she remembered something crucial.
"Mom..." Lily Evans shot Wang a meaningful glance. Wang froze for a moment, then instantly caught on—she let out a dramatic "Oh!" and clutched her head, collapsing backward.
"Madam!" Bai Lu reacted quickly and caught Wang just in time. Bai Lu, unaware of the plan, panicked at the sight of the gentle old lady fainting. "Madam's passed out!" she cried, voice trembling.
"Mom, what's wrong?" Lily Evans rushed over and hugged Wang, giving her a subtle wink where no one else could see.
Wang groaned, rolled her eyes, and "fainted" for dramatic effect.
"Madam!" Bai Lu's reaction was so intense her face turned white and tears streamed down. "Mistress, what should we do?!"
"Quick, take my mother to Doctor Wu's!" Lily Evans was just about to lift Wang herself when Bai Lu beat her to it, gritting her teeth, "Mistress, I'm strong and fast—I'll carry Madam to Doctor Wu!"
Bai Lu was even younger and skinnier than Lily, but luckily Wang was frail too, so Bai Lu didn't get crushed under the weight.
Seeing Bai Lu's determination, Lily thought to herself, 'This maid really is loyal.' She followed behind, steadying Wang. "Village Chief, my mother fainted. I need to take her to Doctor Wu!"
"No way! Nobody leaves until we get an answer!" Helen Parker shouted, blocking their path.
"Answer my foot! If someone dies here, are you going to take responsibility? Out of my way!" Suddenly, Uncle Arthur—silent until now—burst onto the scene, kicked Helen Parker aside, and barked, "Lily, get your mother to the doctor! Leave the rest to me."