CHAPTER 1: RUN AWAY BRIDE

NATASHA

"This is crazy, Nat," my sister confronted me when I told her about my plan, causing her to momentarily freak out.

Tossing the bouquet on the table, I couldn't help but agree. "I know," I replied.

I didn't want to stress her out, especially considering her delicate pregnancy. It wasn't healthy, and I felt guilty for adding to her worries.

"If they find out about this, you're dead," she exclaimed. "And if they knew that I'm tolerating you and your plan, I'm dead."

Placing her palm over her chest, she looked at me as if I had committed an unforgivable act.

Taking a long, deep breath, I faced my sister. "Mom and Dad know that we had a fight the other day. Just tell them you haven't spoken to me since then."

She looked at me with bored eyes, as if I had become a demon sitting on her shoulder, asking her to lie. But deep down, I knew she wouldn't let me down.

"If it slipped your mind, let me remind you that we're both terrible liars," she retorted, and she had a point.

"Please, Laura. Do it for me," I begged. "I don't want to marry a stranger. You said it yourself. You heard how bad he is for anyone."

She closed her eyes and held her belly that carried her second child. Pacing back and forth, I knew she wouldn't let me down.

"I shouldn't have told you about that."

"We've heard it from everyone, Laura. Michael Montero isn't reliable. He only agreed to this because of his inheritance."

Cracking my knuckles out of nervousness, I audibly swallowed.

Many people have said it. He changes women like he changes clothes. He sleeps with five women a day. I... I don't want to be with a man like him.

"We don't know that, Nat. Rumors are just rumors. There's a possibility that it's not even true."

"But there's always a chance that it might be true."

"Let's not judge him just yet."

"And regret everything in the end? No, Laura. I would rather marry a poor man than a rich asshole who lives a lavish lifestyle."

"You haven't seen him. We don't know what he looks like, how he talks, or how he treats people. Maybe he's a decent guy?"

Begging with my eyes, I shook my head. "Laura, please, I can't."

"Nat, I..." She held her head and sighed.

"You're the only one I can count on." Almost tearing up, I would have seriously knelt before her if I had to. "Mom and Dad won't listen to me."

"Alright."

Lighting up a candle, I held onto the hope that she was hinting at me.

"The ceremony will start in less than an hour, and the guests are filling up the venue." Walking to the window, she peeked outside. "And I heard from Dad earlier that the groom's family has already arrived."

"Should I hail a cab?"

"No, it'll be too obvious." She shook her head and handed me her keys. "Take my car. It's in the parking lot."

"Okay, what do I do next?"

Laura turned her head to me and said, "I suggest you start by changing your clothes."

Pulling out a pair of jeans and a simple tee, I struggled to take off the heavy gown and change while Laura pondered something.

"Okay, I need you to listen to me."

As I wiped the makeup off my face, I stood in front of her.

"Once you leave..." she trailed off.

"I know what could happen," I foreshadowed. "Out of everyone around me, you're the only one who knows who I truly am."

"Nat..."

"And you know how suffocated I've felt my whole life. I need them to let me go."

Enveloping me in a hug, I closed my eyes and returned it. "I understand you, little sis. I do."

Pulling away, I could see her eyes turning glassy as she stared at me.

"Just promise me that you'll be okay."

Never had I ever defied my parents' orders, and yet the time had come for me to decide for myself.

I stumbled my way to the back of the venue, hiding my face with a baseball cap while keeping my head down.

"Where the hell is Michael?!"

A woman's voice echoed through the hallway, causing me to jump. I knew exactly who owned that voice. It was Mrs. Montero, and her aggressive nature was all too familiar.

Hiding behind a corner, I peeked and saw her dressed in pastel, her distress evident and a frown etched on her face.

"He said he's on his way," the girl by her side replied. "He said he got caught in traffic."

"Could you shed some light on his whereabouts last night?"

"I believe he was... well, in his usual place?"

As they walked past my hiding spot, Mrs. Montero let out a loud groan of frustration.

"He should stop acting like a bachelor. He's getting married for Christ sake!" she exclaimed. "Keep an eye on him, and tell me immediately if you catch him with other women again, got it?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Scoffing, I knew it. That man consistently exhibited unfavorable behavior.

"Glad to know I'm making the right choice," I told myself before blending in with the people filling the venue.

Passing by the open parking space, I let out a sigh of relief as I reached the outside.

Looking back, I just wished that our business would thrive even without me.

I feared that I may never be able to make up for leaving my loved ones behind. Whatever financial issues they had, I was sure they would find another way to fix it.

Just not through me.

"Gah!" I blurted out as I bumped into a wall- a wall in the middle of the pathway?

"Whoa! Watch it," a smoky, baritone voice spoke. "You okay?"

My hands were on his pecs as his hands rested on my hips. Our bodies were pressed against each other, with no gaps in between. I couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between my softness and his hard muscles.

When I lifted my head, I saw a man blessed with perfection.

His disheveled brown hair perfectly complements the shape of his face, accentuating his chiseled jawline, perfectly aligned eyebrows, and tall nose. His captivating dark, yet slightly grayish eyes have the ability to penetrate my soul, and I would gladly welcome him.

He casually dons his suit, but there's an air of confidence and allure about him. To put it bluntly, he looks like he just fucked someone.

When he noticed my stare, he chuckled.

"I'm sorry," I stammered and jumped back.

Hurriedly, I took the other way.

"Hey, miss!" he called.

As soon as I heard him call my name, my body froze. I hesitantly looked over my shoulder and saw him approaching me.

The wind tousled his dark hair, giving him a slightly disheveled appearance.

Raising my pink glittery wallet, he held a charming smile. "I think you dropped this."

"Thanks." Snatching it from his hands, our skin touched, and I felt a tickling sensation that shook my whole body.

Stupid hormones.

"Have we met before?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.

Immediately, I shook my head. "You've mistaken me for someone," I replied before leaving without looking back.

My heart raced, and my mind replayed the image of that man looking into my eyes, smiling at me.

He's incredibly handsome.

"Shut up, Natasha, and just get the hell out of here."

As I beeped Laura's car, ready to get in, my eyes unknowingly landed on the gazebo.

There, my mother stood, disappointment, worry, and sadness etched on her face.

"I'm so sorry, Mom," I whispered before I revved the car and drove away from that place.