1: Run Away Bride

Alicia looked at her reflection in the mirror and grimaced. That was not the way she had imagined her life would turn out. Growing up, she knew her family would someday make her marry for convenience, but she had always thought she would be strong enough to rebel and run away, to live her life as she saw fit. “You are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen.” Her mother gushed while adjusting her veil. Alicia scoffed. Two years ago, she had heard her mother say the same thing to her elder sister and the one before that. She was the third born among her seven siblings. Three brothers and three sisters.

“I need a moment,” she rasped, wanting time alone to drown in her woes. She already hated her husband-to-be just for agreeing to the arranged marriage, which was ironic, for she did the same without even putting up a fight. After her mother left, Alicia leaned on the dresser with a groan. Her eyes moistened suspiciously.

“Shut up woman!” She heard a familiar voice yell from the next room. Alicia curiously rose and slowly peeked through the slightly opened door. Her elder sister and her husband were on each other's faces. Alicia gasped when her sister's husband shoved his wife, sending her tumbling down. The said sister rose almost immediately and landed a slap on her husband's face. Alicia grinned at the scene playing out. It was like getting a first-row seat in the, games people play, premier. And then a thought occurred to her. That might be her life if she was lucky enough, not to get a completely dominating husband like her father, who regards women as second-class citizens.

One minute she was peeking in at her sister's private life and the next Alicia was yanking the damn veil off her hair and took off. She didn't have the slightest clue where she was going, but she knew she had to escape before it was too late.

******

Theodore glared at his younger brother, wondering why the idiot felt the need to employ the services of hookers, for his upcoming 25th birthday.

“Because at this rate you will die an old virgin.” Xavier articulated slowly like he was talking to a child or really dumb person. Theodore groaned, blushing to his toes.

“Xavier Cavill!” Their mother Hilda scolded her last born, but the mirth in her hazel eyes showed just how much she was enjoying the heated argument between her two sons.

“Dad,” Theodore whined turning to his father pleading for help.

“Stop teasing your brother, there is nothing wrong with being a 25-year-old virgin.” Everyone could see Martin Cavill was fighting back a smile unsuccessfully.

“Ugh, you are all making fun of me.” The family nerd grumbled, playing with his assorted pastry.

“We love you regardless.” Martin declared, smiling at his elder son and the apple of his eye.

“What he said,” Xavier muffled, pointing at his father munching on the chocolate croissant leisurely.

“We want you to enjoy your birthday, baby,” Hilda spoke with a warm smile looking at Theodore. “Forget about your lunatic brother.” She shot Xavier a mock glare, and he responded by winking at her. Before anyone else could speak, Theodore's phone began ringing. He checked the caller's ID, and it was his P.A. “Lyla,”

he called curtly. “No, tell them that won't work for me.” He retorted tightly after listening to her for a while. “I don't care,” he added, wrinkling his face. “Thank you.” He finished hanging up immediately.

“Should I ask?” Xavier murmured, reading into his brother's sudden foul mood.

“Maitans want an extension on their loan,”

“Again?” Xavier asked unimpressed. He works closely with his brother, so he knows of the said company and how much of a help Theodore had been by granting them loans to aid their mergers.

“I might be forced to liquidate their assets,” Theodore said with a deep exhale. “Their mismanagement baffles me.” He shook his head before taking a sip of his blackcurrant tea.

“I trust your decision,” Martin Cavill had stepped down five years ago as the CEO and let Theodore take over with Xavier as his deputy. He has never regretted that decision even once. Theodore had a head for business.

“Of course you trust me,” Theodore gloated. “Who else would you trust? Him?" His mock horror made Xavier snicker beside him. Theodore couldn't hide his smile. When it came to women and social cues, Xavier dominated that area. But regarding the running of businesses, that was all, him. He looked at his watch. It was almost five pm. He had a few hours to kill before the supposed party of his life. He thanked his parents for inviting him to their afternoon tea before excusing himself. Xavier followed shortly after. The two brothers had built their mansions next to each, a thirty minute drive from their parent's estate.

*******

Alicia halted to catch her breath. She was on an unfamiliar street, but there was no mistaking her. Everyone who saw her running, clutching onto her long wedding dress tightly knew there was an unfortunate man left on the altar. She considered hailing a cab, but she didn't have any money on her. She had rushed out hurriedly like a fool with no destination in mind. Luckily, she saw one of her father's hotels across the road and sighed with relief. She crossed the road and marched inside with her head held high, trying to appear as confident as possible. She headed directly to the boutique. Luckily, the sales manager knew her since she had shopped there numerous times, charging it to her father's tab. Of course, the middle-aged man was surprised to see his boss' daughter in her wedding dress on her big day, but he didn't dare comment on it.

She changed to a little sexy red dress, pairing it with black stilettos and a black fur jacket. She grabbed a tote purse on her way out and took a few loose changes from the counter. She had barely made it outside when she saw her security detail frantically looking for her. Fearing they might catch up with her, Alicia joined a group of lovely ladies who said to be waiting for their transportation to an elite party. If only someone had told her…

Almost an hour later, they arrived at a luxurious residence. The way the ladies began powdering their faces, and adjusting their garments, had realization dawning on the naive Alicia. She had shared a limo with hookers. Her stomach churned when the car door opened and the man she assumed was their pimp began barking orders. All the breath whooshed out of her body when the said man chose her and a few others for the VVIP section.