Chapter 3

Cecelia

The bridal suite was a ghost town, it echoed the absence of laughter and chatter you can find in a typical wedding, the bridesmaids didn’t even bother to come in, and the make-up artist ditched me as soon as they were done with the job. Well, Olivia probably took them away for herself, the way she did my fiancé. I wouldn’t even be surprised if she demanded to cut the wedding cake at this point.

Honestly, It felt lonely as I was anticipating this day to come for months but I doubt it would be better if they came and pretended they care.

  I stood and walked up to the mirror, I stared at my reflection as it stared back at me. My skin was pale, my auburn hair looking more vibrant than usual, usually flowing in my back, was twisted into a beautiful bun, studded with pearls in a variety of sizes carefully decorated in my head, like a crown. My makeup is simple yet pretty. I look more beautiful than I’ve ever been.

 They did a pretty good job. I nodded, it was praise-worthy.

  My dress is made from luxurious silk and paired with gloves that slide up to my elbow. I smirked, the effort they made it looked like they cared, but I was not naive, I was aware they only did it for their image and I already decided I wouldn’t be the victim today, I wouldn't be like the heartbroken fool who they expected to walk down the aisle. I’ll make sure to ruin this day for them just like they ruined mine.

  I paced across the room, biting my fingers. It was almost time but I saw no sign from Luke yet, the tension was growing and my heart was beating so loud it was about to escape my chest. My ringtone echoed in the entirety of the room.

  I ran to my phone and answered it as soon as it rang.

  “Where are you, Luke?” I answered urgently, my hands trembling.

  LUCAS POV

  “Bad news! It seems someone very important is getting married at the same place, all roads are blocked and the security is tight!” I announced. My face was a visible frustration, I glanced at the security standing in front of me but he didn’t waver. He made a wall in front of me with his bulging muscles, I looked him up and down, and I'm pretty sure he was experienced based on the scars on his face. He was not an ordinary security guy, I could tell that much. I'm sure, I could take him on if I tried but I am a man of law, so I can't do that or I'll get my license revoked.

  “I told you I was invited to a different wedding! I need to hurry!” I argued but all he did was look at me suspiciously. His eyes narrowed.

  “Show me your invitation then.” It asked and extended his hand. Now, I'm the one more suspicious. I cursed myself inside.

 I did not have an invitation, I told Cecelia months ago that I didn’t want to attend her wedding because I hated Charlie but I also didn’t bother to get it yesterday since the plan is to only drive my car to fetch her. But now what?

  “Lia, I didn’t have an invitation.” I expressed. I can hear her deep sigh in the other line. I definitely would too, if I were in her position. The entrance of Glory Hills is almost a kilometer away from the hotel, no sane person gonna run that barefoot. And I'm pretty sure, Lia wasn't athletic enough to do that even with a boost of adrenaline. That woman hasn't touched the idea of exercise for decades.

  Cecelia’s POV

  “Don’t worry, it’s not your fault I’ll just find a way,” I stated, as calmly as I could before ending the call.

  I cuffed my face in my palm and sat. I sighed deeply, the worry was now turned into frustration.

  “I’ll just find a way...What the hell am I gonna do?!” I cursed myself in frustration and mocked myself mentally. I looked up at the white door, no one was coming in but also there was no other exit aside from it.

  I slightly opened the door to a bridal suite, my heart jumped in my chest when I saw the buzzing crowd outside the reception. My stomach turned, I wanna throw up in nervousness. I slammed the door but the good thing is that no one was planning to come anytime soon. I took a few deep breaths to relax, I leaned removed my shoes, and lifted my gown.

  “Here goes nothing…” I counted and busted the door. The sound caught the attention of the guests, but I gave them no mind.

  I ran. As fast as I could.

  Past the murmuring crowds, my family and my husband, who was caught by surprise, stood frozen as I continued to sprint. The air was thick with the scent of lilies, and the undercurrent of champagne. I scoffed at the irony. I hated lilies and I only ever drank wine.

  Those are Olivia’s favorites.

  As soon as my family processed what just happened, they started chasing after me but that was too late, I was already outside.

  The road was empty, not a single car in sight, and despite being short of breath I never stopped running. I followed the road and ran faster than I'd ever done my whole life. My chest hurt and it felt like it's gonna burst and my knees were starting to give up but I had to remind myself that I couldn't.

  My eyes grew as soon as I spotted a single car driving in my direction, I looked back at the men chasing me, they were still far but I was sure as hell they were gonna catch up if I didn’t get this car.

  I ran in that car. I’m gonna stop you like my life depended on it. Not that it doesn't.

  Lucien POV

  “I told you I was gonna come,” I replied coldly to Claud as I leaned myself in the seat from exhaustion.

  “I just had to make sure! You ran away at least 5 times already so I’m not taking chances…” he replied. What’s good about getting married anyway? All women are the same. It’s just a waste of time.

  “Boss, someone was running in our direction.” My butler mentioned, I placed the phone down and lifted my head, I looked at the mirror before diverting my gaze to the woman in front of me.

  A woman wearing a wedding dress was frantically running in our direction, barefoot while a bunch of men chased after her. I furrowed my eyebrows because it seemed to me that she was going to slam his body at my car if we didn’t stop, her face told me so. I raised my finger as a gesture to my butler to stop the car.

  I rolled out the window.

  “Help, please! Let me in!” she announced between her gasps, her eyes darting back to the approaching men. I glanced at them, their faces were dim in a fit of visible anger but not an anger that would kill.

  “Why would I?” I asked coldly, it was none of my business. I was about to roll back the window when she grabbed my shoulder, my jaw clenched.

  “I’m gonna do everything! Please!” she begged, he removed her hands when she sensed my anger. Desperation lacing her voice, her trembling hands were now on the window, still preventing us from rolling it up.

  “Wait! Is that a woman? Bro?” I diverted my gaze at the phone in my hand, I forgot I was still in the line with Claud. He was gonna throw a massive fit if I rejected a woman again, wouldn't he? I sighed.

  “Get in.”