All Chapters of The Contracted Bride : Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

PrologueFive years ago, in the dimly lit room of a club, a young lady laid unconscious on a dirty couch. Her long, dark hair was splayed out around her like a halo. The music from the club thumped loudly outside the closed door, muffling the sounds of her shallow breathing. Her dress was hiked up around her waist, revealing her underwear and the bruises on her thighs.She was just another victim of the predatory club-goer who had slipped something into her drink and taken advantage of her. She laid there, alone and violated, feeling a mix of fear, anger, and confusion. She had no idea who he was or why he had done this to her,As she tried to piece together what had happened, she saw him standing just beside the window, his back to her. He was wearing only his trousers, and she could see a Hawaiian tattoo on his back. The light reflecting off the window obscured his face, but she knew with a sickening sense of certainty that he was the one who had taken advantage of her while she was

"Hello, Mrs. Edgar, it's nice to finally meet you," Elma said with a warm smile as she extended her hand to Gael's mother.Gael's mother hesitated for a moment before reluctantly shaking Elma's hand. "Yes, nice to meet you too," she said, her voice cold and distant."Breakfast is ready, so please come downstairs," Mrs Edgar said, turning away from Elma and walking downstairs.Mrs. Edgar sat at the head of the large, mahogany dining table, her eyes fixed on Elma as she took a delicate sip of tea from her porcelain cup. "So, dear," she said, her tone cold and measured. "How did you and Gael meet?"Elma shifted nervously in her seat, glancing over at Gael for support. Before she could respond, however, Gael jumped in. "We met in Los Angeles," he said quickly. "At a fashion runway show I was attending. Elma's a model."Mrs. Edgar raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "A model, you say? I find that hard to believe. I've never heard of you, dear."Elma shifted in her seat, clearly un

Elma's heart pounded in her chest as she sprinted through the church doors, escaping the confining walls that now seemed suffocating. She stumbled down the stone steps, her white dress billowing around her, tangling in her hurried strides. Tears streamed down her face, mingling with the raindrops that fell from the darkened sky above."Elma! Wait!" a voice called out from behind her. She recognized it as Gael’'s, the man who had just whispered those words that had sent her into a frenzy of emotions. She ignored his pleas, pushing herself to run faster, desperate to find solace in the chaos of her thoughts.The sound of her own ragged breathing filled her ears as she dashed through the rain-soaked streets. She was a blur, her surroundings nothing more than a blur of colors and indistinguishable shapes. The memories flooded back, unrelenting and vivid, each one more painful than the last.She found herself at a nearby park, seeking refuge among the ancient trees and the gentle rustling

Gael watched as Kim's expression shifted from hurt to anger, her eyes narrowing with intensity. He could feel the weight of her unspoken threats hanging in the air, and confusion clouded his mind as he struggled to understand the depth of her emotions."Kim, please," Gael pleaded, his voice tinged with urgency. "I need you to listen to me. There's more to this than meets the eye. I didn't enter into this contract marriage lightly, and I never meant to deceive you."Kim crossed her arms tightly over her chest, her stance defensive. "Then why didn't you tell me about it, Gael? Why keep it a secret? Do you think I'm not deserving of the truth?"Gael's heart sank as he realized the pain he had caused Kim by withholding the information. He stepped closer, reaching out to touch her arm gently. "No, Kim, that's not it at all. I didn't tell you because I wanted to protect you. I thought it would be easier for both of us if we went our separate ways."Kim scoffed, her voice dripping with sarca

Elma took a deep breath as she sat at the dinner table with Gael, Kim, and Mrs. Edgar. The elegant dining room was adorned with exquisite decorations, and the atmosphere was filled with a mix of anticipation and tension. Elma couldn't shake off the feeling that something unexpected was about to unfold.As the meal began, the conversation flowed naturally, with Mrs. Edgar and Kim discussing various topics. Elma listened attentively, trying to maintain a polite and composed demeanor, despite the unease gnawing at her insides.Kim's voice rose with excitement as she turned to Mrs. Edgar. "You know, Mrs. Edgar, I've been thinking a lot lately. I would really love to have kids someday. I can imagine how fun and fulfilling it would be. Don't you think so?"Mrs. Edgar smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Oh, absolutely, Kim. Being a mother is an incredible experience. The joy, the love, and the growth that comes with raising children... It's truly magical."Elma's heart sank. She cou