ted for my stepfather, Richard, to arrive. The air was heavy with tension, like a storm about to bre

. "I've heard enough of your nonsense," he spoke in a cold,

ease, just listen to me. I don't want to get married. I will serve you an

rose to a booming level. "How dare you defy my

I refused to back down. "Please

lia, and you will do so willingly. If you continue to defy us, remember

ached because of the warning. Richard's face remained fixe

of desperation. "I will not be forced into a marriage I don'

his eyes. But all I saw was cold, unyielding determination. His voice became eerily quiet. "Very well, Ame

lost my mother, all because I refused to conform to his expectations. I couldn't find any w

aist. "And what would any man do with your heart?

I escaped from his hands and left the room crying and moaning. I don't know how he does this to me every t

hreatens me if I don't get married, he will kill you or let you die without treatment. I

ng and did not know how to help me. She contin

id not understand her, but she asked in ama

ould leave my mother, but then an idea came to me: I would take my mother and run awa

quiet corner of our favorite café, the place where we'd shared countless secrets and dreams over t

ried look. "Amelia, what's g

ching for answers in the steam rising from my coffee. "Sarah, you know abo

wn. But I thought... I thought you'd agree to it to keep the peace and

k my head. "I can't, Sarah. I can't.

nd. "Amelia, you have to do what's right for you. I

I've decided, Sarah. I can't go on with this. I'

un? Amelia, this is a big step. D

e thought about it. I can't live a life that's not

you want to do this, but it won't be easy. Running away

own way, even if it means running away. On the wedding day, I will take my mother out of the house and pu

t you really want, I will support you, Amelia. But promise me

d my friend's hand. "Thank you, Sarah

y plan t

*

ding

en had booked a luxurious venue for the wedding, and the room was decorated with gilded mirrors and delicate lace cu

l gown, wearing a white lace gown. The ivory fabric seemed to whisper pro

oked like a queen. Richard spoke up: "I can't bear the thought of t

and take my mother to the hospital. She sent them the money she stole from Richard fo

new, whose reputation was as mysterious as the darkest corners of

the grand, flower-decorated staircase, I heard someone whisper, "They say Max Holden's fortune is built o

rouded in tales of dark dealings and ruthless ambition. My footsteps echoed in my ears like a death knell, ur

do this. I couldn't marry a man whose name carried whispers of darkness and deceit. I

. Shouts and gasps erupted from the assembled guests, shock written on their f

s. The sound of my heartbeat echoed in my ears like war drums, urging me to press forward in my mad da

e. Sarah was sitting in the back seat, with an expression of worry and

the door. We drive away from the luxurious wedding venue,

appened. I had done it, I had escaped. I looked at Sa

e now. She will receive the care she need

my shoulders. I didn't know what the future held, but I knew I wouldn'