Betrothed To a Stranger

Failed escape

One would assume I had locked myself away, wrapped in the small bed that was barely enough for me, and covered myself with the familiar bed sheet I'd clung to since I was nine, while I wept until my head throbbed and my eyes were swollen. But that wasn’t the case. I had another plan.

As I scanned my room with a sense of urgency, I was on a quest for something—though I couldn’t pinpoint exactly what. A need for escape thrummed in my veins. My eyes landed on the weird-looking teddy bear resting on my bed, which I'd had since childhood. My sister had picked it up for me when I turned twelve. Its stitched smile had always offered me comfort, making it the perfect companion to grasp.

I snatched it up, clutching it tightly, and headed straight for the window. This wasn’t my first escape; I had mastered the art of sneaking out, to be away from Dad and everyone else in the house. I would always run to Jeremy’s, the town’s best baker. But that was all before he died last year. And although his brother Adam took over his shop, I wasn’t sure.

I stood there now, hesitating, questioning if going to Adam was a good idea this time. The thought weighed heavily on my heart, but the need to escape, to breathe freely once more, compelled me forward.

One jump, and that was it. I walked carefully so I wouldn’t ruin my plan by getting caught. When I finally reached a distance I knew I could run from, I ran as fast as my legs could take me. I didn't take a single break until I reached my destination.

I went straight into the bakery room, but Adam was nowhere to be found. The smell of freshly made bread passed through my nostrils, and I knew he had just finished making bread. There was only one place he could be: Jeremy’s office, which now rightly belonged to him.

I ran quickly to the office, but the door refused to open; it was locked. I was shaking, desperate to see Adam, so I knocked countless times in a row, not waiting for his response.

“Who’s there! Are your intentions to break down my newly fixed door?” he said in his deep American accent. And this alone was enough to make me chuckle; he somehow always had a way of making me laugh.

“Who’s there!” he repeated.

Taking a deep breath, I replied, “Are you scared of being robbed, Mr. Adam Vanderson.” My reply was a bit shaky and out of breath.

The next second, the door opened widely, and standing in front of me was a tall, muscular man. He had dark, short hair that fitted him perfectly. His brown eyes caught mine, and he offered me the sweetest smile anyone could offer.

Not taking another thought, I fell into his arms like a child going to her father for protection, and he embraced me tightly. I knew he missed me too, although we had only been apart for a day.

Adam held me tightly, his arms wrapped around me like a warm blanket. He didn't say a word, just let me cry, my tears soaking into his shirt. I felt his chest rise and fall with each breath, and his heartbeat was like a steady drumbeat, calming my own racing heart.

After what felt like an eternity, I finally pulled back, my eyes red and puffy from crying. Adam's eyes were filled with concern, but he didn't ask me any questions. Instead, he gently wiped away my tears with his thumb, his touch sending shivers down my spine.

"Let's get you something to drink," he said, his voice low and soothing. "You look like you could use a cup of tea or something."

I nodded, still feeling a bit dazed. Adam led me to the small kitchen in the back of the bakery, where he put on a kettle and began rummaging through the cupboards.

As we waited for the tea to brew, Adam and I sat down at a small table, our legs touching under the table. It was a gentle, comforting touch, and I felt my tense muscles begin to relax.

"So, what's going on?" Adam asked finally, his eyes locked on mine. "You didn't just come here for a cup of tea, did you?"

I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. Where do I even begin? The arranged marriage, my mother's betrayal, the feeling of being trapped?