The CEO’s Runaway Bride

The diamond chandelier above Amelia Hart sparkled like a thousand tiny stars, but none of them could outshine the dread sitting heavily in her chest. Her fingers trembled beneath the white silk gloves as she stood at the entrance of the grand ballroom of the Blackwood Hotel. Guests dressed in luxury brands filled the room, their whispers slicing through her confidence like sharp knives. “She’s the bride?” “I heard her family is drowning in debt.” “Mr. Ethan Black could marry anyone. Why her?” Amelia lowered her gaze. Every word hurt. But she endured it. Because this marriage was never about love. It was a transaction. Her father’s company was collapsing. Bankruptcy was only days away, and the only person powerful enough to save them was Ethan Black.The ruthless billionaire CEO of Blackwood Enterprises. The man waiting for her at the altar. Cold. Untouchable. Dangerous. The music began. Amelia forced herself to walk forward despite the heaviness in her chest. The expensive heels pinched her feet, but nothing compared to the ache in her heart. At the altar stood Ethan Black in a perfectly tailored black suit, looking less like a groom and more like a king about to sign a business merger. His sharp jaw tightened when he looked at her. No warmth. No affection. No love. Just impatience. Amelia swallowed hard. This was the man she had secretly loved for two years. And today, she was marrying him. Yet she had never felt more unwanted. The priest began speaking, but Amelia barely heard the words. Her attention stayed fixed on Ethan’s expressionless face. When it was time for vows, Ethan’s voice was calm and emotionless. “I do.” Simple. Cold. Like signing paperwork. Amelia’s throat tightened. The guests applauded softly, cameras flashing everywhere. Then it was her turn. “I…” Her voice shook slightly. “I do.” The moment the words left her mouth, she felt something inside her break. The ceremony ended quickly. Ethan didn’t even kiss her properly. His lips brushed hers for barely a second before he stepped away. The audience laughed lightly, assuming he was shy. Only Amelia knew the truth. He couldn’t stand touching her. An hour later, Amelia stood alone in the luxurious bridal suite upstairs. The heavy wedding dress suddenly felt suffocating. She stared at herself in the mirror. White gown. Diamond necklace. Perfect makeup. Yet her eyes looked painfully sad. The door suddenly opened. Ethan walked in without looking at her. He loosened his tie casually. “You can stop pretending now,” he said coldly. Amelia froze. “What?” “This marriage.” He poured himself a glass of whiskey. “You wanted money. Your family wanted saving. You got what you wanted.” Her chest tightened painfully. “Is that really what you think of me?” Ethan finally looked at her. His dark eyes were unreadable. “I think you’re smart enough to know this marriage changes nothing between us.” Amelia clenched her hands. “You didn’t have to marry me if you hated me that much.” A bitter smile appeared on Ethan’s lips. “My grandfather forced this marriage.” The words struck her like a slap. Forced. So that was all she was. An obligation. Ethan took a sip of whiskey before continuing. “You’ll have everything money can buy. Jewelry. Cars. Cards with unlimited spending.” His voice remained icy. “But don’t expect me to play the role of a loving husband.” Amelia felt her throat burn. She wanted to cry. But she refused to humiliate herself in front of him. So instead, she smiled weakly. “Understood, Mr. Black.” Something flickered briefly in Ethan’s eyes at her formal tone. But it disappeared quickly. Then his phone rang. He checked the screen immediately. And for the first time that night… Emotion appeared on his face. Amelia noticed it instantly. His expression softened. Without hesitation, he answered. “Sophia.” Amelia’s heart dropped. Sophia Laurent. Ethan’s ex-girlfriend. The woman he had truly loved. Amelia turned away quietly as Ethan’s voice became gentler during the call. “Yes.” “No, it’s fine.” “I’ll come see you.” Every word stabbed her heart deeper. The call ended. Ethan grabbed his car keys. “You’re leaving?” Amelia asked softly. Ethan didn’t answer immediately. Then finally: “She needs me.” She needs me. Not my wife needs me. Amelia laughed softly at herself. How pathetic. On their wedding night… Her husband was leaving to see another woman. “Will you at least stay tonight?” she asked quietly, hating how desperate she sounded. Ethan’s gaze hardened. “Don’t make this difficult.” Then he walked out. The door slammed shut behind him. And silence filled the room. Amelia stood motionless for several seconds before finally collapsing onto the edge of the bed. Tears streamed down her cheeks uncontrollably. She covered her mouth to stop herself from sobbing loudly. This wasn’t marriage. It was punishment. Meanwhile, downstairs in the underground parking lot, Ethan entered his black Rolls-Royce with an irritated expression. His assistant Daniel sat in the front seat. “To Miss Laurent’s apartment?” Daniel asked carefully. Ethan leaned back. “Yes.” The car began moving. But strangely… Amelia’s face kept appearing in his mind. Especially the look in her eyes when he left her upstairs. Guilt flickered briefly inside him. Annoying him immediately. He hated emotional weakness. And this marriage itself already irritated him enough. Two years ago, he had loved Sophia deeply. Then she abandoned him without explanation and disappeared overseas. Since then, Ethan stopped believing in love completely. Women only wanted money. Power. Status. And Amelia? She was no different. At least that’s what he told himself. Yet for some reason… Her trembling voice earlier disturbed him. “Will you at least stay tonight?” Ethan closed his eyes. Annoyed. Why did he care? Back in the bridal suite, Amelia slowly removed her wedding veil. Her hands shook violently. She walked toward the balcony for fresh air, but suddenly dizziness overwhelmed her. She grabbed the railing quickly. The room spun. Her breathing became uneven. Over the past few weeks, she had been feeling strange constantly. Weak. Nauseous. Exhausted. At first she blamed stress from the wedding preparations. But now… Her eyes slowly widened. No. It couldn’t be. Right? Amelia rushed toward her handbag and searched frantically. A small pregnancy test box remained hidden inside. She had bought it secretly days ago but was too afraid to use it. Until now. Her heartbeat thundered painfully as she entered the bathroom. Minutes later… The test slipped from her trembling fingers. Two pink lines. Positive. Amelia stared blankly at the result. Pregnant. She was pregnant with Ethan Black’s child. And downstairs… Her husband was on his way to another woman.