TRAPPED IN VOWS

Chapter Three

The door sprang open and struck the wall. And there he was—George.

Lillian’s breath came in ragged gasps as she stepped inside.

George stood frozen in the dimly lit motel room. He fixed her with his storm-shadowed, black gaze. They were silent for a moment. There was an oppressive tension between them.

George! Her voice broke, hardly more than a whisper.

He gave her a single blink, as though to be sure she was real.

George exhaled calmly. He turned away, walking toward the nightstand.

I must be losing my mind, he muttered, because there is no way you’re actually here.

I am here, she said, stepping forward. How did you know where to find me? George asked, his gaze sharp.

Is that as important as looking for the way forward? Lillian replied.

What are you talking about? Isn't it your plan and your uncle's to disgrace me on your birthday?

Now that you're planning to get married to your billionaire lover, why are you after me? George asked, almost all at once.

I am not aware! Lillian replied, her eyes teary and her voice shaking.

You mean you're being arranged for a marriage without your knowledge and consent? George asked curiously, his face filled with amazement.

Yes! Lillian answered, sobbing.

So, what do you want me to do for you? George asked, his hand wrapped around her neck.

George! Lillian called, and their eyes locked onto each other. Why not let us run away? She asked suggestively.

Run away? George asked rhetorically.

Lillian held George's hand, their fingers entwined so closely that it nearly ached, and her breath came in quick gasps.

Now there was no going back. They ran through the dark alleys, their footfall echoing against the motionless air. She sensed the presence of eyes that weren't there, but it was too late for anyone to be watching.

Her heart pounded, not out of fear but out of resolve and love, from the reckless, undeniable uncertainty that she is moving into the unknown.

George pulled her forward, his grip firm and unwavering. His silence was louder than words. He wasn’t questioning this. He wasn’t hesitating and neither was she.

They were leaving together.

Just hours ago, this had only been a desperate conversation. However, it became real as Lillian slipped out of her house, her heart racing, the chilly night air stinging her.

With a duffel bag thrown over his shoulder and a tense, tight stance, George was already waiting for her in the darkness.

"Are you sure?" He spoke in a scratchy, almost uncertain voice.

She didn't even blink. If I wasn't sure, I wouldn't be here.

Something shifted in his expression. Relief, resolve.

Without saying another word, he grabbed her hand as if he was holding it now, and they started off running.

It was just a few blocks to the bus stop. If they could make it there without being seen, without being stopped, it would be their way out.

The ticket was already in George’s pocket. A one-way trip to a city neither of them had ever been to. They have already made up their minds, even though it wasn't ideal or safe.

Lillian noticed George's strained face and the way his eyes darted around as though he was anticipating a problem.

She squeezed his hand. "We'll succeed." His eyes flicked to hers. For the first time, he nodded. They had to succeed regardless.

The station was in sight now. Some hung about, absorbed in their own worlds, waiting for their buses. Nobody was trying to find them.

George’s fingers tightened around hers. We will walk in separately.

She swallowed. “Okay.”

If anything happens, he continued, lowering his voice, don’t stop. Get on the bus and don't wait for me.

She nodded even though she detested this and the thought of going without him.

And then, they separated. With her head lowered and her heart thumping her ribs, Lillian entered first. She walked over to the counter and slid her ticket forward, trying to keep her hands steady. The worker barely looked at it before punching it. She exhaled.

One step closer.

They didn’t speak. They did not make eye contact for too long; instead, they boarded separately, following their plan.

Lillian took a window seat near the back. George sits next to her.

The driver called out, final boarding.

The doors hissed closed. The engine rumbled to life.

She sighs in relief. Finally, this is it.

Just then, the doors swung back open. Two police officers stepped inside.

Lillian’s countenance dropped. She fought to keep her expression neutral as they scanned the passengers.

They weren’t looking at her. She glanced at George. He was staring straight ahead, his body taut as though he were fighting for air.

The cops moved down the aisle, row by row. Each step felt like a ticking bomb. She could hear her own heartbeat.

Then, one of the officers paused right next to George’s seat. Her heart raced, George's feet trembling!