Chapter 4
831 Words
Ethan picked up a document folder from the far end of the sofa and tossed it onto the coffee table in front of Stella.
She flinched. "What is it this time? More photos?"
"Open it." His voice was clipped.
Stella hesitated for a moment before pulling out a thick stack of documents.
They detailed the Hayes family's finances over the past year. The numbers painted a grim picture. Their expenses had far exceeded their income. Their storefronts had been sold. Nearly every asset had been mortgaged.
"How did things get this bad?"
She couldn't remember how wealthy the Hayes family had once been, but a family chosen to marry into one as powerful as the Reids couldn't have always been this desperate.
"It gets worse. You disappeared before the engagement. The Hayes family used that as an excuse to cancel the marriage, which meant they lost the investment my family had promised them. Without that money, your father spent the last few years borrowing from everywhere he could just to keep the business alive. Now he's burned through almost everything."
His voice grew even colder.
"I also have evidence linking him to financial fraud. What happens to that evidence depends entirely on you."
"You're lying." Stella shook her head. "You're just trying to scare me."
"Why would I waste my time? Your family's hanging by a thread."
"Then let them fall!" She met his gaze defiantly. "I'm still not marrying you. I already have a boyfriend. We love each other, and I..."
She deliberately stopped herself.
The unfinished sentence said enough.
Ethan shot to his feet.
"You have 1 minute. If you refuse, your father will be arrested within 30 minutes. Every asset he owns will be frozen. And as for you..."
His eyes narrowed.
"You won't be leaving Seamill."
One minute.
Five years ago, he'd given her 1 minute, too.
She'd tricked him. She'd escaped.
This time, he wasn't giving her another chance.
"30 seconds."
He glanced at his watch.
Then, as if he'd suddenly remembered something, he spoke again.
"Oh, right." His tone turned almost casual. "Your boyfriend, Ryan. By now, he's probably realized you've disappeared."
Stella's heart skipped a beat.
Ethan's lips curved into a faint smile.
"If he starts looking into why your flight was canceled, sooner or later, he'll come knocking on my door."
He paused.
"I'm looking forward to it."
The color drained from Stella's face.
She wasn't worried Ryan couldn't fight.
She was worried he'd charge in without thinking and walk straight into Ethan's trap.
"Leave him out of this."
Her voice came out hoarse.
She'd bitten her lower lip so hard it was nearly bleeding.
"What makes you think you're in a position to negotiate?"
"Please..." Her voice cracked. "Leave him alone."
A satisfied smile flickered across Ethan's face.
"Wipe your tears. We're getting married."
*****
City Hall was crowded with couples waiting their turn.
Some laughed together. Some scrolled through their phones. Others excitedly discussed honeymoon plans.
Every face glowed with anticipation—except Stella's.
She sat stiffly in a plastic chair, her hands resting on her knees. Her fingernails dug painfully into her palms. She'd never felt so alone.
"The next couple."
The clerk called their number.
Ethan stepped forward first.
Stella followed behind him like a puppet with its strings cut.
When it came time to sign the marriage license, her hand shook so badly she could barely hold the pen.
"Hurry up."
Ethan's low voice sounded beside her.
Stella bit down on her lip and forced herself to write.
The signature came out crooked: Stella Hayes.
She'd always liked her name. Now it looked like a life sentence.
A few minutes later, the clerk handed them their marriage license.
"Congratulations." Ethan turned toward her. "Mrs. Reid."
His tone was openly mocking.
Stella stared at him. "One day, you'll pay for everything you've done."
A lazy smile spread across his face. "Then we'll pay for it together."
The smile hit her harder than any insult.
Without another word, she turned and walked away.
Ethan slipped the marriage license into his jacket pocket and followed her.
Once they were in the car, Ethan leaned back in his seat.
"To the Hayes residence."
Stella whipped around. "What now?"
"We're married." He spoke as though it were the most natural thing in the world.
"It's only polite to visit your father and stepmother."
"Don't push your luck."
She clenched her jaw. She couldn't understand why humiliating her once wasn't enough.
He always had to twist the knife.
"You haven't been home in 5 years. Don't you miss it? Most people assumed you were dead. You're pretty heartless, Stella."
She pressed her lips together.
There was nothing left to say.
Right now, only one thing mattered.
She had to divorce Ethan as quickly as possible. Then she had to get back to Northwood. Back to James.
As fast as she could.
She had no idea how much longer Ryan could keep covering for her.
- Writer
