TITLE:RUNAWAY BRIDE

Chapter 4: SAY I DO

My hand was shaking.

The pen hovered over the paper. 6 months. 10 million dollars. Alex Smith as my husband.

"Sign it," Alex said. He wasn’t begging. He was commanding.

I looked up at him. "What if I say no?"

Alex walked to the window. The city lights reflected in his cold eyes.

"Then I walk you back to the church," he said quietly. "And let your fiancé deal with you."

A shiver ran down my spine.

I hated that he was my only option.

I signed.

My name looked small next to his. *Lily Carter. Alex Smith.*

Alex took the contract. He didn’t smile. He just nodded once, like a business deal was closed.

"Good," he said. "Wedding is tomorrow. 8am. Private ceremony. No guests."

"Tomorrow?" I choked. "That’s too fast!"

"The faster we’re married, the faster you’re protected," Alex said. "My lawyer will bring you clothes in the morning. Be ready."

He pressed a button on his desk. A female assistant walked in immediately.

"Take her to the guest room," Alex said without looking at me. "She stays here tonight."

The assistant nodded. "This way, Miss."

I followed her out, Alex’s jacket still on my shoulders.

At the door, I looked back.

Alex was already on his phone, like I didn’t exist.

My heart sank.

I just sold myself to the devil... and he couldn’t even look at me.