The Ceo's Runaway Bride

Episode:10The Real Wedding

The church was packed. White roses lined every pew. Violins played something soft and sad.

But this time, I wasn't running.

Six months ago I ran from this exact altar. From Adrian Carter. From the marriage contract that was supposed to save my family’s company.

Today, I was walking back in.

Adrian stood at the altar in a black tux, jaw clenched. He looked like a storm. His eyes scanned the crowd like he was daring someone to stop this wedding.

When the priest asked "Who gives this woman away?" the church went silent. My father didn't answer. He couldn't. He was in jail for fraud.

My heart was pounding. I took a deep breath and whispered, "I do."

Then I walked to Adrian myself. No father. No escort. Just me.

He grabbed my hand too hard when I reached him. His fingers were cold.

"You sure about this?" he murmured, low enough that only I could hear.

"For the company," I whispered back. "For revenge. For us."

I wasn't even sure which one I meant.

The "I do's" felt like a gunshot. The kiss was not romantic. It was war. Cameras flashed from the back of the church. Reporters.

That night, every news site and gossip blog had the same headline: "BILLIONAIRE CEO MARRIES RUNAWAY BRIDE"

But in our penthouse 2 hours later, there were no cameras. Just silence.

Adrian threw his jacket on the couch and loosened his tie. "Now the real contract begins," he said. "No love. No touching. No feelings. Just business."

I nodded. My chest felt tight. This was what I signed up for.

I turned to go to my room when I saw it. A photo frame on his desk.

It was me. Age 8. Pigtails.