The Wrong Vow, My Perfect Match

Chapter 1: Runaway Bride

"Miss Su, the groom asks you to wait a little longer."

Stella Su sat in the dressing room. This was the third time.

The wedding had been delayed for forty minutes. Guests whispered outside, yet she hadn't even seen her groom.

Her phone vibrated.

Lily Lin: [Stella, are you SURE about this? I just caught Marcus cheating in the garden...]

The photo showed Marcus Xu kissing another woman passionately.

Stella's fingers froze.

Then, voices drifted through the door—

"Can we still see each other after the wedding?" A woman's voice.

"Of course." Marcus laughed. "I'm only marrying Stella for her family's business connections. You're the one I truly love."

"What if her parents find out?"

"Find out what? Once we're married, they can't take the company back. Don't worry, I'll handle it."

Stella's grip tightened on her phone.

Enough.

She stood, grabbed her wedding dress, and walked to the window. Second floor. Grass below. She could jump.

"Miss Su? What are you doing?" The makeup artist noticed.

Stella didn't answer. She climbed out the window.

Her dress billowed as she landed on the soft lawn. Her ankle stung, but she didn't care.

Screams erupted behind her. Someone had discovered the runaway bride.

Stella kicked off her heels and ran barefoot toward the hotel exit, holding up her dress.

"Stop her!"

Her mother's voice chased her, but Stella ran faster.

She had to escape before they caught her.

Before everyone realized what happened.

She wouldn't marry that cheating bastard. Wouldn't be a tool for a family alliance. Wouldn't be the obedient daughter anymore.

A taxi stopped outside the hotel.

"Driver!" Stella yanked open the door and jumped in. "Go! Please!"

The driver stared at the crying bride in his rearview mirror, stunned.

"Please, I'm begging you!"

He hit the gas.

Through the mirror, Stella watched her mother chase them out, stamping her feet helplessly.

She collapsed against the seat, breathing hard. Her dress was stained with grass and mud, her carefully styled hair loose, her makeup ruined.

A complete mess.

But she'd never felt so free.

"What happened, miss?" the driver asked cautiously.

"Nothing. Take me to the nearest marriage registry."

"What?" He thought he'd misheard.

"The marriage registry. It's Saturday—they should be open, right?"

"Yes, but..."

Stella searched on her phone: "How to cancel a wedding the fastest way."

The answer was simple—marry someone else.

If she registered with someone today, that ridiculous wedding would be completely invalid.

As for who to marry...

Stella looked out at the passing streets.

She hadn't figured that part out yet.

***

At the registry office entrance, Stella stepped out.

June in Riverdale was sweltering. She stood in the heavy wedding dress under the sun, attracting countless stares.

"Look at that bride..."

"Did the groom run away?"

"Poor thing..."

Stella ignored them and walked toward the entrance.

Then she saw the sign: Saturday morning hours only. Closed in the afternoon.

She checked her phone—2:20 PM.

Damn.

Stella leaned against a pillar, suddenly unsure where to go.

Home? Impossible. Her parents would drag her back to finish the wedding.

Lily's place? Too small to hide her.

A hotel? She had nothing but her phone. Even her wallet was left in the dressing room.

A black car pulled up to the curb.

A man stepped out.

Tall. Sharp suit. Chiseled profile. He was on the phone, his tone distant and calm: "...Push it to next week. I have something to handle."

After hanging up, he looked up and met Stella's gaze.

She saw his face clearly—deep-set features, dark eyes, and an undeniable powerful presence.

Handsome.

But more importantly, he looked...reliable.

Stella didn't know where she found the courage. She walked up to him, holding her dress.

"Excuse me, can you spare a few minutes?"

The man stopped, his eyes taking in her appearance.

Wedding dress. Bare feet. Smudged makeup. Red-rimmed eyes.

"Yes?" His voice was deep and pleasant.

Stella took a breath. "Do you have plans today?"

"...Picking up a friend to handle paperwork."

"Then..." Stella clenched her fists. "Will you marry me?"

Three seconds of silence.

The man stared at her, surprise flickering in his eyes before his expression smoothed.

"Why?"

"I need one marriage to cancel another." Stella spoke quickly. "I promise I won't cause trouble. We can sign an agreement—fake marriage for one year, then divorce. My family has money, I can compensate you—"

"No need." He cut her off.

Stella froze.

"But I need to know," he stepped closer, looking down at her, "are you sure you want to marry a complete stranger?"

"Yes." Stella didn't hesitate. "A hundred times better than marrying a cheating bastard."

The man was silent for a moment, then his lips curved. "Alright."

"Alright?"

"I agree to marry you." He extended his hand. "Damien Lu."

Stella shook his hand in a daze.

Warm. Strong. Reassuring.

"Stella Su."

"Miss Su," Damien released her hand, "the registry is closed now. We'll have to come back Monday."

Stella's heart sank. "But..."

"We can go to another district. Jiangnan District is open all day Saturday."

"Really?" Stella's eyes lit up.

"Yes." He glanced at her. "But in your current state..."

Stella looked down—mud-stained dress, bare feet, messy hair.

Not exactly registry-appropriate.

"Let me take you to change first." Damien opened his car door. "Get in."

Stella bit her lip and climbed inside.

Black leather seats. Wood trim. A faint cologne scent.

She suddenly realized what she'd done.

Agreed to marry a stranger. Got in his car.

If Lily knew, she'd say Stella had lost her mind.

But Stella didn't regret it.

At least this time, she was choosing for herself.

***

Twenty minutes later, they stopped at an upscale mall.

Damien led Stella into a boutique.

"Can I help you?" A saleswoman approached, surprise flashing when she saw the wedding dress.

"An outfit suitable for the marriage registry," Damien said.

Ten minutes later, Stella emerged in a simple white dress.

She'd washed off her makeup and tied her hair in a ponytail. Much better.

Damien looked up as she came out, his gaze lingering briefly. "Much better."

Stella blushed. "Thank you."

He stood and walked to the register. "This outfit, and shoes."

"Eight thousand six hundred, sir."

Eight thousand?! Stella was shocked. This simple dress cost that much?

Damien already had a black card out.

"I'll pay you back," Stella said quietly.

"Married couples don't keep score." His tone was casual.

Married...

Stella's heart skipped unexpectedly.

Though it was just a contract, starting today, she'd live as this man's wife for a year.

They drove to Jiangnan District Registry.

On the way, Stella studied the man driving.

Sharp profile. Long fingers on the wheel. Even his driving posture radiated restraint.

What did he do for a living?

Why had he agreed to marry a stranger?

"What are you thinking?" Damien asked suddenly.

"I'm wondering...why did you agree?"

Damien was quiet for a moment. "Because I also need a marriage."

"Need?"

"My grandmother keeps pressuring me to marry. Rather than deal with her matchmaking, I'd rather find someone suitable for a fake marriage."

"So we're...using each other?"

"You could say that."

Stella nodded.

At least they both had their reasons. No one needed to feel guilty.

***

The registry office wasn't crowded.

Stella and Damien filled out forms and submitted their IDs.

The clerk looked at them. "You're sure about registering?"

"Yes." They answered in unison.

"Alright, take your photo."

For the certificate photo, Stella sat close to Damien for the first time.

His cologne mixed with a crisp scent that was strangely comforting.

"Smile," the photographer said.

Stella forced a stiff smile.

"Ready? Three, two, one—"

Click.

Ten minutes later, the clerk handed them two red booklets.

"Congratulations."

Stella opened her marriage certificate. In the photo, she and Damien sat side by side, both looking awkward but somehow...harmonious.

"From now on, we're legally married." Damien tucked away his certificate and looked at her.

Stella clutched the red booklet, feeling surreal.

Three hours ago, she'd stood at her wedding, about to marry Marcus.

Three hours later, she'd married a complete stranger.

The craziest thing she'd ever done.

"Stella." Damien called her.

"Yes?"

"Any regrets?"

Stella looked up at him and shook her head. "No regrets."

Whatever happened, this was her choice.

Damien's expression softened. "Good."

They left the registry as the sunset painted the sky orange.

"What...should we do now?" Stella asked.

"Find somewhere to talk. We need to clarify some things."

"Okay."

They drove to a quiet café.

Damien pulled out a document. "I had a lawyer friend draft an agreement. Take a look."

Stella read the simple terms:

**Marriage Contract**

**Party A: Damien Lu**

**Party B: Stella Su**

**1. Marriage duration: One year, automatic divorce upon expiration.**

**2. Both parties won't interfere with each other's private lives but must maintain marital fidelity.**

**3. Finances remain separate.**

**4. Must maintain the image of a married couple publicly. Cannot reveal the agreement to anyone.**

**5. Peaceful separation after one year. No entanglement.**

Clear and simple.

Stella signed her name.

Damien signed as well and put away the agreement.

"So, from now on..." he looked at her, "we're contract spouses."

Stella held her coffee cup. "Can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"Why did you choose to marry me? You could have refused."

Damien was quiet, then said, "Because when I saw you, I thought you were genuine."

"Genuine?"

"Yes. In my world, it's rare to meet someone as real as you."

Stella didn't quite understand but didn't press further.

"What about you?" Damien asked. "Why me?"

"Because you seemed reliable."

"That's it?"

"Yes." Stella said seriously. "I trust my instincts."

Damien looked at her, his lips curving slightly.

"Let's hope your instincts are right."

They left the café as night fell.

In the car, Stella suddenly asked, "I still don't know what you do for work?"

"I work at a company."

"What company?"

"A decent one." His tone was casual. "You'll find out eventually."

Stella nodded.

She pulled out her phone and saw Lily's message bombardment:

[OMG Stella are you CRAZY? You married a stranger?!]

[Send me your husband's photo! I'll check his background!]

[Where are you? I'm worried you got scammed!]

Hesitating, Stella snapped a photo of Damien's profile and sent it.

Seconds later, Lily called.

"Hello, Lily—"

"STELLA SU!" Lily practically screamed. "Is your husband named Damien Lu?!"

"Yes, why?"

Silence for three seconds.

"Stella..." Lily's voice trembled. "Do you know who Damien Lu is?"

Stella glanced at the man driving. "Just a regular office worker."

"Regular?!" Lily nearly lost it. "He's—"

"Beep beep beep—"

The call suddenly cut off.

Stella blinked. She tried calling back but her phone died.

"My phone's dead. Can I borrow a charger?"

"Charge it at home." Damien glanced at her. "We're almost there."

Stella put away her phone.

But a strange feeling nagged at her—

What was Lily trying to say?

Who exactly was Damien Lu?

Outside the window, neon lights blurred past.

Stella didn't know that her impulsive decision would completely rewrite her life.

She didn't know that the man beside her was the most powerful—and dangerous—person in the entire city.

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