Love Mistaken

Chapter 4: The Wedding Escape

Today was the day of the wedding. Bella sat in the dressing room and told the servants, "Leave me alone for a while."

After a while, Vicky walked in, carrying a bag that contained a set of casual clothes.

"Bella, here's the outfit you need. The car is parked at the back door. It's a black car, and the driver is waiting for you. Good luck."

Bella changed into the casual clothes, while Vicky put on the wedding dress.

"Good luck," Bella said.

Bella put on a hat and carefully made her way through the backyard, successfully getting into the car and leaving.

Outside, the wedding march began to play, signaling the bride's entrance. Vicky adjusted her veil and stepped out.

Flower petals were scattered along the sides of the red carpet as Vicky slowly walked toward Lucas. Her veil was pulled low, and since the guests did not know the bride personally, no one realized she wasn't Bella.

Except for Lucas. From the moment Vicky stepped onto the red carpet, he knew she wasn't Bella. His initially happy face turned stern.

He took Vicky's hand and whispered in her ear, "Follow me and don't make a scene."

Lucas and Vicky do the wedding ceremony, after which he drags her into a room.

Lucas pushed Vicky to the ground, angrily demanding, "Where is Bella? Where?"

He tore the wedding dress off Vicky. "This is Bella's dress, not yours."

Vicky, frightened, tried to evade him. "Bella ran away. She doesn't want to marry you. I do, Lucas. We're married now; I'm your wife."

"Shut up! Where is Bella?"

"She won't come back. You'll never find her."

"Shut up! Bella is my only wife. Until I find her, you aren't going anywhere."

Lucas locked Vicky in the room.

In his study, he ordered, "Ethan, find Bella. Check who left in a car after Vicky arrived today."

"Yes, sir."

Bella's car headed towards the outskirts. The area grew more desolate, and Bella became suspicious. "Where are we going?" she asked the driver, but he didn't respond or stop.

Bella began shouting, "Stop the car! Stop right now!"

The driver abruptly braked and got out, locking Bella inside. "What are you doing?" Bella pounded on the window, screaming.

The driver retrieved a can of gasoline from the trunk and started pouring it over the car. He intended to burn Bella alive.

He took out a lighter. "This is my task. Goodbye, Bella."

The fire quickly spread, engulfing the car. The driver fled.

Terrified, Bella screamed for help, but no one was around to hear her. Just as she was about to lose consciousness, she heard someone calling her name, "Bella!"

When Lucas arrived, the fire had already consumed the car. He frantically pounded on the windows, his hands burning from the flames. Ignoring his own injuries, he desperately tries to save Bella.

Fortunately, Bella was rescued in time. They went to the hospital together. Bella lay unconscious on the bed while Lucas, his hands bandaged, sat beside her.

"Ah, Bella, you're awake. How do you feel?"

"Where am I?"

"You're in the hospital. Do you remember? The car caught fire."

"I... I remember now..."

"Why did you run away? Do you know your dear sister Vicky tried to kill you and take your place?"

"I can't marry you. I love someone else."

"I don't care who you love. Forget about him. I've already announced it publicly. You are my wife now."

"You can't do that. You're forcing me to be your wife."

Lucas grabbed her shoulders tightly, reopening his wounds, and blood seeped through the bandages.

"I'm not asking for your permission. I'm informing you."

Bella turned her head away in frustration. She only wanted to be with the one she loved.

"Get some rest. I'll leave now."

Bella lay down, thinking of Daniel, her childhood neighbor. When Vicky used to bully her and take her toys, she would hide outside and cry. Daniel would always come to comfort her.

Now, Bella desperately wished Daniel could come and comfort her.

In the evening, Lucas and Bella return home together.

They had dinner, and Lucas invited Bella to take a walk in the park.

"Bella, look, I've had the garden redone just for you. Do you like it?"

Bella, feeling downcast, turned away. "I don't want to see it."

"Why not? Are you still thinking about your Daniel? How about I bring him here for you to see?"

"Don't hurt him. He's innocent. He doesn't know anything."

"How about your sister? Do you want me to deal with her?"

"What have you done to Vicky?"

"She's still locked in the basement. What do you want to do?"

"I don't want to do anything. Let her go. It was my idea to have her impersonate me. It's not her fault."

"But she tried to set you on fire. Should I just let her go? How about I set a fire for you?"

"No, I believe she's already regretting it. Please let her go."

"And if I refuse?"

"You maniac, what do you plan to do to the people around me?"

"I want them all gone so that only you remain with me."

"You..."

Lucas silenced Bella with a kiss and carried her back to the bedroom.