I Was The Mafia's Runaway Bride

Run 8: ⚠️⚠️⚠️

ARKISHA MIRABELLA'S POV

I hailed a taxi outside the hotel entrance, the humid night air clashing with the chill of my skin. My voice was shaking as I gave the address. “Sa Kurusaki condominium po, please. Bilisan niyo po.”

Wala naman akong ibang matatakbuhan kundi siya lang. In a world of cold mergers and calculated moves, Lawrence was my only sanctuary. Pagkarating ko sa building, I hurriedly paid the driver, not even waiting for the change, and ran towards the entrance. I ignored the cold night air hitting my skin, the breeze biting at my bare shoulders.

I reached his door and pressed the doorbell repeatedly, my heart hammering against my ribs like a trapped bird. Each second felt like an hour. Makalipas lamang ang ilang sandali, the door swung open and Lawrence’s handsome, confused face appeared. He was wearing a simple grey shirt, smelling of home and safety.

“Hon, what brought you here? Bakit ganyan ang itsura mo?” takang tanong niya, his eyes scanning my face, sensing the deep distress I was in.

Dala ng panghihina at ang matinding hinanakit ko sa aking mga magulang, I didn't say a word. The words were stuck in my throat, blocked by a sob. Itinapon ko ang aking sarili sa kanya, seeking comfort in his familiar warmth. He immediately wrapped his arms around me, holding me tight, his presence grounded me.

“Pwede bang dito muna ako?” I whispered into his chest, my voice cracking and small. It felt like a plea for survival, a desperate request to be hidden away from the reality waiting outside his door.

Alam kong mali na sa kanya ako tumakbo considering the chaos I left behind, and knowing my father’s temper, ngunit wala na akong pakialam. At this moment, he was my only peace. Siya lang ang pahinga ko sa magulong mundong ito.

“Come on, we can talk about it inside,” he whispered softly into my ear, his breath warm against my skin. He guided me gently inside and closed the door, the click of the lock sounding like the only safety I had left. He was shutting out the rest of the world for me.

I found myself sitting on his soft leather sofa, side by side with him. The apartment was quiet, dimly lit, a stark contrast to the blinding lights of the gala. He didn't let go of my hand, stroking my knuckles with his thumb in a slow, rhythmic motion to calm me down.

“So, tell me what happened? Alam kong anniversary ng Laxamana Tradings ngayon, but why are you here in your gown, looking like this?” usisa ni Lawrence, his voice filled with genuine concern.

He knew my parents didn't approve of him. He knew we were fighting an uphill battle against their high expectations, but he stayed. He always stayed.

“Nagdesisyon ang mga magulang ko na ipakasal ako kay Euan,” I said in a low voice, barely above a whisper. Parang may bumikig sa aking lalamunan. Saying it out loud made it feel dangerously real, like a curse being manifested. I hated that I had to be the one to break his heart with this news.

“What? Tinanong ka ba nila tungkol diyan? Did they even consult you?” His grip on my hand tightened, his knuckles turning white.

Marahan akong umiling, tears finally threatening to fall. “Ngayong gabi lang nila sinabi, right there in front of everyone. It was a public announcement, Lawrence. I couldn't even protest properly because of the guests and the cameras. But I left. I just walked out. My Dad told me wala raw akong magagawa kundi ang pakasalan si Euan. Lawrence, anong gagawin ko?”

Natahimik si Lawrence sa tabi ko. He shifted in his seat, his brows furrowed in deep thought, his jaw tight. The silence was agonizing, making my anxiety spike. I watched him, searching for an answer I knew he might not have. After a long moment, he finally spoke.

“Bakit kayo ipapakasal ni Euan... o kung sino man 'yan?”

I remembered then—he had met Euan a few times in passing at events, but Lawrence never really bothered to remember him. To Lawrence, Euan was just another name in the business circle, another suit in a sea of elitism.

“Para raw mapagtibay ang pundasyon ng Laxamana at ng mga Fierro. It’s a merger, Lawrence. A business deal using me as the contract. My marriage is the signature they need. Ayokong makasal kay Euan. Ikaw ang mahal ko.”

The hardness in Lawrence’s face softened instantly at my confession. He pulled me into a hug, letting me rest my head on his shoulder. I breathed in the scent of his detergent and his skin, trying to etch the moment into my memory.

“Hush, kalmahan mo muna,” he cooed, kissing the top of my head. “Sa ngayon, you can stay here. You’re safe. Pero sigurado ka bang hindi ka hahanapin ng mga magulang mo? They know I’m your boyfriend. I'm the first person they'll look for when they realize you're gone.”

"Ilayo mo na lang ako rito. Or kahit saan, basta ayokong maikasal sa lalaking iyon," I cried out, clutching his shirt with desperate fingers. “I can't see myself as his wife. Not as long as I’m still breathing. I’d rather lose everything than lose you.”

Humigpit ang yakap ni Lawrence sa akin, and silence fell between us again—a silence filled with uncertainty, the ticking of the clock, and the fear of what tomorrow’s headlines might bring.

I didn't care if my parents searched the whole city for me. I didn't care about the shares, the legacy, or the Fierro name. Ang alam ko lang, I will fight this. I have my own life to live, my own choices to make, and I won't let my parents dictate who I should love and who I should spend the rest of my life with.