ANGEL'S POV
It's already 7:52 p.m. when Anna and I head for the Ever‑Green Hotel for her birthday party. I keep whispering a prayer to God: Please, let Alex not show up at the club tonight.
I know how he will feel when he learns that I left the country a few days before our wedding—two months ago. And I'm terrified of his reaction if he sees me there.
We arrive at the hotel, and the lobby is draped in balloons and glittering decorations. It's so spectacular that we can't believe it's all for Anna's special day.
"I know Ken is definitely the one behind this," Anna says, a bright smile lighting her face.
"The young man really loves you, and he's ready to buy heaven for you," I tease her.
She blushes, looking as if she's on top of the world. She pulls out her phone, dials her fiancé's number, and when he answers, hedirected us to the table where he's sitting with his friends.
We walk over; Anna gives Ken a warm hug and takes the seat next to him. I settle into a chair beside a handsome guy at the same table. I can't stop admiring his good looks, even as my heart wrestles with my flesh, praying that Alex will stay away.
The MC steps up and announces that we're gathered to celebrate the queen of the night—Anna. He asks everyone to stand and honor the celebrant. We all rise, even those who barely know the birthday girl and are here simply to enjoy the weekend with their partners.
Anna remains seated at the head of the table, and all eyes are on her.
When the party really gets going, the music swells and everyone starts dancing. I forget about Alex entirely and move to the dance floor, sharing the moment with the only girl who truly understands me. As we sway, almost every guy in the room watches me. I'm wearing a short gown that reveals the soft skin of my thighs, barely hiding the curve of my hips.
All the men admire my beauty as I let myself have fun, laughing and spinning with abandon.
My joy, however, is short‑lived when I notice two hulking security guards standing on either side of me. I recognize them instantly—Alex's personal security detail. I stop dancing, frozen, while Anna, still lost in the music, doesn't notice anything amiss.
Summoning a boldness I didn't know I possessed, I stride toward one of the guards.
"What's this? Why are you people following me?" I demand, ready to cause a scene.
He doesn't answer; instead, he points toward the corner where Alex was seated.
Annoyed, I push through the crowd and head straight to the table. A glass of wine sits next to a bottle of Mega Juice, Annabelle's favorite drink. I recall how she once told me she'd love a daily supply of Mega Juice if she ever set foot in New York.
"Alex, what's the meaning of this childish stunt? Why are you sending men after me?" I shout, my irritation rising.
A flicker of amusement crosses his face.
"Welcome back to the country, runaway bride," he says, crossing his left leg over his right.
"You're my wife, whether you like it or not. I paid for your education, helped your mother, and set up a business for your brother. I have every right to decide where you should be," he declares, planting his feet on the table.
"You're a liar," I retort. "I never forced you to spend on me. My schooling was your suggestion, and I never asked you to support my parents. I won't marry you, Alex. Get that off your mind and move on with your… lover."
I turn to leave, but he signals his guards.
Two security men step forward and seize me. I scream, hoping Anna or Ken will hear, but the blaring music drowns my voice. A few nearby guests glance over, but they keep to themselves; no one wants to provoke the billionaire who has federal connections.
They haul me to a waiting car, push me into the back seat, and slam the door shut. One guard stays beside me while the driver and the other guard take the front.
The vehicle speeds off, and we pull up at Alex's mansion. They drags me inside and throws me into a spare bedroom. I collapse onto the floor, sobbing loudly, pleading for anyone to hear me. But no one comes.
I couldn't figure out what to do at that moment. My phone wasn't with me—I had left it in my car. There was no way to let Anna know about my predicament, no way to call for help.
Tears welled up in my eyes, but I quickly wiped them away, steeling myself for the worst. My decision was final: I would never marry Alex, not after everything he'd put me through. The humiliation, the control, the way he treated me like property—it all flashed through my mind as I sat there, trapped.
Hours passed like an eternity before the door finally creaked open. Alex stepped inside, his heavy footsteps uneven, his breath reeking of alcohol. The sight of him sent a fresh wave of anger through me. A dark thought seized my mind—stab him, hit him, do whatever it takes to end this nightmare.
I stood up immediately, my body tense, my eyes locked onto him as he turned to lock the door behind him. He smirked, wobbling slightly as he sauntered toward me, that same arrogant smile twisting his lips.
"My runaway bride," he slurred, his grip tightening around my neck. "You finally show up after embarrassing me in front of everyone on our wedding day. And now you're at my mercy."
I clenched my jaw, refusing to show fear. His drunken state made him sloppier, weaker—but no less dangerous. As he leaned in, trying to force a kiss, my fingers closed around the nearest heavy object on the desk—a glass paperweight. Without hesitation, I smashed it on his head.
The impact sent him stumbling backward before he collapsed onto the floor. He didn't move. Was he breathing? I didn't wait to find out. Snatching the keys from his pocket, I unlocked the door and bolted out, my heart hammering.
Two guards stood at the front entrance, blocking my path. "Where do you think you're going?" one demanded, his hand hovering near his gun.
Swallowing hard, I forced a tight smile. "Your boss let me go. We have settled. Everything's fine now." To my relief, their faces softened, and they exchanged congratulatory nods before stepping aside.
But my luck ran out at the gate. The guards stationed there narrowed their eyes. "We'll need to confirm that with the boss," one said firmly, reaching for his radio.
My stomach dropped. They were going to check on him. And if they found Alex unconscious… or worse…
That's when it hit me that I was in far deeper trouble than I had realized. Before I could react, one guard gripped my arm, dragging me back inside.