The Unwanted Vow

Maja Raymond, a beautiful and independent 25-year-old, stood in her lavish bedroom, staring at the exquisite wedding gown hanging on the door. Her family had arranged for her to marry David Stone, a wealthy businessman, to secure a lucrative deal for their struggling company. But Maja's heart wasn't in it. She longed for true love, not a loveless marriage. As she gazed out the window, her best friend Maya entered, concern etched on her face. "Maja, are you okay? You look like you're about to faint." Maja turned, tears welling up. "I can't do this, Maya.

I can't marry someone I don't love." Maya embraced her tightly. "We'll figure something out. We always do." With a determined look, Maja made her decision. "Let's escape. Today. Now." And with that, the two friends hatched a plan to flee the wedding and forge a new path for Maja's future.

With a sense of liberation, Maja swiftly packed a small bag, her mind racing with the consequences of her decision. Maya helped her change into a comfortable outfit, and they snuck out of the bedroom, avoiding the bustling wedding preparations below. As they reached the grand foyer, Maja's father, Reginald Raymond, stood at the bottom of the stairs, his eyes fixed on her with a mix of disappointment and anger. "Maja, where do you think you're going?" Maja stood tall, her voice firm. "I'm not marrying David, Father. I can't do it." Reginald's face reddened. "You're being foolish, Maja. This marriage will secure our company's future." Maya stepped forward, her voice unwavering. "Maja has made up her mind, Mr. Raymond. We're leaving." Without another word, the two friends dashed out of the mansion, leaving the chaos and heartbreak behind. They raced through the streets of Dallas, finally reaching Maya's car, parked a few blocks away. As they sped away from the wedding venue, Maja felt a mix of emotions: guilt, fear, and excitement. She had taken control of her life, but at what cost? Just as they were catching their breath, a loud screeching sound filled the air. Maya's car swerved, and Maja's world went dark.

Maja's world went dark, and she felt herself being pulled from the wreckage. She groggily opened her eyes to find a stranger hovering over her, concern etched on his face. "Hey, are you okay?" he asked, his deep voice soothing. Maja nodded, still dazed. The stranger helped her sit up, and she took in her surroundings. They were on a busy street in Dallas, and Maya's car was badly damaged. The stranger introduced himself as Riley, a CEO of a prominent tech firm. He had been driving by and witnessed the accident. With a quick thinking, he had called for help and pulled Maja to safety. As they waited for the paramedics, Maja's thoughts returned to her abandoned wedding and her family's reaction. She felt a pang of guilt and anxiety, unsure of what lay ahead. Riley noticed her distress and offered a reassuring smile. "You're safe now. We'll get you checked out and back on your feet in no time." Maja nodded gratefully, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. Meanwhile,at the lavish wedding venue, David Stone, the groom, stood at the altar, his eyes fixed on the entrance. His family and guests were seated, awaiting the bride's arrival. The clock struck 3 PM, the scheduled time for the ceremony, but there was no sign of Maja. David's father, Richard Stone, approached him, a hint of concern on his face. "Son, maybe she's just running a bit late?" David nodded, but his anxiety grew with each passing minute. He tried calling Maja's phone, but it went straight to voicemail. Just as the tension was becoming unbearable, David's phone rang. He answered, hoping to hear Maja's voice, but instead, it was Maya, her best friend. "David, it's Maya. I have something to tell you... Maja's not coming." David's heart sank. "What do you mean? Where is she?" Maya's voice was firm but gentle. "She's gone, David. She couldn't go through with the wedding. I'm sorry." The room began to spin as David processed the news. His family and guests were murmuring, their eyes fixed on him with a mix of shock and pity.