Chapter 2 A Chance Encounter

Maja's eyes fluttered open, and she found herself in a hospital room, surrounded by the soft beeping of machines and the antiseptic smell of disinfectant. Riley, the stranger who had rescued her, sat beside her bed, his eyes filled with concern. Meanwhile, at the wedding venue, David's face turned red with anger and disappointment as he processed the news of Maja's escape. He slammed his fist on the table, making the guests jump. "Find her!" he barked at his security team. "I want her back here, now!" His men scurried off, determined to track down the runaway bride.

David's father, Richard, approached him, placing a calming hand on his shoulder. "Son, maybe this is for the best. She clearly wasn't happy about the marriage." David shook off his father's words, his mind racing with thoughts of revenge and humiliation. "I won't let her embarrass me like this, Father. I'll make sure she regrets ever crossing me." As the search for Maja continued, Riley remained by her side, unaware of the storm brewing outside the hospital walls. Back in the hospital room, Maja learned that Riley was not only a good Samaritan but also a successful tech entrepreneur. His kindness and warm smile put her at ease, and she found herself opening up to him about her situation. Riley listened attentively, his expression empathetic. "You're brave to take control of your life, Maja. I admire that." Maja's cheeks flushed, and she looked away, feeling a spark of connection with this stranger. Just then, the doctor entered, and Riley excused himself, allowing Maja some privacy. As the doctor checked her vitals, Maja couldn't help but wonder about Riley and their chance encounter. Little did she know, their lives were about to become intertwined in unexpected ways.

As Maja recovered in the hospital, her parents, Reginald and Elizabeth Raymond, were beside themselves with worry and fear. They knew that David Stone's family was powerful and ruthless, and they had no doubt that he would stop at nothing to make Maja pay for humiliating him. "We should have never let her get away," Reginald muttered, pacing back and forth in their living room. "Now we'll face the wrath of David Stone." Elizabeth wrung her hands, tears streaming down her face. "What have we done? We've put our daughter in danger." They knew that David's family had a reputation for crushing anyone who crossed them, and they feared for Maja's safety. They tried to reach out to her, but she was still in the hospital, and Riley, the stranger who had rescued her, was keeping a watchful eye over her. Meanwhile, David's men were closing in on Maja's location. They had tracked her to the hospital, and it was only a matter of time before they found her. Riley, sensing danger, made a quick decision. "Maja, we need to get you out of here. Now." Maja, still weak from the accident, nodded, trusting Riley with her life. Together, they slipped out of the hospital, just as David's men arrived, searching for the runaway bride.

Maja and Riley escaped the hospital, they knew they had to find a safe place to hide. Riley's quick thinking led them to a secluded cabin on the outskirts of Dallas, where they could lay low for a while. As they settled in, Maja couldn't help but wonder about Riley's past. "Who are you, Riley?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. Riley hesitated, his eyes clouding over. "I'm just a guy who was in the right place at the right time, Maja. Let's leave it at that for now." Maja sensed there was more to Riley's story, but she didn't press the issue. Instead, she focused on her own situation, trying to make sense of the chaos that had engulfed her life. As night fell, Maja and Riley huddled around a small fire, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames. They knew they couldn't stay hidden forever, but for now, this cabin was their sanctuary.

As the night wore on, Maja and Riley found themselves lost in conversation. They talked about everything and nothing, their words flowing effortlessly. Maja felt a sense of comfort and security with Riley that she had never experienced before. As the fire crackled and spat, Riley shared stories about his past, his eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. Maja laughed, feeling a sense of freedom she had never known before. But as the hours passed, the reality of her situation crept back in. Maja knew she couldn't stay hidden forever. David's family would stop at nothing to find her, and she risked putting Riley in danger too. "Riley, I have to leave," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can't put you in harm's way." Riley's expression turned serious. "You're not going anywhere, Maja. Not until we figure out what's going on and how to keep you safe." Maja's heart raced as she realized the depth of Riley's commitment to her. She knew she had to trust him, but could she really put her life in his hands.