Chapter 3 AVA LANG

I went back home pretending not to know my father's ordeal, acting as if everything was normal as usual.

However, one thing was certain in my mind, if I don't get a call from the P.A in approval of my request, then I'll surely revert back to my runaway plan tomorrow.

My father, William Langford, said nothing either. He carried on with his usual routine, eating dinner in silence, occasionally glancing at me and I understood all of it. I forced myself to act oblivious, playing the role of the dutiful daughter while suppressing the storm raging inside me.

That night, as I tucked Liam into bed, I kissed his forehead and whispered, "I love you, baby. We might leave tomorrow and I promise that we'll be okay."

I meant it. I was going to run away with him.That was my only option now.

The next morning, I woke up early, ready to set my plan while my mind reminded me that tomorrow was the wedding. But as soon as I stepped out of my bedroom and went to check on Liam, a chill ran down my spine. His bed was empty.

I immediately believed the assumption that he had woken up before me and gone to the living room, however, when I searched the entire house, calling his name, I couldn't find him.

I ran outside, looking in every direction, my voice rising in desperation. "Liam? Liam!" No response.

Then I made my way to my father's room. "I can't find Liam anywhere, father." I said worriedly.

My father leaned back in his chair. He folded his hands over his stomach, his expression was calm. "Liam is fine.." His response made me wonder if he knew where my son was.

"Where's he, that's what I need to know?" I questioned, remembering how much he disliked the poor boy.

He gave no answer but instead urged me to sit, increasing my worry and negative predictions.

I shook my head violently. Should I sit when my son is nowhere to be found?

My father sighed, as if my distress was an inconvenience to him. "I had to take precautions. I knew you'd try to run away, so I had Liam taken somewhere in my custody. Don't worry, he is safe."

I felt the blood drain from my face. "You... you took my son?" My voice cracked.

He didn't even flinch. "Consider it as an insurance. Your wedding is tomorrow, and I can't have you doing something foolish. You will be getting married to Henry. He already paid the dowry a month ago so all you need do is come with me to the court tomorrow sign the marriage papers"

Tears welled up in my eyes. "That old man? I.. I can't marry him." I replied.

"Then Liam can't be brought back here." He replied.

Damn!

Now I had just made running away impossible! I can't leave without my son for Pete's sake!

"You kidnapped my child? Your own grandson?" I cried but he wasn't even remorseful.

"He's perfectly fine," dad said smoothly. "But you won't see him again unless you go through with the wedding."

A strangled sob escaped my throat. I stumbled back, shaking my head in disbelief.

My father's eyes darkened. "I'm doing what's best for you, Ava. Marrying Henry is the best option. It ensures your financial security, and you'll be taken care of."

"I don't want to marry him!" I screamed in tears, breathing hard while he remained quiet.

I sank onto the couch, burying my face in my hands as hot tears streamed down my cheeks.

He had taken the one thing I lived for. And he was using Liam as a bargaining chip to force me into marriage.

Trust me, I searched everywhere I suspected he could have hidden him but there were no traces of my son.

And that night, I cried myself to sleep, cursing Henry and dad at every turn.

The next day, I felt numb as I was led to the courthouse after I got dressed to sign my marriage certificate. My limbs were heavy, my heart felt hollow.

Liam was brought in and that was a relief but the thought of him being held somewhere without me, possibly scared and confused all through yesterday, made it hard to breathe.

My father walked beside me like a proud man, while Henry Davenport, the god-damned 62 years-old man stood on the other side, smug and pleased with himself.

This wasn't a wedding ceremony. It was a transaction. And I was the payment.

We entered the courtroom, where a judge sat behind a desk, ready to officiate the legal signing. The marriage certificate was placed before me, and a pen was handed to me.

My fingers trembled as I held it. I didn't want this. But what choice did I have?

Just as I was about to put the pen to paper, the doors to the courtroom suddenly burst open as all heads turned toward the entrance.

A man strode in with powerful, commanding steps, his presence demanding attention.

His physique?..

Tall. Broad shoulders. Sharp jawline. With an outfit that spoke of luxury.

Dressed in an expensive black suit that fit his muscular build perfectly. His dark, piercing eyes locked onto me, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.

He was... breathtaking. But more than that, his cold gaze looked dangerous.

The entire room fell into stunned silence as he stepped forward and tossed a piece of paper onto the judge's desk. His deep voice cut through.

"Are you really going to marry someone else with my baby?" He said to me, My eyes instantly widened as I stared at him in shock. What?

Henry stiffened. My father's face turned towards me for an explanation.

The man turned to look directly at me, his gaze intense. "Tell them, Ava," he said, his voice dangerously low. "Tell them you're pregnant with my child," he added.

My mouth opened, but no words came out. Pregnant?

The judge picked up the paper the man had thrown. His eyebrows lifted as he read it. "This is a positive pregnancy test result in Ava Langford's name."

I felt lightheaded. How?

Henry's face turned red with anger. "This is absurd!" he shouted. "She's pregnant and betrothed to another and yet you had me pay her dowry!?" His cold gaze was on my father who looked totally confused.

The stranger turned to him with a cold smirk. "I could get you locked up for wanting to marry my pregnant wife."

My father clenched his jaw. "Ava are you pregnant?" he demanded.

The man's smirk widened slightly. "What other confirmation do you need when the test result says so?."

Then he turned to me again, stepping closer. His presence was overwhelming.

"Ava," he said gently, yet firmly. "Come with me."

I gulped hard and looked at my father, whose face had darkened with barely contained rage. Henry, on the other hand, looked like he wanted to explode.

The judge cleared his throat. "If this is true, then the marriage cannot proceed."

My heart instantly leapt for joy...

Mr. Stranger did it!!