Chapter 1 LUCY POV

My heels clicked against the marble floor, the train of my gold dress trailing behind me. The shutter clicks, clinking glasses, fake laughter made my stomach churn.

My eyes searched for my so-called fiance but he was at a distant tablet, talking to some people, I guess were business associates.

Staring at the big diamond ring on my finger, it felt like a shackle.

My breath became shallow. Unfortunately, my parents are too busy greeting guests to understand my predicament.

Honestly, what's the rush to get married? It's not like the company is going bankrupt. Nobody is dying. So why?

One of the best event planners in America indeed handled the decoration for my engagement party.

From the snacks to the wine and then to the designs, every detail was handled with great care and expertise.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let's welcome the newly engaged couple to have a dance." He announced, followed by loud clappings that irritated my ears.

An arm suddenly wrapped around me, and it made my skin crawl.

"Hey, gorgeous, let's give them a show. Shall we?" He whispered, his fingers tucking my hair behind my ear.

His hot breath fanned my neck, which sent chills down my spine. My legs itched to run away, but remained rooted to the ground.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded. He chuckled and grabbed my hand, leading me to the center, and I followed.

All eyes fixed on us, some people cooing.

"Such a perfect couple," a woman dressed in a red velvet dress whispered.

The corners of my lips trembled as I tried to keep my forced smile in place.

The song played, and we moved following the rhythm. Reluctantly, I placed my hands on his shoulders and his hands on my waist. He pulled me closer.

I felt air leave my lungs. We danced for a while. Immediately the music stopped. I removed my hands like I had been burnt, moving away from him.

He moved closer, trying to reduce the distance between us but I took a few steps back, while maintaining my fake smile.

He clenched his fists, his teeth gritted showing how discontent he was by my action. But fortunately, he didn't act on it because just like me, he pretended to be happy.

The cheering died down. I muttered an excuse and slipped away, discreetly, leaving the party... before the mask of pretense cracked.

With every step I took, tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision. My breaths came in ragged gasps.

Entering the house, I paused for a while, as the living room spun for some seconds long.

I clutched onto my head and calmed myself before I removed my shoes and staggered up the stairs. Thankfully, I made it to my room without falling off the stairs.

The moment I got in, I locked the door. Leaning against it, I slid down to the floor and allowed the tears to flow freely.

Mum beamed every second, her smile too wide, and dad went around shaking hands like a proud auctioneer. How could I explain it to them in a way, they'd understand?

Who do I talk to? The burden is too great for me to bear.

Something clicked, and my head snapped toward my vanity table. Hurriedly, I got of the floor, wiping my tears with the back of my hand.

Opening the drawer, I took out my phone. Turning it on, I checked for missed calls or texts from William, but there was nothing.

My shoulders slumped in disappointment. I dialed his number, but it went directly to voicemail.

Repeatedly, I tried but to no avail. Looking at the messages I'd sent him since he left, and not once did he reply.

Since he left, not once had he bothered to reach out. My chest tightened, my fingers clenched the phone.

But I can't be angry at him. I needed him right here and now. To tell me everything would be fine. To tell me to leave everything behind and run away with him.

The last time I checked, he took a month's break and he should be back or did he quit? I shook my head. My breath hitched.

There was no way William would disappear from my life like that. What am I supposed to do without him?

With shaky hands, I dialed his number again, and this time, it rang.

"He..hello. William? Are you there?" I stuttered.

Seconds turned into minutes but there was no response. "Can you hear me?" I asked. But there was only silence... then the call ended.

Hundreds of thoughts swirling in my head. Wait, what if he's in trouble?

My breathing hitched. The thought of William being in danger clawed at me like a beast. I couldn't sit still. Nothing else mattered. I had to save him.

Grabbing my soap, I washed my face and quickly changed into something casual. An all black outfit. Yes, it's exactly what you're thinking. I'm ditching my engagement party.

Luckily, I made it to the back of the house without anyone noticing me. I placed my leg on the ladder when someone clapped behind me.

I froze. My eyes closed, and my hold on the ladder tightened. I can't get caught now.

"Where do you think you're going, young lady?" My mom's voice boomed. Her tone was laced with anger.

Shit.

I got down and faced her with my head hung low. Mom is very reasonable. If I explain things to her, she'll understand.

"Mom, I think William is in danger. Let me go, please." I whispered.

"Go back upstairs and get dressed," she commanded and turned to walk away. I quickly held her hand.

"Mom, please" I pleaded. Tears welled up in my eyes.

"Lucy Freya Jones," she seethed. "You have people gathered here for you and you want to go save someone? How irresponsible!" She hissed, snatching her hand away from my hold.

I bit my lower lip, "mom" I said breathless

She turned to look at me, "I won't repeat myself anymore, Lucy. You will go back to your room, get glammed up. I didn't raise a lady who climbs up a fence like a tout" she hissed.

"The wedding with Grey is important, and I won't let you mess it up."

"How?" I asked, confused as hell.

"No more questions, Lucy.

With my makeup on and fully dressed, I headed to meet Grey but his eyes were filled with disdain.

I stood beside him. What I didn't expect was for him to pull me roughly when no one was watching.

"Listen, I don't care about what you're up to, but I won't let you disgrace me. So I advise you to behave," he gritted.

I ignored him and when a man approached us. He flashed me a sly smile, and kisses my forehead. Then he walked off with the man, like he didn't just threaten me.

His ability to charm everyone is one thing that amazed me. Even an ice cold person would melt at his smile and jokes.

I gulped my drink, but it did nothing to relief me of the suffocation. I need a way out of this marriage.

I felt a presence behind me. Then it hit me... William's cologne. I turned immediately, and he was right in front of me.

I blinked rapidly, but my eyes were not deceiving me. "William?" I whispered.

Huh? How..how? I thought he was in danger.

His eyes held mine in an intense gaze that sent shivers down my spine, but this time in a good way.

He turned me around, so I was backing him, "hello doll. You couldn't stop calling, huh?" his low voice melted me.

Oh, gosh. I've missed him and... this. "What would you have me do?"

"Nothing. Do nothing," he groaned. I wanted to rant more but kept quiet.

Instinctively, I breathed in relief for two reasons. William is safe, and he is here.