WHAT IT TAKES TO FLEE FROM LOVE

Claudia's POV:

I stood there with my father waiting for my entry in the wedding hall, the isle is waiting for me. I am getting married to this man, the most handsome man I every laid my eyes on.

Austin Carter, A handsome tall muscular well established man. He has all the money in the world, all the luxury one can ask for, but he.... He is ruthless, he cares for no one, As far as I heard he isn't even close to his parents.

I am just 25, I can't be married at this time. I am cherished by my family, I am Claudia Authur, the beloved daughter of Authur family, they cannot do this to me.

How I ended up here? I asked myself.

I don't even love him, he just stood in front of me one day announcing that he was going to marry me. And my father being too focused on his work and money, agreed.

I ... I didn't even knew I was going to marry him till yesterday. I have no way to go now.

I am dressed in a sleek wedding dress, whit thin strip on the both side, small delicate flowers where embedded on them, While the rest of the dress gave elegant look. I felt the cold air by the slit in this dress.

I had the minimal flower high lighting through the light vale. I took a deep breath, these heels are too high... My feet hurts or the pressure of this sudden unwanted marriage is weighting too much on me.

The only where you can find flowers is in my hand, I am clutching these roses tight, the stocks of them are about to break at this point. The white bow hanging by the flower is bothering me.

He set this wedding as perfect as he pleased, close family and friends are here, every person whom I can ask to help is here. But truth is they all have some part in this disaster.

I never heard a positive word about this person, so never crossed a path with him trying to be unnoticed, until he showed up in my life. He knows my father but I thought he never knew me... Then how I end up on his bride list.

The door opened, the music started. I had a glance at the inside, everything is so perfect but so scary.

My Father said, "Claudia .... let's so, I promise you will be fine..." I looked at my father, I have so many complains, but I am too shunned to speak.

I was walked in, every eye is on me. My Future husband is standing at the end looking at me, waiting for me. I see determination on his face, like he won or something. No happiness though, or I can't read him.

I can't be stuck in loveless marriage, I can never marry a person who doesn't love me. I don't love him either. There is no point of this arrangement. How even he managed to get me here all dressed up anyways?

My legs stuck to the ground as I was in front of him, He is a Ruthless man, he never ever can be kind. He barely speaks, No one speaks good about him. How can I marry a person as Him?

I noticed he had a glance at me as my father was about to pass him my hand.

What am I doing?

Am I ready to let this happen to me?

My feet moved back, I saw sudden change in his eyes. I had a glance at my Dad and Mom. My Elder brother Jason who was standing there beside my Mom.

My eyes went to Austin as he called my name, "Claudia ..." I got shivers.

I took a few steps back, at this point everyone was looking at me.

Austin looks me with some kind of betrayed feeling.

Now or never.....

I dropped the flower from my hand as my decision struck my mind. I am fearful but more ambitious. I can't let my life end like this....

I turned the next second fleeing from my own wedding, I took fast steps as much as I could holding the dress up in one hand, not trying to trip.

I heard My Brother calling me, even my parents.

I was finally at the door of the hall, I turned having a glance at them, and I noticed Austin was looking at me stern, his jaw was tightened.

This is for me.

I ran faster, I was aimless till I saw bunch of black cars. Austin's cars I ran faster, God! I hate this dress. I saw his driver looking at me shocked. I took advantage of this pure confusion and got in the car.

Thankfully the keys were still inside the car, Yea... Who will try to steal his car when driver is right here?

This runaway bride!!!!

I saw the Driver running to me, I started the car and rushed it out in full speed, I saw my brother running in mirror, I speeded.

I noticed glimpse of Austin at another door of the venue, too late... I am almost cross the line, I drove faster soon getting off the main gate.

I took a breath in relief, but I can't stop now. They can still catch me. I clearly don't want to get caught by my father.... or worst Austin.

I bet he will drag me back in the venue and marry me.

I kept driving figuring out this escape!!!!

I am free!!!!

Austin's POV:

I stood near the glass wall looking outside, I feel like still see her running away from the wedding. It's been a month, but still that memory is alive in me.

Anger?

No.... Rage, it's burning me like wild fire, I will find her, dragged her back in my arms. I felt like someone steal my right from my hands.

I was this close to her, Now I regret if I just grabbed her arm when she took her first step back.

It's not like I haven't found her, I haven't tried it yet.

Because Once I do find her, there will some new rules and regulations for her.

My Women brought this upon herself.

How fierce she is trying to run away from me? I smirked. I looked at Caleb, I ordered, "Find Claudia .... I want her here in 24 hours...."

Caleb said resting as freely as he could, "So early... I thought you were never going to do that..... Or you were never serious about her...." He taunted me. Will he understand why I am waiting for so long?

If I would have found her that day, then she would be here the next day. I want her to feel empowered and succeeded then I will show her what she is into.

I wanted to be kind to My fiancé, but looks like she doesn't like kind.

I warned Caleb, "Do as I say....."

I heard footsteps, I noticed Jason Authur, her brother. He said dropping a file, "Claudia is in the mountains of North, near my Grand Aunt..."

I raised my eyebrow, He said, "We.... Had a distant Grand Aunt... She died 3 years back leaving everything to Claudia , she must be there.... there is no record of her phone or money... However she travelled assumed by selling her pendant... and she abandoned the car near the pawn shop... then there is no trace of her..."

Jason made things easy for me. But does she thinks hiding in such easy place will help her hide. Or she thinks I will change my mind?

I smirked.

That face, I can never forget it.... this time I am angry on that same face.

She has not done right. Jason said, "I will bring her back, I will slap some sense in her... then we can rearrange the ceremony..."

I warned, "I will do it myself...."

I am afraid Claudia , it's little too late for you to flee.

Claudia POV:

I sat down near the pond, this place is really nice. I am in this small house hiding. But fortunately people here know me, and helped since I am here.

Of course no one knows why I am here, I just said I am here for vacation. Grand Aunts neighbors knows me, and helped me around when I returned.

I shared a clap with the little girl fishing here. I smiled saying, "You are pretty smart...."

She kept focus on the fishing, she can't talk but she does hear. I petted her dog as I said in baby voice, "Chubby little baby... here have some treats..." I gave the dog some biscuits.

Once everything is under control I will got out of the country, few months later when this matter is forgotten I will contact my Parents... They are mad but I can handle it.

At least I am not going to marry that stone.

The little girl signaled me something, I looked at her confused. I wish I knew sign language.... I said, "let's get your mom for some translation..."

Next morning,

I snuggled into the soft pillow, I am sleeping on the sofa because the bed is not in best condition. I am so tired by sleeping like this. I have limited money, I don't want to waste on the bed.

I am sleeping like this for month now. But it's just for few more days. I tried to be comfortable on the sofa, pulling the blanket closer to my face. I am actually hugging it.

It gets cold in the morning here. I wish I could have a better sleep.

I hears some sound in the kitchen, I immediately sat up. I have a intruder. I looked at the kitchen counter alert. It is a open kitchen house with not much furniture, so it is quite weird that it took me so long to realize I have an intruder.

I am sleeping in the living area like idiot because Bed is not good enough to sleep, I should have just slept on the floor of the bed room.

I noticed A man holding a coffee standing at the door, looking at me. He took a sip have cold stare at me.

Austin Carter....

How he is here? How does he knows I am here?

He is wearing a very formal outfit, but somehow it makes him look nice, but his face shows his arrogance, his narrowed eyes makes me shiver a little.

He is waiting here for me to wake up, like he was here to let me know about my mistake... but freedom is no mistake.

I am frozen to see him here, he caught me. He walked to me sitting on the couch near my feet, I pulled my feet close to me.

I am so nervous, like a robber caught after hiding his steal.

He placed the coffee on the small table, he said, "We are leaving in 10 minutes...." He offered me the coffee.

His hand went to my leg as he said, "Honey.... take everything you want...."

I shouldn't be scared of him. He has no right on me. I still have the power to win.

I said, "I will call the police.... Get out of here, Mr. Austin Carter...."

His eyes are serious, He said, "And what will they do...."

I stood up in from him, I said, "They will....."

He said cutting my words, "I will say for the last time... We are leaving..." he sounded clam but intimidating.

I heard a familiar voice, "Enough!!! she will not listen easily..." I saw my brother Jason.

I am scared now, he is always strict and does what he says!

Normally a brother will help his sister if she is forced into something. But Jason is just edger to get rid of me.

He grabbed my arm harshly, Jason said, "Just drag her... she doesn't deserve mercy after stunt!"

I protested, "Hey! I can call police on you too!!!! You are my brother act like one!!!" I pulled my had off him.

Yea... he is no loving brother. We can't stand each other but at least I am his sister. For once his life he should quit being selfish and help me out!

I noticed Austin giving me cold glare as I unfolded the drama. Jason said losing patience, "Claudia !!! I am warning you, get your ass in the car!!!!"

I am so angry on him, I screamed, "Just because you all are getting money from this deal, You selfish money hungry bastard wants me to marry him?!!!! Have some shame!!!!"

Jason's face shows only anger, I felt stinging burning pain on my cheek, my hand went to my red cheek looking at Jason. He hit me?

He slapped me?

Jason grabbed my arm warning, "Are you satisfied!!!! You done enough!!!!" He dragged me out with all his power, while I tried to protest powerless.

I was thrown in the car back seat. I was in tears, He hit me. My own brother slapped me on my face. I realized someone got in the car, I am really to kill this Jason today!!!

I will not let this slide, How dare he slap me?

Dad is going to kill him if he knows, But I want to deal this that As*hole myself!

I was really to start a fight but Austin is in the car with me, He said cold to the driver, "Drive.."

He didn't even looked at me, I should just run, I turned to the door opening it, but it's not. I tried again but it's not working.

I heard him, "Are you done?" I looked at him furious, I want to just strangle him at this point, but he is too intimidating to act on it.

Evening,

I screamed at Dad, "He slapped me!!!!" Mom looks me worried while Dad just sighed.

Jason is right here, he screamed, "Stop this nonsense or I will do it again.... You ruined our face!!!"

I screamed at him, "I don't care!!!"

Mom came in between both of us saying, "Enough.... Don't start this in front of Mr. Carter..."

He was sitting silently hearing this family drama, Mom touched my cheek as she said, "Let me apply some lotion..."

I moved back saying, "Dad.. first ask this man to leave, it's our family matter why is he even here...."

I noticed Austin's face darken. I heard Dad warning, "Claudia ..."

I said making clear, "I am leaving for Spain, my tickets are done and I am leaving!!!!.... You all just f*ck off!!!"

Austin whispered, "You tell her or I do..."

I turned to him, what he means. Dad looked at me, then at Austin. Dad said to me, "Go with your husband....

I am confused? What?

I saw Austin getting up, he stood close to me.

I asked Dad, "Wait...What?... Dad, Are you insane?"

I said, "No.... he is not my husband!!! I ran away right under his nose, and I am not married!!!"

I turned to Austin who was towering me, I said with sass, "So... take your business elsewhere.... Not in my house...."

I saw a annoyed expression on his face, maybe I am the first person talk him like this. But I don't care. Jason said, "Shut up!!!"

I started bickering with him, "You shut up loser!!!!"

I felt getting thrown on shoulder, I was on Austin's shoulder he started walking out while I was screaming on his shoulder.

God!! this is so embarrassing.

I screamed for help, "Dad!!!... Mom!!!!.... Jason!!! help me you idiot!!!!"

But they all vanished from my eyes as we existed the door. Even the maids are looking at us, they are stunned.

I screamed trying to kick my legs, "hey!!!!... What you think you doing!!!"

I just heard him, "Taking my business home..." He taunted, I felt his hand grabbed my lower waist and hips as his grip got in position on his shoulder, still carrying me as a sack of potato.

I kept warning him, "Hey!!! Hey!!!.. Let me go!!!"

Claudia's POV:

I saw the car door open for me, Austin already got down the car, and the driver was waiting for me to get out.

I stayed in the car, I will not go. This kidnapping!!!!

He is f*ckiNG Kidnapping!!!!

I heard the driver's unsure words, "Madam..... Sir is waiting..."

I sat there glaring, I will not follow.

I am Claudia Authur, I cannot be tamed!!!

I saw a hand grabbing my arm pulling me out of car harshly. I yelped as my leg brushed against the driveway. I looked at him angry, he had a glance at me while I just want to kill him.

I felt him pulling me in the castle, I looked at him as I questioned this man has a Castle!!!

He only let my hand go when I was in a room, I turned to him furious, I pointed my finger on his face. I warned, "I am saying it once!!! You have no right to bring me here...or to put for hands on me..... Move and walk out.. I need talk with my father..." I just want to go back home and ask Dad why is he doing this?

Is money important than me? Mom never protested in this subject, she is not type of women who will listen to her husband blindly.

Austin stood in front of me blocking the way, God! I am so scared of this man but at the same time angry too.

Austin said, "This is your new home, you are madam of this house." He said like it was an order.

I whispered, "Austin... stop it! I don't even know you."

He licked his lips out of frustration, he grabbed my hand gently, he said, "Claudia ... I don't like to repeat myself..."

He is clearly ordering me.

I pulling my hand off his, I warned, "Don't touch me.... You cannot keep me here!!!! It's abduction!!!"

Austin said, "Husband bringing his new wife to his house is no Abduction...." He rarely speaks they say, but he is being a stupid parrot here in front of me!

I laughed lowering my head, I fixed my hairs looking at him like he was joking. I think he is quite funny, his delusions are making me laugh.

His eyebrows furrowed asking me why I was laughing.

I said standing closer to him, "I am not your wife... Remember, I ran away, you could do nothing!.... I will leave because the ruined weddings never happen...."

I saw some kind of fire in his eyes, like I reminded him of his defeat. He flipped me pushing me against the wall, His leg was in trapping my leg.

I realized he can clearly over power me, What am I thinking?

Austin looked at me as his forehead was pressing against mine, He should move away.

Why my heart is on speed!

He moved away controlling his anger, he whispered, "I will not tolerate this b*llsh*t now, not after you ran away... you lost the privileges, wife"

I spitted back, "I am not your wife!!!"

I want him to stop me referring as this!!!

Austin went to the closet, In mean time I went to open the door so I can run away. But I heard his footsteps again, I turned back to him.

Why he is running so fast? Yes... Right now his walk is like a run for me.

Austin showed me some papers, He mocked, "You are my legal wife....."

My feet tremble, I took the papers from him out of surprise. I realized it's really marriage registration, My signature?

But I remember I never signed it!!!! How did this?

I dropped the papers looking at him, I grabbed his collar pulling him down to my level, right now I hate this high difference.

I was in tears I screamed, "How you did this!!!! This is not real!!!!!"

His hands went to mine, pulling them off my shirt. His grip was tight on my hands, he said, "Your father brought this.... He brought me the papers himself, I thought you signed then willingly but looks like your own father betrayed you...."

I grabbed my head denying it, I ... I can't process this....

I sat on the bed holding my face, no... This is not true.

I heard him, "Be good, clothes are in the closet and after dinner, sleep.... looks like you need a good sleep...." He walked out, while tears filled my eyes.

Dad, did this to me?

But how can I trust Austin? He must be lying, Dad will never do this to me. He won't trick me to signature on marriage papers with a guy I don't even know.

I am sweating at this point. Dad can't do this to me.

I don't know how long I am analyzing my situation, But I saw a maid placing my dinner on the coffee table next to the small couch. I didn't even looked at her, I am.. I am just beyond betrayed at this point.

A memory of few days ago flashed in front of me, Dad asked me sign some papers about the property he was selling, I was also require to sign. I didn't thought much of it and signed the papers without flipping the pages completely.... So..... it was then, The date on marriage papers was of not the day of wedding but much earlier, So, till now I was living free life without knowing I was married by scam.

I have no an appetite to eat; I can't even breathe without any pain.

I sat there for few more minutes, I need to go home. I need to talk with my Dad.

I walked out of the room, this unaware place is making me feel lost, it took me long to reach the hall.

I was about to walk out but I realized there are guards, he will not let me go. I cannot force the way out, or can I?

I heard voice from behind, "Run... wherever you go, at the end of the day you will be here again...."

I turned to see Austin standing right behind me. I hope he noticed my clear hate for him at this point.

Austin warned the guard, "She is not allowed leave at this hour..." I heard the main door closing, I looked down thinking a way out.

I stayed silent.

I noticed the landline phone on the table, I walked to it. I sat down I was about to call when I heard him again, "Calling the Police?... I hope you try it out..." Like he said no one can help me now.

I am a prisoner!!!

I whispered dialing a number, "My father.... I want to talk to him....."

I just want to have a word or two with my Dad, I know Austin lied. I didn't got any opposition from Austin on the call.

The call got answered after few rings, I heard My Dad's voice, "Hello.... Denzel Authur speaking...."

I pressed my lips together hoping to get some straight voice out, Like I always do. But this time I was fearful, that I will feel worst than betrayal.

I heard Dad again, "Hello?"

I whispered, "Dad... It's me..."

Dad asked, "Claudia .... You called so late, have you eaten?" He cares, then why you made me deal.

I asked stern, "He has some papers, saying I am legally married to him!... It's fake!!!"

Dad sighed, He said, "Claudia ...He is your husband now... And the papers are real.... The ceremony was for making it official....."

I covered my mouth as the shock finally hit me like a truck, My mind was stunned, I feel cold all of a sudden and like it's coming from my heart.

I heard him, "You have to understan-"

I screamed on the phone, "I will not!!! Dad you tricked me!!! Betrayed me!!!.... How can a father do this to his daughter!!!!!"

Dad whispered, "Claudia !!!"

I screamed, "You are so Greedy!!!! I hate you!!!!...."

The phone got snatched from my hand, I looked at Austin saying on the phone, "Mr. Authur... Good night..." He ended the call while I was miserable.

Author's POV:

Austin stood in his room where his little wife was sleeping, he clearly see the tears stains.

He didn't care at that moment, it was out of necessity. At the end of the day she was his, His to ruin and to treasure....

He waited still she was asleep, then came in his room like a thief afraid to wake her up, even thought it was his own room.

He walked to the drawer taking a small container out of it, he made his way to her. He sat beside her head, gently applying the ointment on her face, her cheek was red and clearly fingerprints were there.

He hated it, how dare someone stains his sunshine?

It was her own brother, he didn't said anything at that time, but he was one step back from putting his hands around his brother's neck.

No one was allowed to harm his wife, not even her family.

She whimpered a little as his fingers touched her sore cheek, he parted his hand fearing she will wake up and cause another fight.

She was indeed a strong girl, anger was her best friend... and her spontaneous actions made him wonder what else his little wife can do?

She has no chain on her words even when she talks to her parents, she felt betrayed but wasn't she too harsh.

She looks at him as if he was her biggest enemy but he is her husband.