Chapter 1 I'll Be Your Bride "Felix, the wedding's about to start-you can't just leave!"

Draped in an immaculate white gown, LinseyBrooks clung to Felix Wells' arm, her fingers trembling as panic filled her voice.

Today was supposed to be their day.

Yet, just as the ceremony was about to begin, Felix had read a text message, turned to the crowd, and declared the wedding canceled.

His brows were drawn together, his voice tight with urgency. "Move. Joanna's hurt. She's alone in the hospital, and she must be terrified. I have to be there for her."

Linsey's face drained of color.

Joanna Saunders was Felix's childhood sweetheart.

Linsey had started dating Felix five years ago. And forfive years, whenever she went out with him, if Joannaso much as needed him, Felix would leave Linsey behind.

He always insisted Joanna was just like a sister to him and always told Linsey to understand.

And she had, again and again.

But this was their wedding day.

So what if Joanna needed him? Did that mean Linsey had to be abandoned by the man who was supposed to become her husband?

Her voice quivered as Linsey whispered, "No, you can't go. The wedding can't happen without you. No matter what, you have to stay today. Please, Felix... I'm begging you."

But his patience snapped. "Enough! Stop being selfish and unreasonable. We can always reschedule the wedding. But right now, Joanna's hurt. If I don't go, can you handle the consequences? Move!"

Before she could say another word, he shoved past her.

Linsey staggered, her heels slipping against the polished floor as she crashed onto it. From where she sat, stunned and breathless, she could only watch as Felix disappeared through the doors-without a single glance back.

In the next second, herphone rang.

Without thinking, she answered-only to be met with a woman's smug, triumphant voice on the other end.

"Linsey, today's your big day with Felix, isn't it? Do you like the little gift I sent you?"

Linsey's entire body went rigid as recognition hit her. Through clenched teeth, she spat, "Joanna... You did this on purpose. You lured Felix away, didn't you?"

"That's right. And? What are you gonna do about it? I just wanted to remind you-in Felix's heart, I'll alwayscome first." Joanna's tone dripped with arrogance, every word laced with mockery. "I bet you spent months planning this, huh? Such a shame... All that work, all that dreaming-gone. Honestly, I almost feel bad for you."

Linsey stared down at the pristine white fabric of her gown, and for the first time, she saw the last five years for what they really were-a joke.

Since she was an orphan, she had been so desperate for a family, for a love she could call her own.

But Felix... he was never goingto give her that.

It was time to stop begging for something that would never be hers.

A sharp, cold laugh escaped her lips. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Joanna. The wedding's still happening."

Joanna's tone instantly soured. "Are you insane? Felix is the groom. He's not even there. How exactly do you plan on having a wedding without him?"

Linsey's lips curved into a slow, mocking smile.

Who said hergroom had to be Felix?

If he could walk away this easily, thenshe would find someone else-someone who actually deserved to stand beside her.

Her voice turned sharp, unwavering. "Do me a favor, Joanna-pass a message to Felix. Tell him I don't want him anymore. He's not worth another second of my time. And since you're so desperate tohave him, be my guest. A spineless man and a shameless woman-what a perfect match. Best of luck."

Joanna's voice sharpened with anger. "Linsey, I'm warning you. Don't push your luck-"

But before she could finish, Linsey ended the call.

The wedding was set to begin inthirty minutes. She needed tofind a replacement groom-fast.

Lifting the hem of her dress, she rushed outside. To her surprise, the entrance was swarming with men in black suits. Their imposing presence sent a clear message as they combed through every corner, searching for something-or someone.

Amidst them, a man in a groom's suit sat in a wheelchair, his posture rigid with authority. Though motionless, he radiated an icy, almost untouchable air.

His voice was commanding as he addressed the bodyguard in front of him. "The ceremonyis about to begin. Have you found Haven yet?"

The bodyguard hesitated, his expression tense. "Mr. Riley, we've searched the entire perimeter, but there'sno sign of Ms. Walton. It appears she's already fled..."

"Fled?" The man's voice was deep and even, but his gaze turned razor-sharp-cold and unforgiving, like a predator sizing up its prey. "If this wedding doesn't happen on time, you know what that means."

Linsey caught every word, and in an instant, she understood-this man had been abandoned at the altar, just like she had.

Without hesitation, she gripped her dressand strode toward him.

The bodyguards reacted instantly, stepping in front of her with stiff, wary expressions.

"Ma'am, what do you thinkyou're doing?"

The man in the wheelchair shifted his attention to her, his presence alone pressing down like a storm on the horizon.

But Linsey didn't flinch. Her voice was steady as she met his gaze head-on. "Sir, I hear your bride has run away. If that's the case-let me take her place. I'll be your bride."

Chapter 2 I Won't Regret It Linsey's words made the man's eyes narrow slightly. His voice, lacedwith surprise, held a sharp edge. "Ma'am, are you certain about this? I'm disabled. If you marry me, you'll regret it sooner or later."

Linsey didn't answer him directly. Instead, her gaze never wavered as she asked, "Wouldyou ever abandon your wife for another woman?"

"Of course not," he replied without missinga beat, his tone firm.

"Then I won't regret it either," Linsey said, her resolve unshaken. "As long as you agree, I'll marry you."

Seeing the sincerity in her eyes, the man had no reason to refuse. With a slow, deliberate nod, he replied, "Alright then, let's get married."

And just like that, Linsey's wedding-one that had nearly beencalled off-continued as planned.

With the priest as their witness, they exchanged vows, their voices steady.

As they exited the church, Linsey felt a strange sense of unreality.

She had just married a manwho, only hours ago, hadbeen a complete stranger.

Pushing her husband's wheelchair down thesteps, she suddenly realized something."By the way, I don't even know your name."

"Collin Riley,"he responded, his voice calm.

Linsey's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait-you're Collin Riley? The eldest son of the Riley family?"

Collin saw the shock on her face and smirked, a hint of mockery in his smile.

"What's the matter? Now that you know you've married a man everyone else considers a loser, you're regretting it?"

The story of Collin-the eldest son of the powerful Riley family-was well-known throughout the city.

His mother had died in childbirth, and his father had remarried.

Later, a car accident left Collin paralyzed, transforming him into what many considered a loser.

When his stepmother gave birth toa son, he became even more of an outcast within the Riley family.

Without his grandmother, Ivy Riley, who had always defended and protected him, Collin would have likely been discarded long ago, left to struggle far worse than someone living on the streets.

In Collin's mind, no woman in her right mind would willingly marry a man like him unless she was after money.

He wasn't just disabled-he was the neglected son of the Riley family. He fully expected Linsey to be disappointed.

He was prepared to see regret or bitterness shadow her face.

To his shock, however, she looked at him not with pity or disdain, but with a deep, unspoken understanding-as if she saw him for what he truly was-another soul abandoned by those who should have loved him.

Reaching out, she took his hand with gentle strength. "I've already told you. Once I've made my decision, I won't regret it. Now that we're married, I'll make sure you have a real home-one that's warm and full of care."

"Is that so?" Collin's voice was laced with doubt, his skepticism clear. "Let's see then."

He didn't believe her.

Curious, he wondered how long she could maintain this facade once she realized there was nothing to gain from him.

A car pulled up in front of them, interrupting his thoughts.

"Let's go," Collin said, his tone commanding.

Linsey paused, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. "Where are you taking me?"

"Home, of course," he replied with quiet certainty. "We're married now, so naturally, we'll live together."

Home?

The word made Linsey's heart skip a beat.

It reminded her of the home she had lived with Felix-the one she had worked so hard to build for their future together.

But now that she was married to Collin, she knew she had to sever the ties to her past.

With a deep breath, she turned to him and said, "I have a fewthings to take care of first. Could you share your contact info and address with me? I'll move in as soon as I'm finished."

Collin raised an eyebrow, his gaze piercing. "You don'twant me to give you a ride?"

"No, it's fine," she replied, her voice firm but gentle. "I can manage onmy own. I don't want to trouble you."

He didn't argue. After exchanging their contact details, hegot into the car and drove off.

Half an hour later, Linsey stood before the condo she had once shared with Felix. The key turned in the lock, and the door creaked open to reveal a space filled with memories.

She stepped inside, taking in every familiar detail-the tablecloth, the potted plants-each piece had beencarefully selected by her, making it feel like home.

But now, it all felt like a prison. Without a second thought, she moved toward the decorations, ripping them down, discarding the plants, and throwing everything into the trash.

She had chosen to start fresh, and that meant leaving the past behind, no matter how much it hurt.

Once she had cleared out the remnants of her old life,she began packing her belongings. Lost in her thoughts, she didn't hear the sound of footsteps approaching.

Felix, unable to stay away, stood at the door, his face a mixture of shock and disbelief. He couldn't hold it in any longer. "Linsey, what the hell are you doing?"

Chapter 3 Don't Touch Me The condo, once cozy and filled with warmth, now stood in disarray, its charm completely stripped away, leaving only chaos in its wake.

Linsey continued packing the remaining items into her suitcase, her movements deliberate, as if determined toerase every trace of the life she had once built here.

Felix stood frozen for a moment, his eyes sweeping over the wreckage, disbelief etching his features before he stormed toward her.

"Linsey, are you out of your mind?" he demanded, his voice rising with frustration. "I was gone foronly a little while, and you're acting like this?"

He inhaled sharply, trying to reign in his temper, and snapped, "I'm giving you one hour. Put everything back where it was!"

Linsey, unfazed, finished packing the item in her hands and slowly turned to face him. Her expressionwas cool, detached-almost as if he were a stranger.

A faint, mocking smile tugged at her lips as she replied, "Felix, haven't you figured it out? Sometimes, once somethingis lost, it's gone forever. It can never be the same again."

Felix's frown deepened, impatience growing in his eyes. "Whatthe hell are you trying to say?"

Linsey couldn't help but feel the audacity in his words. Did he truly not understand? Perhaps men like him never saw themselves as in the wrong.

No. It wasn't that. His tenderness had always been reserved for one person-Joanna, the woman he had truly loved.

Linsey's gaze was unwavering as she stared him down, her voice steady, yet every word seemed to carry the weight of everything she had been through.

"On our wedding day, you abandoned me at the ceremony, ignoring both my dignity and mypleas. Do you have any idea how that felt? Felix, did you ever once stop to think about me? I was humiliated beyond measure, and yet you think I'm just throwing a tantrum?"

She didn't blink, her eyes locked onto his, the pain she had buried deep inside flooding to the surface, her vision blurring as tears welled up. She didn't look away, her resolve as firm as steel.

Seeing her like this, Felix felt a fleeting pang of guilt, but it disappeared as quickly as it came. He dismissedit entirely, just as he had done countless times before.

Over the years, he had hurt her time and time again, and she had always forgiven him. He didn't see why this time should be any different.

He was sure that with a little charm, she wouldcave, just like she always had. After all, that was how things had always worked between them.

With that thought, his angerdissipated, replaced by a composed, almost smug smile.

"Linsey, alright, I get it. You're upset," he began, his voice smooth and patronizing. "But you shouldn't act out like this. Look at what you've done to our home."

His smile softened, and he reached out to placehis hands gently on her shoulders, his touch feigning tenderness as he tried to calm her down.

"Come on, be good. You've vented your anger. Let's not make a scene anymore, okay? How about this? We'll pick another day, a better day, and I promise I'll give you an even grander, more luxurious wedding. What do you say?"

Linsey's eyes locked onto the smile playing on Felix's lips. His words were sweet, but his eyes-those eyes-betrayed a chilling indifference. He seemed so certain that she would fall for his act.

Of course, why wouldn't he think that? This was the way things had always gone in the past.

Linsey let out a quiet, bitter scoff. She had given him far too many chances, and now he was convinced that he didn't need to treat her with any real respect.

Her expression hardened into something cold and detached, and without a word, she shrugged off his hands asthough they were nothing more than a bothersome weight.

"Don't touch me. You make my skin crawl," she said indifferently.

Felix froze, his eyes widening in shock. He had never heard her speak to him like that before.

Her voice was ice, cutting through the tension in the room as she continued, "Felix, that wedding is over. I have no intention of having another one. I came here today to move out."

Felix, still stunned by her rejection, frowned in confusion, his mindstruggling to catch up. "Move out?"

Linsey nodded, her face resolute. "Yes. I'm leaving now."

He let out a hollow laugh, as if he had just heard the most absurd joke. "And where do you think you're going?"

He knew all too well that Linsey had no family to turn to, no safety net to catch her. Apart from this condo, she had nowhere else.

For the past five years, her entire world had been centered around him. He was certain she couldn't leave him.

He was certain that this whole "moving out" act was nothing more than her wayof trying to make him bend to her will.

Shaking his head in disbelief, heopened his mouth to speak, but was cut off by a voice from behind.

It was Joanna.

"Felix, didn't you say you'd be down in a minute after packing? What's taking you so long?"

Joanna's voice echoed through the room as she stepped in. Whenher eyes landed on Linsey standing across from Felix, her expression shifted in surprise. "Linsey, what are you doing here?"

Linsey shot Joanna a frosty look, her voice icy as she replied, "This is my place, isn't it? Do I need to explain why I'm here? The real question is-what are you doing here?"

Joanna lowered her gaze, feigning a mixture of embarrassment and innocence. "I accidentally nicked myself with a fruit knife, and Felix was so worried he insisted on staying with me for a few days."

Her eyes then darted to the suitcasebeside Linsey, and she gasped dramatically, her hand covering her mouth.

"Linsey, what are you doing? Are you upset? Even if you are, this is uncalled for. If you're bothered, you can talk to me. I'll apologize if that'll make you feel better. There's no need for all this."

Linsey's lips curled into a cold, almost cruel smileas she took a slow step forward toward Joanna. "Are you really going to apologize? Do you even mean it?"

Joanna, aware of Felix watching, played her part, hervoice dripping with false sincerity as she nodded. "Of course. If it helps you, I'll do whatever it takes."

"Alright, then. Why not?" Linsey's smile widened, but there was no warmth in her eyes, just cold calculation."Since you're so sincere, I suppose I can help you out."

Without warning, she raised her hand.

The sharp sound of a slap sliced through the tension in the room as Linsey's palm connected with Joanna's face, echoing the finality of her words.

Chapter 4 Linsey, You've Really Changed Joanna let out a shrill scream, the shock of the slap leaving her momentarily frozen.

Clutching her burning cheek, she glared at Linsey, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Linsey, how dare you slap me?" she spat, her voice trembling with fury.

Linsey's lips twisted into a cold, mocking smile, her eyes as frigid as herwords. "Why wouldn't I dare? You asked for it. You wanted to apologize, didn't you? But one slap hardly satisfies my anger. Maybe a second one will."

With that, she raised herhand again, her gaze never leaving Joanna's face.

Felix, still reeling from the shock, finally snapped to attention. With a furious shout, he lunged forward, shoving Linsey aside. "That's enough! Linsey, don't go too far!"

As he wrapped his arms protectively aroundJoanna, his voice softened with concern as he murmured to her, trying to calm her.

Linsey staggered back, regaining her balance with ease, her face indifferent.

She regarded them both with a detached, almost clinical gaze, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "This is going too far? Joanna herself said she wanted to apologize. Felix, are you deaf? If she really meant to apologize, she should just keep quiet and let me vent. All I did was slap her. How is that going too far? What I've done to her is nothing compared to what you two have done to me."

Her gaze turned bitter as she continued, "You're both nothing but despicable cheats. And one day, when the truth comes out, who will believe a word you say?"

Felix stood frozen, stunned by the barrageof accusations. He opened his mouth, butnot a single word of defense came to him.

He held Joanna close, his arm wrapped protectively around her as his eyes narrowed at Linsey with a growing frustration. Aftera long, tense silence, he finally spoke, his voice laced with irritation. "Even if Joanna wanted to apologize, you shouldn'thave slapped her. An apology is just that-an apology. You don't solve things with violence. You're acting like a wild animal!"

Linsey tilted her head slightly, her lips curling into a frosty smile. She flexed her wrist nonchalantly, the gesture sharp and deliberate. "I'll take that as a compliment," she replied coolly, her eyes locking onto his. "Since you think so highly of me, should I slap her a few more times to really live up to your glowing praise?"

Felix's mouth hung open, his shock evident as he stared at her, utterly unprepared for her mocking reply.

For a moment, he wondered if the woman standing before him was even the Linsey he once knew.

Joanna, equally stunned, watched Linsey in disbelief, her mind struggling to process the situation. She had taunted Linsey countless times before, but this-this was different. Linsey had never fought back like this. Was she finally losing control?

The tension in the room thickened, andthen Joanna's thoughts shifted, her gut telling her something wasn't right.

Could Linsey be doingthis on purpose to get Felix's attention?

She shot a quick, anxious glance at Felix, only to find him completely absorbed in Linsey, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that sent a pang of jealousy through Joanna.

She had made great efforts to takehim from Linsey. There was no way she would let Linsey get him back.

Panic flooded Joanna's chest, and her grip tightened on Felix's arm, pulling him back to her. With calculated sweetness, she said, "Felix, don't say that. Linsey's probably just upset. I don't mind. As long as she can stop being angry with us, I'll be fine with anything."

Felix's heart swelled with sympathy for Joanna, and her words only deepenedhis sense of irritation toward Linsey.

"Linsey, you've really changed," he said, his voice tinged with disappointment. "The Linsey I knew would never act this way. If you insist on behaving like this-"

Linsey cut him off before he could finish, her voice sharp and biting. "Of course I've changed. I must have been out of my mind before, putting up with you. But not anymore. I've wised up. Only an idiot would keep humiliating themselves like I did. Felix, let me make this crystal clear-we're done. Completely done!"

Without another word, Linsey grabbed her suitcase and turned away, her face set in stone.

Felix stood frozen, the finality in her words hitting him like a punch to the gut. He had never seen her like this before.

As she walked out of the room, dragging her suitcase behind her, an overwhelming sense of panic gripped his chest, suffocating him with its intensity.

For reasons he couldn't quite understand, a heavy feelingof impending loss weighed on him, as though the most important part of his life was slipping through his fingers.

"Linsey!" he called out, his voice desperate, moving instinctively as if to chase after her.

Joanna's eyes widened in shock. She hadn't expected Felix to react this way. Without thinking, she placed a hand over her cheek, letting out a soft, melodramatic sob. "Felix, my face... it hurts so much. Do you think it's bleeding?"

Felix froze, his heart tighteningat the sound of her distress. He reluctantly turned back to her.

Joanna's cheek was marked with faint red streaks, a handprint visible beneath her skin, and Felix's chest ached at the sight.

"Joanna, don't cry," he murmured, his voice fullof concern. "I'll take you to the hospital. We'll get you some ointment-it's going to be fine."

Joanna sniffled loudly, her tears almost theatrical. She hesitated for a moment, before her voice softened, laced with feigned concern. "Felix, Linsey's really leaving... maybe you should go after her instead of worrying about me. I'll be fine."

Felix bit down on his lip, his expression torn. "Linsey's crossed a line this time. I won't indulge her anymore. Let her stew for a bit-she'll come crawling back. When she does, I'll make her apologize to you."

Joanna's heart swelled with satisfaction, and she leaned into Felix's embrace, her voice dripping with sweetness. "Felix, you're so good to me."

Her plan was working perfectly.

The smugness bubbled within her as she felt in control. Linsey was nothing but a fool, thinking she could win Felix back.

But as Felix held her, the warmth of her affection did nothing to settle the unease gnawing at him. A strange discomfort tugged at his chest.

Why did hefeel so unsettled?

He pushed the unease down, attempting to smile at Joanna with forced patience. But no matter how hard he tried, his gaze kept drifting toward the direction Linsey had gone.

Linsey had nowhere to go.She would be back eventually. He was sure of it.

Chapter 5 Let's Make A Bet Then On the other side, after Collin returned to Vista Villa, he made his way straight to the study.

Seen as disabled and worthless by society, he now stood tall, his former despondency entirely gone. He faced the floor-to-ceiling window, his expression cold and unreadable as he watched the world below.

Just then, his phone rang. It was Dustin Wade, his childhood friend.

"Hey, Collin," Dustin said, his voice casual. "I've looked into your wife. There's nothing shady about her. Her background checks out. On the day of the wedding, she married you because her fiancé left her standing at the altar."

Dustin's tone shifted, a playful edge creeping in. "You know, all the rich young women in town avoid you like the plague. They think you're disabled, and you're cut off from your family-just the perfect picture of an outcast. But Linsey? She had the guts to walk right up to you and marry you. I gotta say, that's some serious courage."

After a brief pause, Dustin added with a thoughtful sigh, "I do wonder, though... when she finds out the truth, how will she take it?"

Collin's voice was steady and emotionless as he answered, "She won't get the chance. As soon as she realized who I really am, she came up with an excuse and left. She's probably gone for good."

He wasn't surprised. After the accident, rejection and scorn had become part of his life. His low position in the Riley family only added to his isolation, making him numb to it all.

People often said that marrying a man like him-someone with no future-was like throwing away a woman's life.

But Dustin didn't agreewith Collin.

"I don't think she's like that," Dustin retorted with a grin. "Think about it-how many women would dare to swap grooms at their own wedding? My gut tells me Linsey's notthe type to run. Since she's already married you, I don't think she'd just disappear."

As Dustin spoke, his interest visibly grew, his excitement clear in his voice. "You don't believe me? Let's make a bet then. I bet Linsey will be back soon. If I win, you hand over that plot of land on the outskirts of town. Deal?"

Collin raised an eyebrow,his tone calm but calculating. "And if you lose?"

Dustin let out a dismissive scoff. "I'm not going to lose, okay?"

But before he could say more, Collin's icy aura seemed to seep through the phone, sending a chill down his spine. Dustin quickly backpedaled."Fine, fine. If I lose, you can make any request of similar value. Deal?"

Collin didn't believe for a second that Linsey would return. A cold snort escapedhim, which Dustin took as tacit agreement.

Just as Collin was about to hang up, a knock echoed at the door. The housekeeper's voice came through. "Mr. Riley, Mrs. Riley is here."

...

Dragging her suitcase behind her, Linsey stepped into the villa, her eyes scanning the surroundings. The place was eerily silent, the air feeling sterile and devoid of any warmth or comfort.

She looked around, quickly noticing the sparse furniture.It was simple, almost bare-a far cry from the lavish home one would expect from the young man of a wealthy family.

Linsey's gaze hardened. Since she was married to Collin now, she felt justifiedin making some alterations to this place.

One thing was clear-she wasn't going to live in such a cold, lifeless space. She would make it her own, no matter what.

As she mentally mapped out how toredecorate, Collin suddenly appeared, rolling himself into view.

His gaze fixed on her, his eyes dark andunreadable. He hadn't expected Dustin to be right-Linsey had actually come back.

Though surprised, he didn't let it show, his face impassive. His eyes dropped to the suitcase behind her."You've been gone this long just to pack this little?"

Of course not. She also took the time to teach Felix and Joanna a lesson.

Though Linsey's thoughts wandered down that bitter path, she simply answered, her voice soft and neutral, "This place is a bit remote. Plus, I've never been here before. I got lost and wandered around for a while before finally finding it. That's why it took so long."

Collin gave a slight nod, his expression unreadable as he turned his wheelchair. "Follow me."

Linsey followed swiftly, her steps light but hesitant. Her gaze flickered toward the wheelchair, her mind debating whether she should offer to help. Before she could settle on an answer, he stopped.

The room was on the first floor. Linsey glanced inside, her eyes quickly taking in the bare walls and minimalist furnishings. Like the rest of the villa, it felt devoid of warmth, yet clean and orderly.

"Am I staying in this room tonight?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Collin caught her gaze out of the corner of his eye, a faint smirk curling at the edges of his lips as he replied coolly, "Yes, you'll stay here-with me."

Linsey froze, her heart stuttering in her chest. Her eyes widened in shock, and she stared at him, unable to comprehend what he had just said. "What... did you just say?"

Her pulse quickened. Had he just implied they were going to sleep together tonight?

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The mag-lev train screamed past below, a blur of light cutting through the night. My heels clicked against the wet pavement as I sprinted toward the church, dress hiked up, heart pounding. I’d been left at the altar—Felix gone, Joanna laughing in my ear—and yet, I wasn’t broken. I was furious. And then I saw him: a man in a groom’s suit, sitting in a wheelchair, surrounded by bodyguards scanning the perimeter like wolves.

"Have you found Haven yet?" he demanded, voice like ice. "If this wedding doesn’t happen, you know what that means."

He’d been abandoned too.

Without thinking, I stepped forward, ignoring the guards who moved to block me. "Sir," I said, meeting his storm-gray eyes, "I hear your bride ran away. If that’s the case—let me take her place. I’ll be your bride."

His gaze narrowed. "You don’t know what you’re asking."

"Then tell me," I shot back. "Or is fear all you have left?"

A beat passed. Then, slowly, he smirked. "Alright, then. Let’s get married."

Now, standing in the church, exchanging vows with a stranger, I realize—I didn’t save him.

I saved myself.

But as the priest pronounces us husband and wife, Collin leans slightly toward me, his voice low enough that only I can hear: "You think this is freedom? Darling, you’ve just walked into the most dangerous game of your life."

And I have to decide—do I pull away… or lean in closer?