As Emily stood in front of the mirror, her mood was somber, her thoughts consumed by the impending wedding to Mason Hargraves. She couldn't believe this was happening, especially after all she had gone through to try to change her family's mind. And to make matters worse, it had been a week since she last heard from Eric, the man who had promised to protect herJust as Emily was lost in her thoughts, her mother entered the room, her presence bringing comfort and frustration. She wrapped her arms around Emily in a tight hug, trying to reassure her."Don't worry, sweetheart. Once you're married, Mason will change. You'll see," Emily's mother assured her.Emily shook her head, her eyes clouded with doubt and uncertainty."I don't think so, Mom. If I had the chance, I would run away from all this," she confessed.Her mother sighed, a knowing look in her eyes."You'll come to love him, Emily. Just like I didn't fall in love with your father until years later. Who knows if you might fall

As the car glided down the winding road, Emily sat beside "Mr. Radcliffe" in the passenger seat, her heart still racing from the adrenaline of the day's events. She turned to him with relief and gratitude evident in her eyes. "I can't thank you enough for what you did back there. You saved me, Mr. Radcliffe. I don't know what I would have done without you," she said out loud, meaning every wordHis hands steady on the wheel, waved her thanks away with a casual gesture."Don't mention it, Emily. Sometimes, it's necessary to be a little rebellious, to stand up for what you believe in. You're not a child anymore; you have the right to make your own choices," he told her Emily's brow furrowed in contemplation as she mulled over his words, her mind still reeling from the emotions she had experienced."But what choice did I have? My father... he would have found me no matter where I ran. It's like I was trapped, with no way out," she muttered.He glanced at her briefly, a hint of sympathy

In the elegant confines of the Walter family's luxurious home, the atmosphere was tense as they gathered to discuss the unexpected turn of events surrounding Emily's wedding.Emily's mother, her expression fraught with confusion and concern, voiced the question that weighed heavily on her mind."How did Mr. Radcliffe just showed up like that, humiliated Mason, and whisk Emily away?" She asked no one in particular.Emily's father remained silent, his stunned expression reflecting the bewilderment shared by the rest of the family.Meanwhile, Simon, Emily's cousin, seized the opportunity to spread malicious rumors, his voice dripping with venom as he made false claims about Emily's relationship with Mr. Radcliffe."Well, I've been saying all along that Emily has been warming Mr. Radcliffe's bed. Did you see how he ignored everyone at the industrial event and only approached Emily? Now look at what happened at the wedding," Simon said.Despite his mother's attempts to silence him, Simon c

As Emily was brought before Vincent, her heart pounded with fear, but she refused to show any sign of weakness. She stood tall, her gaze steady as she faced the notorious Vincent "The Viper" DeMarco.Vincent, a formidable figure with an aura of danger surrounding him, regarded her with a mixture of amusement and intrigue. His lips quirked into a smirk as he spoke, his voice smooth and commanding."My apologies for the...ah, rather aggressive behavior of my men. They can be a bit...overzealous at times," he was apologizing but his eyes seemed to be feasting on the exposed parts of her body.Emily's eyes flashed with defiance as she addressed him directly."Invading someone's privacy and taking them against their will is not only wrong but illegal. I could sue you for such actions."Vincent's smirk widened, impressed by Emily's boldness. It wasn't often that he encountered someone who dared to challenge him so openly."You've got spirit, I'll give you that. Not many would dare to speak

Vincent's lips curled into a sinister smirk as he regarded Eric with amusement, his eyes glinting with malice.“Well, well, well. Look who dares to speak to me face to face. Are you trying to earn yourself a death wish?"Eric stood his ground, his jaw set in determination as he met Vincent's gaze head-on."I'm not afraid of you, Vincent. Let Emily go, or you'll regret it."Vincent's chuckle sent shivers down Eric's spine, a cold chill creeping up his back as he realized the weight of the situation.“Oh, Eric. You have such confidence, even when you have nothing. But mark my words, you'll soon regret your bravado."With a subtle signal, Vincent's men closed in, their imposing figures casting a shadow over Eric as they seized him and dragged him closer to Vincent.Unfazed, Eric locked eyes with Vincent, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins."What's your plan, Vincent? Have your goons beat me to a pulp?"Vincent's smirk widened, a glint of menace flickering