The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride

The cathedral was breathtaking. Golden chandeliers bathed the grand hall in a warm glow, their light reflecting off the towering stained-glass windows. Rows of guests sat in hushed anticipation, their eyes fixed on the massive doors where the bride was expected to appear. The air was thick with the scent of fresh roses, mingling with the rich perfume of high society. At the altar, Damian Blackwood stood tall, his sharp jaw set in quiet confidence. Dressed in an impeccably tailored black tuxedo, he was the embodiment of power—billionaire, CEO, a man used to control. Today was supposed to be a celebration. The day he claimed the woman who had been promised to him. But something was wrong. Whispers rippled through the crowd as minutes dragged on. The music had started, then faded. The doors remained closed. The bride—his bride—was nowhere to be seen. A sickening realization settled in Damian’s chest. “Elena…” he murmured, his fists clenching. The guests were murmuring now, shifting in their seats, exchanging puzzled glances. Damian’s mother, seated in the front row, frowned and leaned toward him. “Where is she?” she hissed under her breath. His jaw tightened. Good question. One of the wedding coordinators rushed down the aisle, her heels clicking against the marble floor. She hesitated before speaking, her voice barely above a whisper. “Mr. Blackwood… the bride is gone.” Damian’s body went rigid. “Gone?” His voice was dangerously low. The coordinator swallowed hard. “She… she left. We don’t know how, but her bridal suite is empty. No sign of her anywhere.” The whispers turned into a full-blown murmur. The air in the cathedral became stifling. Damian’s eyes darkened. His entire body burned with rage, humiliation settling like a lead weight in his chest. He had built empires, crushed rivals, bent the world to his will. And yet, Elena Carter had just humiliated him in front of everyone. She had run. And God help her—wherever she was—because when he found her, there would be no escaping him again. ⸻ Hours Earlier… Elena Carter had never felt more terrified in her life. She stood in the bridal suite, her heart pounding against her ribcage as she stared at her reflection. The wedding gown clung to her slender frame, the delicate lace brushing against her skin like a ghostly reminder of the future she was being forced into. A future she didn’t want. She had never loved Damian Blackwood. Their engagement had been nothing but a business transaction between two powerful families. Her father had sealed the deal, treating her like a pawn in his endless game of power and influence. She had accepted it at first. What choice did she have? But then the threats came. A warning—a cruel whisper from the shadows. “Run, or he dies.” She didn’t know who they were. She didn’t know why they wanted to keep her away from Damian. But she knew one thing for certain—if she walked down that aisle, someone would get hurt. She couldn’t let that happen. Her hands trembled as she reached for the window. The city skyline stretched before her, its twinkling lights offering the only promise of freedom. There was no time to hesitate. Gripping the edges of her gown, she climbed onto the ledge, her pulse hammering in her ears. She took a shaky breath, staring down at the narrow alley below. It wasn’t that far. She could make it. Then, without another thought— She jumped. The impact jolted her bones, her knees scraping against the pavement. Pain shot up her legs, but she forced herself to move. Her dress tore as she stumbled forward, heart racing. Footsteps echoed in the hallway above. Shouts. They had realized she was gone. She ran. Through the darkened alleyways, past the glittering hotels, slipping into the chaos of the city before anyone could catch her. She didn’t know where she was going. She just knew she could never go back. Because if Damian Blackwood ever found her… She would never escape again.