Chapter 4

It was dusk, and Ryan and Audrey were seen in a car driving to a seaport.

Audrey finally agreed to flee with Ryan, who spent money arranging for them to travel by sea so Audrey’s family wouldn’t locate them.

Ryan was glad about his fiancée’s decision. They would cross the sea to a very faraway country and start a new life there.

They were going using a ship. According to Ryan, they wouldn’t be able to trace them if they used the sea without taking a flight.

They got to the port. It was night and dark, and Ryan parked in a concealed place.

They both came down from the car, and Ryan held Audrey’s hands.

Together, they spoke with the sailor. It was time to leave. Ryan went in, expecting Audrey to follow him, but Audrey stood still.

“Baby, you’re good?” Ryan asked worriedly. Audrey had been quiet since their journey, which he couldn’t understand why.

Audrey stood staring at Ryan, the boat, everything around her.

Ryan got off the boat to Audrey’s. He kissed her head.

“What’s wrong? Let’s go,” He said.

Audrey didn’t say anything. Instead, tears dropped from her eyes. She started crying. Ryan wasn’t expecting that.

“Baby, it’s okay. We will come back soon after some years.”

Audrey cleaned her tears. “I’m sorry, Ryan. I’m sorry, I can’t,” She said.

“You can’t do what?” Ryan knew what was coming, and he would go insane if Audrey actually did it.

“I can’t, I can’t leave my family for my selfish interest,” She said, crying.

“What? They are the ones being selfish, not you!”

“My mum, she will be so worried. I can’t leave my parents. They are my family.”

“Audrey, stop, Audrey, please stop.”

“I’m sorry,” Audrey said, hugging him.

“No, after all I went through? After all I spent it on running away? You can’t just back out, please I love you.” Ryan held Audrey’s hands tightly. “Baby, please, you are the only woman I ever loved. I can’t bear to see you marrying another,” He said, crying.

“OMG, are you crying? I’m sorry I didn’t mean to hurt you, bye.” Audrey freed her hands from his grip and disappeared into the darkness.

“No, no, nooooooooo!” Ryan fell to his knees, crying. “Please, my love, don’t go, please,” He wept, hitting his chest.

***

Back in Logan’s house, the search for Audrey was still on. Logan had reported to the police, but the police said it was not 24 hours yet, so she wasn’t missing.

Octavia and some people, like their neighbors, joined the search, but the result was futile.

Mrs. Logan was worried; she cried and refused to eat or do anything.

At dawn, Audrey came home.

Everyone rushed to the door to witness what was about to happen.

Audrey’s clothes were drenched from the rain, she was feeling tired and weary.

Logan was angry. He looked at his daughter in disgust.

“Papa, mama,” Audrey said, trying to hug her parents, but Logan slapped her hard on the face.

Everyone in the room exclaimed. Audrey was surprised she held onto her cheeks.

“How dare you, ungrateful girl!” Logan shouted. “We did this for you, for our business as well as for you. You are so selfish that you didn’t bother thinking about how your loved ones will feel with your stupid decision,” He yelled at her.

“I’m sorry, Dad,” Audrey said, crying.

“Save your crocodile tears, you ingrate! Look at the humiliation you caused us yesterday. You have no idea of what you did. Even that little fool insulted me by calling me my name, all because of you!” Logan raised his hands to hit her, but Mrs. Logan came in between them.

“Please, she is drenched. Let’s take care of her before she falls ill. At least she is here. Our in-laws won’t be pleased if she is sick,” She pleaded with her husband.

“Mmm, get out of my sight, and I don’t want to see that foolish Ryan of yours here again!” He said and left.

Audrey was taken in, where she was taken care of.

“Why did you do that?” her mum asked. “I’m so disappointed in you.”

“Mum, I’m…”

“Say no more. Dress up and come downstairs; your mother-in-law is here.”

“What? So soon?” Audrey asked. She barely spent an hour.

“Yes, your dad called her.”

“Why? I’m not ready,” Audrey said sadly.

“No one is ever ready. Let’s go,” Mrs. Logan said, leading Audrey downstairs.

In the sitting room, Madelyn was seated, awaiting the bride. She rushed here when she got the call that Audrey had been found.

Audrey knelt in front of her mother-in-law as a courtesy demanded.

“So you found her?” Madelyn asked in mockery. “And you, the runaway bride, why did you come back? Huh!”

“She is here. I think we should proceed with the ceremony. Let’s pick a date for the wedding and…”

“No need for that. They are getting married today.”

“Huh!” There was murmuring in the room.

“Mmm, Madelyn, I mean their wedding.”

“Yes, it’s today. I already called my event planner to pick a place. I want them to get married today at 6 pm.”

“Isn’t it too soon? And Audrey isn’t ready,” Mrs. Logan protested.

“She doesn’t need to be ready. Listen, I already transferred the money, so you keep your side of the deal,” Madelyn said, annoyed. “We will be having the wedding on a yacht at 5 pm. My driver will pick Audrey up at 3 pm to get her ready. She is my son’s wife, and I don’t want her wearing those cheap and rag wedding gowns. I’m getting her the best of the best, so be ready.” Madelyn smiled and left.

Audrey was despairing. “This is it.”

***

Henry’s wedding with Audrey screamed wealth. The wedding was an exclusive one and was nothing short of breathtaking.

Held in a luxurious yacht with opulent decor, the entire place was wrapped in an air of indulgence.

The walls were adorned with delicate flower arrangements, and elegant chandeliers hung from the ceilings, illuminating the venue with a warm, golden light.

The guests comprised the world’s most influential people, with celebrities, politicians, and prominent business people all gathered to witness the union of the wealthiest couple.

Everyone was dressed in fine designer clothes, with the ladies donning stunning gowns and precious jewelry while the gentlemen dressed up in tailored suits.

As the music began to play, the crowd became silent, and everyone tilted their heads toward the grand entrance.

The bride, stunning in an ivory silk-satin gown designed by a renowned fashion designer, entered the room on her father’s arm. Her long train flowed behind her, and her veil cascaded down her back like a waterfall of lace.

The groom was equally impressive in his custom-tailored tuxedo, adorned with an expensive diamond-encrusted watch.

The reception was no less spectacular, with a five-star menu and the most exquisite champagne flowing like a river.

The dance floor was open and entertaining, with the best musicians in the world performing live music.

Everything blended impeccably to create a perfect day that everyone in attendance will remember forever.

Henry observed his stunning bride dressed in gold on her wedding day.

His mum did a good job.

The gown hugged her fit frame perfectly, with an intricately designed bodice that extended to her hips before cascading into layers of rosette ruffles.

The sweetheart neckline enhanced her collarbones, drawing attention to her décolletage.

Her long hair was tied in a half-updo adorned with delicate white flowers.

The glittering gold veil draped gracefully over her hair, extending behind her like a magnificent train.

The bride’s diamond-studded earrings and necklace reflected the light, adding an extra sparkle to her beauty.

Her toned arms were adorned with gold bangles, and her fingers wrapped around a stunning golden bouquet of exotic flowers, adding an aura of elegance to her enthralling look.

Henry couldn’t take his eyes off his radiant bride with her glowing complexion and the perfect embellishments.

She was truly a vision, and it felt like everything had come together to synthesize into an unforgettable day.

Yeah, he didn’t have feelings for her, but when he saw her, he wanted to get to know her more. Wanted to have her only for himself. Damn! She was beautiful.

Henry forgot about Maya; all his mind was on was his new wife.

At least his mum made the right choice this time.

It was the night of their wedding, and the newlyweds were both excited and nervous for their first night alone together.

Madelyn took them to one of their vacation houses.

Of course, they went on a private jet, and Audrey was anxious.

Audrey was shy and quiet. She sat still on the bed decorated with roses.

Henry fumbled around the room, trying to figure out how to turn on the lights, while his wife watched him with amusement.

‘Is this the man I’m marrying?’ She thought.

Finally, he managed to get the lights on, and they both couldn’t help but laugh at his clumsiness.

As they settled into bed, Henry was so excited to finally be alone with his beautiful new wife.

He leaned in for a kiss, but Audrey dodged it.

Trying to play it cool, he attempted to hold his wife down as he kissed her. Which was successful. Audrey broke the kiss and shifted from him.

“What’s wrong?” He asked.

“Nothing, I’m just not used to you yet,” she answered.

“Well, I’m your husband now. You should get used to me. I own you,” Henry said, kissing her neck.

He traced his kiss to her lips and kissed her passionately. He caressed her bosom, unzipped her dress, and made her lie on the bed.

“You are beautiful, my dear wife,” He said, taking off her dress.

Audrey lifted herself a little bit to allow Henry to take off her dress fully.

Henry kissed her, allowing her to feel his breath. He reached his hands to her bosom, trying to unhook her bra, when Audrey suddenly stopped him.

“Wait,” She said, holding his hands.

“What’s that?” Henry asked.

He wasn’t ready to stop, so he continued kissing her.

“Please stop.” She pushed him off.