chapter One

Chapter One 

Mia looked at herself in the mirror with a bright smile on her face. She looked perfect in her wedding gown. Her makeup was light, and her hair was packed in a messy ponytail, with a few strands of curly hair dangling at the sides. She held a silver purse that matched her shoes.

"You look beautiful," Kate told her as she placed the veil on her head.

"Thank you," she replied, as tears formed in her eyes.

"Don't cry," Kate said sternly. "You'll ruin the makeup."

"Okay," Mia said, taking deep breaths to steady her emotions. "I'm just so emotional right now."

"Of course, it's your big day," Kate said with a soft smile.

A buzzing sound came from Mia’s phone, which was in the drawer. Kate handed it to her.

"Hello?" Steve’s voice came from the other end. "In the next one hour, we’ll be husband and wife."

"Are you terrified?" Mia asked.

"No. I'm—I'm excited that I have you to figure out life with. We'll give Henry three or maybe four siblings..."

"Oh, Mr.," Mia cut in with a laugh, "I see you’ve got it all figured out. I can't wait to hear the full plan, but we have a wedding to attend to."

"Yes, we do," Steve replied. "Don’t forget the after-party."

"You mean the reception?" Mia asked.

"Nope. I mean the after-party—the one that involves just me and you in a room."

Mia couldn’t help but laugh.

"You should know that party is important. Remember, we need to give Henry a sibling soon. See you out there. I love you."

"I love you too," Mia replied.

This was the life she had always wanted—a normal life with normal people. She met Kate when she moved to Canada; they worked at the same company. Their friendship grew until they became best friends. She met Steve, her husband-to-be, through Kate. They were siblings. Their family was kind and caring.

She gave birth to Henry two years ago, and Steve had begged her to marry him then, but Mia was too scared to say yes. And yet, here she was today... her wedding day. She loved Steve, and being with him was the best thing she could do for Henry.

Mia walked down the aisle elegantly, her white gown trailing behind her. She held her bouquet tightly, as if she’d fall if she loosened her grip. Everyone stood, watching her in admiration. She could see tears falling from Steve’s eyes as he watched her take each step.

Steve's heart was racing. It had been love at first sight when he met Mia. He couldn't wait to make her his wife. Though they already had a child, Steve didn’t want her to be just his baby mama—he wanted her as his wife. Finally, his dream was coming true.

Mia could see the admiration in everyone’s eyes. Do I deserve these people? she wondered. Do I deserve happiness?

After exchanging their heartfelt vows, everyone was emotional. The priest then blessed their union, and it was time to seal it with the holy kiss.

Steve gently lifted her chin, their eyes locking. He leaned in, lowering his lips toward hers. Mia closed her eyes—then a loud noise rang out, followed by screaming and chaos.

It was a gunshot.

Someone had shot Steve.

She turned toward the window, where the shot had come from. She saw a man dressed in black walking to a motorcycle. He jumped on and sped away. She caught a glimpse of his face in the mirror—and the tattoo. It was them. They had found her.

She had left the country eight years ago. Even changed her name. She had buried her past and started fresh, clean as the gown she wore—which was now soaked in blood.

This was the life she was running from. A life where blood meant nothing. This wasn't new to her, she'd seen much more blood than this. 

She stood frozen, watching as people tried to revive Steve. Her body felt stiff and numb, covered in blood splatter. Damn it. This is my fault. She had brought this horror into their lives.

“Mia! Mia!” Kate shook her. “Were you hit?” she asked again, tears in her eyes.

“I’m okay,” she replied shakily. “Where’s Henry?”

“He’s fine,” Kate said quickly. “The ambulance will be here soon. Try to stay calm.”

Stay calm? Mia thought. Do they even know what’s coming? Does Kate even know her whole family is in danger?

All Mia wanted was to take off this blood-soaked gown so she could think straight.

The ambulance arrived a little over ten minutes later.

“He’s alive, but he’s lost a lot of blood,” one of the paramedics said as they carried Steve on a stretcher.

“Are you coming with us?” one asked her.

“No, I can’t... I just can’t. I—I need to clean up.”

“I’ll go,” Kate said, reaching for Mia’s hand. “I’ll go with Steve. Sara will take you home. Try to be strong. We have to be strong. We’ll figure this out,” Kate said, trying to sound reassuring.

“What about Henry?” Mia asked.

“He’ll be okay. He’s with Aunt Mary.”

As soon as she got home, Mia rushed to the bathroom. She stood under the shower, watching the blood wash away. This is all my fault, she thought. I put all these lives in danger thinking I deserved better.

Who will they come for next...? No. Not... Henry.

she wouldn't allow Henry to be punished for her sins.

She sat on the bathroom floor, crying. Then her phone rang. She rushed out naked, her hands trembling as she picked it up.

What now? More bad news? Is Steve dead? Another attack on Kate? Or Henry...?

“Hello, Eileen Santiago,” a voice said from the other end.

No one had called her that name in eight years. And she would recognize that voice anywhere—even in hell.

It was José. Her ex-husband. The devil she had been forced to marry when she was only nineteen.

“I’ll give you this,” José continued. “You’re really good at hide and seek. But the game’s over now. You’re mine—and I want you back within twelve hours. You can choose to be stubborn. You can choose to hide and run. But I’ll hunt down everyone you love, and I’ll make them suffer while you watch. Or... you can take a cab to the address I sent. There’s a jet waiting to bring you back to me.”

Your choice. The clock is ticking.