Missing bride

Diana’s POV

I haven’t left my room since Roland stormed out yesterday. Even though Mom has knocked on my door about a million times, and Dad has sent Celine to try to coax me out, I haven’t moved from the bed or said a single word. And I’m sure they know the door isn’t locked—they could come in anytime. But they won’t. Cowards.

I tried to sleep, but the horror of the wedding haunted every dream. So I kept my eyes open, staring at the empty ceiling while my mind spilled a thousand questions I know I’ll never get answers to. Like why marry off your son to anybody? What happens if I refuse? What’s my life supposed to look like with those cuffs on my finger?

If I had known earlier, maybe it would’ve been easier. I would’ve lived more. I would’ve tried to understand the man I was being tied to—hell, maybe we could’ve even been friends. But now? Now I hate my parents for using me as payment for debts I didn’t owe. I hate his and my parents for creating this mess, his grandparents for thinking this was acceptable. And most of all… I hate him. Roland. He is everything I never wanted—arrogant, prideful, detached. I get the feeling he could be violent too… and definitely a cheater.

That’s not the life I pictured for myself. Not the husband I imagined myself marrying.

Anyone but him.

For the next two days, I only leave my room at night to grab food when everyone else is either asleep or pretending to sleep. I can hear their cautious breaths every time I move. I ignore it. I don’t care.

Sitting at the kitchen counter, eating Nutella straight from the jar, I’m lost in thought. I’m getting married tomorrow. It all feels unreal.

From the corner of my eye, I catch my mother’s shadow. I sigh.

“Let your husband know I’ll be going to the court on my own tomorrow. I don’t want any of you there.”

I don’t wait for her response. I shove the Nutella back in the fridge and stride to my room.

---

Roland’s POV

It’s been two freaking hours since I started waiting for my damn bride, and I’m getting really angry. She’s a tough one, I’ll give her that—but I’m not sure whether to call her behavior bravery… or foolishness.

I am a Graham. Nobody leaves a Graham hanging. Definitely not me.

I don’t care whether we get married or not—either way, she’s going to pay for this.

My mom is panicking in the car while my dad tries to calm her down. She’s been doing that for the past hour, and it’s becoming unbearable. Apparently, Diana told her parents she wanted to come to the ceremony alone. My parents are convinced something bad happened to her on the way—some of our company’s rivals know about this wedding, so they’re paranoid.

But I know better.

I’ve met this girl. If she’s not here, it’s because she chooses not to be here. Tsk. She’s playing a very dangerous game.

My head bodyguard approaches.

“Sir, we checked her house and all possible routes she might’ve used. Everything is clear.”

“Well, isn’t that lovely.”

Sarcasm drips from my voice.

Before he can continue, my phone starts ringing. Unknown number. Dramatic.

Missing bride on her wedding day and a call from a stranger? Almost cinematic.

If it’s a kidnapping, I’m not paying a dime. She’s unbearable, and I barely know her anyway. They can keep her.

I answer.

“Hello, darling.”

Her voice is unmistakable.

I pause, then laugh. Of course. The little witch.

“Diana Corten, what exactly are you playing at?” I step away from the crowd, moving to a quiet corner.

“Now what could you possibly mean?” she replies, feigning innocence.

“Oh, how did your wedding go? Sorry I couldn’t attend. I had pressing matters to attend to.”

If a stranger heard her, they would actually believe her little performance.

“Diana, you get here right now.”

My voice is calm, but sharp.

“Tsk tsk tsk. Slow down, Roland. I never said I wasn’t going to marry you, did I?”

Her tone changes—finally serious.

"Diana, you realize I could just sign the papers for both of us… right?"

"You can lie to yourself, Roland, but

not to me. The court needs my signature. You can’t do this alone.”