CHAPTER 1 ~ WEDDING DAY KIDNAP 

ETHAN'S POV 

"Are you okay? You seem nervous." Thomas stated the obvious. I mean, I know this is supposed to be my happiest day, but it's not... I am nervous and worried about the life I am about to start with my soon to be wife.

"Yes, I guess I am." I whispered as I stood at the altar, my eyes are fixed on the lady who is about to be my wife. I can see she's beautiful and she's very caring, in fact, I can almost say that she's perfect but I don't just have the conviction in my heart that we are made for each other.

I am overwhelmed with a mixture of emotions as she walked down the aisle, I felt a sense of obligation, a sense of duty, and a sense of responsibility. I'm marrying Antonia for all the wrong reasons and it makes me sick. I am marrying her because she's my parents choice, for the church, and I know she will be a great pastor's wife but I don't love her.

I mean, I have imagined this day countless times, this moment but the excitement and joy I thought I would feel is definitely nowhere to be found. Instead, I am feeling a hollow sense of emptiness, a feeling that says I am about to get trapped in a life I don't want.

"Everything will be fine Ethan, look at her, she's perfect for you." Thomas whispered just as Antonia stood in front of me. I forced a smile, while trying to hide my true feelings as I stared at her through the veil.

Well I guess she is in deed perfect, she has a pretty face, she godly and her smile is beautiful but I still have doubts... The more she smiled at me through her veil and I saw the sparkle in her eyes, I am beginning to believe that maybe my parents made the right choice for me and I guess we might fall in love eventually.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the marriage of my son, pastor Ethan Morano and Antonia Richards." My father said as soon as he climbed the pulpit.

It's a little weird that he is the one officiating my wedding instead of just enjoying the occasion but he is the current pastor of our church, so has to officiate and son and I am already practicing to take over from him, I am just glad that it won't be anytime soon. 

"If there is anyone here, that has a good reason why this lovely couple shouldn't be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever remain silent." That particular statement usually gets couples nervous but I am not because I know that no one will say anything, everyone here is happy we are getting married.

Surprisingly though, the heavy wooden doors of the church burst open with a loud creak just as the traditional question was asked and everyone turned towards the door to see what's happening... The sudden interruption sent a collective gasp through the entire church, and my eyes widened in shock .

A handsome man with a towering figure, dressed in black suit and he was holding a gun? Strode into the church, his eyes fixed intently on me. He was walking in the middle of four other guys, two on each side and there was something about him that gave me the notion that he is their boss even though their faces are stern and unyielding.

"Do you know him?" I whispered to Antonia because the way his eyes are on me while walking towards us is making feel like he is upset that I am trying to get married.

"No, I was about to ask you the same thing." She pointed out.

I don't know him and she doesn't know him, so why is he even here?

"Ah, yes." He declared as soon as he got close enough, his deep voice echoing off the stone walls. "I have a reason why this marriage should not take place." 

I don't know who he is and why he has a reason why we shouldn't get married, we don't even know him... My father's eyes darted nervously between the mystery guy and me, his hands fluttering over the pages of his Bible as he struggled to regain control of the ceremony.

"And what might that reason be?" My father asked, his voice trembling slightly.

The guy's gaze locked onto mine, his eyes burning with an inner fire. "Ethan belongs to me and I will be damned to let him marry her." He growled and my eyes went wide. What in God's name did he just say? "He is mine and he is coming with me."

The church erupted into chaos as the church members began to murmur and shout, their voices rising in a cacophony of shock and outrage. 

"How dare you embarrass me like this?" My face went pale as Antonia stared at me with a disappointed look. 

"I don't know him." I defended myself because this is the first time I am actually seeing him and I don't even know his name but her eyes narrowed in anger as she stepped forward and gave me a resounding slap.

"How dare you lay your filthy hands on my man?" His eyes were blazing angrily and she stepped back in fear.

I know I was a little nervous about getting married to Antonia a while ago but I don't want this, I don't want him. I am a born again Christian and a pastor, I can't be with a guy, it's an abomination and I don't want to be a part of it.

"You are coming with me." The church erupted into chaos as he strode forward, his eyes fixed intently on me and with a swift and powerful motion, he reached out and snatched me from beside my bride, he lifted me high into the air and slinged me over his shoulder.

"Let me go, let go of me please." I cried out as yy eyes were wide with fear as I found myself helplessly draped over his shoulder, my legs kicking wildly as I tried to break free but he is too strong... His men moved swiftly to cover their his back, forming a protective barrier between him and my angry church members who were beginning to surge forward to save me.

"Let go of our pastor, this is not right." Some church members screamed but they were obviously scared to come close because of all the guns.

"Arghhh." I screamed as he shoved me into the car and before I could say anything else, he covered my nose and mouth with a white handkerchief.

I tried to struggle, but his grip was too strong... A pungent smell wafted up from the handkerchief, filling my nostrils and making my head spin. I tried to hold my breath, but it was of no use because as the seconds ticked by, my vision began to blur. 

"Relax, you are safe with me." He said as I felt myself growing lightheaded, my body weakening and my struggles grew weaker, my body going limp as the chemical took effect and my vision went dark.