Dancing with a stranger

Chapter| 16 ✨

It had been months since I'd spoken to Kian. Guilt gnawed at me—I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd used him, even though I hadn't meant to. My days had been consumed with helping my father and Steele, planning the wedding, and trying to survive in the world my father had built. In just a few short days, I would be Mrs. Stella Everett. The thought made my stomach twist in knots.

Grace helped me with my hair and makeup. Soft eyeshadow, pink lipstick—none of it felt like me. I chose a long, lace gown with delicate sleeves. Standing in front of the mirror, I felt like a stranger in my own life, my nerves churning with the knowledge that today would change everything.

During the pre-wedding photo session, my stomach started rebelling. I excused myself and ran to the bathroom, vomiting up last night's dinner. Grace appeared instantly, worry etched on her face.

"I'm fine," I said, trying to steady my voice, though my hands shook. But then another wave of nausea hit me. My heart sank as the realization hit me—my last intimate moment had been with Kian. My mind raced.

"Grace," I whispered, tears brimming, "this is going to sound crazy... but I think I might be pregnant."

Her eyes widened. "What? How—"

I shook my head, clutching the sides of the sink. "It's Kian's. I—I didn't sleep with Steele, Grace. It was Kian."

Grace's expression softened, and she pulled me into a tight hug. "Oh, Stella... it's okay. We'll figure this out. You're safe, and you're not alone."

Her words grounded me. Somehow, I calmed enough to step back and face the day, even though my heart was pounding with fear, guilt, and the weight of everything I'd just revealed.

The ceremony felt surreal. Holding Steele's hands, I recited the words I'd been taught. No vows, no sparks—just a formality. His lips met mine in the obligatory kiss, and I felt nothing but a hollow weight. My heart ached for Kian.

The reception began, everyone celebrating, but I couldn't focus on the laughter and clinking glasses. My eyes searched the room until I found what I feared: trouble.

By the far side, my father, Steele, and Kian's father were standing with members of the Sapphire gang—a notorious group that hated both our families. And there, barely visible, was Kian, watching from the shadows.

Eduardo, the gang leader, sneered. "We can do this the easy way... or the hard way. What's it going to be?"

In an instant, my father drew his gun. Shots rang out, glass shattered, and chaos erupted. I dove behind a table as smoke and shouts filled the room.

Then Kian appeared, flanked by two men, smoke swirling around them. He moved with precision, taking down threats and clearing a path toward me. I froze for a moment, then he extended his hand. "Come on," he urged.

We ran together through the chaos, the emergency exit looming ahead. Rain poured outside as we burst into the night, slipping into his car. Tires screeched on wet pavement as we sped away, leaving the madness behind.

My heart pounded, not just from adrenaline, but from everything I'd left behind and everything I didn't yet understand.

"Are you okay?" Kian asked, his voice steady but urgent.

I nodded, gripping the edge of the seat. "I... I think so."

He glanced at me, jaw tight. "You really thought I'd let you throw your life away? Just because it's easier? Because your father told you to?" His hands gripped the wheel. "You deserve better than that. You deserve a choice."

I wanted to argue, to demand answers—but my words tangled in my chest. Did I deserve this moment with Kian, or the life my father had carved out for me? Could I truly walk away from the world I'd always known, even for freedom—or love?

The rain lashed against the windows as Kian drove, determination in his eyes. For the first time in months, I felt like someone had my back.

Maybe, just maybe, this was what it meant to finally throw it all away.