Bound to You: Shattered Deceptions

Chapter Three: A New Beginning

Bryna started contemplating as she listened to Milo as he proposed to her. Deep down inside of her, there was a desire to say yes, to hope for a future with this man, but the scars from the past are always painful and don't allow one to open the door to trust. Gazing deep into his eyes she looked for deceit but all she perceived was honesty.

"Milo, I... I don't think I can trust anyone at the moment", she confessed, her voice trembling. "I've been around the block you know, and I can't afford to take a risk and fall for something that is not even real. "

Milo gently took Bryna's hands in his, his touch warm and reassuring. "Bryna, I understand your hesitation. But please, hear me out. This marriage, it's not what it seems. It's a way to protect you, to keep you safe from Carla and anyone else who might want to harm you."

This left Bryna rather bewildered and her eyebrows creased. "What do you mean, Milo? How will a fake marriage protect me?"

Milo took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "Carla is a powerful and influential person in this town. If we expose her crimes, there's a chance she could escape justice. But if we create the illusion that you're under my protection, under the pretense of marriage, she'll be less likely to target you again. It's a way to keep you safe while we gather more evidence and build a case against her."

Bryna's eyes widened as she processed Milo's words. It was an unconventional plan, but the more she thought about it, the more it made sense. She had seen firsthand the lengths Carla would go to maintain her facade of innocence. This fake marriage might be the chance to expose the truth and at last to capture Carla.

"Milo, I... I'll do it," Bryna said, her voice filled with determination. "If it means exposing Carla and ensuring the safety of others, then I'm willing to go along with this plan."

A wave of relief washed over Milo, and a glimmer of hope sparked in his eyes. "Thank you, Bryna. I promise you, we won't stop until we put Carla behind bars."

With their decision made, Bryna and Milo began to put their plan into action. They would have to convince the town and even their closest friends and family that their marriage was genuine. It would require careful acting and a well-crafted narrative, but they were prepared to do whatever it took.

As news of their engagement spread throughout the town, the reactions were mixed. Some expressed their congratulations and support, while others were skeptical, questioning the suddenness of their relationship. But Bryna and Milo were resolute- they had to maintain the illusion, even when faced with doubt.

In the days leading up to the so-called wedding ceremony, Bryna and Milo immersed themselves in wedding preparations, attending dress fittings, cake tastings, and meetings with wedding planners. They played their roles flawlessly, their chemistry and connection evident to anyone who observed them.

But behind the scenes, the couple, along with Lucas and Gerta, continued their investigation into Carla's web of deceit. As they uncovered more victims, each had their own harrowing story of abuse and manipulation. It became clear that Carla's crimes extended far beyond Bryna's ordeal.

One evening, as they gathered around a table covered in documents and photos, Lucas slammed his hand down, frustration etched on his face. "We need more proof, something concrete that will bring Carla down once and for all. We can't let her slip through our fingers again."

Gerta's brow furrowed in deep thought. "I've been digging through financial records, trying to find a connection between Carla and her illicit activities. There has to be something that ties her to the illegal operations."