Healing Hearts and Broken Codes

Marry or die..?

 I knew he wouldn't leave me alone once I saw that. I ran for my life, my heart pounding, through the twisted, confusing paths. I couldn't stop—desperation drove me to keep fleeing, trying to save myself.

The last thing I saw before I fled was his frustrated face, his eyes burning with anger as he holstered his gun and took a menacing step forward. That image haunts me as I raced away, desperate to escape.

His men circled me without panicking, as if it were a regular thing.

"Please let me go," I said, tears rolling down my cheeks.

"What exactly did you see?" he demanded, pulling me closer by my wrist.

"I didn't—" I stuttered.

"Do not lie," he said, his jaw hardening, frustration clear on his face.

"Please, leave me!" I pleaded.

"You think you can leave after witnessing the murder of one of the top businessmen?" he said with a chuckle.

"I—please," I stammered.

"Okay, let's give you two choices," he said, giving me a slight push.

"Please," I said, holding on to a glimmer of hope.

"Choose wisely," he smirked. "Marry or die."

"What?" My world shattered.

"I'll repeat it just once: you can marry me or you can die. No other choices," he said, pulling out his gun.

"Please—wait," I panicked.

"Hurry, I don't have much time," he said, leaving me there. "10 minutes."

Ten minutes was all I had to make a life-changing decision. A doctor who has saved lives now faced the brink of death.

How ironic.

"I'll marry you," I said, tears still flowing.

"Okay."

"The least you could do as a man is buy me a wedding dress," I said.

"Why do you think you can disrespect me?" He stood up, taking small steps toward me.

"I'm sorry, but I think you forgot that I'm your one and only wife. Right, Mr. Romano?" I said boldly.

"Sure, but I have a condition—"

"Not surprised. Continue," I said, knowing I was getting on his nerves.

"You'll wear the dress I choose," he smirked and left the room.

"Come out in 5 minutes," he shouted from a distance.

But what he didn't know was that I had a plan to escape from both him and this marriage.

The car arrived, a majestic grayish hue exuding an aura of regal elegance and commanding power.

"Sit," he ordered.

I chose the backseat, but he suddenly said, "In the front."

I gave him an "are you serious?" look while he responded with a cold gaze.

"I can't even decide my seat," I said.

He didn't reply, and that's how our entire 15-minute ride to the nearest clothing store went.

"Which store?" he asked, uninterested.

There were many stores, but I had to choose one with a window or a door in the changing room.

I found a small store with a perfect door.

He questioned my choice, but I went ahead without him.

"What kind of—" the salesman began, but was interrupted.

"15 minutes," Romano said.

"Yes, sir," the salesman bowed and left.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"You— We have 15 minutes. I'll choose something, and you try it. If it fits, we'll buy it," he said as he went toward the collection.

I had too many questions, but now I was more scared of curiosity.

"Wear this," he said.

The gown featured a plunging sweetheart neckline, sheer lace bodice, and a daring thigh-high slit, blending elegance with allure.

"Romano, it's too revealing," I said.

"Isn't it nice?" he replied with a smirk.

"Are you serious?"

"You don't have a choice, do you?" he said, leaning in.

"I'll—I'll change," I stuttered.

"I think I should help," he said, pushing open the changing room door.

"Are you—what?" I said, stunned.

"I am your one and only husband, right?" he said sarcastically.

"Fuck off"

I quietly opened the door to avoid alerting him and ran to catch a cab.

The first thing I did was call my parents to explain the situation.

"Mom—Mom, help, please!" I pleaded.

"Sweetheart, what happened?" my mom asked, panic evident in her voice.

I explained the entire situation to her.

"What should we do now? What if he's someone powerful?" my mom questioned anxiously.

"Mom, remember the marriage proposal you were talking about? If he's powerful enough, he might be able to help me," I said.

"Okay, don't panic. I'll inform your dad right away. We'll sort this out. Get home safely and quickly," she said before ending the call.

Thoughts swirled in my mind.

"What could be happening right now?"

I decided to call my mom again. "Mom, I'm coming. Did you talk to—"

"Yes, I did. Please come quickly. He's here. I've explained everything to him, and he's willing to help. Please don't mess this up, Bella," my mom said.

"Wait, he's at the house?"

"Yes, his name is Vincent. Don't act clueless around him."

I was completely confused at this point.

As soon as I arrived home, I was met with a horrific scene.

"Hello, Isabella."

The person, my future husband, was none other than Romano—Vincent Romano.

Cliff hangerr!!!!
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Adios~