HEAVENLY PAIN MARRIAGE

04. Long Way Escape

“Madam!”

I shift my gaze to the two men running toward me; a flicker of panic crosses their faces, subtle but unmistakable. They are the guards who wanted to follow me—Mr. Andymon and Mr. Patrick. They quickly lead me away from the guard about to escort me into the elevator, and I feel a sense of loss as Mr. Patrick pulls him aside.

Their stiff posture and the way their eyes dart to him without making direct contact tell me everything and nothing at once. They move too smoothly, like a choreographed dance—efficient and polished—as if trying to keep me calm and ensure I don’t notice that something is off. But I do.

“Madam, are you finished?” Mr. Andymon asks, his tone light and polite, as if we’re discussing brunch rather than a situation that’s setting off every alarm in my head. “You should head back to the roof soon.”

I fold my arms and narrow my eyes at Mr. Andymon. “I ruined my makeup,” I reply, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Should I go back upstairs and chat with the guests looking like a clown?”

“But, Madam—” he starts, careful not to sound too insistent.

I cut him off with a sharp wave of my hand. “I refuse to go back upstairs unless your master decides to accompany me. Do you know how humiliating it feels? It’s like I married a decoration instead of a real person!”

“Mr. Maximilian has returned, Madam.”

“Shit. That’s worse!”

“Madam?” Mr. Andymon tilts his head, confused but still trying to remain composed.

“Never mind. I need to fix my makeup before facing anyone upstairs. Please tell Maximilian that.”

Mr. Andymon’s face stiffens, revealing his hesitation. This isn’t in the manual—dealing with a bride who might bolt if given an inch of freedom. He parts his lips as if to argue, but I tilt my head and give him a sly smile.

“If you’re that worried I’ll run away, you can come with me.”

I step into the elevator, and Mr. Andymon follows, pressing the button for the first floor in silence. The elevator hums softly, the awkward silence stretching between us. I shift my weight from foot to foot, my mind racing back to the bodyguard from earlier.

What if he was trying to help me? If Sarah sent him, it makes sense. It’s been three days, and she hasn’t heard from me. Sarah wouldn’t sit back quietly—she's too sharp, too sensitive to let this slide. If anyone could find me and send someone, it would be her.

The thought fills me with flickers of hope, reigniting my determination to escape this nightmare. I glance at Mr. Andymon, stiff and silent beside me, and an idea begins to take shape. It’s reckless—maybe even stupid—but it’s now or never.

I shift my gaze to the floor monitor—one more stop before we reach the ground floor. Time to act. Slowly, I slip the heavy wedding ring from my left hand and curl it into my right palm.

“Oh no,” I whisper, low enough for Mr. Andymon to hear. I widen my eyes, feigning panic. “Where’s my ring?” I gasp, holding up my now-bare left hand. “It was just here! Did I drop it?”

Mr. Andymon’s confusion deepens as he scans my empty fingers. “Your ring? Are you sure?”

I spin around dramatically, as if searching frantically. “Yes! I had it on just a second ago! Oh my God, it must’ve fallen. I have to find it!”

Mr. Andymon shifts nervously, glancing at the smooth, gleaming floor. “Madam, I don’t see anything.”

I crouch down, running my hands over the spotless surface, hoping the ring will magically appear. “It has to be here!” I say, my voice trembling with feigned panic. “If Maximilian finds out I lost it, he’ll lose his mind. You have no idea how expensive that ring is!”