HEAVENLY PAIN MARRIAGE

05. Catch The Blue Bird Back

The moment I lift my gaze, the air leaves my lungs—it’s him.

“Are you gonna leave your husband just like this, right after the wedding party?”

Maximilian. Sitting across from me like a ghost from a nightmare. I blink, hoping he’ll disappear, but no—he’s real. He found me.

He looks terrible. The usual sharp elegance is gone—dark hair disheveled, stubble shadowing his jaw, and cold, bloodshot eyes ringed with exhaustion. His suit is wrinkled, shirt unbuttoned at the collar. He seems worn down, but far from defeated.

Maximilian leans back, jaw tight, struggling to maintain control. His gaze locks onto mine, steady yet simmering with restrained anger.

“How did you...?”

He cuts me off, leaning in with infuriating calm, like he’s already won. “If I missed your train, I would’ve taken my helicopter.” A pause, heavy with meaning. “Understand your position now?” His voice drops, sharp and deliberate. “Stop causing trouble.”

The words hit like a slap. My nails dig into my palms to stop my hands from trembling. I want to scream, to throw everything back at him—for trapping me in this nightmare, for hunting me down like a fugitive instead of his wife.

He grips my wrist and pulls me to my feet.

“I’m not going back,” I say, voice trembling but firm.

“The train is leaving soon,” Maximilian says, his tone clipped. “Don’t make me delay these people just to deal with you.” His stern glare only fuels my frustration.

I hate how he traps me like this. But maybe—just maybe—I can turn the situation around. I glance at the passengers, their curious gazes bouncing between us. I can feel their attention, and it sparks a bold idea.

I meet Maximilian’s eyes, determination rising. “What if I want you to?” I challenge, then I raising my voice. “Sir! I don’t want this! You know my brother only wants money—I’m just a victim here! I’m too young for you!”

Murmurs spread among the passengers, their faces shifting between confusion and concern. Maximilian stays silent, his hand tight on my wrist, brow furrowed as he scans the crowd. Hope flickers within me—maybe someone will intervene.

“I have dreams! I want my school life back! No one could buy my dream— even your money!” I declare, savoring the growing disapproval directed at him. For a moment, freedom seems within reach—until Maximilian moves.

Without a word, he hoists me over his shoulder.

“Put me down!” I scream, panic surging as I kick and struggle.

His voice drops, steady and deliberate. “You know,” he murmurs, “I could even buy that dream place of yours.”

His words cut deep, twisting the knife of helplessness even further.

Without a word, he strides toward the exit, ignoring my protests. “Let me go!” I scream, desperation rising as I realize I’m slipping away from my chance to escape. The world outside blurs, and the walls feel like they’re closing in.

Then, an elderly woman stands up, her voice cutting through the chaos. “Sir, I think you need to stop.” Her words stopping Maximilian, giving me a rush of hope, “you shouldn’t force her to be your bride.”

Maximilian turns to her, his expression darkening for a moment. I brace for a confrontation, fearing he might lash out. But then he glances at his men at the end of the carriage and shifts slightly. “Llyal, make sure everyone on this train gets free travel to their destination,” he commands.