Chapter 1 Run away from a Marriage
The crystal chandelier's light spilled out like a sea of luxury. Among the socialites and celebs, the clinking of glasses created a rhythm.
This was the swankiest hotel in Emerald City, and tonight, it was all about the "Love & Hope" charity dinner.
In the shadows, a group was quietly searching the place, whispering to each other.
"Quick! Ms. Emily Johnson went that way!"
"Mr. Aiden Johnson said we have to bring her back tonight."
"Don't let anyone else know!"
"Got it."
On stage, a famous actress in a sizzling red dress belted out love songs, cranking up the vibe.
Down below, the guys raised their glasses, but their eyes kept sneaking glances at the main table. There sat James Smith, the youngest business tycoon in Emerald City.
James rocked a perfectly tailored black suit, with a low-key but super expensive sapphire brooch on his collar. Unlike the others, he was in a wheelchair.
He held a glass of champagne in one hand and casually scrolled through his phone with the other. His handsome face was blank, his deep eyes seemed to see through all the BS, and he had this vibe that kept people at arm's length.
"Mr. Smith, here's the donation summary for tonight." The charity dinner's organizer, a middle-aged woman dripping in jewels, handed James a document with a forced smile. "Anything you'd like to add?"
James didn't even glance at her. He just said, "Whatever."
The woman's smile froze, but she quickly recovered, laughing nervously, "Okay, Mr. Smith. These are minor details; you don't need to worry about them."
James ignored her, eyes glued to his phone, radiating an unsettling aura.
The woman scurried away, scared of ticking him off.
Just then, James frowned at a text from his assistant, Robert Davis.
Robert: [Mr. Smith, we found the person you were looking for. She's Emily Johnson, the second daughter of the Johnson Family, a twenty-year-old college student.]
Robert: [A month ago, she saved you at Crystal Cliff. You were out cold, and she had to give you medicine by mouth. It wasn't on purpose.]
Robert: [Can you let her off?]
Each message hit James hard, stirring up feelings in his usually calm heart.
His fingers twitched, wanting to reply, but he hesitated, remembering something.
"We found her; Ms. Johnson is over there!" Two big bodyguards pushed through the crowd, heading straight over.
Suddenly, a graceful figure stumbled into James's arms.
James looked up and locked eyes with the woman, momentarily stunned. She looked just like the photo Robert had sent him.
It was Emily!
A familiar feeling washed over him, taking him back to a month ago when he fell off the cliff. He remembered the soft touch of her lips, with a faint scent of medicine.
James instinctively reached out to support her, his fingers brushing against her slender waist, sending a strange current through his body.
"Sorry, sir, I need your help!" Emily blurted out, hugging James and burying her head in his chest.
"She was just here!" A bodyguard passed by, and Emily clutched James's clothes tightly, her breathing quick and anxious.
"Look, she's over there!" Another voice called out, and several bodyguards rushed towards a corner of the banquet hall.
Once they were gone, James glanced down at Emily, who seemed to relax a bit.
"Sorry for the trouble!" Emily quickly pulled away, scanning the room nervously. "Thanks a lot, but I gotta go. Bye!"
But James grabbed her wrist. "You think you can just use me and leave?"
His voice was low and smooth, like a cello's notes, resonating in Emily's ears.
Emily's heart skipped a beat. This guy was so commanding and handsome!
Especially those deep eyes that seemed to see right through her, making her want to get lost in them.
"What do you want?" Emily asked, trying to leave again, but he pulled her back into his arms.
"Don't move, they're still close," James whispered in her ear, his warm breath tickling her earlobe, making her shiver.
Emily was forced to lean against his chest, hearing his strong, steady heartbeat. His embrace was warm and broad. She thought, 'Why does this guy feel so familiar, like I've seen him before?'
"Here she is!" A bodyguard grabbed a woman's hand.
"What are you doing?" the woman shouted.
"Sorry, my mistake!" The bodyguard apologized repeatedly, then spoke into his earpiece, "Damn, Ms. Johnson got away again!"
Emily's face changed. She knew she had to make a run for it right now.
"Let go of me, I need to leave!" Emily pushed James away and tried to run.
"You think it's that easy?" James grabbed her wrist again, pulling her back in his arms.
"How dare you?" Emily glared at him but kept her voice down to avoid attracting the bodyguards.
She cursed inwardly, 'What does this guy want?'
James seemed unfazed by her anger, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Why are they after you?"
His voice was low and smooth, but with a chilling edge.
Emily's heart sank, a bad feeling creeping in. She tried to break free, but his grip was surprisingly strong.
"I ran away from a marriage, okay? It's none of your business!" she snapped.
James looked at the angry Emily, a playful smile on his lips. He was curious about why she ran away.
"What's your name?" James's voice was low and smooth, as if trying to confirm something.
Emily hesitated for a moment, then instinctively replied, "Emily Johnson."
"Emily..." James repeated her name softly, like savoring a sweet candy, "A beautiful name."
"Why did you run away?" James's tone suddenly became serious, his deep eyes seeming to see through all her defenses.
Emily bit her lip, hesitated for a moment, then replied, "I don't want to marry someone I don't love."