Sarah felt as like she were being suffocated, even with the luxurious surroundings and the full focus to detail from the shop employees. The gown's seams felt like chains around her ankles, drawing her closer to a destiny she never desired.

But Bobby didn't seem to notice her internal conflict; instead, his eyes were shining with pleasure as he observed her wearing the gown. He said, a smug smile playing on his lips, "You look stunning, my darling." "I knew this would be the perfect choice."


Sarah tried to keep her cool, her hands shaking with pent-up anger as she faked a tight-lipped smile. Her voice was strained with false politeness as she replied, "It's... lovely," through clenched teeth..

But Sarah couldn't help but feel a wave of hatred rising inside of her as she saw her reflection in the mirror. The woman who was gazing back at her appeared unfamiliar, a mere shadow of the person she had once been.

Her fierce independence and burning soul had vanished, leaving behind a pale replica that moved like a puppet in response to Bobby's whims. Sarah swore, no matter what, that she would never allow him to break her spirit as she looked into her own eyes.


However, she understood deep down that it would be difficult to escape Bobby's hold. His enormous money and influential connections gave him the ability to dash her hopes, leaving her with nothing but shattered hopes and broken promises.

But even with all the odds against her, Sarah remained hopeful. Because she was aware that she had allies in this struggle and that they would support her as she pursued her independence.


And Sarah knew that the fight was far from over as she left the bridal boutique, her heart heaving with doubt. But as she moved closer to regaining her freedom, she sensed a glimmer of optimism and a stubborn streak of disobedience growing within of her.

***********************************************************************

Sarah woke up on her wedding day feeling as though a lead weight were pressing down on her chest, weighing heavily on her impending decision. Her reflection in the glass seemed to mock her as she gazed at herself, bringing to mind the sacrifice she was about to make. Remorse gnawed at her insides like a vicious beast as she remembered the moments leading up to this day.

Every tiny bead and lace on her bridal gown felt like chains tying her to a destiny she didn't want. As she pressed the buttons, her hands trembled and her thoughts raced with uncertainties and anxieties. Although she was aware that she was making a mistake, the thought of losing Olivia, her baby sister, was too much to bear.

As she made her way to the venue, the weight of her decision grew heavier with each step. The sounds of laughter and joy from the guests only served to magnify her sense of despair. She plastered a fake smile on her face, pretending to be the blushing bride, while inside, her heart screamed in agony.

Her hands trembled violently when she faced Bobby at the altar during the wedding. She kept hearing the vows' words in her head, and every one of them felt like a lie she had to tell. Her heart bled with remorse and longing as she sneaked glimpses at Derrick, the man she had grew to like and developed feelings for.

Sarah experienced a rush of numbness as the ceremony drew to a close and the guests erupted in applause. For the sake of keeping her sister alive, she had now entered into a legal marriage to a man she detested. She ignored the shame and guilt that threatened to overwhelm her because she knew she had to be strong for Olivia.


***********************************************

Sarah felt herself choking on fake smiles and forced small talk during the reception. She was desperate to get out of this nightmare that she had allowed herself to enter. However, she was aware that she couldn't give up on anything, especially because her sister's life was in jeopardy.

Sarah's head throbbed like a migraine from the reception hall's thumping music. She closed her eyes tightly, the pre-wedding anxieties still causing her nausea. She inhaled deeply and said, "Just a minute, honey," to the vacant spot next to her where her fiancé Bobby—who was presumably going to be present soon—should have been.

She opened the luxurious hotel suite's massive oak door and made her way through the jumble of bridesmaids' gowns and broken bottles of champagne thrown all over the furnishings. The peace she much needed was in a stark difference to the chaotic excitement backstage.

As she arrived at the corridor, feeling the cool marble beneath her feet, she noticed the restroom sign. She said to herself, "Just a little break," as she pushed open the only unmarked door.

A sea of urinals replaced the typical sight of spotless white tile as light filled her view. Her belly churned. Her stomach turned. Mistake. Huge mistake.

Sarah was surprised to see Derrick standing there with a look of concern mixed with astonishment as she pushed open the restroom door, her pulse racing with a mix of nervousness and dread.

"Derrick?" she asked, her voice hardly audible above a whisper as she took in his handsome features and felt his comforting presence soothe her bruised spirit.

As Derrick saw Sarah's gorgeous wedding gown, which fit her slim figure like a second skin, his eyes grew wide with surprise. "Sarah, what are you doing here?" he questioned, his voice low and anxious as he walked closer to her, his anxiety visible in every line of his face.

"Oh my god, Derrick! I, uh," Sarah fumbled, cheeks burning. "Wrong door. So sorry!"

She turned to walk away, but a strong heavy hand grabbed her wrist.

"Wait," Derrick said, his voice low and urgent. His grip tightened, pulling her closer. "Are you alright?"

Sarah gulped hard, her throat going dry in an instant while she searched for the right words to defend herself. Her hands trembled at her sides as she struggled to keep her calm. "I... I just needed some air," she choked out.

Her weak attempt at disguise did not deceive Derrick, though, as his stare penetrating through her defenses with unsettling clarity. His voice was calm but strong as he stretched out and cupped her cheek softly, sending thrills down her spine. "Sarah, please," he begged. "You don't have to do this. You can still walk away."

Tears pricked at every corner of Sarah's eyes as she glanced up at Derrick, his words echoing in her ears like a light in the darkness. She mumbled in a whisper, "I... I can't," her words barely audible above her own heartbeat. "Bobby... he won't let me go."

As he heard Sarah's confession, Derrick's face darkened with rage, his jaw locked in barely controlled rage. He growled under his breath, "Damn him," fighting the temptation to lash out with his fists balled at his sides.

But even in spite of his rage, Derrick's eyes softened as he met Sarah's, his heartbeat pounding with a need he could no longer suppress. Reaching out to grab her hand gently, he said, "Sarah, I... I care about you," his voice rough with passion. 'And I won't let him hurt you anymore. I promise."

At Derrick's words, Sarah's breath froze in her throat and her heart grew with a hope she had long since given up. She met his gaze, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, and she said, "Derrick..." her voice shaking with emotion. "Thank you."

She felt a chill run down her spine because of something in his raw passion. His lips were on hers before she could even register the shock.

The kiss was electric, a jolt that ignited a dormant part of her. All the doubts and concerns swirling in her mind – about Bobby, about the life they were about to embark on – faded with each heated touch.

Time seemed to stop as they surrendered to the forbidden feelings. But just as quickly, it shattered.

A muffled voice, laced with drunken hostility, cut through the haze. "Sarah? You in there?" Bobby questioned.

Sarah was overcome with panic. Their entanglement would be out in the public and she would by humiliatedby Bobby if he found out.. Derrick was first to react. "Ceiling," she whispered, shoving him forward. At this moment!"

Derrick leaped quickly through the ceiling, moving silently and with agility until he was out of sight. As she braced herself for the inevitable encounter with Bobby, Sarah held her breath and kept her senses acutely aware. After a short while, the door opened, and Bobby strode into the bathroom with a sinister look on his face.

She stammered out a "Hey," her voice faltering. "Just needed a quick refresh."

Bobby's gaze swept the small restroom, lingering on the open stall. Suspicion flickered in his blue eyes, as familiar yet so foreign now.

"Everything alright?" he said, an ounce of unease in his voice.

In the uncomfortable silence, Sarah managed a laugh, sounding stiff. "Perfectly amazing. Just needed a little alone time before the important stuff, you know."

Bobby never took his eyes off of hers as he gave her a doubtful glance. There was a painful silence between them, broken only by the soft trickle of a leaky faucet.