Chapter 9 - The Woman Who Finally Stopped RunningOne year after their first wedding, Gabrielle returned to the courthouse.
This time, she wore a white dress.
Ethan wore a black suit.
Her father attended.
So did people from both families.
There was no contract.
No business agreement.
No secret clause.
Just vows.
Gabrielle looked into Ethan's eyes.
“I married you because I was afraid.”
Ethan smiled.
“I know.”
“I thought I could buy freedom.”
“You did try to buy me.”
She laughed.
“I offered three million dollars.”
“Still the best offer I ever received.”
She smiled through tears.
“But I learned something.”
“What?”
“Freedom isn't running away.”
She squeezed his hands.
“It's finding someone you don't need to run from.”
Ethan's eyes filled.
“I love you.”
“I love you too.”
They kissed.
May you like
Their marriage had begun as a lie.
But somehow, it had become the truest thing either of them had ever known.
