Living With The Seven Bad Boys

Ezra’s POV.

“ARE you serious about this?”

My attention was focused on Kiana when she posed a question. Just by looking at her face, I could tell she was worried. I exhaled a long sigh and nodded to her in response.

“Yes,” I said without hesitation.

She drew a heavy breath and crossed her arms across her chest. “It’s not like I can stop you from escaping–”

My eyes widened and my ears clapped. I covered her mouth in an instant, before she could finish what she was about to say.

“Could you please lower your voice, Kiana? They might hear us!” I hushed her and gave her a stern look.

We’ve entered my room. Kiana asked her parents for permission to spend the night in our house. We were discussing a clear plan for my escape. Because tomorrow is my wedding day, and my parents weren’t considering cancelling it, so I have to run away before that happens. I can never, under any circumstances, allow the wedding to take place. I can’t give them what they want.

There was a knock on the door. Kiana and I fell silent as soon as the door opened and Mom entered my room.

“Are you ready for tomorrow, Ezra?” Mom asked in a jubilant tone.

I simply responded with a nod, even though I intended to respond negatively in my heart. I was disappointed as well as saddened for Mom. I feel sorry for her because I see a glimmer of hope and shine in her eyes, as if she’s been waiting for the day I’d marry. But I couldn’t hide my dismay for her because I couldn’t believe they’d trade my life for the sake of their business. I’m not their puppy, whom they can play with and boss around. They should’ve considered the fact that I am their daughter.

I’m sorry, Mom, but I can’t and don’t want to be engaged in a marriage I never approved of in the first place.

My parents announced our engagement without my permission only a month ago. Then, she wanted me to marry him as soon as possible? What does she think of marriage? A game? A business transaction?

“I’m glad to hear that. Get some rest, my dear. Tomorrow will be the best day of your life!” She smiled as she walked out of my room.

Best day, my foot.

“Your parents are indeed serious about your wedding, huh?” Kiana, who was sitting next to me, whispered as she ate the snacks I’d hidden earlier. “So, what’s your plan?”

“I’ll wait until midnight to make sure everyone in the house is asleep. Then, it will be the perfect time to leave.”

“I’m trying to weigh the possibilities, Ezra. What if… What if you failed to carry out your plan?”

I was a little taken aback. She was right. I hadn’t considered that. What if I fail to carry out my plan? What am I going to do, then? What will happen to me? I’ll be tied to a man I don’t love for the rest of my life.

As I clenched my fists, I gasped for breath. Only thinking about it in the near future suffocates me. It will be the cause for my demise.

“Just put your trust in me, Kiana. I’m confident I’ll succeed,” I stated boldly.

“Suppose you succeed in escaping; where will you go?”

“I’m not sure yet… I have my own car and enough money to rent an apartment or maybe stay in a hotel,” I replied, unsure.

“Duh! The hotels here are a long way from our city, and I’m certain your parents will go to any length to find you, Ezra. You know how important you are for their success.”

I rolled my eyes. “I know, but I’m not going to let it happen. If I have to leave the country as soon as I get out of this house, I’ll do it even if it’s dangerous. If they’re willing to go to any length to find me, I’ll do the same to get away.”

I was fed up with my parents’ obsession with their own company. Kiana let out a sigh. I know she’s stressed out about what’s going on with my life, but I’m thankful she’s by my side because I don’t know where else I’ll get the strength to fight for my rights to do what I believe is best for myself.

She approached me and stroked the back of my palm in an attempt to lift my spirits. I smiled at her to make her feel less worried.

“No matter what happens, Ezra, I will always support you. I’m rooting for you.”

“You’re the best, Kiana!”

***

The clock struck twelve o’clock. My parents, the maids, and the guards were all fast asleep. It was a good thing my parents went to bed early. Kiana was with me. She hadn’t slept yet because she wanted to ensure that I could leave this house without any worries or conflicts.

We slowly exited the room after I finished preparing my luggage. Every step we took was cautious, and we made no noise because the bodyguards at the front gate could perhaps hear us in no time.

We went through the backyard after we descended the stairs. Because there were no bodyguards present, the two of us decided to take the quickest and easiest route, which was the exit in the backyard. I rushed outside with Kiana to say my goodbyes.

“Thank you for helping me, Kiana. I owe you a lot,” I said with a smile.

“Look after yourself. Call or text me, okay? Keep me posted. I will miss you, Ezra,” she said, despite her tears.

I pulled her for a hug. “I’ll miss you, too…”

We both released our grip on the hug after a few minutes of deafening silence in the middle of the solemn night.

“I have to leave. Goodbye, Kiana.”

“Goodbye, Ezra!” she cried, waving as I turned my back to walk away.

I didn’t want to go, but I had no choice. I don’t want to live with regrets because I didn’t turn down this marriage. I’m aware that the Tan family may delay or withdraw their investment in our company, but I can’t give up my life to this arranged marriage that I’ve opposed since the beginning.

I stowed my belongings in the trunk and began driving away. I had no idea where I was going, but maybe it’d be better to stay in a hotel just for tonight.

I’ve driven for two hours and haven’t found a single hotel. Because we live in the countryside, hotels and buildings are too far away from our city, as Kiana mentioned. It was difficult to grope in the dark.

I parked my car for a while when it started raining heavily out of nowhere. The darkness of the road obscured my vision. The rainstorm grew stronger over time. I haven’t been able to find a place to stay until now. I peeked at my phone when I heard a buzzing sound. I saw the caller ID on the screen. It was a call from Kiana. I pursed my lips and pressed the answer button.

“Hello?”

“Where are you? Are you okay? It’s pouring outside, Ezra!” Kiana’s voice came over the other end of the line.

“Don’t worry about me, Kiana. I’m perfectly fine. I haven’t yet found a place to stay, though.”

“But it’s raining cats and dogs! I’m afraid something bad might happen to you on the road.”

“The rain will stop soon. So, please, refrain from making loud noises! You’re waking them up!” I grumbled.

“Fine. Then, find a hotel or a place to stay as soon as possible, Ezra. It’s late at night, and you’re driving. Something bad could happen to you because of the heavy rain, so be cautious.”

“Don’t direct my actions, Kiana. I know exactly what I’m doing. I’ll call you later, goodbye!” I hurried before hanging up and turning off my phone.

I’ve been driving for nearly four hours and have yet to find any hotels or apartments in this area. I wasn’t sure where I was. All I was sure of was that I was far away from home and the city. I cursed every bad word I knew when my car abruptly stopped in the middle of the street.

“Shit!” I cussed. “Why now, of all times?!”

I had no choice but to get out of the car. I didn’t mind getting soaked in the rain any longer. II checked my car and discovered that I had run out of gas. How unlucky I was. There were no gas stations nearby.

I looked around the area, even though I couldn’t see the road because of the rain. I was wondering if I could find a spot to stay. Thank goodness I noticed a house near where I was standing. I grabbed my belongings from the compartment and dashed towards that house. It wasn’t as big as our house, but it had a second floor and appeared to be quite spacious on the inside, so I decided to knock. Perhaps I’ll just stay here until the sun comes up.

I knocked several times but received no response nor was the door opened for me. I assumed no one was there. I was set to leave, but then the door unclasped. A man popped up in front of me.

“What can we help you, miss?”

I was about to say something when I noticed the others standing behind him. There were seven in total, all of whom were men. I swallowed hard in nervousness.

“Who are you? Why are you outside our house at the crack of dawn?”

“U-Uh… N-Nothing! I apologize if I woke you up. I-I’m leaving!” I stammered.

It was embarrassing enough that the loudness of my knock woke them all up. I was about to turn away from them when the rain became so heavy that I couldn’t see anything in the street. I squeezed my eyes shut and heaved a sigh before facing them again.

I don’t have any other options…

“Can I stay here?”

Ezra’s POV.

“What?”

“C-Can I stay here, even if it’s only until tomorrow?” I asked, cutting to the chase.

I scratched my nape and averted my gaze in embarrassment. They all exchanged glances before returning their eyes to me.

“We’re seven men, miss,” said the intimidating-looking man.

I was engrossed in jitters and examined them one by one. I honestly believe they’re nice people, so I’ll put on a brave face. I have nowhere else to go.

“Well, uh… It’s fine with me! I mean, I need a place to stay right now because, as you can see, the weather has soaked me. So, please!” I pleaded desperately.

Please, let me in! All of my remaining pride has been consumed. I’ve lost all of my dignity.

“Come on in,” he said.

I breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. “Thank you very much!”

They offered to sit on the couch. I looked around their house from every angle. It was roomy, and the interior design was stunning. In fairness, the house was a