the runaway bride

Like something out of a fairy tale, the wind played with Helen’s hair as she walked along the long paths of her grand estate, carefree and untouched by sorrow—at least, until that moment. She had the perfect life, like any innocent woman who believed only in the purity of love. 

Helen, heiress to one of the largest fortunes in the country, was the protagonist of this enchanted tale. Society magazines praised her grace and elegance, while her immense wealth made her the object of desire for many. 

But Helen wanted something more from life. She yearned for true love, a connection not built on money, but on who she truly was as a person. 

Then came the news that would change her fate forever. Her father, the influential industrial magnate Ricardo Reynolds, had devised an ambitious plan to secure the family’s wealth and legacy: an arranged marriage with one of the country's most prominent and enigmatic bachelors. 

Helen knew this marriage pact was nothing more than a business agreement, and it filled her with frustration. She hadn’t even met the man she was supposed to marry. 

"Father, I can’t do this. Who in their right mind gets engaged to someone they’ve never even met?" Helen said, taking a seat, her voice heavy with distress. 

"You have to, Helen. This man enjoys unmatched prestige. The fusion of our surnames will strengthen our empire—you’ll be the envy of the city. Besides, I’ll finally gain that high-ranking government position I’ve always desired. Maximilian’s grandfather will guarantee it as soon as the marriage is finalized." 

Helen looked at him with teary eyes and slowly stood from her chair. "And for what, Dad? Look around you—look at everything you already have. Are you really trading me for a position?" 

"This is not just any position. I could soon be running for president. Also, he’ll rescue your company with a small investment and save it from bankruptcy. It’s a done deal. You can’t object, my dear Helen. The contract is already signed. And the union of our last name with his will give us unprecedented power." 

Helen stared at her father, a mixture of anger and disbelief in her eyes. As an independent and mature woman with an unwavering belief in love, his plan felt completely out of touch. 

"I don’t agree, Dad! I don’t even know him. Does he even agree to this marriage? I haven’t seen him, not even a photo. Please, Dad!" 

At that moment, Helen’s mother appeared at the garden door, having overheard the argument. 

"What’s going on here?" 

"Mom, please tell Dad I’m not some woman to be sold off like property," Helen pleaded. Her mother lowered her head in shame and whispered, 

"Sweetheart, I’m so sorry. I can’t do anything. The contract is signed. The future of our family depends on this marriage. I’m sorry, my dear." 

Helen looked at both, stunned by what she was hearing. The wedding was just three weeks away, and every arrangement had already been made without her knowledge. Heartbroken, she retreated into her thoughts, unsure of what to do or say. 

"I can’t believe they’re doing this to me. I’m capable of making my own choices. I’m not as fragile as they think," Helen thought to herself. Then she stood tall in front of them and spoke with fierce resolve. 

"They treat me like a child. Do they not realize my age? I have the right to choose who I marry!" 

"But you haven’t married yet, Helen," her father replied. "In our family, we have traditions. We need you to give us grandchildren—to continue the family name. You are getting married. There’s no turning back." 

Helen shook her head in disbelief and stormed away, leaving her parents mid-sentence. The days passed quickly, and the wedding day arrived. 

She stared at her reflection in the mirror, already dressed in her wedding gown. It was a stunning creation by one of the city’s top designers, adorned with delicate details and shimmering rhinestones. But her face reflected nothing but sorrow. 

Meanwhile, at the Donovan mansion, Fernando was getting ready for the ceremony. Admiring himself in the mirror, he exuded confidence. His looks and charisma were the envy of every man. Having recently returned from abroad, he had never met his bride in person—but he’d seen her in dozens of photos. Besides, the marriage offered significant advantages, not to mention the conditions set by his grandfather, who promised to make him CEO of the country’s largest export company—a position Fernando couldn’t afford to lose. 

"Love, you look amazing… but I still can’t believe you’re going through with this marriage," Virginia said tearfully, clinging to his back. "I know it’s all fake, but it hurts me so much." 

Fernando turned to her, cupped her face in both hands, and kissed her passionately. 

"My darling, in two years I’ll get a divorce, and we’ll be married. You’ll be my wife, even if my family disapproves. I’m only marrying her because my grandfather is ill, and I promised I’d take care of this family. I’m the last man left—I have to take responsibility." 

"I don’t want to stay in this secret relationship any longer. You only have two years, Fernando—only two years for me to become your wife and for us to build the family we’ve always dreamed of. I know your grandfather is sick, but I want to take her place." 

Fernando approached her again, kissed her forehead, caressed her arms, and smiled. 

"My love, it’s just a matter of time. Once I’m running Donovan & Associates, my grandfather won’t have control anymore. I promise. Besides, my future wife seems to be quite submissive. I won’t have any trouble divorcing her. Don’t worry. That’s why I never wanted to meet her—I didn’t want any kind of connection. Starting tonight, I won’t even share a bed with her. Our relationship will go on, uninterrupted. I owe everything to you, and only to you." 

Fernando's girlfriend looked at him in anguish. She knew he loved her and was infatuated with her, but money mattered to Virginia too. So, he had decided to sacrifice himself for a couple of years. Christopher, his grandfather, was a relentless manipulator and would do whatever it took to achieve his goals. Nothing was more important to him than marrying his grandson off to the daughter of a prestigious businessman. 

Helen and Fernando’s wedding sent ripples throughout the city. The children of the most powerful tycoons in the export industry were about to join their lives in a splendid ceremony. Everyone envied their position. Reporters waited outside the church, while family, friends, acquaintances, politicians, and businessmen gathered to witness one of the most prominent unions in the country. 

Meanwhile, Helen stood in front of the mirror, refusing the help of any makeup artist. She did her own makeup, applied some foundation, and packed a small suitcase. "Forgive me, Mom and Dad, but I can’t fool myself. I swore that on my wedding day, I would marry the love of my life, and I won’t betray my principles." 

"Helen, are you ready yet?" her mother asked, entering the room and interrupting her thoughts. Helen grew nervous, quickly hid the small suitcase by her feet, smiled at her mother, and stood up. 

"Yes, Mom, I’m heading straight to the limo. I’ll see you at the ceremony." 

Helen’s mother nodded and left the room. Helen slipped the small bag beneath the large skirt of her dress and walked to the parking lot, where her friend Jonah was already waiting for her. 

"Daughter, I’ll come with you," Eva insisted, wanting to accompany her to the church. 

"Mom, no. I want to go alone and enjoy these last moments of being single. Nothing will happen to