CHAPTER 1

Chapter 1: The Arranged Marriage

Nora Shawn paced back and forth in her small apartment, her mind racing with thoughts of escape. Her mother, Robert Shawn's second wife, had arranged for her to marry Hardin Tanks, a notorious billionaire with a dark reputation. Rumors swirled around him - murder, mafia ties, and ruthless business dealings.

"How could you do this to me, Mother?" Nora muttered, her voice laced with frustration. She felt like a pawn in a twisted game, traded for wealth and status.

Her phone buzzed, breaking the silence. It was her sister, Freya.

"Hey, sis. What's going on?" Freya asked, her tone dripping with concern.

"The wedding. It's in two days. I can't do it, Freya. I just can't," Nora replied, desperation creeping into her voice.

"I know, Nora. But Mother won't budge. She's getting a hefty sum from Hardin's family," Freya said bluntly.

Nora's stomach churned. She felt like a commodity, sold to the highest bidder.

"I have to get out of here," Nora decided.

"Seattle. I have a friend who can help us. Pack your bags, Nora. We leave tonight," Freya instructed.

Nora's heart skipped a beat. Freedom beckoned.

"Thank you, Freya. I owe you one."

As Nora hung up, a sense of determination washed over her. She would escape this arranged marriage, no matter the cost.

Nora began packing, her hands shaking with anticipation. She tossed clothes, documents, and cash into a small suitcase.

Just as she finished, the doorbell rang.

Nora's heart sank.

"Who could that be?" she whispered.

She approached the door cautiously, peering through the peephole.

To her surprise, it wasn't Hardin or her mother. Instead, a stranger stood outside, dressed in a black suit.

"Who are you?" Nora asked, opening the door slightly.

"My name is Ryder. I'm a friend of Freya's," he replied, his voice low and mysterious.

Nora's instincts screamed caution, but Ryder's piercing blue eyes seemed to hold a genuine concern.

"What do you want?" Nora asked.

"I'm here to help you escape. Freya sent me," Ryder said, glancing around nervously.

Nora hesitated.

"Come with me, Nora. We must leave now," Ryder urged.

Nora nodded, grabbing her suitcase.

As they stepped into the night, Nora felt a rush of freedom.

But just as they reached the car, a black SUV screeched to a halt beside them.

Hardin Tanks emerged, his eyes blazing with anger.

"You're not going anywhere, Nora," he growled.

Ryder stepped forward.

"I don't think so, Hardin."

A fierce fight ensued.

Nora's heart pounded.

Was she trading one captor for another?

As the fight raged on, Nora made a split-second decision.

She jumped into the SUV.

And locked the doors.

"Drive!" she shouted.

The SUV sped away.

Leaving Ryder and Hardin behind.

But as Nora looked back, she saw Ryder's words etched on the window:

"Trust no one'

...The SUV sped away, leaving Ryder and Hardin behind.

Nora's heart still racing, she glanced at the SUV's driver.

He remained silent, his face hidden behind a mask.

"Who are you?" Nora demanded.

The driver's gaze met hers in the rearview mirror.

"You're safe now, Nora," he said, his voice distorted.

Nora's unease grew.

"Take me to Freya," she instructed.

The driver nodded.

As they navigated through the city, Nora noticed they weren't heading toward Seattle.

"Where are we going?" she asked, alarm creeping into her voice.

The driver remained silent.

Suddenly, the SUV stopped in front of a private jet.

"Get out, Nora," the driver ordered.

Nora stepped out, and the driver vanished into the night.

The jet's stairs unfolded, revealing a figure.

Hardin Tanks.

"You're not escaping me, Nora," he said, his eyes blazing.

But beside him stood Freya, a gun pressed to her temple.

"Welcome to your new reality, Nora," Hardin sneered.

Nora's world crumbled.

Was Freya in on it?

Or was she a hostage?

As Nora's mind reeled, the jet's door closed.

And the engines roared to life.

Destination unknown.

"Where are we going?" Nora demanded.

Hardin smiled.

"You'll see."

Nora's eyes locked onto Freya's.

Her sister's eyes seemed to hold a hidden message.

Nora's thoughts swirled.

Was this a setup?

Or a rescue gone wrong?

The jet soared into the night sky.

Nora's fate hung in the balance.

As the hours passed, Nora's anxiety grew.

The jet landed with a jolt.

Nora's door opened.

A luxurious mansion loomed before her.

"Welcome to your new home," Hardin said.

Nora's heart sank.

But then she saw it.

A figure watching from the shadows.

Ryder.

His eyes locked onto hers.

"Trust no one," he mouthed.

Nora's world tilted.

Was Ryder friend or foe?

As Nora stepped into the mansion.

She knew one thing.

She'd fight for her freedom.

No matter the cost.