CHAPTER 12 - A BRIDE AGAINST HER WILL .

Chapter Twelve: A Bride Against Her Will

The morning of the wedding arrived like an uninvited storm.

Ethan, firm in his decision, had the downstairs guestroom prepared for Haera to get dressed in. His assistant, Jace, had already ensured her bridal gown was delivered—an elegant cream-colored dress paired with delicate white heels. Ethan's own black designer suit hung ready in his room, crisp and perfect as always.

But Haera had no idea what awaited her.

She was still locked away in her room, staring blankly out of the window with pain-laced silence. When Ethan opened the door, he found her standing there, sunlight casting shadows across her solemn face. She didn't turn to look at him.

"Follow me downstairs to dress up," he said firmly.

Haera scoffed softly without glancing his way. "Why should I? My clothes are in here."

"I know," Ethan said, walking further in, "but you have to dress up for our wedding."

Her head snapped toward him in disbelief, her eyes wide like he'd just struck her. "What?! Our wedding? You must be joking."

"You said you wanted your freedom," Ethan replied coldly. "This is how I intend to free you."

Fear flickered in Haera's eyes. "No! No! Ethan, you must be out of your senses. I'd rather stay locked up than walk free as your wife. That's not freedom!"

"Oh, but it is," Ethan said, stepping closer, his gaze dark. "Yes, Haera, we're getting married today. It's happening, and it's a must. Now let's go. It's almost time."

Tears streamed down Haera's face as she sat heavily on the bed, clutching her pillow like a lifeline. "I'll never marry you! Never!"

Ethan had reached his limit. Without another word, he yanked her up and slung her over his shoulder like a sack of rice.

"Let go of me, you pervert! Put me down, Ethan!" Haera shouted, pounding her fists against his back. "This is illegal!"

He carried her out of the room as if she weighed nothing.

"There's a lawyer and a pastor waiting downstairs to bless our marriage," Ethan said, unfazed. "And one special person I know you'll want to meet."

He smacked her lightly on her butt, and she screamed. "How dare you touch me there! You're a monster! A pervert! I'd rather die than marry you!"

Her words stabbed straight into his chest like a knife, but he forced himself to ignore them.

"You'd rather die?" he repeated, his voice low and dangerous. "Then let's see how I marry you today."

They reached the dressing room and Ethan laid her gently on the bed. He turned to leave so the beauticians could enter when she suddenly grabbed his collar.

"I swear I'll never marry you, Ethan Kang!" she yelled through gritted teeth. "You don't deserve love, or even to be called human. No woman will ever love you!"

"Haera, stop it," Ethan warned. "You're making me angry."

"Oh, the mighty Ethan is angry now?" she mocked, laughing bitterly. "So what?"

Ethan clenched his jaw. "You said you'd rather die than marry me, right? Fine. Let's see how I marry you anyway."

In a burst of rage, he pinned her to the bed, grabbing her shoulders. "Why won't you understand? Just marry me. That's all I'm asking."

Haera's eyes filled with tears as fear gripped her chest. "Please stop, Ethan. You're hurting me... I-I promise to marry you but—please don't take my innocence. I beg you."

Her voice broke into sobs, and suddenly, Ethan froze. He looked down at her, the pain in her eyes reflecting back all the anger he had felt moments ago. Reality struck him like lightning.

"I'm sorry… I didn't mean to," he stammered, backing away.

Haera sat up, shaking with emotion. "I swear, Ethan Kang, I'll never marry you. I'll escape for sure today. You'll never have me!"

She looked toward the window, and her tear-stained face hardened with resolve. An idea slowly formed in her mind. If she could climb out of the window and escape before the wedding ceremony, she'd be free—forever.

Meanwhile, Ethan stood under the shower in his private bathroom, his thoughts spiraling.

What am I doing? Forcing her? This isn't how I win her heart.

He raked a hand through his wet hair. His chest was tight, suffocating with guilt and desire. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. It startled him.

Something didn't feel right.

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✨ Author's Note & CTA (Call to Action) ✨

Thank you so much for reading Chapter Twelve of Love in a Long Suspense! 💔💍

Ethan's obsession is getting darker... and Haera is done playing victim. With a wedding looming and Haera plotting escape, the storm is just beginning. Will she succeed in running away, or will Ethan truly tie her to him forever?

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🚨 Stay tuned for the next chapter—it's going to be intense!

— With love and suspense,

Queen Mystery 💜