CHAPTER 13 - CAUGHT BETWEEN LOVE AND CHAINS .

Chapter Thirteen – Caught Between Love and Chains

"Sir, please… Miss Park has escaped."

Those were the exact words Jace met Ethan with when he rushed out of the bathroom and flung open the door. Ethan's heart skipped a beat.

"What do you mean she has escaped? There were guards at the—" His voice halted as the realization dawned on him. "Oh no. She escaped through the window."

Without wasting another second, Ethan turned sharply. "Summon all the guards. Tell them to stay alert. She couldn't have gone far—it takes time to get out of the estate. And listen carefully, Jace—no one is allowed to touch her. If anyone sees her, he should follow her closely but without alerting her. If anyone lays a finger on her..." Ethan's jaw tightened. "I'll cut his hands off."

"Okay, sir!" Jace bowed and left immediately.

Ethan quickly dressed in a casual outfit and stormed out of the house with two guards and Jace close behind. His mind was in turmoil. Haera—his Haera—had run away. He was furious, frustrated, and scared. Scared of losing the woman he had fallen deeply for.

After combing the estate with no luck, Ethan suddenly stopped. A cold smirk formed on his face. "She's trying to trick us," he muttered and turned to Jace. "Check the CCTVs in the dressing room and the bathroom."

Moments later, Ethan saw it. Haera had intentionally broken the room window to create a distraction and hid herself in a bathroom cupboard. When the beauticians entered and saw the broken glass, they thought she had escaped and ran off to report, leaving the room empty—just as she'd planned. Ethan, however, wasn't that easy to fool.

"She's going to try to sneak out now," he said and rushed back toward the dressing wing.

Just as he predicted, Haera was crawling out the bathroom window, thinking the coast was clear. But the moment her feet touched the ground, a strong arm grabbed her wrists and pulled her close.

"Let me go, Ethan! Please! I don't want to marry you. I want to marry a man I truly love… not you. Please! I want my freedom!" Haera cried, still struggling in his grip.

"Why can't you understand?" Ethan whispered, his voice strained with emotion. "I don't want to lose you. I want you by my side… forever. I can't live without you, Haera. I hate these feelings, but I can't control them anymore. I've fallen so deeply for you, and I can never let go."

"I don't love you!" she shouted, tears running down her cheeks. "I don't even like you. You're ruthless. You don't deserve love. You don't even know how to love. Let go of me!" She yanked herself free and slapped him hard across the face. "I'll never be yours. Do you understand?"

Ethan didn't flinch. Her slap stung more emotionally than physically, but he took it without a word. As she turned to run again, he caught her—this time, carrying her in his arms.

"I don't care if you hate me now. I know you'll eventually come to love me. I just need time with you by my side," he said firmly. "I can't let you go. Sorry, Haera."

"Put me down, you psycho! This is obsession—not love. I said I don't want to marry you," she muttered weakly, exhausted from fighting.

When they arrived at the dressing room, Ethan laid her gently on the bed and knelt beside her.

"Everything will be fine soon," he whispered.

"Why? Why are you doing this?" Haera mumbled through her tears.

Just then, the door opened. There, standing in the doorway, was Mrs. Park.

"Mom!" Haera's eyes widened as she sprang from the bed and ran into her mother's arms. "You came! Please take me away. He wants to marry me against my will. Please, Mom! Take me away!"

Mother and daughter clung to each other in tears. Ethan stepped back, ushering in the beauticians and three female guards dressed in black.

Mrs. Park sat Haera in front of the mirror and gently began wiping the tears from her daughter's face.

"Stop crying, darling," she whispered. "You're getting married today. Smile more. Don't ruin this day. I've looked forward to it—the day I'll see you in a gown. The day I'll hand you over to your husband."

"Mom…" Haera froze. "What's wrong with you? He kidnapped me! And you're blessing our marriage? I don't want this!"

She grabbed her mother's hand, trying to pull her toward the door, but the guards blocked it. Haera turned to her mom, only to see tears welling in her eyes.

"I'm sorry, baby," Mrs. Park said, sitting her back down. "I have no choice."

The beauticians dressed Haera in a stunning gown, and everyone—even the guards—paused at her beauty. Haera said nothing. She was numb.

Mrs. Park cupped her face. "You look beautiful," she whispered.

Ethan, who had returned to his room to change, came back dressed in a tailored black suit. He looked effortlessly handsome. But Haera didn't even spare him a glance. Her eyes were dull, her heart far away.

He stepped toward her, admiration in his gaze. "You look beautiful," he whispered. "I hope our future children will look exactly like you."

Mrs. Park watched silently from the side, her heart breaking. Ethan left first for the ceremony venue. Shortly after, Mrs. Park held Haera's hand and walked her slowly down the aisle, with two guards trailing behind.

The venue was private—modest by Ethan's standards—but luxurious in every detail. All the invited guests were Ethan's close business partners. Besides them, only two other people were present: Mrs. Park and Mrs. Lee, Ethan's childhood nanny and the only person who truly knew him.

Mrs. Lee had just returned from the countryside after receiving a special invitation from Ethan. She stood by the side, watching everything unfold with a mixture of worry and quiet hope.

As the music played softly, Haera walked down the aisle, her gown trailing behind her like flowing silk. Her face was expressionless. This wasn't the wedding she had dreamed of—this felt like a funeral to her soul.

Mrs. Park gave Haera's hand to Ethan with trembling fingers. He took it gently, and they stood before the altar.

They exchanged vows. Haera recited hers like lines from a script. Ethan spoke his clearly, eyes fixed on her. When it came time to kiss the bride, he leaned forward but only brushed her cheek—softly, respectfully.

He wouldn't steal a kiss she didn't want to give.

They signed the marriage contract, Ethan's lawyer bearing witness.

Afterward, everyone returned to the estate. Haera stormed straight into her room and locked the door. Ethan didn't stop her. It was their wedding night, yet she wanted nothing to do with him. He understood.

He entered his own room, which had been beautifully decorated for the night. But he didn't have the heart to enjoy it. He freshened up and lay on the bed, thinking about her. His wife. His stranger.

But something wouldn't let him sleep.

He walked to her door and knocked. No answer.

He knew she might be asleep, but concern pulled at his gut. He went to his study and took out the spare card key. Quietly, he entered her room—and found her lying there in her gown, asleep and looking so fragile. He frowned. She hadn't even changed.

He considered helping her out of the dress, but that would only anger her more. So he turned and headed to the kitchen.

There he found Mrs. Lee, taking stock of food supplies.

"Auntie," he said softly. "Could you help me with something?"

"Go on," she replied, not turning.

"Haera… she's asleep in her wedding gown. It must be uncomfortable. Could you help her change into something else?"

Mrs. Lee turned to look at him. "She's your wife now. Do it yourself."

"Auntie, you know she hasn't accepted me yet. I don't want to invade her privacy."

Mrs. Lee sighed, set down her clipboard, and followed him upstairs. Ethan waited outside as she stepped into Haera's room.

But the moment Mrs. Lee touched Haera's forehead, she gasped. "Oh no… she's burning up with a fever!"

Ethan rushed inside. Without wasting time, he called the family doctor.

Within minutes, the doctor arrived and took her temperature. He confirmed the fever and left them with medication to administer the next day. Mrs. Lee left to show him out and then returned with a bowl of water and a towel.

Ethan stopped her.

"I'll do it," he said gently. "But… could you please help her change first?"

Mrs. Lee nodded and helped Haera out of her gown into a simple nightdress. Then she stepped out, leaving Ethan alone with her.

He sat by the bed, soaking the towel in cool water and gently placing it on her forehead. Again and again. Watching her face, her chest rising and falling as she slowly breathed. His heart ached.

This wasn't how he wanted their marriage to start.

After hours, her fever eased. Ethan placed the bowl on the side table, took a pillow, and curled into the corner couch of her room. He hadn't meant to fall asleep, but he did.

The room was still and quiet.

Two broken people, one room, one marriage—and a thousand untold truths between them.

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📝 Author's Note

Thank you so much for reading this intense and emotional chapter! As your author, I poured my heart into showing both the brokenness and vulnerability of Ethan and Haera.

This marriage is the start of something deeper, more dangerous, and possibly… more beautiful. Stay tuned for the next chapter where love, secrets, and betrayal will collide in full force.

I see all your support—your votes, your comments, your time—and I'm so grateful! Keep reading and let's uncover what love in a long suspense really means. ❤️

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