Chapter 3 - The Syndicate's Debt
I stared down the barrel of Liam's gun, realizing the man I loved had never actually existed.
My mother quickly picked up the property transfer documents and shoved a black ink pen into my trembling hand.
"Do exactly what he says, Maya, because family protects family," she demanded without a single ounce of guilt.
I looked at her, utterly disgusted by her twisted, self-serving definition of loyalty.
"You are not my family," I whispered, dropping the pen onto the makeup table.
Jason lunged forward, grabbing my hair and yanking my head back forcefully.
"Sign the paper right now, you selfish little brat!" Jason screamed into my ear.
Before the pen could even touch the paper, Richard moved with a terrifying, explosive speed.
He grabbed the heavy vanity chair and smashed it violently into Jason's ribs, sending my brother crashing to the floor.
Liam panicked and fired a wild shot, the bullet shattering the massive vanity mirror into a thousand jagged pieces.
I screamed, covering my face as shards of sharp glass rained down completely over my wedding dress.
Richard tackled Liam to the ground, easily wrestling the silver handgun away from the younger, weaker man.
"Run, Maya!" Richard roared, pinning the desperate groom against the broken glass.
I did not hesitate for a fraction of a second.
I grabbed the heavy skirts of my wedding dress and sprinted blindly out of the dressing room door.
I ran down the long, carpeted hallway of the country club, my high heels sinking dangerously into the plush fabric.
Confused wedding guests were standing outside the main ballroom, murmuring nervously about the loud gunshot.
I ignored their shocked gasps, pushing past my own bridesmaids to reach the heavy glass exit doors.
I burst out into the freezing afternoon air, the cold wind whipping my veil violently around my face.
I looked frantically for Richard's security team, but Liam had been telling the absolute truth.
Two corrupt police officers were standing by a squad car, and they immediately drew their weapons when they saw me.
"Stop right there, miss!" the taller officer yelled, raising his pistol.
I turned sharply and bolted toward the thick, dense woods bordering the country club golf course.
May you like
I heard heavy footsteps crunching on the gravel directly behind me.
"You cannot run from us, Maya!" Jason's furious voice echoed through the trees.
