Chapter 3

I bundled my bed sheets and clothes together into a makeshift rope. After securing myself in it, I carefully climbed down. I snuck off when no one was paying attention and ran out of the village as fast as I could. Without stopping, I hailed a taxi and headed straight to Malcolm's place. Seeing me, Malcolm was visibly stunned. "Chevonne? Why have you come to mine? You didn't even reply to any of my messages." Panting heavily, I explained, "My parents confiscated my phone and locked me in my room." Malcolm led me inside. He poured me a glass of water and listened attentively as I recounted everything. When he heard that my parents were forcing me to marry that lunatic, an unparalleled graveness loomed over his head. His hometown was in the neighboring village. Even though he had settled in the city after his career success, he had still heard of Ernest. Seeing the concern on his face, I firmly reassured him, "Don't worry, Malcolm. My heart belongs only to you. Our wedding will proceed as planned. I won't let anything change our relationship." Hearing this, he let out a deep sigh of relief. Touched, he said, "Alright. Now that you say that, I feel at ease." Perhaps because my nerves had finally relaxed, exhaustion overwhelmed me after I finished my glass of water. In no time, I drifted into a deep slumber. When I opened my eyes again, the rumbling of an engine was what filled my ears. I looked up and realized I was lying in the backseat of Malcolm's car. I sat up in confusion and asked, "Malcolm, where are we going?" Without a change in expression, he replied, "See for yourself." I focused on the scene outside the window, and my heart dropped. The car had stopped in front of Ernest's house! I was completely stunned. Seeing my parents approach, I panicked. I turned to Malcolm, my voice trembling with agony as I asked, "Why, Malcolm? Didn't I tell you my heart belongs only to you? Why are you sending me straight into another man's arms?" Upon hearing this, Malcolm frowned slightly. He began in a low, measured tone, "Chevonne, this is Ernest Lyman we're talking about! Marrying him is a dream come true for countless women out there. It's because I love you that I can't bear to see you give up such a great opportunity for me." Being young and successful, Malcolm had always been confident in himself—both in life and in his career. He often claimed he was second to no one. But as he spoke of Ernest now, there was an unprecedented insecurity on his face. It was something I had never seen in him. Before I could question further, my parents opened the car door and reached in to drag me out. Terror gripped my heart, and I immediately bolted out the other side. I broke into a sprint with all my strength. Seeing this, Malcolm ran out after me. He effortlessly caught up with me, seizing my arm and stopping me in my tracks. Desperate, I had no choice but to plead, "Malcolm Shaw, we've been together for so many years. We've even set our wedding date. You can't do this to me!" He looked straight into my eyes, his expression heavy but his voice unwavering. "Chevonne, from the moment Ernest set his eyes on you, I am no longer worthy of you. Your wedding is already set. How could you possibly run away?" Amid our grappling, my parents caught up. They took hold of me and started dragging me toward Ernest's house. By then, the entire village had gathered there for the wedding feast. Seeing me, they all murmured enviously about how lucky I was. As I desperately fought against my fate, my mother spoke coldly, "There's no need for a ceremony. Just throw her onto the bed and wait for Ernest to consummate the marriage!" After tying me to Ernest's bed, my parents turned to leave.