Chapter 1: The Run Away Groom

In the hotel suite, a man's voice cut through the air. "Who the heck are you, and what in the world do you think you're doing?" "I paid for your services, you think you're here just for show?" Eliana Griffith swiftly unbuttoned the man's shirt, straddling his bare chest before he could react. She felt the muscle beneath her palm, solid, vast, with a deep V line. Well, at least Uncle Colin didn't waste her money. Chase Wilkinson was utterly furious. Back from an overseas business trip, he encountered an ambush last night. He finished those thugs and then anonymously checked into a random hotel for some rest. So, how on earth did he wake up to a woman in his bed, undressing him? As a owner of dozens of companies, a billionaire, when had he ever faced such humiliation? Before he could figure it out, Eliana's fingers had already undone his belt buckle, the chain clinking as it fell apart, a few strands of pubic hair poking out. Chase's face flushed red as he pushed the woman off him, "Have you lost your mind?! Stripping a stranger in a hotel room. Are you a psychopath?" Eliana was pushed down, nearly falling off the bed. She ran out of patience, and tossed the designer suit onto the bed, "Alright! Just change it yourself. The wedding is about to start." Chase was perplexed. What wedding? He had been single for a while due to the crazy work schedule, not even dating lately, so where did this wedding come from? Eliana didn't care what's on the man's mind. She just grabbed his shirt and warned, "Listen, act your part later, or I'll shut down your boxing gym." Chase ignore her words and eyed around. His clothes were all thrown on the ground, and had imprints of the woman's high heels. He could only take the new suit and went to the bathroom to change first. At this moment, the door was pushed open, and a man in his mid-thirties scurried in. He dressed in a stylish tuxedo with floral patterns, probably a little too florid for his age. Seeing Eliana, he burst out his complaining. "Jeremy is such a jerk. He knew that you have to get married today to gain control of the company. HE KNEW IT! How could he run away? Right before the ceremony! I bet he planned the whole thing. First, he said yes for the wedding, and then he disappeared. Boom! You become the laughing stock in LA and lost you mom's shares for the company. " Jeremy's name darkened Eliana's brown eyes. Jeremy Wilkinson, the man who'd grown up with her, been there for her during her toughest times, was her best friend and love of life. They had agreed to marry, but on the day of the wedding, he couldn't be reached! How ironic that her childhood sweetheart disappeared on such an important day, forcing her to hire a total stranger to replace him. Today was a make-it-or-break-it day. If she didn't walk down the aisle, she'd lose her mom's shares. Saying "I will" meant gaining control of Griffith Group. If not, her evil stepmom would snatch it all up. She was ready to do whatever it takes to protect her family's business today! Eliana squinted, teeth clenched. "You really think you can beat me? Ha! Just watch!" Then she turned to her Uncle, questioning, "You sure about the guy you hired, Uncle Colin?" She recalled the man's weird reaction and felt some concern. Colin nodded earnestly, "Absolutely. I found someone with a clean background as per your request, runs a boxing gym, tall, handsome, and in good shape." At the bathroom door, Chase finished changing and overheard their conversation. So, this lady was in a hurry to find a fake groom for her big day. He raised an eyebrow and glanced at his wristwatch, probably enough to buy this hotel. And she thought he was some broke boxing gym boss? Did he really give off that vibe? Ah, whatever. He decided to step out and set things straight. No way was he getting caught up in this lady's crazy 'reality show'. Chase walked out and saw Eliana changing her wedding dress. Her slender frame was partly hidden in the shadows. Feeling his gaze, she cut in sharply, "What are you looking at? Come here and help me with the zipper." The commanding tone made him irritated. As he assessed her, Eliana was also sizing him up. If it weren't for his somewhat imposing demeanor and his good looks, she would have kicked this arrogant guy out. Never seen someone so unwilling despite a fat paycheck. When Eliana was about to urge him again, Chase noticed her necklace and picked it up, mesmerized. "Is this pendant... the Crimson Star?" Huh? This boxer seemed to be more than just tough; he actually recognized such a precious ruby. "This pendant was left to me by my mother. You can have the money, but forget about this gem. It's more important to me than my life," Eliana huffed and went to touch up her makeup at the vanity. Everyone outside was waiting to see her embarrassed, but she wasn't going to give them the satisfaction. She applied lipstick, adding a touch of dangerous color to her soft features. Her raised eyebrows were pure disdain and arrogance. She had this whole icy beauty look down pat, like she could freeze you with just a glance. Eliana lifted her dress and made her way to Chase, who was still lost in thought. "Little fighter, it's showtime. Give it your best shot, and trust me, the rewards will blow your mind." Chase's eyes flickered, a smirk playing on his lips. "I'll give it my all, no doubt." Weirdo. Where's the defiance in his eyes five minutes ago? How did he change his mind so quickly? Eliana didn't dwell on it too much, taking his hand and leading him outside. Walking into the wedding hall in front of all their friends and family, they exchanged vows and rings. "You may now kiss your bride." said the priest. Chase hesitated for a moment, furrowing his brow, "Can we stage kiss?" Eliana was choked by his question. She hadn't even complained about him yet, what was with his unwillingness? She practically gritted her teeth, "You took the money, now do your job." "As you wish, my boss." The next second, Chase kissed Eliana, running her fingers through her hair and tilting her head up to meet his. His lips carried a faint scent of mint mixed with the orange blossom fragrance from Eliana's lips, a very pleasant smell. The ceremony was done. Seeing the romantic scene, the guests applauded and praised. Eliana handled it with ease. Chase followed beside her, almost instinctively shielding her from the wine when someone offered a toast. "Women shouldn't drink too much, it's bad for health." "Wow, so pro! An extra $200 bonus for this," Eliana whispered to him with a grin, like she was sharing a secret with her new hubby. As soon as Eliana finished speaking, the doors of the hall were pushed open, and Camille entered with her daughter Vanessa and Jeremy. He cut a frosty glare in Eliana and Chase's direction. "Don't be fooled, everyone. This fake groom was paid for by Eliana. I got their transaction records." shouted Camille. Camille Wheeler was Randall Griffith's second wife. But ever since Randall mentioned giving the company reins to Eliana, Camille had been secretly opposing her. When Eliana saw Jeremy standing with her enemies, she could almost feel the sadness bleeding from her broken heart. But this was not a good time for a mental breakdown. She was more worried about Chase's identity being exposed. If that happened, she would have embarrassed herself twice today, which would be a huge joke in LA! Seeing her freaking out, Vanessa sneered and took out documents from her briefcase. There were copies of chats of Colin and another man as well as some transfer records. But... the photo sent in the conversation wasn't of Chase. Not only did Vanessa widen her eyes, but Eliana was also dumbfounded. Then who was this guy beside her?