Runaway Groom, Ruthless Bride

Picking up my husband at the airport, I bumped into Brandon Harrison, my ex-fianc whod ghosted our wedding two years ago to go see elephants in Kenya with his adopted sister.

I was wearing sunglasses, but he still spotted me instantly in the crowd.

Alexis Hayes, Im back to marry you.

My eyes narrowed slightly.

You are?

He gave a helpless chuckle.

Hey, sweetie, dont be mad, I didnt mean to ditch for so long. After Willow saw the elephants, she wanted photos, and shes my only sister, so I had to spoil her.

Two years of shooting and, boom, done! I rushed back to fulfill our engagement.

Thats when it clicked. This man was my ex-fianc!

But seriously, had no one bothered to tell him I married his uncle *the same day* he ran away?

The airport was a madhouse. Brandon Harrison wheeled a luggage cart with one hand, a Chanel bag dangling from the other.

Willow, her skin several shades darker, perched on the suitcase, letting Brandon push her along.

Two years in Africa made them look like theyd spent two years digging coal. Absolutely sun-baked.

Brandon used to be so fair, handsome, and in great shape. Otherwise, I wouldn't have agreed to the arranged marriage.

But now

Good thing he wasn't my husband anymore.

I took off my sunglasses, forcing a polite smile.

Oh, my apologies. Long time no see. You both have changed so much, I didn't recognize you at first glance.

Willow, true to form, immediately spat.

Dont pretend you didn't recognize us! Youre obviously here to pick up Brandon!

If Brandon and I hadnt ditched our phones and gone completely off-grid after we left, you probably wouldve tracked us to Africa yourself!

Honestly, I don't know what Brandon sees in you. Youre just a pretty face with nothing else going for you.

Willow huffed, turning her head away dramatically.

Brandon ruffled her hair, a helpless smile playing on his lips, and playfully poked her nose.

You cant be so childish after Alexis and I get married.

Otherwise, I won't take you on your artistic journey to Africa next year.

After calming Willow down, he turned to me, explaining,

Shes just got a childish temper. You know her dad died protecting me in that car crash, and she lost her father because of it.

Once were married, well be a united front. I hope you can look out for her, treat her like your own sister.

Was he even listening to the BS coming out of his mouth?

I rolled my eyes, a silent, elegant dismissal, and flashed the wedding ring on my finger.

Mr. Harrison Jr., thank you for bailing on me back then. It led me to a man a thousand times better than you.

And please, don't flatter yourself. Im here to pick up my husband today.

Brandon froze. Then he narrowed his eyes at me for a long moment before raising an eyebrow and smiling.

Alexis Hayes, do you take me for a fool?

The Harrison-Hayes merger was the talk of New York two years ago. Every socialite and dignitary was there. Everyone knows you're *my* fiance, Alexis.

Okay, it was wrong of me to run away and embarrass you, but your reputation is trashed. Who else would possibly want you after this?

So thats why he dared to run! He was convinced I'd be a "discarded woman," that no one else would have me!

He truly overestimated himself and underestimated me.

To clean up his mess, Grandpa had to make some serious sacrifices, not just financially with company shares, but also by involving his own son, Devin. To soothe the Hayes familys fury, Grandpa had personally offered to transfer the shares originally meant for Brandon, to me.

Looks like Brandon had no idea.

Of course.

Spending two years off-grid for Willow, not even making a single call home, he wouldn't know any of this.

Still, I hope he can keep that smile on his face when he returns to the Harrison family estate tonight.

Brandon initially refused the arranged marriage, saying he'd rather die than yield. But then he saw me, fell instantly in love, and declared he'd marry no one else.

He shamelessly pursued me for over half a year. Seeing that he kept himself out of trouble and wasn't a playboy, I finally agreed.

But before long, Brandon had Willow by his side, an adopted sister he spoiled like a princess.

On our wedding day, he got a call from her.

Brandon, remember what you promised? To take me to Africa to see the elephants.

Im waiting for you at the airport. If you dont come, Ill jump from the top floor!

Brandon gave me an apologetic look, then, without hesitation, he let go of my hand, abandoned the guests, and sprinted away.

I received two texts from him, then he became unreachable.

*Willows dad saved my life. Willow is his only daughter, I cant let anything happen to her!*

*Don't worry, I'll be back after she sees the elephants. A week at most, then Ill be back to finish our wedding, and we can go to the Maldives for our honeymoon.*

Grandpa Harrison was furious.

To give the Hayes family an explanation, Grandpa Harrison promised me:

Alexis, its entirely the Harrison familys fault for raising such an irresponsible son. Tell me, what compensation do you want?

I pointed to Grandpa Harrisons youngest son, and the current head of the Harrison empire, Devin Harrison.

Then give him to me. This wedding still needs a groom.

And just like that, I married Brandon Harrisons uncle.

Thinking of this, I checked the time. Devins flight should be arriving soon.

I was about to text him when his message popped up:

*My love, flight delayed. Just boarded, might be super late. Dont wait up for me, Mr. Davies can pick me up.*

*Love you.*

Followed by a huge heart emoji.

A soft smile touched my lips, and my brows smoothed out.

Even my annoying ex-fianc didnt seem so irritating anymore.

Brandon stood with his arms crossed, a knowing smirk playing on his face as he stared at my phone.

Oh, whats this? Hired an actor? Saved as My Love? And flight delayed?

Alexis, dont joke around like that. You know Ill get mad.

With that, he suddenly leaned in, reaching out to touch my hair.

I quickly stepped back, leaving his hand suspended awkwardly in mid-air.

I told you, Im married. If you keep harassing me, youll be lucky if you only end up with a broken leg when you get home tonight.

Brandon burst out laughing, as if Id said something hilarious. He pointed to my neck, raising an eyebrow.

That necklace youre wearing, Grandpa said hed pass it down to *my* wife. And you're wearing it, yet trying to tell me you married someone else?

The necklace was indeed a gift from Grandpa Harrison, but it wasnt meant for his wife.

I married

Before I could finish, Willow cut me off.

Is it *that* necklace?

She hopped off the suitcase and pushed her way between Brandon and me.

When she saw it was the necklace shed been coveting, her eyes instantly welled up.

She clung to Brandons arm, her voice dropping.

Brandon, Ive liked this necklace for ages, and Grandpa never gave it to me. Now he just gives it to some outsider.

Grandpa doesnt he see me as family? Im just a drivers daughter, unlike Alexis, who was lucky enough to be born rich. Even Grandpa prefers her.

Hearing that, Brandons face softened with apology again. He looked at me, a hint of awkwardness in his gaze.

Willow is young, and shes had a tough life, so shes always a bit insecure. Just let her have it.

She likes this necklace, just give it to her. Ill buy you a new one later, I promise itll be prettier and better quality than this one.

I laughed. A bitter, angry laugh.

I suggest you get your head checked. If Im not mistaken, Willow is twenty-five this year, a few months older than me, right?

First, I hate man-children. Second, I hate manipulative parasites who steal from people. And shes both.

My words stung Willow, and tears immediately streamed down her face.

Brandon will spoil me no matter how old I am, youre just jealous!

Youre not even married to Brandon yet, what right does an outsider have to Harrison family property? *Youre* the shameless one!

Willow was nominally an adopted daughter of the Harrison family, but in reality, she was more like a glorified housekeeper. Brandon had once campaigned to make Willow a true heiress, but Grandpa Harrison firmly refused, so he had to drop it.

Because of this, he felt guilty towards Willow.

Now, seeing her upset, he looked truly pained.

He frowned.

Willow is different from you. She doesnt have parents, she only has me. Grandpa refused to let her change her name, thats why she has no sense of security

I cut him off, offering a suggestion.

You want Willow to be recognized? Easy.

If you marry her, Ill gladly give her this necklace. Consider it a wedding gift from me.

I unclipped the necklace from my neck and extended it to Willow.

Willows eyes widened in disbelief, then undisguised glee. She reached out to take it.

No!

Brandon snatched the necklace away, clutching it tightly in his fist.

What nonsense are you talking about? Willow is just just my adopted sister. Youre the one I want to spend my life with!

Shes family, but youre my love. Dont say things you dont mean, or Ill really get angry.

Staring into those supposedly loving eyes, I felt no emotion except disgust.

Not wanting to waste another second, I turned and walked away.

Ignoring whatever Brandon was still saying behind me.

Stepping out of the airport, a discreet Maybach pulled up in front of me. The driver got out and opened the door.

Madam, Mr. Harrison instructed me to pick him up later. Shall I take you home first?

Devin had been away on a business trip for two weeks. Grandpa knew he was returning today and specifically requested dinner at the family estate tonight.

Suddenly, someone pushed past me and quickly got into the car.

Willow settled herself, then sneered.

Didnt you say you were married? Why are you still hitching a ride in *our* family car? Go take *your* husbands car!

Willow recognized the Maybach; it was Devin Harrisons.

Brandon evidently recognized it too, looking pleasantly surprised. After all, his uncle didnt usually bother with such trivial matters.

He sat next to Willow, buckled her seatbelt, then turned to me.

You can sit in front. Willow is used to sitting next to me. Ill have the driver drop you off at the Hayes estate first.

No need. I have my own car. Driver, please take them back to the estate. I have other plans.

I pulled out my car keys, pressed unlock, and a Lamborghini Veneno in the distance flashed its lights twice.

Seeing me drive off in a supercar, Willows eyes glinted with jealousy.

Brandon sighed.

She specifically came to pick me up, she must be upset I didnt get in her car.

Then he asked the driver,

Did Uncle send you to pick me up?

The driver answered truthfully.

No, sir. Im here to pick up Mr. Harrison.

The air hung heavy for two seconds before Brandon spoke.

What a coincidence. So where is Uncle?

Flight delayed.

I went to the spa, enjoyed a luxurious treatment, and only headed back to the estate when it was almost dinner time.

The moment I stepped out of my car, I saw two figures kneeling stiffly, like wooden stakes, right at the front gate.

Turns out, after the driver dropped them off, Grandpa Harrison, upon hearing it was Brandon and Willow, immediately slammed his cane to the ground and refused to let them in.

Get out! Why didnt you just die in Africa? What are you back for?

Brandon gambled on Grandpas soft spot, dropping to his knees at the door. Willow, to accompany him, also knelt.

Seeing me arrive, Brandon stood up and blocked my path. His previously dejected expression vanished, replaced by a smile.

I knew it, you couldnt stay away.

Did you hear Grandpa was punishing me and rushed over in a panic?

I grimaced and tried to walk around him.

But he blocked me again, putting on a pretense of concern.

Dont go in. Grandpas still fuming. Im afraid hell take it out on you.

Willow had approached at some point. She pointed a finger at my nose, her voice accusatory.

Are you still holding a grudge about Brandon ditching the wedding for me?

Youre the one stirring trouble, arent you? Grandpa usually dotes on Brandon, why would he refuse to let him in?

Youre just here to gloat!

With that, she lunged at me, trying to grab me. I sidestepped, and she face-planted onto the ground.

Willow landed hard, scraping her knee, and tears instantly flooded her eyes.

Brandon pursed his lips, his smile fading. He immediately knelt to check Willows injury.

Seeing she was fine, he skillfully scooped her up in a princess carry and consoled her for a long time until she finally started to smile through her tears.

Only then did Brandon remember me. He sighed.

Alexis, youre acting so unlike yourself.

Willow never means what she says. If youre going to marry me, you need to learn to be more tolerant of her.

Just apologize to Willow this once. In the future, I hope you can change your attitude.

What?

My vision swam. I sneered.

Should I also offer some compensation to soothe her wounded heart?

A flicker of greed flashed in Willows eyes.

I need a car for getting around. That one you drove today is barely acceptable.

A Lamborghini Veneno. Limited to 3 models worldwide, worth $23 million each.

Willow really had some nerve.

Brandon started making decisions for me again.

Its rare for Willow to like something, so just give her the car. Consider it compensation for hurting her.

I stared at him, my voice flat.

Youre truly something.

What? Brandon didnt catch on.

I said, youre sick.

I shoved Brandon aside and walked straight into the house.

Stop right there!

Brandon realized hed been played. His face was livid, and he threatened, his voice sharp.

Alexis Hayes, Im telling you now, if you dont apologize to Willow, you can forget about marrying me, forget about stepping foot into my familys house!

*CRASH*

Suddenly, a cane came flying out, striking Brandon squarely on the head.

From several feet away, Grandpa Harrisons booming voice, surprisingly strong for his age, echoed clearly for everyone to hear.

You imbecile! Do you even know who that is?!