Ms. Escape Marrying to Run Fighting to Rise novel Chapter 1

Chapter 1 The Marriage Deal

A thirty–year–old man’s desire was raw and blunt.

Adriana Xander had lost track of how long he’d been at. Her body felt like it was falling apart, drowning in lust so intense she could barely breathe.

Matthew Langford knew her body too well. He hit every sensitive spot with precision. Not a single touch was wasted. He was smooth and skilled.

“Clear my schedule for the week starting tomorrow. I’m taking time off. Book two tickets to Neocoralis.” Finally done, Matthew stood by the bed, slowly getting dressed.

Adriana shifted her sore waist a bit, her eyes lighting up. “Matthew, you’re taking me on vacation?”

Matthew paused, frowned slightly, and looked at her. “I’m going with Natasha.”

The smile froze on Adriana’s face. She lowered her head awkwardly, saying, “Okay, Mr. Langford … ”

Seeing her pale face, Matthew spoke again. “Adriana, you’re just an orphan. You’re young. I can’t marry you.”

Adriana looked up at him, forcing a bitter smile. “I never expected you to marry me … But now that Ms. Jones is divorced and back, should we end this affair?”

Matthew’s face darkened. He rubbed her head, trying to soothe her, and placed a card on the nightstand. “Be good. Buy whatever you want.”

“Mr. Langford, I don’t want to be a mistress … ” Adriana stared at him stubbornly. She knew he’d marry Natasha Jones eventually.

“You’re talking too soon. We’ll deal with it when the time comes. Don’t throw tantrums. Whether we end this or not isn’t up to you.” Clearly impatient, Matthew glanced at her one last time and left.

As the door shut, Adriana’s ears buzzed. She couldn’t hear a thing.

Adriana was an orphan. Freshman year, her looks drew the wrath of rich girl Mia Langford. The bullying left her deaf in one ear, crushed her pinky toe, and nearly blinded her with a cigarette burn…

Someone filmed it and posted it online. The scandal blew up.

The school called in the parents. Standing in for Mia wa Matthew–her brother.

Maybe it was for the Langford Group’s reputation, maye out of pity, but Matthew reached out to the battered Adriana. The first thing he said to her was, “Dot be scared. I won’t let anyone hurt you again.”

Spineless. Pathetic.

Adriana fell for him. At her most vulnerable, Matthew fot every fantasy she had about love and safety.

She used to think he was her salvation. But now … he didn’t love her. He just wouldn’t let her go.

At the Langford Group.

Matthew had a meeting to handle his handover. Natasha waited in his office.

Soon, they’d be flying to Neocoralis together… to spend seven romantic days ahead.

Adriana placed the coffee in front of Natasha, her chest ching like it was being sliced open. “Ms. Jones, enjoy your coffee.”

Natasha glanced at her, smiling gently.

She came from a good family, perfectly matched with Matthew. They were childhood sweethearts. Natasha had that classy, elegant vibe. Born into wealth, effortlessly graceful–just sitting there, her confidence burned Adriana’s eyes.

Adriana knew she lost. She never stood a chance.

A prince never really falls for a poor girl. He just used her to kill time.

Setting down the cup, Adriana practically fled the office

She had no confidence. The orphan label, the poverty, the scars from the abuse–every inch of her screamed insecurity.

“Mr. Langford and Ms. Jones are going on their honeymoon? I heard they’re official now. Once they’re back, the engagement will be announced. Both families already gave their blessing.”

In the pantry, coworkers gossiped about Matthew and Natasha’s wedding.

As Adriana filled her cup, the boiling water splashed on her hand, turning her skin red.

The cup slipped from her hand and shattered. Startled, he rushed to rinse her burn under cold water.

Matthew and Natasha were getting married.

Adriana forced a bitter smile. Matthew… is ruthless.

Adriana froze for a moment. One word hit her like a knife–condoms.

“Thank you. Keep it between us,” Natasha whispered with a wink.

Adriana nodded awkwardly and almost fled the pantry.

She had just turned 19 the first time with Matthew. It was her birthday. He gave her flowers and a cake.

As an orphan, she’d never even had birthday cake. That little cake and bouquet completely swept her off her feet. She gave him everything.

Bitterly, Adriana smiled at herself. What a joke.

Girls really do need to grow up rich. Otherwise, one cake is all it takes for a man to trick you.

Four years with Matthew, yet she had never once bough condoms. He didn’t like them, so he always made her take pills.

But for Natasha? Of course, he couldn’t bear to make her take pills. Too harmful, right?

On the way to the airport, Adriana stayed silent the whole time.

“We’re tight on time. Drive faster,” Matthew deliberately reminded her, sensing her mood.

“Yes, Mr. Langford.” Adriana nodded and turned left on the green light.

The car ahead had just crossed when suddenly a boy ran through the red light. Adriana swerved hard to avoid him and crashed straight into the median.

“Natasha!” At the moment of impact, Matthew shielded Natasha in his arms.

Luckily, the speed wasn’t high. Only the driver’s side was badly damaged.

The airbag burst out. The crumpled frame pinned Adriana tightly against the seat. Her left leg was trapped, pain blurring her senses.

“Matthew …” Terrified, her voice trembled. “Help me…

She was terrified of being trapped in tight spaces, unable to move.