Joan pov,

Darkness did not feel like death.

It felt like silence, like I was falling into deep water where no one could hear my screams.

Just then, I gasped.

Air rushed violently into my lungs as though I had been drowning, my eyes snapped open.

I was standing in front of a mirror, I wasn't covered in blood, no pain— just silk and bedazzledness.

It was a bridal boutique, this was the day before my wedding.

Right now the white lace Cascaded around my body, with pins tucked carefully at my waist, two women were adjusting the hem of my gown.

And right in front of me stood Nova.

She was smiling.

Damn, I was far more than irritated.

“You look so beautiful,” she said.

I almost laughed.

My eyes glared at her for a while, without me know, she noticed it. She tilted her head and asked softly, “Are you alright?”

“Yes. I am” I said nodding, before staring back at my reflection, but I wasn't. I stood there fuming in anger, I wanted to rip her to her bones.

Because, I had just recalled her hands shoving me off the balcony top in a flash second.

I recalled her nails which dug into my scalp as she dragged me, and the way she laughed while I fell.

Just then her phone rang, He lips slightly Curved up as she quickly excused herself, saying she'd be right back. I watched her back disappear through the boutique door which chimed as she rushed out.

The moment she stepped out, my chest tightened.

This was the day, in my previous life, exactly by this time, a broadcast had gone viral.

Harry's biggest business rival.

Louis Gonzalez.

My once upon a time high school heartthrob, my crush during my teenage days.

We both stopped talking after his family moved abroad, he had begged me to follow him but I couldn't and that was when I met Harry.

From what I could remember, he was supposed to get married today— to a lady his family handpicked themselves.

But from what I recall, she never showed up.

I remembered the news had exploded the next morning, with the paparazzi swarmed over his estate.

“Billonaire Groom stood up.”

This became the highlight of every paper for the month.

I remembered watching the broadcast On my honeymoon suite television, laughing lightly at the irony.

Little did I know that I was the real fool.

I glanced at the clock on the boutique wall.

The time matched, exactly.

A slow smile curved over my lips, as a full blown plan arched in my head.

I stepped down from the platform.

“I'll be back,” I said, still smiling at the saleswoman as I calmly handed her the gown.

The lady blinked in confusion but then she nodded.

I immediately walked towards the door and the moment I stepped outside. I saw Nova returning.

And right beside her— was Harry.

My stomach rumbled and twist.

I immediately turned and took another exit, I moved quickly before they could barely spot me.

“Not today..” I whispered.

Definitely not this life.

I hailed a cab immediately, gave the driver an address and from my calculations. He definitely should be at the marriage registrar.

The moment I arrived, the walk way was dry. It felt like no one was getting married. My eyes scanned around and finally it landed on two luxury cars which were lined up at the entrance.

The first car wasn't tinted but the second was, history was about to repeat itself and now it was kead for me to change his and also mine.

I spotted a man pacing near the sleek black car with the tinted windows. His face clearly looked irritated and tense.

I immediately walked straight towards the vehicle as though I belonged there and then, I knocked on the tinted glass.

The pacing man immediately stepped in front of me.

“Sorry, Miss. You need to leave. You are not supposed to be here.”

I smiled without moving.

“What do you mean, I'm not supposed to be here.”

“I guess you didn't get the news, but no one is getting married here today because my boss is getting married today.”

Power and status, what it can get you in this city.

I still had my smile on me, still insisting on moving towards the tinted glass car again.

“Madam, please, I do not want to have them bundle you out of here.”

“It's alright,”A voice sounded, as the dark window rolled down slowly.

The first thing I saw, was his jawline.

It was sharp and defined, along with his dark sunglasses.

He slowly lifted a single finger, and suddenly the man and the security which were alert stepped aside immediately.

I smiled, without hesitation. I opened the car door and slid inside.

The air smelled expensive and now we were both quite a few inch apart.

He slowly removed his sunglasses slowly.

His eyes met mine, and for a brief second a wave of recognition flickered.

“Hello, Louis Gonzalez,” I said.

He stared at me and just like that his hus lips curved.

“How may I help you, young lady?” He asked.

He wasn't irritated, his eyes were filled with curiosity and I knew too well this was my cue.

Just then, my phone began to vibrate violently in hand.

I didn't bother to look at it, instead I pressed on the power button once and it went silent.

I kept my eyes locked on Louis.

And then I blurted.

“ I want you to marry me, Right now.”

The air in the car cooled almost immediately, the silence became louder and his expression— I didn't change.

But his eyes— they sharpened.

My phone, began to buzz again.

And again.

And again.

The moment I turned the screen up, Harry's name flashed across the screen.

“Are you not going to pick that?” He asked.

“Don’t bother.” I said, immediately silencing it.

Then I stared back at Louis who still had not taken his eyes off me.

“I'm sorry, but I can not fufil your wish..” his voice, sounded cold through the air.

Joan’s pov,

I laughed— Hard.

It felt like a joke, I tried to savour his ridiculous reply while keeping my composure.

Louis stared at me as if I had finally lost my mind— but I did care less.

And maybe I had already lost it.

“You are one crazy lady—” he murmured.

I tilted my head and smiled at him, and this time I was calm.

He slowly leaned back slightly. “You should step out of my car, I think I've given you enough time to show off your craziness.”

I smiled, without moving.

Instead, I lifted my wrist and checked the time as the air grew silent.

Then I slowly looked back at him.

“In the next thirty minutes,” I said evenly, “The press will flood this marriage house.”

His jaw tightened slightly as I continued.

“You may think it's for your benefit, but damn— do you know how many people want to watch you get humiliated? To watch the powerful Louis Gonzalez being stood up at the altar.”

The silence stretched as the air inside the car shifted.

“I'll give you twenty—five minutes,” I added. “Bask in it. Pretend everything is alright.”

I leaned in closer just enough for him to see there wasn't any trace of doubt in my eyes.

“But the moment you see the first reporter…” I smiled pointing towards the entrance to the marriage house.

“I'll be right there.”

Waiting.

Then I opened the door and stepped out

****

The staircase leading into the marriage registry felt strangely familiar, it felt like I was walking into a scene I had already watched unfold before.

Except this time, I was not an audience.

I was rewriting my faith.

The moment I stepped inside, I requested for a private office and within minutes, I was seated across from a registrar and a lawyer who had no idea they were about to witness a shift in history.

I glanced at my wristwatch again.

Twenty minutes had passed.

Just then, I noticed the first press vehicle turning into the driveway.

I smiled and whispered, “Right on cue.”

Within the next second, more cars began to follow and just like that the frenzy had begun.

Exactly how I remembered.

And then—

The door opened, I didn't bother to look up immediately.

I felt his presence.

Louis Gonzalez was standing by the doorway.

His reaction was composed and controlled, but he was no longer dismissive.

“I thought you weren't going to show up,” I whispered lightly.

The lawyer glanced between us in confusion, as he stepped in fully and closed the door behind him.

His eyes locked onto mine.

He wasn't irritated, nor was he angry.

He stared down at me, like he was assessing me.

“You're either insane,” he said quietly, “ or very certain.”

I smiled.

“Both.”

I slowly turned the contract towards him.

“Sign here,” I said, tapping the first page. “And here.”

The lawyer adjusted his glasses, hesitating but Louis?— he didn't hesitate.

He picked up the pen and for a brief second there, our eyes met again.

I smiled, nudged the book before staring at the lawyer.

Right outside, the sound of distant shouting grew louder, I knew too well that the press had arrived.

He slowly lowered his pen to the paper and then he signed.

Once.

Then twice.

The sound of the final stroke felt louder than the chaos that was brewing outside.

I leaned back into my chair as I watched the ink dry up.

“Congratulations,” I said softly, still smiling.

The ink had barely dried when we both stepped out of the registrar's office.

The press had already begun to gather outside the gates, but we had bypassed them through the back exit.

Inside the car, the silence that followed was insane.

Louis removed his jacket slowly and folded it beside him.

I could feel his gaze on me, it felt measured and calculated.

“How,” he began, his voice was even, “did you know—”

“Thank you,” I cut in smoothly.

“For what?” He paused.

“For getting married to me.”

I watched the corner of his mouth twitch slightly, without amusement and interest.

I crossed my legs calmly and smiled back.

“I'll lay down the plan,” I continued. “Take this like a two—way street.”

“I scratch yours while you scratch mine.” I added.

He didn't interrupt me this time.

“First of all, your bride won't be coming, and that's the main reason you got stood up and also I know there's a reason you agreed to marry the woman your parents chose for you,” I said.

“And what's that?” He muttered.

“Influence and maybe a merger perhaps.”

His eyes darkened slightly

“I think you should let your parents know,” I added

“Anout what?”

“That you found a better option.”

The air stood still as he stared at me, then he asked quietly, breaking the brief silence.

“Who are you?”

I didn't stutter, instead I turned to face him fully.

“Joan Montclaire.”

His eyes widened as he stared at me.

“Hold on, are you not meant to be Harry Valmont's bride for tomorrow.”

“Oh. you heard “ I said, smiling.

“But either way, I am now a Gonzalez.”

I guess that did it.

For the first time since I entered his car, something shifted behind his eyes— followed by a smirk.

He nodded slowly and the rest of the ride passed up in a thoughtful silence.

The moment we pulled up in front of my house, he stepped out first and opened the door for me. But before I could move away, his hand suddenly caught my waist. Before I could react, his lips brushed mine.

I didn't hesitate— I pushed him away instantly.

“What was that for?” I muttered.

“Damn— who says I can't kiss my wife.” He said, swiping the side of his lips.

“Really, right outside my house?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Joan, I'll have my people come pick you up tomorrow—so I think you need to get your things ready.”

I laughed—hard.

“Are you serious? Who told you I'll be free, I do have a wedding to attend tomorrow— so don't bother, I'll let you know once I'm free.”

“And if I may ask, whose wedding is that?”

“Mine,” I answered with a smile.

“What¿.” He was about to protest, but I smiled, winked and waved at him before walking straight to my front door.

****

The moment I entered the house, the air had already shifted.

Harry was already there.

waiting.

Fuming.

“Where were you?” He demanded, his tie was loosened and his expression was tight and filled with irritation.

In my previous life, that tone would have made me nervous.

But now, it bored me.

I yawned lightly.

“I had a few errands to attend to,” I said casually, walking past him towards the stairs.

“Joan!” He snapped.

I paused halfway up and looked back at him, his face was barely unreadable.

“I've had a long day,” I said calmly. “ And by the way, tomorrow is our wedding and I need my sleep.”

His jaw clenched, as I could clearly see the anger in his eyes.

I didn't wait for another word, I walked to my room and closed the door.

Joan’s pov,

I woke up to the sound of rustling fabric.

When I opened my eyes, Nova was standing near the bed, holding a wedding gown. She was smiling brightly, the kind of smile that once used to comfort me.

But now, it only made my stomach twist with anger and for a second there, I honestly thought I might throw up.

“Since you left the fitting room yesterday “ she said sweetly, lifting the dress slightly, “I had to pick something out for you.”

“Oh really?” I replied flatly.

“Yes,” she nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I hope you like it.”

Nova looked genuinely happy, like today was the most beautiful day in the world.

But for me, it felt like the beginning of a slow nightmare.

The hours passed quickly after that. Stylists came in and went, fixed my hair,adjusted the dress and also they helped in dusting off excess makeup across my face like they were preparing a porcelain doll for display.

By the time they finished, I was standing alone in front of a full‐length mirror.

The woman staring back at me looked breathtaking.

Perfect.

Like the bride everyone expected.

I glanced at the tune and smiled faintly.

By now, Harry was already standing at the altar, probably pretending to be the loving groom.

The memory of his voice from my past life crept back into my mind.

The wedding was fake. Nothing was ever real. Not even the love he had for me.

My fingers curled slightly.

I turned around only to find out I was the only one left in the house, so instead of walking towards the aisle, I turned around and headed towards the house bar.

I was ready to give this performance my best shot.

I began to turn the glass— from one glass to two.

Then three.

The alcohol burned down my throat, warming my chest

until the room began to ferry lighter, softer and distant.

That was when my phone suddenly rang.

I frowned slightly, staring at the screen.

An unfamiliar number.

Honestly I was expecting Harry's angry call already, but I guess someone else won him to it.

My drunk curiosity took over and I answered.

“Hellooo?” I slurred.

There was a short pause before a deep male voice spoke calmly on the other end.

“Joan.”

I blinked slowly at the phone.

“...Wh— whooo is this?” I mumbled, my words tangled in alcohol.

Then came another pause.

“Louis.”

The name meant absolutely nothing to my drunken brain.

“Ohhh…louuuuuiiis…” I repeated lazily.

Then I just started laughing.

“You sound serious,” I said randomly.”Do you know I'm getting married today to the same man that killed me in my past life?” I said laughing.

I didn't wait for a response.

My head suddenly felt heavy as my thoughts floated

“Anyway… whoever you are.. bye.”

And just like that, I hung up.

“Oops.”

Shaking my head, I stared at the clock as I staggered slightly and made my way toward the car that was waiting outside.

The drive to the church felt shorter than usual.

When I arrived, the atmosphere outside felt tense. Guests were already whispering.

Harry must have thought I had run away.

But the moment I stepped inside, his eyes locked onto me.

Relief flashed across his face before it turned into irritation.

He rushed towards me without even asking if I was okay. The strong scent of alcohol still lingered on me, but Ge didn't seem to bother.

All he cared about was the wedding.

He grabbed my wrist and pulled me forward.

From the corner of my eyes, I sighted my mother–in–law staring endlessly at me with disgust and so was Nova.

I took a moment to look around the fake marriage setting as my mind still repeated his words from my past life.

And right behind him was Tom.

‘Crazy gay bastard’ My mind prompted.

Just then the music started and the vows were rushed.

Everything happened so quickly it felt like a blur.

Then came the final moment.

“You may kiss the bride.”

Harry smiled, as he leaned toward me.

And that was when my stomach violently disagreed with the entire situation.

I threw up.

Directly into his mouth.

For a second, the entire church went completely silent.

Then the chaos exploded.

The Guest gasped.

“What the fuck!!” Harry screamed, he staggered back in pure horror, his face already pale with shock and disgust.

Tom immediately rushed towards him and so did his mom and sister as I watched as they dragged him away so he could clean himself.

Meanwhile, dozens of eyes turned towards me.

Some were shocked.

Some were confused.

And some— they were clearly trying hard not to laugh.

My head spun as dizziness washed over me. I ignored their stares and slowly walked out of the hall.

The fresh air hit my face, but the world was still spinning.

My vision began to blur and my steps became unsteady.

And just like that I felt my body lose its stance as I began to tilt forward.

A firm arm caught me, it felt strong. But before I could even react, I was lifted off the ground.

Someone had carried me into a car.

The door shut and the engine roared.

And the vehicle sped away.

Everything after that moment became a haze, from the lights, movement and even the faint sound of a door closing.

Then finally darkness claimed me.

When I finally woke up again, I was lying on a large, soft bed in a beautifully furnished room.

The ceiling above me was unfamiliar, as I slowly pushed myself upright.

But then I felt it— something was different.

Looking down, I realized I was wearing an oversized T—shirt, my heart skipped.

I quickly lifted the shirt slightly.

I was completely naked underneath.

“...What?”

Panic flickered through me as I looked around the room.

No one was there.

No sound.

No movement.

Just the dull sound of the TV news playing in the background.

Suddenly it caught my attention.

“Breaking news this afternoon,” The reporter said, her voice sounded serious.

I frowned slightly as I focused on the screen.

“Montclaire heiress, Joan Montclaire, has reportedly been kidnapped shortly after her marriage ceremony with business heir Harry Valmont earlier today.”

Kidnapped?

I almost laughed— but it occurred to me that it was true and my smile diminished.

Where was I?

And who brought me here?

Those were the only questions I had ringing inside my skull.

Suddenly, the bedroom door handle began to turn.

I froze.

The door slowly creaked open.

And someone stepped inside.