Overbearing CEO's Contract Love
Chapter 78: Running Away from the Wedding

Chapter 78: Running Away from the Wedding

The entire evening’s fireworks display gathered crowds on the streets, reluctant to depart, illuminating the night with a brilliance that underscored the Sterling Group’s formidable influence.

The city basked in a joyous atmosphere, its every corner echoing with the festivities, making the Sterling Group a household name.

The following day was set for the grand wedding of Damien Sterling, the future president of Sterling Group.

While the city rejoiced over this day that transcended ordinary celebrations, one soul stood apart in solitude.

In a bridal room filled with festive cheer, Emma Hart found herself alone, surrounded by a wedding dress designed by a world-renowned designer, the only one of its kind globally.

Every wedding item was meticulously arranged, including a priceless diamond ring nestled in an exquisite box.

To Emma Hart, this much-coveted wedding was nothing but a farce.

Damien Sterling had spent the eve of their wedding at the Sterling family’s ancestral hall in the suburbs, granting Emma Hart a moment of peace.

Emma took out her phone, idly flipping through it, facing the reality that she would soon officially become Damien Sterling’s bride, a man she did not love.

Marrying someone devoid of love was a tragic fate for any woman.

Tears blurred Emma’s vision, falling unwillingly onto her phone screen.

As she aimlessly checked her email, without any expectations, it seemed as though fate had prearranged a message to catch her eye.

Frantically wiping her tears, Emma hurriedly cleared the tear stains from her phone screen. When had this message arrived?

Carefully reading the email, she saw it was from Ethan Turner.

"Emma, I love you, I’m sorry, wait for me."

The message was sent just a few days ago.

Emma no longer sought answers from Ethan Turner about his past actions with Natalie Black, but now, she could be certain of one thing: after enduring Damien Sterling’s torment, Ethan had survived.

And that was enough for her.

Holding her phone close to her chest, Emma closed her eyes, as if reigniting hope within her, feeling the warmth as though the phone could radiate it.

Perhaps, she thought, it was time to fight against fate.

Emma Hart rapidly typed a message on her phone before sending it off in haste.

Following that, the sound of the door lock clicking softly echoed through the room.

Wiping away the tears at the corners of her eyes, Emma composed herself, her gaze steady and resolute as she looked towards the door, where Damien Sterling entered.

Exhaustion was evident on Damien’s face as he approached Emma step by step.

Emma remained motionless, neither resisting nor complying, sitting there as if she were merely a mannequin.

Damien stopped in front of Emma, his fingers gently touching her cheek.

Despite her attempts to hide it, he could still see a trace of desolation in her expression.

The tears on Emma’s cheek, untouched and glistening, made Damien wonder how much sorrow she was holding inside.

"Follow me, I will take good care of you," he promised.

Emma looked up abruptly, finding it hard to believe that such a tender promise came from the man before her, known for his cold demeanor and intimidating presence.

It wasn’t until Damien took her hand, holding it as if it were a precious treasure, that the sincerity in his eyes made her question her disbelief.

Such earnestness couldn’t be feigned, or if it could, it would mean Damien was an exceptional actor.

But why would he go to such lengths for her?

Suddenly, Emma remembered what she should be doing wasn’t to push his hand away.

As Damien let go of her hand, Emma unexpectedly grasped Damien’s hand in hers. This gesture made Damien tremble, turning to look at her.

"I hope you’ll keep your promise," Emma said, looking into Damien’s eyes, each word weighed with the gravity of handing over her trust to him.

Had she decided to compromise on the eve of their wedding?

The next morning, Emma got up early, finding the downstairs already bustling with people coming to express their congratulations.

She wore a smile, accepting their well-wishes and arrangements, though her smile lingered without a trace of genuine joy, as if the wedding had nothing to do with her.

Emma donned her veil, following the people ahead into the car and then into a room filled with strangers.

Someone beside her mentioned, "Miss Emma, Sterling Group will announce an important message soon, and Mr. Sterling senior will be giving a speech. It might take some time, please feel comfortable waiting here."

Emma nodded, her heartbeat quickening. She knew her opportunity had arrived.

After confirming the room was empty, Emma Hart carefully removed her veil.

The gown, a masterpiece of craftsmanship, was the result of overnight labor by three top embroiderers, taking a month to complete—a feat only possible under the directive of the Sterling Group.

Emma tiptoed to the door, peeking through the crack to see a few people gathering in the central hall.

Moving to the table, she pulled casual clothes from her bag—a precaution for carrying personal items, which unbeknownst to others, included a change of attire for this very moment.

Dressed in her inconspicuous outfit, Emma slipped out, her head down, going unnoticed—a perfect escape.

But just a few steps away, a man’s voice suddenly called out, "Hey!"

Emma’s heart skipped a beat, stopping dead as the call soaked her palms with sweat. Without daring to look up, she asked, "What’s wrong?"

Her voice was shaky, her head lowered.

With her wedding attire replaced, who could recognize her? And who would suspect Damien Sterling’s bride would flee?

"Is the bride alright?" the man asked from behind.

Emma’s heart, previously suspended in fear, finally settled.

"Yes, everything’s fine," she managed to reply, quickening her pace towards the hotel entrance.

As she walked, the sound of applause and Mr. Sterling’s speech echoed behind her.

"We are honored to have you all here for my grandson Damien Sterling’s wedding. I also take this moment to officially announce: starting today, Damien Sterling will assume the role of president of the Sterling Group..."

The applause swelled again, but Emma left all that behind, focusing only on her escape.

Hiding behind pillars, following in the footsteps of waitstaff, her attire seemed to lower the guards’ vigilance.

Holding her breath, she continued onward, uncertain when she might be discovered.

The church was now in sight, the final barrier if her memory served right.