Caroline squeezed her eyes shut, bracing herself for the inevitable. ‘How bad would the bullet hurt? Worse than her foster father's fists?’

"Ahhh!" A sharp scream cut through the air, and Carolines’s eyes snapped open.

She opened her eyes, stunned. She was unharmed. Confused, Looking back instinctively, she saw Mr. Brown's bodyguard was clutching his arm - he’d taken the bullet.

"Uninvited guests with no manners aren't welcome at my wedding," Andrew said coolly, holstering his gun. He gestured sharply, "Get him out of here."

With a flick of his hand, two burly guards appeared, and dragged away the injured man away without a second, as Andrew ordered.

The man was shot in the arm.

Blood dripped onto the ground, turning the white carpet into a canvas of crimson splashes.

Caroline’s breath caught in her throat. Her pulse quickened as Andrew’s dark, intense stare seemed to cut through her, "What's your name?" he asked, his voice low and authoritative.

"Caroline Lorenz." she replied softly, her voice barely steady.

As Caroline stared at Andrew, he studied her right back, as if piecing together a puzzle. Despite the chaos of the moment, he couldn't help but notice how strange fate was. Just moments ago, his original bride had ditched him to chase her career over their wedding.

And now, right after hanging up, a new bride had fallen into his life – literally - making quite the dramatic entrance at his wedding.

This heaven-sent bride had no idea how captivating she was.

She didn’t seem to realize just how striking she looked - soaking wet, the thin white wedding dress clinging to her like a second skin, highlighting her sensual curves.

He took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders, shielding her from those prying eyes around them.

"You've disrupted my wedding. How do you plan to make it up to me?" he said, his tone unreadable.

Caroline blinked at the unexpected act of kindness. Wrapped in his jacket, she felt a bit less exposed, though his subtle, masculine scent - a pleasant mix of sunshine, fresh air, and subtle cologne - made her head spin.

"I didn't mean to ruin your wedding. I'll pay you back, double, for whatever you’ve lost," Caroline said quickly.

Andrew’s lips curved into a faint, enigmatic smile. "Double, Huh? I'm afraid -” he paused.

"Let us in! We need to find someone urgently!" A voice interrupted, sharp and insistent.

Caroline turned around to see two familiar figures - Fiona Lorenz and Gloria Lorenz - at the garden entrance, arguing to force their way in but blocked by security.

Fiona, her birth mother, and Gloria, her adopted sister. These were the people who’d tried to sell her off to a creepy old man for money.

Just because she came from the slums, they treated her like she was nothing compared to Gloria? They were willing to throw away their family bonds just to make money off her?

Her heart tightened painfully. Family? What a joke. If she could choose, she'd erase the day they found her and took her away from her foster home.

Though Fiona was being held back by security, Caroline knew her mother's personality. Even from a distance, she could see the determination blazing in her eyes - she wouldn't give up until she got what she wanted.

If Caroline left now, Fiona wouldn’t stop until she’d cornered her into another forced marriage.

Heart racing, Caroline turned back to Andrew, desperation breaking through her voice, "I'm sorry to ask this, but could you help me? One more time?"

She continued, "My parents are trying to force me into a marriage I don't want. I have nowhere else to turn. You're my only chance to escape this."

She was still dripping wet, her small frame trembling like a wounded deer.

Seeing her red-rimmed and pleading eyes, Andrew’s chest tightened unexpectedly.

He studied her for a long moment before speaking, his voice low and firm. "I can help you, but only on one condition. You’ll have to be my bride and help me finish this wedding ceremony."

His wedding had to go on. His pride wouldn't let him cancel it. "So, whether this stays fake or turns into something real, you’ll stand by me today. If you agree, I'll protect you and get rid of them - and grant anything you want. What’s your decision?"

Caroline froze at his words. ‘Marry him? Marry a gang boss?’ She had never imagined anything like this.

All these years with the Lorenz family had taught her to avoid conflict and stay small to survive. Now this?

She didn't have any particular wishes - his offer of conditions didn't tempt her. She just wanted to escape this nightmare.

Though she wasn't sure if this was the right choice, it seemed like he was her only way out.