Good Girl And The Seven Bad Boys

Ezra’s POV.

“ARE you serious about this?”

My attention was focused on Kiana when she asked me. Just by looking at her face, I could tell she was worried. I exhaled a deep sigh and nodded to her.

“Yes,” I said with determination.

She drew a heavy breath and crossed her arms across her chest. “It’s not like I can stop you from escaping–”

My eyes widened and my ears clapped. I covered her mouth in an instant, before she could finish what she was about to say.

“Could you please lower your voice, Kiana? They might hear us!” I hushed her and gave her a stern look.

We’ve entered my room. Kiana asked her parents for permission to spend the night in our house. We were discussing a clear plan for my escape. Because tomorrow is my wedding day, and my parents weren’t considering cancelling it, so I have to run away before that happens. I can never, under any circumstances, allow the wedding to take place. I can’t give them what they want.

There was a knock on the door. Kiana and I fell silent as soon as the door opened and Mom entered my room.

“Are you ready for tomorrow, Ezra?” Mom asked in a jubilant tone.

I only responded with a nod, even though I intended to respond negatively in my heart. I was disappointed as well as saddened for Mom. I feel sorry for her because I see a glimmer of hope and shine in her eyes, as if she’s been waiting for the day I’d marry. But I couldn’t hide my dismay for her because I couldn’t believe they’d trade my life for the sake of their business. I’m not their puppy, whom they can play with and boss around. They should’ve considered the fact that I am their daughter.

I’m sorry, Mom, but I can’t and don’t want to be engaged in a marriage I never approved of in the first place.

My parents announced our engagement without my permission only a month ago. Now, she wants me to marry him as soon as possible? What is her take on marriage? A game? A business transaction?

“I’m glad to hear that. Get some rest, my dear. Tomorrow will be the best day of your life!” She smiled as she walked out of my room.

Best day, my foot.

“Your parents are indeed serious about your wedding, huh?” Kiana, who was sitting next to me, whispered as she ate the snacks I’d hidden earlier. “So, what’s your plan?”

“I’ll wait until midnight to make sure everyone in the house is asleep. Then, it will be the perfect time to leave.”

“I’m trying to weigh the possibilities, Ezra. What if… What if you failed to carry out your plan?”

I was a little taken aback. She was right. I hadn’t considered that. What if I fail to carry out my plan? What am I going to do, then? What will happen to me? I’ll be tied to a man I don’t love for the rest of my life.

As I clenched my fists, I gasped for breath. Only thinking about it in the near future suffocates me. It will be the cause for my demise.

“Just put your trust in me, Kiana. I’m confident I’ll succeed,” I stated boldly.

“Suppose you succeed in escaping; where will you go?”

“I’m not sure yet… I have my own car and enough money to rent an apartment or maybe stay in a hotel,” I replied, unsure.

“Duh! The hotels here are a long way from our city, and I’m certain your parents will go to any length to find you, Ezra. You know how important you are for their success.”

I rolled my eyes. “I know, but I’m not going to let it happen. If I have to leave the country as soon as I get out of this house, I’ll do it even if it’s dangerous. If they’re willing to go to any length to find me, I’ll do the same to get away.”

I was fed up with my parents’ obsession with their own company. Kiana let out a sigh. I know she’s stressed out about what’s going on with my life, but I’m thankful she’s by my side because I don’t know where else I’ll get the strength to fight for my rights to do what I believe is best for myself.

She approached me and stroked the back of my palm in an attempt to lift my spirits. I smiled at her to make her feel less worried.

“No matter what happens, Ezra, I will always support you. I’m rooting for you.”

“You’re the best, Kiana!”

***

The clock struck twelve o’clock. My parents, the maids, and the guards were all fast asleep. It was a good thing my parents went to bed early. Kiana was with me. She hadn’t slept yet because she wanted to ensure that I could leave this house without any worries or conflicts.

We slowly exited the room after I finished preparing my luggage. Every step we took was cautious, and we made no noise because the bodyguards at the front gate could perhaps hear us in no time.

We went through the backyard after we descended the stairs. Because there were no bodyguards present, the two of us decided to take the quickest and easiest route, which was the exit in the backyard. I rushed outside with Kiana to say my goodbyes.

“Thank you for helping me, Kiana. I owe you a lot,” I said with a smile.

“Look after yourself. Call or text me, okay? Keep me posted. I will miss you, Ezra,” she said, despite her tears.

I pulled her for a hug. “I’ll miss you, too…”

We both released our grip on the hug after a few minutes of deafening silence in the middle of the solemn night.

“I have to leave. Goodbye, Kiana.”

“Goodbye, Ezra!” she cried, waving as I turned my back to walk away.

I didn’t want to go, but I had no choice. I don’t want to live with regrets because I didn’t turn down this marriage. I’m aware that the Tan family may delay or withdraw their investment in our company, but I can’t give up my life to this arranged marriage that I’ve opposed since the beginning.

I put my belongings in the car compartment and started driving off. I don’t know where I’m going but maybe it’s better to go to a hotel only for tonight.

Two hours of driving yet I still haven’t found a single hotel. Like Kiana said, hotels and buildings are too far from our city because we’re in the rural side. It’s hard to grope.

I parked my car for a while when it rained heavily out of nowhere. It was dark so I couldn’t see very well where I was going.

Over time, the downpour of rain only intensified. I can’t find a place to stay in until now. I peeked at my cellphone when I heard it ring suddenly.

“Hello?” I answered Kiana’s call.

“Are you okay? Where are you? The rain is heavy, Ezra!” she shouted over the line.

“Don’t worry, Kiana. I’m fine. Although I haven’t found a place to stay yet.”

“But it's raining cats and dogs! I’m afraid something bad will happen to you on the road.”

“The rain will stop soon. So please, stop creating loud noises! They might wake up!” I hissed.

“Fine. Then find a hotel or a place you can stay in as soon as possible, Ezra. It’s dark outside and you’re driving. Because of the heavy rain, something might happen to you, so be careful.”

“Don’t tell me what to do, Kiana. I know what I’m doing. I’ll call you later, bye!” I said before I ended the call and turned off my phone.

I’ve been driving for almost four hours already but I couldn’t find any hotels or apartments in this area. I had no idea where I was either. All I knew was that I was far away from home and from the city. I swore every bad word I knew when my car suddenly stopped in the middle of the road.

“Shit!” I cussed. “Of all times, why now?!”

I could do nothing but jump out of the car. I don’t care anymore if I get soaked in the rain. I checked my car and found out that I ran out of gas. How unfortunate I am. There is no gasoline station near here.

Even though I couldn’t clearly see the road because of the pouring rain, I roamed my eyes around the place. I was wondering if I could find a shelter. Good thing I noticed a house near where I was standing. I took my baggage from the compartment before I ran towards that house. It wasn’t as big as our house but it had a second floor, and it looked spacious inside so I decided to knock. Maybe I can stay here until the sun rises.

I knocked several times but no one answered nor opened the door for me. I thought that maybe no one was there. I was set to leave, but then, the door suddenly unclasped. A man appeared in front of me.

“Do you need anything, miss?”

I was about to speak when I turned to the others behind him. There are seven in total and they are all men. I swallowed the lump in my throat in nervousness.

“U-Uh… N-Nothing! I’m sorry if I woke you up. I-I’m leaving!” I stammered and smiled raw.

It was embarrassing that I even woke them all up with the loudness of my knock. I would have turned my back on them when the rain got heavier to the point that I could no longer see anything in the street. I closed my eyes tightly and heaved a deep breath before facing them again.

I have no other choice…

“Can I stay here?”