My eyes locked onto my mother-in-law, whose face looked as if she had just seen a ghost. In her trembling hand, a small envelope shook, and her eyes were frozen in an expression of pure panic. The loud music in the grand banquet hall of the old mansion drowned out all other sounds, making our conversation completely private.

That sunny May morning was supposed to be perfect. My fiancé Sergei’s family mansion was impeccably prepared to welcome the guests. Waiters meticulously arranged crystal glasses, and the air was filled with the scent of fresh roses and fine champagne. The luxurious portraits framed in gold seemed to silently observe everything happening in the room.

— “Anastasia, have you noticed that Sergei is acting strangely today?” my mother-in-law whispered, glancing around anxiously.

I frowned. Indeed, Sergei had been tense all day. Now, he stood at the far end of the room, pressing his phone to his ear, his face rigid, as if he were hiding something.

— “Just pre-wedding nerves,” I tried to brush it off, adjusting my veil.

— “Look at this. Right now,” she murmured, slipping an envelope into my hands before quickly disappearing into the crowd, regaining her poised demeanor and polished social smile.

Curious and unsettled, I found a discreet corner and hastily unfolded the note. My heart stopped.

“Sergei and his family plan to get rid of you after the wedding. You are part of their scheme. They know about your family’s inheritance. Run if you want to live.”

My first instinct was to laugh. This had to be some kind of cruel joke from my mother-in-law. But then I recalled Sergei’s suspicious conversations, which he always cut short whenever I appeared. His sudden coldness, the secretive glances…

My eyes met his across the room. Sergei had ended his call and was now watching me. There was something different about his gaze—it wasn’t the man I had fallen in love with, but a stranger, a predator.

— “Nastya!” my bridesmaid called excitedly. — “It’s time!”

— “Coming! I just need to use the restroom!”

Without hesitation, I spun on my heels and, masking my urgency, walked toward the service corridor. The moment I reached the street, I tore off my shoes and ran as fast as I could, never looking back.

That day, I left everything behind. My past, my life, even my name.

And for 15 years, no one knew where I had gone.

---

This ending reinforces the tension and urgency of the escape, ensuring an impactful and coherent conclusion to the narrative.