I peered through the peephole. Outside stood dozens of armed officers.
Though I had expected this, my nerves tightened.
I had to explain myself, or they’d treat me like a rapist.
I opened the inner door, speaking through the metal gate.
“Officers, I haven’t harmed anyone. Miss Hamilton is my childhood fiancée. I’m asking her to honor our promise.”
I showed them the forged contract.
The moment they saw me, their guns trained on me.
“No matter what, you can’t hold Miss Hamilton hostage. That’s a crime!”
The squad leader, Captain Mark Evans, eased slightly but still warned me.
“Let her go now, and I’ll guarantee your safety.”
I shook my head. “No.”
“If she won’t marry me, then I’ll have to force the issue.”
“Kid, look at yourself. Do you really think you deserve the billionaire’s daughter?”
“Even if that contract were real, what then? A toad lusting after a swan!”
“Captain, arrange a sniper and take him out,” someone shouted.
In the commotion, two familiar figures were dragged out from the crowd.
“Son, don’t do anything foolish!”
“Jason, where did you get that contract? Look closely—that’s Miss Hamilton. She’s out of our league!”
Several men hauled out Mr. and Mrs. Miller.