The Dreamer: Chapter 1 of Her Broken Road

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Ever since she was a little girl, Elianna had dreamed of being deeply loved and of being cherished by one man. In her mind, being someone’s wife was the very purpose of her life. And she believed her dream husband was out there somewhere. After all, she’d been praying for him for as long as she could remember.

At eighteen, now officially an adult, she often imagined where he was. Was he walking the same street she’d just strolled down? Was he imagining what she was like, too?

She pictured him in vivid detail: Tall, strong, with kind eyes and a deep laugh. Surely, he liked redheads with curly hair and sky-blue eyes. And she just knew he disliked shallow girls with fake smiles and no depth. That’s good. She was nothing like that and her fiery curls made sure she stood out in a crowd.

Funny enough, her vision of Mr. Right was so vivid she feared she might miss him entirely. Especially if he didn’t exactly match the version she’d crafted in her mind.

●●●

Mark had never paid much attention to his kid sister’s friends until Elianna called him out.

He’d always been a ladies’ man. Dating was a sport to him, and he played to win. But when he cheated on a close friend of Elianna’s, her intense rebuke caught him off guard. He’d never had anyone, let alone someone younger, stand up to him like that.

At first, her bluntness irritated him. But later, it intrigued him.

That night, something shifted. He took a second look at the redhead with sky-blue eyes. There was more to her than he’d noticed. She had guts. Integrity. She was nothing like the girls he usually chased.

“Elianna… is she seeing anyone?” Mark asked his sister, Ashley, one morning on their drive to school.

Ashley raised her eyebrows. “Why? You need someone new to string along?”

Mark kept his eyes on the road. “Didn’t say that. Just asked a question.”

“Well, here’s your answer: no. And also, you’re not dating her. She’s my best friend. It’s likely you’d hurt her. And if you did, I’d have to hurt you.”

She smacked her fist against the dashboard for emphasis.

“Okay, okay. Relax.” He backed off…for now.

But Mark was used to getting what he wanted. And what he wanted was Elianna. Determined and confident, he set out to win her.

●●●

Five years later, Elianna stood before a full-length mirror, giddy with expectation. She was dressed in a gown that made her feel like royalty. Today, her dream was coming true. She was marrying the man of her dreams. She was going to be a wife. And that person was someone she’d never imagined loving, Mark Baker.

Everything about it felt surreal, especially because of his prior reputation as a ladies man. But Mark had changed.

It had taken time for Elianna to believe it. But eventually, he’d won her over. It sure hadn’t been easy. She’d had doubts along the way. But he held steady and eventually she did, too. She’d have been a fool not to. He was gentle with her, attentive, and, most of all, sincere. Everything she’d dreamed of and more.

Even Ashley, once firmly opposed to their relationship, had given them her blessing. She even helped him design her engagement ring. It had two small hearts entwined with tiny diamonds. It must have cost a fortune. She remembered the night he gave it to her.

She’d been at the Bakers’ for dinner on a crisp fall evening, her favorite season. As dessert was being served and laughter filled the room, Mark tapped his water glass. She assumed he was about to make a toast. Instead, he dropped to one knee and pulled out her one-of-a-kind ring. Tears flowed as joy swept through the room. Hugs followed, and it was nothing short of magical. It became one of her most cherished memories.

It solidified the fact that marrying Mark didn’t just mean gaining a husband. It meant gaining a family. After all, the Bakers had practically raised her. She’d spent more time at their house than her own. Mrs. Baker had helped her with homework. Mr. Baker had cheered at her piano recitals. Ashley had shared everything with her.

Elianna had always felt more like a daughter and sister than a guest. And now, it was becoming official.

She adjusted her veil one last time, willing her emotions to remain calm. The only missing piece was her mother.

As usual, her mom had an excuse. She wasn’t coming to the ceremony, only the reception. Elianna didn’t even know who her mother’s guest would be, probably another boyfriend. Ironically, she’d always looked down on Mark, perhaps recognizing too much of herself in his old ways.

Still, she’d surprised Elianna with a gift earlier that week. It was a set of pearl earrings and a matching bracelet. Elegant. Expensive. Unexpected. For a brief moment, it felt like a gesture of love.

Ashley had given her a blue garter, which now rested just above her knee. Mr. Baker was her something borrowed, a father to walk her down the aisle.

Elianna glanced at her reflection one last time. The white gown flowed to the floor, the tulle skirt full and regal. A soft beige sash cinched her waist. The delicate faux flower off to the side added just enough flair. The strapless bodice had a whisper of a pattern, subtle and feminine. She felt like a bride in a storybook.

She was lost in thought when a knock interrupted her thoughts.

“Come in,” she called, expecting Mr. Baker.

But when the door opened, it wasn’t him.

It was Mark. 

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