But James moved faster.
Before she could take more than two steps, he stormed after her, scooped her up brutally, and threw her over his shoulder.
“James—let me go!” she screamed, pounding against his back.
He ignored her completely, striding toward the car. He yanked the car door open and shoved her inside, slamming it shut before getting into the driver’s seat. Tires screeched as he drove off.
The car sped off.
When it finally stopped, Mia looked up and her heart dropped.
They were in front of the courthouse.
James got out, walked around, and unlocked her door.
“James, have you lost your mind?” she shouted, trying to pull away.
He grabbed her wrist and yanked her out of the car, dragging her toward the entrance.
“I don’t want to go in!” she screamed, wrenching her hand free.
But when she refused to move, James bent down, hoisted her over his shoulder again, and stormed inside the courthouse.
He didn’t slow down until he reached the marriage registration counter.
Mia struggled violently, trying to run—but James wrapped an arm around her waist, holding her there.
“Miss,” She turned desperately to the woman behind the counter, “I don’t want to get married. Look at him—he’s crazy. He’s forcing me!”
“Shut it,” James snapped.
He pulled a thick bundle of cash from his pocket and dropped it on the counter.
“Sorry about my wife’s tantrum,” he said coldly. “We want to get married right now..”
The woman glanced at the money, then at them, smiling indulgently.
“Oh, I understand. Couples fight all the time. It’s very common,” she waved a dismissive hand. “I’ll prepare the forms. I’ll need both your names and ID cards.”
James immediately handed over his ID.
“Right,” Mia said eagerly. “I don’t even have my ID on me! Marriage is cancelled!”
“I’ll handle it,” James growled.
He pulled out his phone and turned the screen toward the clerk. “I have a photo of her ID. Can you print it and process the registration?”
Mia stared at him in disbelief.
“Oh my God,” she cried. “You’ve completely lost your mind!”
As they argued, the woman suddenly frowned at her computer screen. She typed again, then looked up.
“I’m sorry,” she said carefully. “I can’t process this marriage registration.”
James froze.
“Why?” he demanded.
