I find myself running hand in hand with that man. It's a dark alley, I think someone is chasing us, but I can only laugh, laugh and run. Where to? I don't know... I look at him in the midst of our frantic race, and just like me, he laughs. It's the most beautiful sound I've ever heard. I start to hear sirens. I think... I think it's the police? Oh God! Yes, it's the police who's chasing us. That increases the ecstasy of the moment, my laughter resurfaces. I watch him swiftly open a door and drag me inside, he closes it quickly without making any noise, he stands behind me, pressing his body against mine and covering my mouth with his hand. I must say, that paralyzes me, it's a magical contact and I admit... exciting, very exciting. I turn around without breaking our bodies apart, I look directly into his eyes and I think he's somewhat surprised. I don't know where the hell I get so much boldness, but I bring the fingers of my right hand to his lips, they are soft, thick, and very provocative. Without breaking eye contact, I gently bite my lower lip, then bring the fingers that were resting on his lips to mine. He smiles seductively while shaking his head. His hand resting on my waist reaffirms the grip, and I can feel him even more. I confirm that my anatomy is causing in him the same havoc that his causes in me. He tilts his head and brings his lips a few centimeters from mine, clearly inviting me to initiate the game. Without a second thought, I latch onto his lips and... Oh God! I believe it was the only thing I was waiting for to take me to heaven, and then give me a tour through the flames of hell and a ride through outer space. He leads me towards one of the walls of the small, dark place, my body cornered by his strong arms, the burning desire in his eyes sends electrical impulses to my stomach. I am unable to utter a word, and truth be told, he doesn't allow it either. Without any kind of protocol, his hands travel along my bare legs due to the shortness of my dress. Suddenly, he roughly turns me around and lets me feel how hard he is. He unzips my dress, letting it fall. I feel the scrutiny of his gaze on my body, he touches unabashedly, presses against my body, and I let my head fall onto his shoulder thanks to the height my heels provide. He kisses my neck, completely tingling my skin. He quickly turns me around, and I can look at him again as he separates himself just a bit to glance at my bare chest, as the only thing covering me is the small triangle of my black panties.

"Do you take it off, or do I rip it?" I am so stunned that I can't process his words. I see him approaching and taking both hands to one end of my panties, then pulling on them until they tear. He slides the other part down to my knee and it falls. He looks at me, and his gaze tells me what is about to happen. He takes hold of my breasts with his hands, while his mouth wreaks havoc on mine. He invades every space with his tongue, and mine responds, their dance demonstrating the anxiety our bodies feel. He lightly bites my lower lip, causing a small moan to escape my lips. He smirks, his mouth descends to my neck, giving it a small bite and then caressing the same spot with his tongue. Does this man want to drive me insane? His hands seize my breasts, bringing one of them to his mouth, savoring it like a delicacy. A small bite on one of them makes me moan loudly. He separates for a moment, looks directly into my eyes, and with his index finger on his lips, he indicates that I should be silent. I bite my lower lip hard and nod. His kisses descend to my belly button, his tongue resting upon it before continuing its descent...

I wake up sweaty, him once again in my dreams, the damn bastard who took advantage of my drunkenness and moment of ecstasy to steal away "my virginity."

A month has passed, a whole month and I still have no idea who the hell he is. Well, that's not the worst part; the worst part is that my boyfriend Matt still has no clue about what I did. And if before I hadn't been with him because I wanted to save myself for marriage, what the hell do I tell him now? How do I look him in the eyes with just a couple of weeks left until our wedding? What was supposed to be my greatest happiness has now become a headache.

"Anna, we're waiting for you to have dinner," says my mom as she enters my room.

"I don't want to, Mom, I'm tired."

"Anna, you're impossible, I can't understand why you're still not ready. Matt and his parents are waiting for you, and look at yourself. How is it possible that you're still not ready?"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I swear I forgot. I quickly put on some jeans and a t-shirt.

"Lately, it seems like you forget that you're engaged, just look at yourself. Do you really think you can wear that to meet your future in-laws?" I shrug as I look for my Converse shoes, they are super comfy. "You're impossible... At least comb your hair."

"As you wish, Your Highness."

She gives me a condescending look and turns around to leave.

I let myself fall back on the bed, I'm really exhausted from this situation. I can't look Matt in the eyes, and then there are mom and dad pressuring me all the time. In fact, I agreed to get married more out of pressure than love. That doesn't mean I don't love him, it's just that I would like to live more, to travel, to explore. They barely let me go on that trip to Vegas, arguing that I'm still too young and shouldn't be alone. And after what happened, it feels like the world is spitting in my face, screaming that they were right.

I get up, brush my hair a little, and I'm ready to go downstairs and continue with the comedy that is my life. Because I swear if I saw it from a distance, I would laugh at the pathetic performance that is about to unfold. I walk towards the door and before leaving, I take one last look at my room. I sigh, knowing that any girl would believe she could be immensely happy in a golden cage like mine.

I descend the grand staircase, heading towards the garden, and after walking about 10 meters through the rose bushes, I reach the dining area located in the center of the garden. It looks like a place from a magazine, and seeing everyone around me makes me feel like I don't belong at all. Despite growing up like a porcelain doll, I seem more like a rag doll.

Matt approaches with a big smile on his face, leaning in slightly to give me a short kiss.

"You made us wait, I thought..."

"What, would a princess descend in a silk gown?" I interrupt.

"Don't get me wrong... Let's just forget it."

"I'm sorry, I've been feeling a bit anxious lately... I need to talk to you."

"Hello, dear," Graciela, Matt's mom, approaches. She places her delicate hands on my shoulders and kisses both of my cheeks. Then she steps back slightly, her eyes discreetly scanning my outfit, and with a fake smile, she addresses me again. "Always so you. Well, I think that will change once you're married." Just as I was about to respond, Matt holds my hand and gives it a slight squeeze, just enough to signal me to let it go. Once again, the witch wins.

Anna Brow

Please, let's go to the table," my mother says with a kind smile on her face.

"You're right, dear. We've been waiting for your beautiful daughter for quite some time now. I think it's starting to get late," the witch counters once again.

"Don't exaggerate, Mom. It's not that serious," Matt intervenes.

"Apologies for my daughter. She arrived quite tired from university."

"Actually, dear mother-in-law, I had more free hours than study today. I apologize for falling asleep once I got here," my mother reproaches me with a glance, while my mother-in-law looks at me disapprovingly yet with a hint of superiority. She turns around and walks towards the table where the others are. My mother follows her, and a few steps behind are Matt and I.

"You shouldn't have said that. She's my mom and deserves respect," really?

"And do I not?" I reply.

"I didn't say that."

"But neither do you object every time she attacks me."

We reach the table, and Matt and I sit next to each other. While our parents come to an agreement on the partnership they will create once Matt and I are married. Our mothers discuss wedding details. I understand wanting everything to be perfect and their desire to take charge, but choosing my wedding dress without considering my opinion? That's too much.

"Anna, the designer called to ask you to come tomorrow to try on the dress, as it seems to be ready," my mother says.

"You see, dear, I wasn't wrong in choosing her. She's the best and will work wonders with you," my mother-in-law's voice disrupts my thoughts. Always with a double meaning in every word.

"Surely she has already done wonders with you, hasn't she?"

"I think it's time for dessert!" my mother exclaims, trying to lighten the mood.

As if that wasn't enough, Matt starts caressing my leg under the table, slowly approaching my intimate area. It's very uncomfortable, so I discreetly stop his advance.

"Anna!" my father's voice, slightly raised but not quite a shout, interrupts the moment. "Has he noticed Matt's restless hands? I hope not."

"Yes, Dad," I answer, a bit dazed.

"You're not answering your mother-in-law's questions," he says. I was so focused on controlling Matt that I disconnected from what was happening around me.

"I'm sorry, I'm feeling a bit unwell. Can I go to my room?" And instantly, my mother-in-law's disdainful gaze appears. Who would have thought that such a cultured woman could be a complete harpy?

"If you'll allow me, I can accompany her to her room," Matt says, and I cross my fingers, hoping my dad will object. Since that night, I have felt like a traitor every time he gets close or tries to make contact with me.

"Go ahead, son. Please make sure she rests for a while," my father responds, and I wonder when he stopped being overprotective. I guess my escape plan isn't unfolding as I expected.

Matt accompanies me to my room. Once inside, he passionately kisses me, but I feel like we're not connecting. He pulls away slightly.

"What a great idea, pretending to feel unwell just to be alone," he says in a hoarse voice and tries to resume the kiss.

"Wait, wait! I'm actually not feeling well," I try to interpose my hands, pushing his chest a bit.

"Are you serious?" he scratches his head, clearly frustrated. "I'm getting tired of the game of the virginal girl. I am a man and have needs. And if you can't fulfill them, I will be forced to..."

"To what?" I interrupt. "To find someone else? Go ahead, just be clear that I'm not the submissive woman your parents think they're bargaining for their son. If I marry you, it's because I love you. But if it's going to consume me as a person, let's put a stop to this."

"That's not what I meant," he says.

"But that's what you implied."

"Anna, look at me. I love you, and I know you want to keep your purity for me, but look at me, whether it's before or after marriage, it's me. And the fact that you give yourself to me will be the most beautiful gift, regardless of the timing or circumstance. Don't torture me anymore, I want to make you mine."

"You don't understand, it's just that I..." the door suddenly opened, and it was my mother.

"Matt, your parents are getting ready to leave and they're asking if you'll stay."

"Thank you, but I think it's better if I leave now. Anna is still feeling unwell, and I think it's best to let her rest."

"See, daughter? He's the perfect man, always so attentive and considerate."

Matt comes closer and plants a chaste kiss on my lips.

"Love, rest and please, think about what we talked about." He gives my mother a kiss on the cheek and then heads towards the exit.

"Wait, dear, I'll accompany you." My mother says as she walks after him.

"I lock the door, undress, enter the bathroom, and let the water run over me. All of this is tearing me apart; it seems like I've lost my sense of direction in life. I need to solve this soon."

A new day at the university. It has been a week since the dinner. The history teacher keeps talking and talking, no matter how hard I try to concentrate, I can't understand a single word. My performance is declining, and I hope I can pass the semester. It would be the only thing I need—going from being the top student in my field to having to repeat the last semester. All because of that idiot who crossed my path. If I ever see him again, I'll kill him with my own hands.

"Miss Brown, it's the third time I'm asking you to please repeat to your classmates what the upcoming presentation should be about." The teacher was genuinely annoyed; his expression showed that he had reached his limit.

"I... I'm sorry, teacher, I don't know."

"Obviously, you occupy your mind with more productive things than paying attention to my class. So I'm going to ask you to leave and keep in mind that while your classmates will work on the presentation in pairs, yours will be individual."

"I'm sorry, may I be excused?" I gather my belongings and head towards the exit. It's better not to say another word; I'll only make the situation worse.

I stay outside waiting for Matt since he offered to pick me up.

"Hey, Anna, what was that earlier?" It's Elena, my best friend, and the only one who knows everything. "You can't go on like this. Talk to Matt and if it's all going to end, let it end, but sooner or later, you'll have to face it, and it's better sooner, you know, strike while the iron is hot."

"I've tried, but something always happens, and then I can't do it."

"Stop trying and just do it. Speaking of doing, message me, and I'll send you my notes from today; you'll need them."

"Thanks, that's why I love you."

"I know, I know. Oh, look, there comes your boyfriend. I'll leave you; don't forget to get out of this mess."

"Alright, I will." She gives me a kiss on the cheek and walks away.

Matt parks his sports car in front of me and signals for me to get in; I do and give him a quick kiss.

"How was your day?" He asks.

"I'd rather not talk about it."

"Alright. Then let me give you a surprise." He says with excitement in his eyes.

"First, I think we need to talk. There's something important you should know."

"We'll talk about whatever you want after the surprise."

"Do you promise to listen to me without interruptions?"

"It's a promise." He answers with a smile.

"Alright."

He starts the car, and I feel exhausted, so much so that I don't know when I fall asleep. When I wake up, we're in an indoor parking lot, but I'm not exactly sure where.

"Let me put this on you." Matt says, showing me a red silk blindfold he has in his hands.

"Matt, what is this about?"

"I told you, it's a surprise." He proceeds to put the blindfold on me. "I sigh, resigned. Hopefully, it's not what I imagine."

Matt guides me, making sure I don't stumble. We get into an elevator. I feel the doors open, and he guides me, it seems, through a corridor, and then he opens a door.

"We have arrived," are the first words he utters since he blindfolded me. I feel his hands as he unties it.

My eyes don't take long to adjust as the lighting consists of candles, many candles, and white roses. A small table set for two, the decoration is truly exquisite. This place is wonderful, but more than a romantic candlelit dinner with roses, it feels like a funeral. My gaze stops at the large bed dressed with white silk sheets.

"Matt, I'm sorry, we need to talk."

"I told you we'll do it later," he says with a flirtatious smile on his face.

"No, it has to be right now."

"Okay, but I warn you, nothing will ruin this night. Come, sit." He opens a chair for me, I sit and look out the large window near the table. Judging by the amazing view from this place, we must be on the twenty-fifth or thirtieth floor.

"Tell me, what is it that can't wait?"

"Matt, I can't..."

"Wait, give me a second." He interrupts me, picking up the landline phone from the place. Apparently, he calls for room service, giving an order to bring the dinner. Then he hangs up and returns to his seat, uncorking a bottle of champagne and pouring two glasses.

"Matt, stop."

"I just want us to toast to your first time, I promise it will be special." He hands me a glass and clinks it with mine, lifting his own and taking the first sip.

"Matt, I'm not a virgin anymore." He chokes on his drink, spitting it out, coughing for a few seconds. I don't know if I should help him, all I do is stand still.

"Tell me it's a joke," he says after catching his breath. "It has to be a damn joke! And let me tell you, it's in very bad taste."

"It's not."

"Hahaha, enough already, love, it's been enough..."

"MATT! No, I'm not a virgin."

There's a knock on the door, Matt reluctantly gets up and opens it.

"Sir, room service."

"Not now," he responds curtly.

"Sorry, sir, but..."

"Is she deaf or what? I already said no!" He slams the door shut and walks back to me, his steps firm. I can't deny that I feel fear when I see the anger in his eyes.

"Why did you lie to me about being a virgin if it's not true?" He stops right in front of me and I stand up.

"I didn't lie to you... I was."

"Wait, are you telling me that you fooled me?" He manages to show a fake smile.

"I didn't want to, I was... I was drunk."

"With whom?"

"I don't know... It was in..."

"I asked, WITH WHOM?!" He shouts, making me flinch.

"I don't know, I don't know, it was in Vegas, I don't remember exactly how it happened."

"You're a damned..."

"NO, I'm not going to let you insult me. I made a mistake, and I'll face the consequences."

"Oh, yeah?! And how?! Enlighten me."

"You can break off the engagement." Tears roll down my eyes. "I'll take responsibility."

"You're truly stupid! I won't end a business deal that means so much money for me because of a bitch like you. The stupid wedding is still on. And don't worry, darling, you're not the only one being unfaithful. I just wanted to make your life pleasant by making you think that someone like me could fall in love with someone as tasteless as you. My mother was right when she said you're nothing more than a..." I raise my hand and let it fall on his face. Just because I made a mistake doesn't give him the right to degrade me as a person.

He grabs my chin tightly, forcing me to look at him.

"Listen to me carefully, the wedding is more than certain, don't doubt that. And never raise a hand against me again, or you'll get to know me."

He throws me onto the bed and takes out his cell phone, putting it on speaker as he sits.

"Hello, sweetheart," he responds to a woman.

"Hi, honey, I want to fuck you."

"You're so bad, don't you have enough from last night?"

"I can never get enough of you." He tells the woman on the other end of the line, while staring into my eyes.

I get up, grab my briefcase, fortunately, I had it with me all the time, and leave the room.

"I'm at the Rollal Hotel, honeymoon suite, floor..." It's the last thing I hear him say as I continue walking with my head held high.

I step out onto the street and hail the first available car. Once inside, I let my tears fall. I can't believe I actually felt something for a jerk like him. I reflect on this and for the first time, I feel grateful for what happened in Las Vegas. If it hadn't, I would still be deceived, believing the lies of that imbecile. During the journey back home, I dedicate myself to observing the beautiful landscape. I ask the driver to roll down the windows so I can feel the wind on my face. I feel relieved, taking a deep breath as I realize we have arrived... The worst is yet to come, informing my parents that there won't be a wedding.

***...

"Don't be foolish!" My mother's voice hysterically resounds.

"You're not listening to me. Matt doesn't love me. He sees this marriage as a business deal. He's unfaithful."

"He's a man, they're all the same! What did you expect?"

"I cheated on him too! I can't go on with this."

"And does he know?" my mother asks, widening her eyes.

"I confessed it to him today."

"What have you done? You're truly foolish," she says, shaking her head. Then she looks at my father. "And you, aren't you going to say anything?"

"Did Matt break the engagement?" he asks.

"No, he views it as a highly lucrative business deal," my tears start falling again.

"Then there's nothing to discuss. Carry on with the preparations," he says, rising and heading up the stairs, leaving me alone with my mother. She looks at me disdainfully and, just like my father, goes upstairs.

In what damn family of vipers was I born?

***...

The day of the funeral has come, or should I say wedding? All those people considered part of high society are gathered, waiting for the bride of the year. Girls my age look at me with great smiles, believing that dreams can come true. Only a few reporters have access to cover this grand event. I walk down the aisle in my princess white dress, a veil covering my face, a clear signal of purity. The cathedral is enormous and the decoration, which many find breathtaking, is overly extravagant in my opinion. But as usual, I was never given the right to have an opinion. I try to walk as slowly as possible, and during the journey, I see my friend's face reflecting only pity. And it's not without reason, at this point, even I feel sorry for myself. But they will hurt the most for forcing me to do something I don't want to. If they wanted a grand-scale media show, I'll give them a skyscraper. They'll soon see that I'm not the stupid and submissive girl they think they can control at their convenience. I look to my left, and in the front row is Matt's little friend. I roll my eyes. I observe him, and he looks at me with so much devotion that I even momentarily think he loves me. My father, who walked me down the aisle, hands me over to Matt.

"Matt, my daughter is a princess and is used to being treated as such. Today, I entrust her to you and I ask that you protect and love her for what she is, a priceless treasure."

"Don't worry, I will."

Hypocrisy at its finest. How I wish my father's words were true and not merely the performance of the year. My father approaches and hugs me.

"Beloved Father, you deserve an award for Best Actor," I whisper in his ear. He quickly pulls away and returns to his place next to my mother, who looks at me with a radiant smile.

***...

"Mr. Matt Ortega, do you take Miss Anna Brown as your lawful wife?"

"Yes, I do."

It's showtime, let's see the reaction when they hear a resounding "No."

"Miss Anna Brown, do you take Mr. Matt Ortega as your lawful husband?"

"No!"

No, it can't be. Who had the audacity to steal my moment and answer for me? Like me, everyone turned to see the intruder, the thief of the show. Oh, dear God, I could only bring both hands to my head.

As a professional novel writer in English, I am unable to determine the paragraph structure or context with just the name "Nicolas Thompson." Please provide the original paragraph you would like me to rewrite, and I'll be glad to assist you.