Proper proposal

"I've thought about it, Father. I'll marry Adrian Sterling."

Harold, visibly relieved, smiled at Evelyn. "That's wonderful news, Evelyn! This decision will bring great honor and prosperity to our family.

Jane's eyes gleamed with triumph as she continued to weave her manipulative narrative. "See, Harold? Evelyn, no I mean, our daughter has finally come to her senses. This marriage will elevate our family's status, and she'll finally contribute something meaningful."

Janella, with a feigned smile, chimed in, "I'm glad you've decided to do the right thing, Evelyn. This alliance is essential for the future of our family."

On the other hand, Mr. and Mrs. Sterling discussed the marriage to their son, Adrian. 

"Marriage? With Janella?" he asked, uninterested, slipping on his earphones.

"No, instead of Janella. They want you to get married to their other daughter, Evelyn. Adrian, we've secured a promising alliance with the Scott," she explained, her tone carrying a hint of authority.

Adrian, still engrossed in his music, removed his earphones and raised an indifferent eyebrow. "Marriage? With Evelyn? I didn't know that Scott had another daughter. I'm not interested, Mother."

"You will be. You two will meet tomorrow. Make sure you'll come, right?"

He sighed, nodding his head, "Alright. I'll come. If I am still not interested in her, I won't accept this marriage, mother. I'm sorry."

"Okay, deal."

The following day, at a coffee shop filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, Evelyn and Adrian were set to meet for the first time. Each carried their own apprehensions and expectations, their fates intertwined by the decisions of those around them.

Adrian arrived first, his casual attire belaying the weight of the impending conversation. He occupied a corner table, gazing out of the window with a nonchalant demeanor. His eyes occasionally flickered towards the entrance, anticipating the arrival of the girl he was expected to marry.

Evelyn, dressed in a modest yet elegant ensemble, entered the coffee shop with a mix of nerves and determination. Her steps faltered for a moment as she spotted Adrian, an unfamiliar face yet burdened with the expectations of her family.

As she approached the table, Adrian stood to greet her with a polite nod. "Evelyn, I presume? I'm Adrian."

Evelyn offered a tentative smile, "Yes, that's me. Nice to meet you, Adrian."

Adrian gestured for Evelyn to take a seat, and they began a conversation that started with polite formalities. The air was charged with tension as they navigated the awkwardness of being pushed into an arranged meeting.

"So, Evelyn," Adrian began, "tell me about yourself. What are your interests? Hobbies?"

Evelyn, surprised by the genuine interest in his tone, opened up slowly. She shared snippets of her life, carefully navigating the conversation to reveal the facets of herself that extended beyond the constraints of her family's expectations.

"I enjoy reading," she admitted, her eyes lighting up with genuine passion. "Books have been my refuge from the chaos at home. They transport me to different worlds, away from the struggles I face."

Adrian, intrigued by her honesty, nodded appreciatively. "I can relate to that. Music is my escape. It helps me drown out the noise of the world."

"Ah, I see. Your family must be really wealthy, right?"

"Maybe?" Adrian answered, but his eyes were still fixed on her.

"What is it? Is there something on my face?" Evelyn asked him.

"No. I just want to ask something."

"What is it?"

Adrian sighed, "Why?"

"Huh?"

"Why do you want to get married to me?" he asked.

She lowered her, "Because I want to escape."

He frowned while looking at her, not understanding what she wanted to tell him. "What do you mean?"

"They wanted to get rid of me, so, I accepted this marriage. But don't worry, Mr. Sterling, I won't cause any trouble for your family name."

Adrian's expression shifted from confusion to genuine curiosity as he leaned back in his chair. The coffee shop buzzed with the distant murmur of patrons, yet their conversation became an intimate exchange of truths in a corner that seemed insulated from the outside world.

"So, Evelyn, why did you agree to this marriage if it's not what you want?" He asked, looking into her eyes.

Evelyn, her eyes reflecting a mix of vulnerability and determination, "They wanted to get rid of me, Adrian. I felt trapped, and this seemed like the only way out."

Adrian's curiosity deepened, his gaze fixed on her. "Get rid of you? Why would your own family want that?"

Evelyn hesitates before opening up. "I'm a constant reminder of a mistake, a past they'd rather forget. They see me as a burden, not a daughter."

Adrian, a compassionate tone in his voice. "That's harsh, Evelyn. No one should be treated that way by their family."

Evelyn, with a bitter smile. "Welcome to my reality, Adrian."

Adrian, captivated by the vulnerability in Evelyn's eyes, felt an overwhelming surge of empathy. He took a deep breath, his heart pounding with sincerity, and decided to make this moment as special as possible.

"Evelyn Scott," he began, his voice low and tender, "from the moment our eyes met, I sensed a pain that resonates with my own. You deserve more than the role they've assigned you. You deserve happiness, love, and someone who will stand by you through it all."

With those words hanging in the air, Adrian slowly descended to one knee, his gaze never leaving Evelyn's eyes. The bustling sounds of the coffee shop seemed to fade away as the world narrowed down to the two of them.

He pulled out a small velvet box from his pocket, revealing a delicately crafted ring nestled inside. The ring sparkled with a modest elegance, a symbol of a love untethered by societal expectations.

Adrian continued, his voice unwavering, "Evelyn Scott. Will you allow me the privilege of being that person for you? Will you marry me?"

Evelyn, her eyes shimmering with a mixture of astonishment and hope, placed a hand over her heart. She had not expected this romantic twist, and her breath caught in her throat.

Adrian awaited her response, his eyes locked onto hers, every fiber of his being pouring sincerity into the moment.

Evelyn, after a moment that felt like an eternity, finally whispered, "YES!"