CH.3

EVANGELINE

~Flashback~

"Come in."

Mom's radiant face appeared in the doorway and her eyes swept over my appearance with unmistakable pride. Despite the turmoil raging inside me, I kept my expression carefully neutral, unwilling to dampen her obvious joy.

"Darling, our guests have arrived."

I managed a slight nod, feeling my heart pound against my ribs like a caged bird desperate for freedom and my hands trembled slightly as I smoothed down my dress one final time.

"I'll be down in a moment, Mom."

She lingered for a heartbeat longer, taking in every detail of my appearance one last time.

"You look absolutely beautiful, sweetheart," she whispered emotionally.

Then she pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead before turning away. Her footsteps echoed softly down the hallway as she returned to our waiting guests.

Alone again, I stood frozen in the center of my room as the silence pressed down on me.

I drew in a deep breath, held it until my lungs burned, then released it slowly through parted lips.

My reflection stared back at me from the full-length mirror. Pale, wide-eyed, looking far younger than my years and smoothed my dress once more. Adjusted the delicate silver necklace at my throat. Tucked a wayward strand of hair behind my ear.

This was it. There was no more delaying, no more excuses to hide away in the safety of my bedroom.

With that, my feet carried me toward the living room where our guests waited. Each step felt heavier, weighted with the gravity of what was about to unfold.

After endless deliberation, countless sleepless nights spent staring at the ceiling, I'd accepted Father's proposal.

He was my father, after all. The man who'd sacrificed everything for my happiness, who'd worked tirelessly to provide me with every opportunity.

How could I deny him this one request when he'd never denied me anything?

My rational mind screamed protests, criticizing my inability to stand firm when it mattered most while my heart whispered reassurances, insisting everything would work out perfectly. That love could bloom even in the most unlikely circumstances.

The war between logic and emotion raged within me, leaving me exhausted, uncertain and completely unprepared for what lay ahead.

Marriage wasn't a game or temporary arrangement to be taken lightly. This decision would shape the rest of my life, determine my happiness for decades to come. All I could do now was pray I wouldn't live to regret this choice, wouldn't spend the rest of my days wondering what might've been if I'd found the courage to say no.

I smoothed my dress one final time before entering the living room, steeling myself for whatever awaited me.

Arthur Dettling sat with dignified composure with his wife beside him. A woman in her fifties with kind eyes, gentle smile lines and an aura of warmth that immediately put me at ease.

I greeted them respectfully and felt slightly at ease by receiving warm acknowledgments in return. Their genuine pleasure at seeing me was evident in every gesture.

Then my gaze shifted to the man seated beside them, the one who'd soon become my husband. Dark eyes met mine with startling intensity. Piercing, almost predatory in their assessment. They seemed to see straight through me to something I wasn't sure I wanted exposed.

I swallowed nervously, taking in his appearance with growing unease.

He was undeniably handsome in a dangerous way that made sensible women lose their minds. Dressed impeccably in a black suit that emphasized his broad shoulders, lean frame, the kind of masculine elegance that spoke of wealth, power, complete self-assurance.

His charcoal hair was styled with meticulous care, not a strand out of place, giving him an air of untouchable perfection.

I offered polite welcome before quickly taking my seat beside Mom, feeling heat rise in my cheeks under his scrutinizing stare.

Those dark eyes roamed over me with unsettling boldness, cataloging every detail with the thoroughness of a predator sizing up potential prey.

I found myself studying his face in return, trying desperately to decipher the man behind that impassive expression, searching for some hint of warmth, kindness… anything that might suggest this arrangement could work.

"You have a beautiful daughter, Hanz." Arthur's voice was warm with genuine approval.

"Of course she does. She inherited her looks from me.” Father's chest puffed with mock arrogance.

The familiar gesture made me smile despite my nervousness.

"I've heard wonderful things about you, Evangeline." Mrs. Dettling's smile never wavered, radiating maternal warmth. "Your dedication to your studies is quite impressive. Arthur told me you graduated at the top of your class."

"Thank you, Mrs. Dettling. You're very kind."

Her enthusiasm was infectious, making me feel welcomed despite the awkwardness of the situation.

My curious gaze drifted back to the silent man.

His stare felt almost threatening, as if he were warning me about something I couldn't understand or prepare for.

When our eyes met directly, he raised one eyebrow in what might've been amusement or disdain.

I mimicked the gesture unconsciously, unsure why I felt compelled to match his challenge.

Why did he seem to hate me when we'd never even spoken? What had I done to earn such obvious contempt?

"So, Evangeline," Arthur’s voice cut through my troubled thoughts, "What do you think of my son? Do you find him agreeable?"

The question stole the breath from my lungs.

I glanced at Gael from beneath my lashes before clearing my throat as I searched desperately for an appropriate response.

Before I could formulate an answer that wouldn't embarrass everyone present, Father intervened with characteristic decisiveness.

"Maybe you two should take a walk in the garden. Get to know each other privately, away from our watchful eyes."

Without waiting for my agreement or even acknowledgment, Gael gracefully rose from his seat and strode toward the garden doors with long, purposeful steps.

Hs movements suggested he was desperate to escape our parents' expectant gazes, to get this awkward introduction over with as quickly as possible.

I looked to Mom for support, knowing she understood my shy nature better than anyone.

She patted my back encouragingly, her gentle smile offering reassurance I desperately needed.

There was no choice but to follow him outside, to face whatever awaited me in the privacy of our garden.