The Summons

Chapter 3 – The Summons

I sat on the edge of my bed long after leaving my father’s study.

The folder he had given me was still on my desk. I had not opened it. I could not bring myself to read the agreement that carried my name beside Adrian’s.

Instead, my attention kept returning to the envelope beside it.

It had arrived that afternoon, delivered by a courier from the Samson family. My parents had left it in my room without explaining what was inside.

I picked it up and turned it over. The Samson family’s name was printed neatly across the front.

Then I remembered what Mother had said. The meeting was tomorrow, and preparations would begin after that.

I broke the seal.

The letter inside was formal and brief. It invited me to the Samson residence the following morning for an introduction and a discussion about the proposed marriage.

I read it twice.

Perhaps I could speak to Adrian’s parents and make them understand that I had no intention of marrying their son.

“Does Adrian even know about all these?” I whispered.

The letter did not say.

I placed it back on the desk and leaned against the chair. All I knew was that Adrian was dating Aria, and my parents were prepared to ignore that fact because they needed his family’s money.

I folded the letter and placed it inside my handbag.

“Tomorrow, then,” I murmured.

I changed into my night clothes and lay down. Sleep did not come immediately, but for the first time since entering my parents’ study, I had a plan.

I would go to the Samson residence. I would listen to what they had to say, then make it clear that I had not agreed to marry Adrian.

Whatever my parents had promised them, I would not pretend to be happy about it.

The next morning, a knock came at my door.

“Evelyn,” my father called. “Get ready. We’re leaving soon.”

I opened my eyes and sat up. “Leaving for where?”

He gave me a look. “The Samson residence. You received their invitation, didn’t you?”

“I did. I thought the meeting was later.”

“It was moved forward. Your mother is waiting downstairs.”

I pushed the blanket aside. “Does Adrian know we’re coming?”

My father paused. It was brief, but I noticed.

“You will meet his parents first,” he said. “Adrian has other engagements this morning.”

“So he won’t be there?”

“Not sure.”

I studied his face. He seemed unusually eager to end the conversation.

“Father, what exactly did you tell them about me?”

His expression tightened. “We have discussed this already. Do not make things difficult when we get there.”

“I am asking a simple question.”

“And I have given you an answer. Get dressed, Evelyn.”

He turned and walked away.

I stared at the open doorway. His reaction only made me more suspicious, but I had no time to press him.

I got out of bed, showered, and chose a simple cream dress. I tied my hair back and picked up my handbag, making sure the invitation was inside.

When I came downstairs, Mother stood near the front door. She looked me over from head to toe.

“Is that what you’re wearing?”

I glanced down at my dress. “What’s wrong with it?”

“Nothing. Just make sure you look presentable and behave yourself. We are meeting an important family.”

“I know who we’re meeting, Mother.”

She ignored my reply and picked up her handbag.

Father was already outside beside the car.

During the drive, neither of them said much. Mother checked her phone several times, while Father kept his eyes on the road. I sat in the back, watching the buildings pass by.

“Will Adrian’s parents know I haven’t agreed to this marriage?” I finally asked.

Mother turned slightly. “There is no need to start an argument before we arrive.”

“That isn’t an answer.”

“Evelyn, please. We need this meeting to go well.”

“You need it to go well. I still haven’t agreed to marry him.”

Father glanced at me through the rearview mirror. “Just be respectful. We can discuss everything else afterward.”

I looked out of the window again. They wanted me to behave as though this was an ordinary family visit.

But nothing about it was ordinary.

Nearly an hour later, the car slowed before a tall gate. A security guard stepped out of the small booth and approached us. Father lowered the window, exchanged a few words with him, and gave his name.

The gate opened.

The Samson residence stood beyond a wide driveway, surrounded by a neat lawn and carefully trimmed trees. The mansion was enormous, with tall windows and pale stone walls. It looked exactly like the kind of place owned by a family that had never worried about money.

Mother adjusted her dress before stepping out.

“Remember what we discussed,” she whispered.

I gave her no answer.

A housekeeper welcomed us at the entrance and led us into a large sitting room. A man and woman were waiting there. They stood as we entered.

“Mr. and Mrs. Samson,” Father greeted them, extending his hand. “Thank you for receiving us.”

“Of course,” Mr. Samson replied warmly. “It is good to finally meet you.”

The women exchanged greetings, and Mother introduced me. “This is our daughter, Evelyn.”

Mrs. Samson smiled politely. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise,” I replied.

Mrs. Samson's smile faded slightly as she looked at my face, then past my shoulder.

Mr. Samson followed her gaze. They both looked behind me, as though expecting someone else to walk through the door.

Then Mrs. Samson turned back to my parents.

“I’m sorry,” she said, her brows drawing together. “Where’s Aria? The bride.”