Chapter 6

It only took a week to plan the engagement. The main event was held right after both families agreed, so quick. Time flowed like water, imperceptibly.

The spectacular engagement in the Montgomery family attracted everyone’s attention. It appeared in news portals, becoming the main story of the union of two honorable families predicted to form a new power in the business world.

Meanwhile, at the party, thousands of people looked happy. Only Evander stared at the stage with a cold expression.

“Congratulations to you, Miss Elena,” he whispered hoarsely. His baritone voice was inaudible to anyone.

How pathetic.

Evander shouldn’t have been the one offering congratulations on her happy day, but rather the man standing beside her, exchanging engagement rings.

What a cruel fate.

His beloved, whom he could no longer hope for, had become someone else’s, not his.

As he tried to calm his emotions, his gaze inadvertently met Elena's. This instantly locked him, unable to look away.

Evander could barely blink, unwilling for their soul-to-soul connection to end. If someone hadn't accidentally bumped his shoulder, Evander might have lingered, staring at the Princess on stage.

And afterward, he resisted casting his gaze toward the stage again. From the corner of his eye, he could see Victoria watching him sharply from her seat.

Evander chose instead to put on his sunglasses and pretend to adjust the earpiece in his ear, as if talking to other security guards on the phone.

***

The engagement party finally concluded. Evander drove Elena home first, as she looked exhausted after a day of smiling and receiving countless congratulations from guests.

In the car, Elena sat silently in the back seat. Her head rested against the seat, eyes staring out the window. It was clear the girl was lost in thought.

Evander watched her through the rearview mirror. Seeing Elena like that made his heart ache.

How desperately he wanted to embrace Elena, to offer his shoulder so his beloved girl could lean on it and pour out all her feelings.

"Evan?" Elena called without turning.

"Yes, Miss?" Evander replied, looking in the rearview mirror.

Elena closed her eyes, hearing how Evander answered her.

"Can we just stop by my apartment?" Elena pleaded. The beautiful girl then lifted her head and looked at Evander in the front.

"Please!" she said softly.

Evander remained silent, offering no reply, but then Elena smiled as the car turned at an intersection. It wasn't heading home, but to her apartment. She leaned her head back again.

"Thank you," she said.

Evander secretly smiled.

"You're welcome," he whispered, almost inaudibly.

The remaining half of the journey passed in silence. Yet, the two people in different seats seemed to form smiles on their faces.

Finally, their car reached its destination. Evander drove directly into the basement parking, stopping at one side of the lot.

Evander got out first, then walked around and opened Elena's door.

He held his breath slightly as Elena stepped out, their positions so close and face to face, separated only by the car door Evander held open. Their eyes met for a second before Elena looked away, and Evander closed the car door. He didn't forget to lock the car and ensure the security alarm was functioning correctly before leaving it.

"Please, go ahead, Miss," Evander said, inviting Elena to walk ahead.

The girl glanced at him briefly before taking a step, and Evander followed.

When they reached the elevator, Evander walked ahead to ensure it was empty and safe. Without making Elena wait, he nodded, signaling that the situation was clear.

All of this did not escape Elena's notice. Her eyes followed Evander's every movement with a smile on her lips.

Inside the elevator, Elena stood behind Evander.

Her eyes observed Evander's figure before her. The man seemed so tall when they were this close. Elena's height only reached his shoulder.

His broad back looked sturdy beneath the black suit he wore. It made Elena's imagination wander.

The soft chime of the elevator made her blink. She snapped out of her thoughts and saw Evander motioning for her to exit the elevator.

***

They went directly to Elena's unit. The girl was eager to shower and clean herself, as her body felt sticky.

"Wait here," Elena told Evander, "Make yourself at home!" she said with a smile.

Evander nodded, uttering his thanks. His demeanor remained formal, which made Elena feel a little exasperated.

"Don't be so formal, it's just the two of us here!" Elena said with a soft huff.

Evander bowed his head and then smiled, slightly easing the stiffness in the air. Elena also smiled at this. She then quickly went into her room.

Evander could finally breathe a sigh of relief, his stiff shoulders relaxing. He walked to the kitchen and poured a glass of water, his throat having been dry for a while.

Being so close to Elena felt like torture. Her every action and smile made him want to embrace her. Her sweet gaze even had the power to send his soul wandering far away.

"Oh, my God! What am I thinking?!" he muttered, rubbing his face repeatedly.

Realizing the situation was incredibly risky, Evander decided to step out onto the apartment's balcony to get some fresh air, as the oxygen inside suddenly felt scarce.

Thinking Elena might have gone to sleep, Evander took off his jacket, leaving only the white shirt underneath. He rolled up his shirt sleeves, loosened his tie, and turned off his earpiece. He placed the small device on the table.

For a moment, he enjoyed the night air after his duties for the day were complete, contemplating the misfortune that had befallen him.

Watching the girl he adored marry another man right before his very eyes, powerless to stop it. If he could have, he would have wished not to see any of it. But alas, it was part of his duty.

"Elena..."

Evander ran a hand through his hair, whispering her name as softly as the wind. His heart ached. The girl he loved was so close, yet he could do nothing. He felt he didn't even deserve to look at her.

"Evan…"

Evander's ears perked up instantly, hearing a soft voice from behind him. He turned around. And then, he felt as if all oxygen truly vanished this time. Evander opened his mouth, unable to say a word.

In the doorway, Elena stood. Dressed in sheer, thin sleepwear, the breeze seemed to accentuate the curves of her body. Her hair, usually tied up, now flowed beautifully.

Her eyes gazed softly, and her lips parted.

"Can you hug me, Evan?"