Chapter 1. (The Deal of Hearts)

“You’ll be getting married to Adrian Chase,” Evelyn’s father declared the moment he stepped into the living room.

“Which Adrian Chase are you talking about, Dad?” Evelyn asked, looking at him in confusion.

“Which other Adrian Chase is there in Lincoln City? His grandmother reached out to your grandmother to propose the marriage, and considering their long relationship, your grandmother agreed,” her father explained.

“Oh my gosh, Evie! You’ll be marrying your longtime crush!”

Isa, Evelyn’s younger sister, gushed excitedly.

“Did Adrian agree to this arrangement?” Evelyn asked after staying silent for a while.

“His grandmother, Mrs. Chase Sr., arranged it. What other choice does he have?” her father retorted.

“I know, but—” Evelyn tried to reason, but her father cut her off.

“No buts. It has been decided. It’s a great deal for the family — merging Nexus Corporation and the Montgomery dynasty. It’ll be revolutionary! Besides, Adrian is a dashing, successful young man. He singlehandedly built the Nexus Corporation to where it is now, despite being abandoned by his parents. What better suitor could there be?” her father said matter-of-factly.

“Get ready. The wedding will take place in three months,” he added before marching inside.

Isa turned to her sister, confused. “How come you don’t look happy after hearing such news? I thought this has always been your dream — to spend the rest of your life with Adrian?”

“Yes, I really want to spend my life with him,” Evelyn admitted softly, “but is that what he wants? As much as I love him, I still want him to be happy. What if marrying me doesn’t make him happy?”

Isa smiled. “He might act indifferent, but trust me, he’ll be smitten by you. Look at you — you’re beautiful, gorgeous, smart, and outstanding. Seriously, who wouldn’t fall for you?”

Evelyn smiled faintly. “Thanks, Isa. You’re right. Even if he doesn’t love me now, I’ll make sure he does once I move in with him.”

“Three months may sound far, but it’ll be here before we know it. Let’s get ready for the biggest wedding of the century!” Isa said as they headed to their room.

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Three Months Later

The wedding hall was filled with roses, soft music, and smiling faces. Everyone said it was the perfect union — the young, dashing CEO and the gentle bride chosen for him. But as Evelyn looked at the man who was now her husband, she felt a strange distance in his eyes.

He was handsome — almost too handsome — with a quiet presence that commanded attention without effort. Yet, his gaze barely lingered on her. He smiled for the cameras, for the guests, for appearances... but never for her.

When the ceremony ended, it was time to say goodbye to her family. Evelyn walked into the room where they waited. Her mother hugged her tightly, tears streaming — a mixture of joy and uncertainty. Arranged marriages had long been a tradition among the wealthy and powerful, but she had hoped her daughters would marry for love.

“Be strong,” her mother whispered. “Always remember, a woman’s duty is to her family — but that doesn’t mean you should lose yourself. Be happy, and don’t forget that you are a Montgomery. The doors here will always be open to you.”

Her father, ever composed, said nothing at first. Taking Evelyn’s hand, he turned to Adrian.

“Don’t forget, she’s a Montgomery,” he said solemnly, before handing her over and returning to his seat.

Isabella, however, couldn’t hold back her tears. She was happy her sister had married the man she’d always loved, yet fearful of Adrian’s indifference.

“Don’t forget, sis — I’ll always be here for you. Mom too. So don’t keep things bottled up. If Adrian ever messes with you, don’t hesitate to tell me. I’ll teach him a lesson,” she said, half-joking but teary-eyed.

Evelyn couldn’t hold back her tears at Isa’s words. She hugged her tightly, saying nothing — just letting her emotions flow through her tears.

Her brother simply patted her on the back a few times before walking out quietly.

Later that night, when the world grew quiet and they were finally alone, Evelyn tried to speak — a soft word, a gentle gesture — but Adrian only nodded, his tone polite, cold, businesslike.

Evelyn lay awake long after, staring at the ceiling, wondering why her marriage already felt like a contract signed in ink, not in love.

Don’t worry, Evie, she told herself silently. He’ll fall for you once he sees your charm.

She turned her gaze toward the never-smiling Adrian and whispered a hopeful prayer into the dark.

The wedding ring still gleamed on her finger, but the man who placed it there had already walked out of her life.