An Unexpected Engagement Novels & Stories

“I know you might think it’s too early for me to have a special person in my life, following the death of my husband but I promise, he has only been my friend who had been with me through the losses. My poor heart couldn’t help but fall for him.” April cried, “I understand that this is neither the best place nor time to announce this but since sister already saw us, I had to put this out. I am sorry for those who I have disappointed.” With the sudden announcement, people felt conflicted about what side to take. On the first side, having such an unholy engagement while they honoured their father’s passing was not right. But they also couldn’t fault the young lady who had been dealt the worst

“We weren’t summoned.” “No,” Velryn said, “you came willingly. Which means you understand the gravity of your mistake.” “Mistake?” Xanden said quietly. “You mean fate.” A ripple of unease moved through the gathered councilors. Velryn’s eyes narrowed on me. “You bonded with two unmated dominants, knowing your bloodline.” “I didn’t choose the bond,” I said evenly. “But I don’t regret it.” “Then you don’t understand what you’ve done.”

And Kasmine hadn't stepped foot outside her room, neither had she opened the door for me or anyone else aside from her favorite maid who takes her meals to her and comes out with them untouched. I was losing my mind. It was just five more days until I was shackled to an engagement I didn't even want, and I wasn't even prepared for it. When Kasmine barged into my room and found me and June in that awkward position, I heard her saying something about picking a date. She must have come across the whole engagement thing on social media, all thanks to June. If only she'd let me explain myself, she'd see that it's all just a big misunderstanding.

He explained, "I need an engagement. Just for show, and only in the public eye. It's a media strategy to create a narrative that benefits us both." My eyes widened in shock. "An engagement? Why would you need that?" Gregory clarified, "In the world of business and media, perception is everything. A high-profile engagement between us could open doors and present opportunities. It's not about our personal relationship, but the advantages it brings strategically. I'm not saying you have engage with me in reality." I hesitated, still trying to wrap my head around the idea. "But...I'm not even divorced yet." Gregory's features softened slightly. "That's fine. I can wait. In fact, I'm leaving the

Chapter Three: The Unexpected Encounter Elizabeth sat on the edge of her bed, the events of the day replaying in her mind. The audacity of her actions—the proposal to a complete stranger—seemed surreal. She had acted on impulse, driven by a mix of desperation and a desire to escape the suffocating grip of her past. Now, as she sat alone in her room, the weight of her decision began to settle in. Her phone buzzed, breaking the silence. She glanced at the screen: an unknown number. Hesitant, she answered.

From the trip. From the campaign. From moments I didn’t know anyone was paying attention to. Some posed. Some… not. I flip through them slowly, feeling something tighten—not panic, not yet, just awareness. Then I see it. A headline. Bold enough to make everything else blur. Engagement Rumors Spark After Intimate Campaign Appearance I stop. “…engagement?” My voice sounds strange even to me. Like I’m not sure where it came from. “We’ve seen it,” my mother says. “Everyone has.”

It will be interesting, but I doubt that it will be fun. Haakon greets me with a friendly smile. The pony that I tended too on my arrival is in a nearby paddock and trots over to the fence. I move to the wooden railing and stroke my hand along her neck. I will not cry. I will not allow myself to cry. I have been unwanted my entire life. This is no different. After giving myself a moment to come to terms with not being wanted, once again, I resume my daily chores. I remain busy for the rest of the day and again avoid both men. Ignoring the dragons is harder since I have a connection with one that both are using.

“But that doesn't change the facts. Christian is promised to me. Our fathers signed the alliance papers years ago. The engagement will be announced at the pack gathering next month.” The words hit me like a physical blow. Engagement. Next month. “I see.” “Do you?” She tilted her head, studying me like a cat with a mouse. “Because I'm not sure you understand the full implications of your situation.” “Enlighten me.” “You're a lone wolf, Sophie. No pack protection. No allies. No one to avenge you if something unfortunate were to happen.” Her smile was all teeth. “Accidents happen all the time in this city. Car crashes. Muggings gone wrong. Sometimes people just… disappear.”

“Thank you for allowing Xander to help you. She’s hurting because she just broke off her engagement to her girlfriend of 12 years. That’s why she’s here, to clear her head.” I was shocked. What? Alex was engaged, and she broke it off? 12 years? 12-year relationship??? Suddenly, things started to make sense. Her behaviour in Paris, her crying, it all pointed to a deep sense of guilt and confusion. Maybe she realized she made a mistake. Surprisingly, this revelation didn’t make me sad. Instead, it brought clarity and a strange sense of happiness.

"But seriously, are you taking care of yourself? People are worried about you." Maya's stomach twisted. "What kind of things?" "Just that you've been acting different. Distant. Some people are saying you had a breakdown after calling off your engagement." There it was. Maya had never been engaged in this timeline. Vanessa was fishing. "I'm not sure what you're talking about," Maya said carefully. "I'm not engaged. Never have been." Vanessa's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Right. My mistake." But her watch suggested otherwise. "So no special someone? No secret boyfriend?"