Bound by fire, Claimed by love

The next morning, Evelyn went straight to Damian's study. She had spent the night thinking, her heart torn between love and doubt.

When she entered, he was standing by the window, dressed in dark clothes as always. He turned when he heard her.

"Evelyn," he said with a small smile.

She walked closer, trying to keep her voice steady. "Why haven't you come to see me?"

Damian's smile faded for a moment before he replied, "I've been busy. The wedding, the estate… there's a lot to handle."

Evelyn clenched her fists. "Then tell me the truth. Are you avoiding me?"

He let out a soft chuckle and stepped closer, his gaze warm. "Avoiding you? That's the last thing I would ever do."

He reached out, gently touching her cheek. "Do you not trust me, Evelyn?"

Her heart ached. She wanted to trust him. She really did.

He kissed her forehead and whispered, "I love you. You are the only one for me."

Evelyn felt her doubts waver.

He sounded so sincere.

But deep down, something still felt… wrong.

----

Evelyn left Damian's study with a troubled heart. His words were gentle, his touch warm, but something still felt off.

She wanted to believe him.

But why was he acting so distant?

As the wedding preparations continued, messages and gifts arrived from Damian, yet he never visited her in person. He sent the finest tailors, jewelers, and decorators, ensuring everything was perfect. But the one thing she wanted—the one thing they had promised to do together—he had forgotten.

Choosing everything as a couple.

And that hurt more than she wanted to admit.

One evening, as she sat alone in her chambers, she traced her fingers over the intricate embroidery of the wedding gown that had been delivered earlier. It was breathtaking, just as she had imagined. Yet, instead of happiness, an emptiness settled in her chest.

Why does it feel like I'm preparing for a marriage, but my groom is nowhere to be found?

Her thoughts spiraled back to the moment he first confessed his love. It had felt so real. So sincere.

And now… everything felt distant.

A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. It was Cedric, her younger brother.

"Sister, are you alright?" he asked, concern in his eyes.

Evelyn forced a smile. "Of course, Cedric. Why wouldn't I be?"

He frowned. "Because I know you, and you don't look happy."

For a moment, she considered telling him everything—the doubts, the suspicions, the strange feeling in her heart.

But instead, she simply said, "I'm just tired."

Cedric didn't look convinced, but he nodded. "If anything is wrong, you'll tell me, won't you?"

Evelyn hesitated before nodding.

But as her brother left, she realized something.

She wasn't sure if she could tell anyone.

Not yet.

Because if she spoke it out loud… she might have to admit that something was truly wrong.

And she wasn't ready for that.