Chapter 1: The Marriage of Evelyn Montgomer
The Montgomery living room was bathed in the golden glow of the chandelier, its light bouncing off polished mahogany furniture and velvet drapes that framed the tall windows. The air smelled faintly of jasmine from the vase of fresh flowers Isa had placed on the coffee table earlier that morning. Evelyn sat quietly on the edge of the sofa, her hands folded neatly in her lap, when the heavy footsteps of her father echoed down the hallway. He entered with the authority of a man used to commanding boardrooms and family alike.
“You’ll be getting married to Adrian Chase,” he declared, his voice firm, leaving no room for argument.
Evelyn blinked, her brows knitting together. “Which Adrian Chase are you talking about, Dad?” she asked, confusion lacing her tone.
Her father gave a short, incredulous laugh. “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.” His words carried the weight of finality, as though the decision had already been carved into stone.
Isa, Evelyn’s younger sister, gasped dramatically, her eyes widening with excitement. “Oh my gosh, Evie! You’ll be marrying your longtime crush!” she squealed, clasping her hands together as though she were the one being proposed to.
Evelyn’s heart thudded painfully in her chest. “Did Adrian agree to this arrangement?” she asked after a long silence, her voice trembling with uncertainty.
Her father’s expression hardened. “His grandmother, Mrs. Chase Sr., arranged it. What other choice does he have?”
“I know, but—” Evelyn began, her voice soft, almost pleading.
“No buts,” her father cut her off sharply, his tone brooking no resistance. “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?”
His words hung heavy in the air, like a decree from a monarch. Evelyn lowered her gaze, her lips pressed tightly together.
“Get ready. The wedding will take place in three months,” he added before marching deeper into the house, his footsteps fading into silence.
Isa turned to her sister, her excitement dimming when she noticed Evelyn’s pale face. “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?”
Evelyn’s voice was barely above a whisper. “Yes, I really want to spend my life with him. 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 reassuringly, brushing a strand of hair from Evelyn’s face. “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 forced a faint smile. “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.”
Isa clasped her sister’s hand tightly. “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!”
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Three Months Later
The wedding hall shimmered under the glow of crystal chandeliers, their light reflecting off walls draped in ivory silk. Roses — red, white, and blush pink — lined the aisles, their fragrance mingling with the faint notes of the string quartet playing in the corner. Guests whispered in admiration, their voices hushed as though they were witnessing a royal union.
It was, by all appearances, perfect. The young, dashing CEO and the gentle bride chosen for him. A union of power, wealth, and prestige. Yet, as Evelyn stood beside Adrian, her hand resting lightly in his, she felt a strange chill seep into her bones.
Adrian was handsome — almost too handsome — with sharp features and a quiet presence that commanded attention without effort. His tailored suit fit him like a second skin, his posture impeccable, his every movement precise. But his eyes… his eyes were distant, cold, as though he were somewhere far away. He smiled for the cameras, for the guests, for appearances. But never for her.
When the ceremony ended, Evelyn walked into the room where her family waited. Her mother enveloped her in a tight embrace, tears streaming down her cheeks — 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, her voice trembling. “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, stood tall, his expression unreadable. He took Evelyn’s hand and turned to Adrian. His voice was solemn, almost commanding. “Don’t forget, she’s a Montgomery.” With that, he handed her over and returned to his seat, his presence lingering like a shadow.
Isa, unable to contain her emotions, burst into 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 hugged her tightly, her own tears spilling freely. She said nothing, just let her emotions flow, clinging to her sister as though she were her anchor.
Her brother, quieter and more reserved, simply patted her back a few times before walking out, his silence speaking volumes.
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Later That Night
The mansion was silent, its grand halls echoing with the faint hum of the night. Evelyn sat on the edge of the bed in her bridal suite, the satin sheets cool beneath her fingers. Adrian stood by the window, his silhouette framed by the moonlight streaming through the glass. He looked like a statue — tall, composed, untouchable.
She tried to speak, her voice soft, tentative. “Adrian…”
He turned slightly, his expression polite but detached. “You should rest. Tomorrow will be busy,” he said, his tone businesslike, devoid of warmth.
Evelyn’s heart sank. She lay awake long after, staring at the ceiling, the silence pressing down on her like a weight. 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 Adrian, who had already retreated into his own world, his face unreadable, his eyes distant. She whispered a hopeful prayer into the dark, her voice trembling.
The wedding ring gleamed on her finger, a symbol of union, of promise. Yet the man who placed it there had already walked out of her life — not physically, but emotionally, leaving her alone in a marriage that felt more like a transaction than a bond of love.
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