The party had fallen into a stunned silence, the once-lively chatter replaced by gasps and whispers. All eyes were on Eva, who had just walked up to Lucian and kissed him without warning—or permission.
Lucian's expression had shifted into something icy and unreadable, but the tension in his frame was palpable. Without a word, he stepped forward, towering over her.
Before Eva could process what was happening, he bent down and lifted her into his arms, his grip firm and unyielding.
The crowd parted instinctively, their eyes wide as Lucian carried her toward the grand entrance.
The sound of his polished shoes against the marble floor echoed in the oppressive silence, every step radiating controlled fury. Eva blinked, the alcohol dulling her senses as the cold air hit her face.
Outside, Lucian strode toward a sleek black car parked near the driveway. His voice, low and commanding, broke the silence.
"Open the door," he snapped at a nearby bodyguard.
The man hurried to obey, pulling the back door open. Lucian didn't pause. He shifted Eva in his arms and set her down on the leather seat, her body sinking into the soft material.
The door remained open, and Lucian stood over her, his sharp gaze locking onto hers.
"Now," he began, his tone dangerously calm, "you're going to explain yourself. Who the hell do you think you are?"
Eva's head spun, the effects of the alcohol making it hard to focus. She opened her mouth, but no coherent words came out.
"I—I…"
Lucian's jaw tightened, his patience clearly thinning. "Spit it out," he demanded. "Why the hell would you do something so reckless?"
Eva stammered, her words a jumble. "I… I thought… I didn't mean to—"
"You didn't mean to?" he cut her off, his voice rising slightly. "Do you even understand what you just did? Or are you too drunk to comprehend the consequences?"
She blinked rapidly, her heart pounding. Her hands fidgeted in her lap, but she couldn't look away from the cold intensity in his eyes.
Lucian leaned closer, his voice dropping to a harsh whisper. "Do you have any idea who I am? Or did you think you could pull a stunt like that without repercussions?"
Eva swallowed hard, her mind a blur. "I… I thought…"
"You thought what?" he barked, his voice sharp enough to make her flinch. "That you could walk up to me, kiss me, and get away with it?"
Before she could respond, a bodyguard approached quietly, bowing his head as he leaned toward Lucian.
He whispered something, and Lucian's eyes narrowed. He straightened, his expression hardening even further.
Turning back to Eva, his words were like ice. "I heard you're the wife my father arranged for me. Is that right?"
Her breath hitched, and she opened her mouth to explain, but Lucian didn't wait for an answer.
"I never expected much from this arrangement," he continued, his tone dripping with contempt.
"But I didn't think you'd be this desperate. Walking up to me and kissing me like that? What the hell is wrong with you?"
Eva's face burned with shame, and she fumbled for words. "I—I didn't mean—"
"Didn't mean?" he repeated, his voice laced with mockery. "Is that how you were raised? To throw yourself at men without a shred of dignity?"
Her hands gripped the edge of the seat as she shook her head, tears stinging her eyes. "No, I—"
"Enough," Lucian snapped, cutting her off. He turned sharply, slamming the car door shut.
He spoke to the driver without looking back. "Take her anywhere far from me. I don't want to see this damn woman again."
The driver nodded, sliding into the front seat. The engine roared to life, and the car began to move.
Eva slumped in the seat, her hands covering her face. Her mind was a storm of regret. Why did I do this? she thought, her chest tightening. Why didn't I just stay away from him?
As the car drove into the night, her phone buzzed in her purse. She fumbled for it, her fingers trembling.
The number was unfamiliar, but something about it made her heart race.
When she answered, a deep, commanding voice greeted her. "You've caused quite the stir tonight."
She froze, recognizing the voice immediately. It was Vorak, Lucian's father.
Eva's breath hitched, and she sat up straighter in the seat, clutching the phone tightly. Her pulse pounded in her ears.
"Mr. Vorak," she stammered, her voice shaky. "I-I didn't mean for—"
"Spare me the apologies," Vorak interrupted, his tone calm but laced with authority. "I already know what happened at the party. Do you have any idea the position you've put yourself in?"
Her throat tightened. "I—I wasn't thinking. It just happened. I—"
"Clearly," he interjected, a faint edge of amusement creeping into his voice. "Do you always act on impulse, or was this a special occasion?"
Eva bit her lip, unsure how to respond. She felt like a scolded child. "I'm sorry, sir," she whispered.
There was a pause, and then a low chuckle came through the line. "Sorry won't fix this, my dear.
But fortunately for you, you and my son are getting married tomorrow afterall you are pregnant with his baby and this is the more reason the wedding should happen on time.
The words hit her like a thunderbolt. Her mouth opened, but no sound came out. Married? Tomorrow? it is too early Eva thought within herself.
"Sir," she finally managed, her voice cracking, "I don't think Lucian will agree to that—"
"Lucian's opinion doesn't concern me," Vorak cut her off smoothly. "This arrangement has been in place for some time.
And after tonight's spectacle, it's even more necessary. You've already drawn enough attention to yourself."
Eva's heart raced, panic bubbling to the surface. "But I—he—he doesn't even remember me! How can you expect him to—"
"That is irrelevant," Vorak said firmly. "My son will do as he's told, and so will you. Now, hand the phone to the driver."
Her grip on the phone tightened. She glanced toward the driver, who was silently navigating the dark roads. "What… what are you going to tell him?"
"Nothing you need to concern yourself with," Vorak replied coolly. "Do as I say, Eva."
Swallowing hard, she extended the phone to the driver. "It's… it's for you."
The driver glanced at her, his expression neutral, before taking the phone. "Yes, sir?"
Eva strained to hear the conversation, but Vorak's voice was too low. The driver nodded occasionally, murmuring his agreement before handing the phone back to her.
"He wants to speak to you again, ma'am."
Eva hesitated, then pressed the phone to her ear. "Yes, sir?"
"You'll be taken to Lucian's estate," Vorak informed her. "You'll stay there until the wedding tomorrow. Consider this your final chance to prove you're not completely incompetent. Don't make me regret this decision."
Her hands trembled. "Lucian… he's going to hate me even more if I—"
"That's not your concern," Vorak interrupted. "Your only task is to ensure this marriage happens. Understood?"
"Yes, sir," she whispered, defeated.
The line went dead, leaving Eva staring at the phone in her hand. She slumped back in the seat, her mind a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty.
The driver cleared his throat. "We'll be at Mr. Lucian's estate shortly, ma'am."
Eva didn't respond. She gazed out the window, the sprawling city lights blurring as tears welled in her eyes.
When the car pulled up to the grand gates of Lucian's estate, Eva felt a pang of dread.
The towering mansion loomed in the darkness, its pristine exterior illuminated by soft floodlights.
The driver stepped out and opened the door for her. "Mr. Vorak instructed me to escort you inside."
She nodded mutely, her legs unsteady as she stepped out. Every step toward the massive front door felt like walking toward her doom.
The butler greeted her with a polite bow, his expression unreadable. "This way, ma'am."
Eva followed him through the lavish halls, her heart pounding with every step. When they reached a room, the butler opened the door and gestured for her to enter.
"You may rest here for the night. Breakfast will be served in the main dining hall at seven tomorrow."
"Thank you," she murmured, stepping inside.
As the door closed behind her, Eva collapsed onto the edge of the plush bed, burying her face in her hands.