Bound by a contract: led by love.

way her smile captivated him, her laughter enchanting him, and her eyes sparkling like diamonds in the dim light o

eir encounter. The sound of Evelyn's heels clicking on the marble floor snapped him back

flashing with determination. "Drake, we need to talk," she

never leaving hers. "What is it,

ling slightly. "I need to see my family, Drake. They're driving me crazy with

never leaving hers. "And why should I c

at you think, I'm still a human being with feelings and relationshi

ed uncomfortably. Drake's eyes sparkled with amusement, his voice dripping with sarcasm

voice laced with frustration

tement, signed and dated, requesting my permission to visit your family. And I w

her eyes flashing with annoyance. "You ca

ith amusement. "Just want to make su

ing with sarcasm. "Oh, how sweet. You

g with mischief. "Of course, my dear. I'm

Evelyn's hands trembled slightly as she pulled out a piece of paper and began

ut I think you can

th frustration. "What do you want me to add? A declarati

would be nice. But for now, just add a clause stating that you'

her handwriting growing more illegible with each passing moment. Fi

e paper with a hint of amusement. "Very g

her voice laced with fru

my love. You may go. But don't forget to pack you

. But she quickly recovered, her voice dripping with sarc

ement. "I'm glad you're excited, Evelyn. I p

ons. Evelyn's heart raced, her pulse pounding in her ears, as she turned

Eve

r eyes flashing with annoy

ith mischief. "Don't forget to wear something

nger. But she bit back her retort, her voice dripping with sarcas

er. But he quickly recovered, his smile growing wi

ons. She couldn't believe she was trapped in this arrangement, forced to obe

***

adn't seen them in months, and she couldn't wait to reunite with them. But she knew D

me was tense, Evelyn's nerves on edge

ral home, Evelyn's anxiety melted away,

eath the tires echoed through the stillness, and the sweet scent of blooming roses wafted through the air. The familiar creak of the old wooden porch beneath h

ating joy. "Evelyn, darling! It's so wonderful to finally have you home!" She en

ical faces lit up with excitement. "Evie, we've missed you so mu

of longing and nostalgia. His rugged good looks and chiseled features seemed chiseled by the fading li

inn and Evelyn with a hint of curiosity. "And who

end," Evelyn replied, her voice

that made her skin flush. "We've got a lot of history, Evelyn,"

, his piercing blue eyes fixed on hers with a mix of longing and nostalgia. His chiseled features and rugged good looks made her pulse r

d herbs filled the air. Karen, Evelyn's mother, beamed with pride as she introduced Finn to Drake. "

ity that made her skin flush. "Of course, I remember," he said, his d

"Finn, good to meet you, I'm Drake, Evelyn's husband"

ed up old feelings, and she couldn't help but wonder what could have been if they had stayed together. Drake's grip on her knee tightene

ing, his eyes burning with an intensity that made her skin flush. She felt a

have you home!" her mother, Kare

ed, trying to sound cheerfu

family!" Karen added, turni

yes never leaving Evelyn's face. "I

fe and her marriage to Drake. Evelyn tried to answer their questions, b

she was living a lie, a facade of happiness and contentment. But deep

ore. He knew her, knew her heart, knew her soul. And in that moment,

*

off Finn, and she could feel Drake's gaze on her, watching her every mov

sisters started asking her about her life with Drake again.

d, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What

She didn't want to lie to her sisters, bu

ying to sound convincing. "We have

ng through hers. He knew she was lyin

tle reminder of his presence. Evelyn's he

her face. "I think it's time for des

g with emotions. She knew she had to get out of there, g

ef wash over her. She knew she had to confront her feelings, face the tru