FROM SHADOWS TO LOVE

nfusion and U

focating routine, of hiding in plain sight. But today-today felt different. Today, she was not the frighte

soft, almost tentative, as though he was just as unsure about what he was asking as she was about accepting. But ther

her every step, was terrifying. But Ethan had promised her a night of peace, away from the eyes of the mansion, awa

but firm. The thought of someone-especially someone like Ethan-wanting to make her feel special, to make her feel seen, sent a mixture of emot

saw. She had spent hours getting ready, following the instructions E

e-glossy and full of life-was something she hadn't thought possible. Her makeup was subtle but flawless, accentuating her delicate features. A sweep of mascara made her eyes seem larger

er hips in a soft A-line. The fabric shimmered under the dim lights of the room, making her look almost ethereal. She wore heels that added just enough height to elongate her legs, yet they were comfo

irror. She was beautiful-genuinely beautifu

ome as she remembered, his suit impeccably tailored, his hair neatly styled. But his eyes-they were the most striking feature. Th

we as his gaze swept over her. His smile was warm, genuine,

pered, her cheeks flu

taking it. Together, they walked to the car, the cool night a

ntimate, the lighting soft and inviting, casting a golden glow over the tables. The clinking of glasses and the hum of quiet conversati

of calm wash over her. This was the life she had imagined for herself before everythi

mistakable tension that immediately set her on edge. She glanced around, her

and I

tly at something he had said. They looked every bit the picture of a perfect couple, and yet, Evelyn couldn't help but feel a knot tighten in her stomach. She tried to ignore the

r of recognition passed through his eyes, but he quickly turned his attention back to Evelyn , a reassuri

essive, and she felt it even now, even though he hadn't said a word. She wasn't sure what was worse-the fact that he was

He made her laugh, asked her about her dreams, her thoughts on the future-things that made her feel seen, valued. She allowed hersel

commanding the entire room. Isabella followed suit, her eyes scanning the room before landing on Evelyn . The te

omposed, though his eyes flickered with uncertainty. He squeezed Ev

walked out of the restaurant. Evelyn didn't look after them, didn't acknowledge the way Damien's presence had shaken her to the core

, his gaze softer, more introspective. Evelyn couldn't shake the feeling that something was changing between them-that the line

eath away. Her beauty, her strength, and the quiet vulnerability she tried so hard to hide-he saw all of it now. But as much as he longed to take a step

came with that, he couldn't ignor

y streets blurring by as he stewed in the thoughts that had taken root in his mind. The image of Evelyn , dressed in that stunning green dress, with her delicate features accentua

get her out

ecognize. She had stood there, so calm, so composed, while Ethan-*Ethan*, of all people-had stood at her side, as if they shared something h

ove h

Evelyn -hadn't missed the way Damien's eyes had lingered on her when they left. But Isabella, ever the calculati

ng his attention back to her. "Damien, are you alrigh

w tight. "I'm fine," he muttered, tho

that she couldn't quite place. He was distracted, lost in his own thoughts, and for the fir

ice smooth, laced with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Evely

nuckles whitening. "She's my wife," he snapped, his

lking about her being my concern. But you seemed awfully... distracted by her."

ice his slip-up. He had worked too hard to keep control over his emotions, to maintain the persona of the detached, co

een dress, the way Ethan had looked at her with that knowing s

n growled, trying to push th

had known him long enough to realize when he was lying to himself. And this time, someth

d the door behind him, his long strides carrying him toward the front entrance. He needed to be alone-to think, to clea

-

he compliments, the attention, the way she had felt seen for the first time in years-it had ignited something within her. She had always known she

ger hunched in the shadow of Damien's cruel treatment. She had started dressing with

self, too scared to speak up, too scared to make a ripple in the calm of Damien's world. But now, as she walked through the of

scared girl hiding b

her face, making her look even more approachable, even more captivating. Her makeup, though still subtle, emphasized her natural b

sed to look past her. It felt strange, and at times, she didn't know how to handle the attention, but for

of her transformation-especially from Damien. She had no illusions that the new Evelyn w

begun. And she wasn't going to

ce to prove herself, to step out of the shadows once and for all. And this time, there was no hesitation in her step as she agreed. She dressed for the occasion with the same care, wearing

hought of Damien possibly showing up. She hadn't seen him much recently, not outside of their brief interactions at the mansion or the o

at the table. His smile was warm and welcoming, and as she sat down, the air between them felt different-char

, his eyes flicking to Evelyn as soon as she entered. The sight of her, dressed to perfection, standing with Ethan, her confidence shining through, struck him like a blo

e way she smiled at Ethan, her demeanor relaxed, yet still so... captivating. Every time Evelyn laughed or leaned in to talk to Ethan

a knowing smile as she leaned closer to him. "Seems like you're not the only one who's

ldn't. Because the truth was, he was no l

meone else entirely. And now, for the first time, Damien

ng beside him, not while his world seemed to be crumbli