Marry Me.

Prologue.

The sun cast a golden hue across the sprawling estate of the Laurier family, its warm rays kissing the lush gardens and reflecting off the tranquil waters of the ornate fountain. The grand mansion stood as a testament to generations past, its walls harbouring the secrets and stories of those who had walked its corridors. Inside, the air was imbued with a sense of anticipation, for within the mansion's opulent halls, the destiny of two souls was about to intertwine in ways they could not yet fathom.

Nolan McGuire stood at the entrance of the Laurier family estate, his heart pounding in rhythm with the echoes of the past. The weight of the occasion bore down upon him, his every step a reminder of the choices that had led him to this moment. Dressed in a tailored suit, he exuded an air of elegance and confidence that belied the storm of emotions brewing within him.

He cast a glance at the mansion's grand façade, memories of the past flashing before his eyes like scattered fragments of a dream. A wistful smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he recalled the carefree days he had spent here, the laughter and camaraderie that had once defined his relationship with the Laurier family. But time had a way of reshaping bonds, and the path Nolan had chosen had led him on a journey of self-discovery—one that had both estranged and transformed him.

Inside the mansion, preparations were in full swing. Servants bustled about, arranging flowers, setting tables, and attending to every detail with utmost precision. The air buzzed with excitement, the impending celebration drawing the attention of the entire town. The union between the McGuire and Laurier families had long been anticipated, a union that promised to strengthen their societal standing and solidify their legacies.

Nolan's gaze shifted, drawn to a figure approaching from the far end of the garden. Daphne Laurier, the woman at the heart of this gathering storm, walked with grace and poise. Her gown flowed like water, a cascade of ivory and lace that accentuated her delicate features. Her eyes, a captivating shade of cocoa, held a depth that hinted at hidden emotions, secrets she kept locked away from the prying eyes of the world.

As Daphne neared, Nolan's heart quickened its pace, the memories of their shared past crashing against the present. He had known of her since childhood, the two families interconnected by a web of tradition and expectation. But over the years, they had separated, reshaping into something more profound and complex than he could have anticipated.

Daphne's gaze met Nolan's, and for a fleeting moment, the weight of their unspoken emotions hung heavy in the air. The world around them seemed to fade into the background, leaving only the two of them—two souls tethered by a bond that transcended the confines of societal norms.

As Daphne approached, the sound of footsteps on the cobblestone path mingled with the rhythm of Nolan's heartbeat. He extended his hand, a silent invitation that spoke volumes. Daphne hesitated only briefly before placing her delicate hand in his, their fingers intertwining as if rekindling an age-old connection.

"Shall we?" Nolan's voice held a note of formality, a reminder of the expectations that had brought them to this point. But beneath that layer of tradition, a current of vulnerability surged, revealing the man he had become—the man torn between duty and desire.

Daphne's smile was soft, her gaze meeting his with a mixture of fondness and something more—a glimmer of understanding that conveyed the complexity of their situation. "Indeed."

Together, they walked toward the heart of the estate, the impending union mirrored in their every step. The grand doors of the mansion swung open, revealing a lavishly decorated ballroom—a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Crystal chandeliers illuminated the room, casting a warm glow that danced upon the faces of the gathered guests.

The atmosphere was electric, a symphony of laughter and whispered conversations. As Nolan and Daphne entered, all eyes turned to them, the weight of expectations palpable. But amid the grandeur, a silent conversation played out between them—a conversation that only they could decipher, a language spoken through stolen glances and shared memories.

As the evening unfolded, the dance floor came alive with couples twirling and swaying to the melodies of the orchestra. Nolan and Daphne, dressed in elegance, found themselves caught in the rhythm of the waltz. Their movements were graceful, a testament to the harmony they had always shared, even as the currents of their lives threatened to pull them in different directions.

Amidst the swirling gowns and polished shoes, their eyes met once more, an unspoken question lingering between them. Nolan's grip tightened imperceptibly, his fingers brushing against Daphne's, igniting a spark that had always existed but had been stifled by the demands of their families and society.

As the night wore on, the façade of celebration began to crack, revealing the vulnerabilities that lay beneath. Nolan's thoughts swirled with uncertainty, his heart torn between honouring tradition and following the uncharted path he had glimpsed in his moments with Daphne.

Outside, the moon hung low in the sky, casting a gentle glow upon the gardens that had witnessed countless stories unfold. The air was heavy with the weight of decisions yet to be made, and destinies yet to be shaped. And amidst it all, Nolan and Daphne stood on the precipice of a choice—a choice that would alter the course of their lives in ways they could not yet fathom.

As the night drew to a close, Nolan and Daphne found themselves alone on the mansion's terrace. The echoes of laughter and music seemed distant, their world reduced to the intimate space they shared.

"Nolan," Daphne's voice was soft, a whisper that carried the weight of the universe. "We stand at a crossroads, you and I."

Nolan turned to her, his gaze unwavering as it met hers. "Yes, Daphne. Our paths are diverging, and the choices we make tonight will shape our destinies."

Daphne took a step closer, her fingers tracing the intricate pattern of the railing as if seeking solace in its design. "Our families expect us to follow a certain path—a path that has been laid out for us since birth."

Nolan's heart ached at the truth in her words. The weight of duty had always hung heavy on his shoulders, the expectations of his family a burden he had grappled with for years. "But what if the path they've chosen for us isn't the one that truly resonates with our hearts?"

Daphne's gaze held his, a silent understanding passing between them. "What if, Nolan, we choose to follow our path? A path that defies convention, that speaks to the desires of our hearts?"

The question hung in the air, pregnant with possibility. Nolan's mind raced, thoughts of tradition warring with the tantalizing prospect of true happiness. The world around them seemed to blur, leaving only the two of them standing on the edge of uncertainty.

"Do you believe in fate, Nolan?" Daphne's voice was a whisper, a fragile thread woven between them.

Nolan's gaze never wavered, his eyes locked with hers. "I believe that we shape our destinies, that our choices define the path we walk."

Daphne smiled a radiant expression that illuminated the darkness around them. "Then let us shape our destiny, Nolan. Let us forge a path that is uniquely ours—a path that defies expectations, that embraces the whispers of our hearts."

Nolan's heart pounded as the weight of their decision settled upon him. At that moment, amidst the moonlit terrace and the quiet rustling of leaves, he realized that his destiny was inextricably linked to Daphne's—a destiny they would craft together, hand in hand.

As dawn approached, casting a soft glow upon the horizon, Nolan and Daphne stood as beacons of a future yet to unfold. The echoes of the past lingered, but they were no longer bound by the constraints of tradition. With the promise of a new day came the promise of a new beginning, a beginning that held the potential to reshape their lives in ways they had never dared to imagine.

And so, amidst the whispers of destiny, Nolan and Daphne embraced the uncertainty that lay ahead—a future filled with choices, challenges, and the unbreakable bond that had always existed between them.