His Innocent wife

Final decision

The evening had drawn to a close, and the party at the Hart residence was winding down. The grand ballroom, once filled with the clinking of glasses and the hum of polite conversation, was now a scene of quiet departure. Guests gathered their coats and exchanged final pleasantries, their voices subdued as the weight of the announcement settled over the room like a heavy fog.

Evelyn's father, James Hart, had remained a pillar of confidence throughout the event, but now, as the last guests exited, his demeanor took on a more somber tone. He glanced around the nearly empty ballroom and then turned to his family with a commanding presence.

"Everyone, if you could please come to the study," James said, his voice brooking no argument. "We need to discuss the matter at hand."

Evelyn felt a pang of dread as she followed her family down the long, darkened hallway to the study. Her heart was still racing from the night's events, and the prospect of a family meeting did nothing to ease her anxiety. Her mother, Beatrice, and her brother, Daniel, were both silent, each lost in their own troubled thoughts.

The study was a room that exuded power and authority, with dark wood paneling, a large mahogany desk, and bookshelves that reached the ceiling. James took his seat behind the desk, while Evelyn, Beatrice, and Daniel remained standing before him.

The room was filled with a heavy silence, broken only by the faint ticking of a grandfather clock in the corner. Evelyn's eyes drifted to the intricate patterns on the rug beneath her feet, trying to steady her nerves.

"Please, take a seat," James said, gesturing to the chairs in front of the desk. His tone was firm, but not unkind.

Evelyn sat down, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Beatrice and Daniel followed suit, both visibly tense. Daniel's jaw was set in a tight line, his eyes flashing with anger, while Beatrice's face was a mask of sorrow and resignation.

"James," Beatrice began, her voice trembling slightly, "is there truly no way to reconsider? This... this arrangement, it's so sudden. Evelyn is not prepared for this."

James's expression hardened. " Beatrice, we've been through this already. The deal with Aiden Thorn is crucial for the future of our business. The marriage will solidify our position and bring us unprecedented opportunities."

Beatrice's eyes filled with tears, and she looked at Evelyn with a pained expression. "But Evelyn's happiness, James. What about her happiness?"

James's gaze softened for a moment, but he remained resolute. "This is about more than just happiness, Beatrice. It's about securing our family's legacy. Evelyn will have every comfort and security that comes with being married to someone like Aiden Thorn."

Daniel, who had been silent until now, erupted in frustration. "This is insane, Father! You're talking about arranging Evelyn's life like a business transaction. What about her own desires? What if she doesn't want this?"

Evelyn, who had been trying to hold back her tears, could no longer contain them. She felt a lump forming in her throat and tears streaming down her cheeks. "Please, Father, I don't want this. I don't know Aiden Thorn. I don't know what kind of life I'll have with him. I want to choose my own path."

James's face was a mask of stern determination. "Evelyn, this is for the good of our family. You will be marrying Aiden Thorn in one month's time. It's already been decided."

Beatrice's composure finally broke. She stood up, her face flushed with emotion. "James, this isn't fair! How can you make such a decision without considering what Evelyn wants? She's our daughter!"

James's gaze was unwavering. "This is not a matter of fairness, Beatrice. This is a matter of survival and advancement. We've had our chance to discuss it, and the decision is final."