"I’ll keep running, I’ll keep running till I find my way back to you."
— "Running" by James Bay
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The Beauregard family estate was nestled in the countryside, far removed from the hustle and bustle of London. Evelyn had always found solace in the quiet, sprawling gardens and the familiar creak of the old manor’s floorboards. But today, as she entered the grand sitting room at her parents’ request, a sense of unease clung to her.
Her parents, Charles and Amelia Beauregard, were already seated, their expressions a mix of excitement and something she couldn’t quite place. They were dressed formally, a sure sign that whatever they were about to discuss was serious.
“Evelyn, darling,” her mother began, her voice betraying a hint of nervousness, “we’ve had some wonderful news.”
Evelyn forced a smile, though her heart was beginning to race. “What is it?”
Her father cleared his throat. “We’ve been approached by the Malfoys.”
Evelyn’s smile faltered. “The Malfoys?”
“Yes,” Amelia continued, her eyes searching Evelyn’s face for a reaction. “Narcissa Malfoy contacted us with a proposal. A marriage proposal.”
The words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. Evelyn felt her world tilt as she struggled to process what she was hearing.
“Marriage?” she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. “To whom?”
“To Draco Malfoy,” Charles said, his tone firm as if to leave no room for argument. “It’s an excellent match, Evelyn. The Malfoys are a respected family, and this would unite two of the oldest pureblood lines.”
Evelyn’s mind raced. This had to be some sort of mistake. Surely her parents couldn’t be serious. “But… Draco Malfoy?” The name felt like poison on her tongue. “He bullied me for years. He made my life at Hogwarts a living hell.”
Amelia reached out to her daughter, her expression softening. “Evelyn, I know it’s a lot to take in, but people change. The war changed everyone. Draco has grown into a responsible man, and this marriage would be beneficial for both our families.”
Evelyn pulled away from her mother’s touch, her mind reeling. This couldn’t be happening. “And what about what I want? Did anyone think to ask me how I feel about this?”
Charles frowned, his gaze stern. “Evelyn, we’ve always respected your independence, but this is a matter of family duty. The Malfoys are powerful allies, and this marriage would secure our family’s future.”
“Family duty?” Evelyn’s voice trembled with anger. “You’re talking about marrying me off to a man who tormented me, and you call it duty?”
Amelia’s eyes filled with concern. “We understand your hesitation, but we believe this is the right decision. Draco has assured us that he’s changed, and we trust the Malfoys’ judgment.”
Evelyn’s heart pounded in her chest. How could her parents do this? How could they expect her to marry Draco Malfoy, of all people? The memories of his cruel taunts and hexes came rushing back, the years of enduring his arrogance and spite. The idea of being bound to him for life was unbearable.
“I won’t do it,” Evelyn said, her voice firm despite the fear gnawing at her insides. “I won’t marry him.”
Charles exchanged a look with Amelia before speaking again, his tone softer but no less resolute. “Evelyn, we’ve already agreed to the proposal. The arrangements are being made as we speak. The marriage will take place in two weeks.”
