𝐗𝐕𝐈𝐈 ━ 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔯𝔢𝔞𝔰𝔰𝔲𝔯𝔞𝔫𝔠𝔢

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chapter seventeen
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chapter seventeen_________________

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(Y/N) wasn't sure how to react upon hearing the news of Devon's and Katherine's marriage, blinking in rapid succession due to the surprise that flurried within her mind. After all, she hadn't thought that only one year after dating, her mother would marry Devon. In her opinion, their decision was far too quick, far too hasty, far too reckless. Then again, she had vowed to not meddle in her mother's romantic relationship with Devon, no matter what she thought about the situation.

So, against her better judgement, all she did was smile brightly at the two.

"Wow, congratulations!" She proclaimed, feeling both happy for their happiness however able to sense the slight concern that bubbled within her—concern that they were moving too fast. "Have you guys decided on a date yet?"

"Yes," Devon nodded. "February 22. That's during your mid-winter break, is it not?"

"Yeah, it is, but..." (Y/N) trailed off, counting the days in her head before her eyes widened. "That's only in a month! I don't know much about weddings, but doesn't it take at least a couple months more to plan such a major event?"

"Well, that's not a problem, actually," Katherine piped up with a smile, setting her hand on Devon's arm. "Devon, as sly as he is, already began planning even before he proposed to me. So, not only do we have a date, but we have everything else, too! He showed me what he picked, and everything was just perfect! While I wish I could've helped, I can't think of anything better than what he's already planned. That is, of course, except my dress. Which reminds me... did you want to help me pick it out this weekend? I would greatly appreciate it."

(Y/N) let out a slow breath.

It was strange to her, the quick succession of events that was taking place.

It was almost too strange.

However, just as quickly, she brushed those negative thoughts off as soon as they came, knowing nothing good would come of questioning her mother's happiness. After all, ever since her birth father died, Katherine had buried herself in her work to alleviate the pain. Now, with Devon, she was back to her happy, cheerful self who made pancakes for breakfast and joined in on movie night again. (Y/N) couldn't ruin that—she would hate herself forever for ruining that.

So, she uttered, "Of course, mom. I'd love to help you find your dress."

"Wonderful!" Katherine clapped.

Devon smiled.

Everything was progressing smoothly.

In only one more month, he'd had his perfect family that he had always desired since he was a young boy. Only now, in the form of a wife and a daughter instead of a mother and father. Almost as soon as those memories pushed past the heavy doors of the dark corners of his mind, he just as quickly slammed those doors back shut. He had no need to think about such useless trivialities, not when his perfect future was sitting at the table with him. However, upon taking in the small wrinkle on (Y/N)'s brow as she silently ate the rest of her dinner, he could tell that not everything would go on without a hitch.

His expression flattened.

Hm...

Seems she needs more persuasion.

Therefore, after dinner and clean up, Devon left Katherine momentarily to traverse up the stairs towards (Y/N)'s room, gently knocking on the door and waiting for her permission of entry before finally stepping inside the space. He found her on her bed, her knees up with her phone in her hand. She seemed surprised to see him, however greeted him with a small smile that showed she didn't harbor any sort of negative feelings towards him, no matter what she heard at the dinner table.

It intrigued him greatly.

"Hey," he greeted as he sat at the foot of her bed, his hands on his lap. "I noticed you seemed a little... hesitant when Katherine and I announced our engagement. Is something... bothering you? If there is, it won't offend me at all, so please—feel free to share whatever is on your mind."

"You saw that, huh?" (Y/N) gave a sheepish smile and an awkward smile.

"Of course," he replied.

I notice everything about you, (Y/N).

You are to be my future daughter, are you not?

Of course, Devon didn't speak such thoughts aloud, instead only continuing to gaze at (Y/N) with a sympathetic smile that masked the true emotions that broiled within him—dark, desperate emotions that clung to the charming personality he assumed everyone would want to see.

"Well..." (Y/N) sighed as she slightly lowered her phone on her lap, her lips quirking to the side in thought. "I just... I just hope you and mom aren't... you know, rushing?"

"Rushing?" Devon tilted his head.

"Yeah..." she trailed off, as if unsure if she could continue, however doing so after a moment. "I mean, it's only been a year, so..."

"(Y/N)," Devon chuckled as he stared into her eyes. "I can promise you that if Katherine and I thought we were rushing, I wouldn't have proposed to her, and she wouldn't have said yes. I know it may seem as if we are moving too fast, but your mother and I love each other very much, and want to be a family. It's what we want. You can understand that, right? I mean, both you and I want your mother to be happy, do we not? And... I believe that this marriage will only serve that purpose."

(Y/N) nodded as she listened to Devon, not even realizing that he carefully selected each word to pull upon the strings of her heart to further the cracks in her defensive wall.

And oh, how she crumbled.

To Devon, it was so very satisfying.

"I understand," she uttered with a small smile. "Sorry... for doubting you guys. I mean, I want you both to be happy. So... yeah."

"No, thank you for voicing your worries with me," Devon smiled politely. "I greatly appreciate your input and concern."

"Really?" (Y/N) blinked.

"Of course," he chuckled. "After all, we are to be family soon, right?"

"Right..." she gave a soft laugh.

The sound was melodic to Devon's ears, and for just a moment, he allowed himself to bask in the moment before his better judgement pulled him back. His expression faltered in that second, and with that, those strange thoughts of his regarding (Y/N) came roaring up. The thoughts of how sweet she was, how innocent she could be, how utterly enchanting those eyes of hers were whenever she looked at him.

Thoughts that he shouldn't have.

Thoughts that were dangerous.

Quickly, he bid (Y/N) goodnight as he walked out of her room and closed the door behind him. He stood there, staring at the floor, trying to control that strange impulses of his mind.

A family, Devon...

He closed his eyes, letting out a breath.

A family...

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To be continued...

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