The morning of my twenty-first birthday began with a sense of anticipation and unease.

The grand hall of our estate had been transformed into a lavish venue, adorned with golden drapes, crystal chandeliers, and arrangements of roses in every shade of red and pink.

My mother, had spared no expense in making sure this celebration would be remembered.

As I stood in front of my vanity, staring at my reflection, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and dread.
Today was not just my birthday-it was the day Lucien and I would officially get engaged.

The significance of the event was not lost on me.

This engagement was a pivotal moment for our families, a union meant to solidify our power and alliances.

Yet, the thought of binding my life to Lucien's, knowing his heart belonged to another, left a hollow ache in my chest.

"Are you ready, Serafina?" My mother's voice called from the doorway. She entered the room, her expression a blend of pride and determination.

"Yes, Mother," I replied, forcing a smile. "I'm ready."

"You look stunning," she said, adjusting the delicate lace of my gown.

The dress was a masterpiece of gold and ivory, designed to reflect our family's prestige and my own transformation into a woman of influence.

"Thank you," I murmured.

"Serafina, today is the beginning of a new chapter for you," my mother continued, her voice softening. "This engagement will secure our future. Remember, you have the strength to face whatever comes."

I nodded, drawing strength from her words. "I know, Mother. I'll make you proud."

With a final touch to my hair, I took a deep breath and followed her out of the room.

The sound of music and laughter grew louder as we approached the grand hall, the voices of our guests blending into a harmonious buzz.

When we entered, all eyes turned to us, and a hush fell over the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen," my father, announced from the center of the room, his voice commanding attention. "Today, we celebrate not only my little warrior's twenty-first birthday but also her engagement to Lucien Beauchene. This union marks a new era of strength and unity for our families."

I felt a surge of anxiety as I walked towards Lucien , who stood at the front of the room, looking every bit the powerful leader he was destined to be.

His eyes met mine, and for a brief moment, I saw a flicker of something-perhaps regret, perhaps resignation, perhaps joy.

"Perle," he said, taking my hand in his. "Happy birthday."

"Thank you, Lu," I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.

He held up a small velvet box, opening it to reveal a stunning engagement ring.

The diamond caught the light, sparkling brilliantly as he slipped it onto my finger.

Applause erupted around us, the guests cheering and toasting to our future.

As the crowd watched, I took a deep breath and gently slid the wedding band onto Lucien's finger.

Our eyes met, and for a moment, the room faded away.

The cool metal symbolized a future bound by duty and sacrifice, a promise we both silently vowed to uphold.

As the celebration continued, I couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment, as if I were watching someone else's life unfold.

Lucien and I moved through the crowd, accepting congratulations and well-wishes from friends and family.

As the evening wore on, Lucien and I found ourselves alone on the balcony, the sounds of the celebration drifting through the open doors.

The city lights stretched out before us, a reminder of the world we were destined to control.

"Do you think you can ever be happy after this marriage?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

The weight of the question hung between us, heavy and laden with unspoken fears.

I was happy with this marriage, but I knew he wasn't.

Yet, I was grateful to every star that had aligned to make Lucien mine, even if it was through this fragile arranged union.

But I couldn't afford to be selfish; I couldn't force him to love me.

Lucien hesitated, then reached out to take my hand, his touch warm and reassuring. "I don't know," he admitted, his voice steady but soft. "But we owe it to ourselves to try."

He paused, searching my eyes, and continued, "I know you envisioned your life in a very different way. The Serafina I know would have loved to go on countless silly dates before getting married. But I hope you can find happiness with me. I'll do my best to give you the love and respect you deserve, Perle. Just hang on with me for the sake of our families."

I don't need anything in this world, but him. I love him, damn it. With my whole heart.

A tear escaped my eye as my heart swelled with the concern he showed me. I knew he always cared and looked after me, but this was different.

These weren't promises of amusement park outings or café treats. These were promises of a lifetime.

"I don't need grand gestures or promises of adventures," I whispered, my voice cracking with emotion. "I just need you. And I'll hang on, Lucien. For us, for our families. I'll hang on."

His grip tightened on my hand, a silent vow, and in that moment, amidst the uncertainty, I felt a glimmer of hope.

We might not have chosen this path, but together, we could navigate it.

And maybe, just maybe, we could find happiness along the way.

***

The applause from our guests still echoed in my ears as Lucien and I returned from the balcony, my heart racing from the whirlwind of emotions.

The ring on my finger felt both heavy and comforting, a tangible reminder of the promise we had just made.

As we stepped back into the grand hall, filled with the smiling faces of our family and friends, I felt a mix of exhilaration and trepidation.

Lucien turned to me, his expression unreadable, and then made his way to the stage at the front of the room.

I followed him with my eyes, curiosity and anticipation building within me. The hall fell silent as he took the microphone, his presence commanding attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Lucien began, his voice strong and steady, commanding the attention of the room. "Thank you all for joining us on this special day. Today, we celebrate not only Serafina's 21st birthday but also our engagement, a union that signifies the coming together of our families and the promise of a stronger future."

He paused, letting the weight of his words settle over the audience. "Serafina," he continued, turning to face me, his eyes softening. "From the moment I met you, I saw a spark in you-a fierce determination, a grace that is unmatched. Over the years, I've watched you grow into a remarkable woman, someone who stands tall with her 5'6 stature and faces challenges head-on. Your strength and spirit have always been a source of admiration for me."

A gentle murmur of agreement and laughs rippled through the crowd, but Lucien's focus remained on me.

"Today, as we stand on the cusp of a new chapter, I want to express my gratitude for your resilience and your unwavering support. This engagement is not just a formal agreement; it's a testament to the unity and strength o f our families. It's a promise to work together for a future where our loved ones are safe and our legacy endures."

"Serafina, you've brought light into my life in ways I never expected. This necklace is a symbol of my respect and admiration for you. It represents the bond we share and the journey we are about to embark on together."

From his pocket, he produced a small velvet box. My breath caught as he opened it to reveal a stunning necklace, a delicate chain with a pendant that sparkled in the light.

It was exquisite, a piece of jewelry that radiated elegance and sophistication.

Lucien walked towards me, the necklace in hand, and I felt a surge of emotions-surprise, joy, and a profound sense of connection. He stood before me and gently draped the necklace around my neck, his fingers brushing my skin as he fastened the clasp.

The touch was brief, but it sent a shiver down my spine. The room erupted in applause once again, but in that moment, it felt like it was just the two of us. I reached up to touch the pendant, feeling its cool weight against my chest. "You deserve nothing less than the very best, Perle, " he said softly, his voice filled with sincerity.

"Happy Birthday Perle."

Stepping back, he addressed the crowd once more.

"I am honored to stand by Serafina's side as we enter this new phase of our lives. I know that with her by my side, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve great things. Thank you all for your support and for being here to celebrate with us. To Serafina, to family, and to the future."

The room erupted in applause, but all I could focus on was Lucien's eyes, and the genuine warmth they held in that moment.

Lucien's eyes held mine, and for the first time, I saw a glimmer of something genuine-perhaps a hint of affection or understanding.

"Thank you, Lucien," I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion. "It's beautiful."

He smiled, a rare and genuine smile that made my heart skip a beat.

As we turned back to face our guests, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and happiness that I hadn't expected.

This day, which I had approached with so much apprehension, was turning into something far more meaningful.

The necklace, with its intricate design and sparkling gem, felt like more than just a gift-it was a symbol of the new journey we were embarking on together.

We rejoined the celebration, mingling with our guests and receiving their congratulations.

My friends, Lilliana and Gabriella, hugged me tightly, their excitement infectious.

"He really outdid himself with that necklace," Lilliana said, her eyes shining with delight.

"Absolutely," Gabriella agreed. "It looks perfect on you, Sera."

I smiled, feeling a swell of gratitude for their support. "Thank you, both of you. This means a lot to me."

Throughout the evening, I couldn't stop touching the necklace, each brush of my fingers against the pendant reminding me of Lucien's gesture.

Despite the complexities of our situation, there was a small, undeniable part of me that felt hopeful.

Maybe, just maybe, this union could be more than just a strategic alliance.

As the night wore on and the celebration continued, I found myself glancing at Lucien frequently.

He moved through the room with ease, his presence commanding respect and admiration.

And every time our eyes met, I felt a flicker of something deeper-a connection that, though still fragile, had the potential to grow.

This was our beginning, and while the road ahead was uncertain, tonight had given me a glimpse of the possibility that lay within our union. I held onto that hope tightly, determined to make the best of the life we were about to build together.

This was our new reality, and we would face it together, for better or for worse.

The next morning, the preparations for our wedding began in earnest. The estate buzzed with activity as planners, decorators, and caterers worked to create the perfect event.

Despite the flurry of activity, I couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness that had settled in my heart.

This was not the life I had envisioned, but it was the life I had been given.

The music thumped in the background, a steady rhythm that pulsed through the grand hall. I watched as the crowd moved in sync, bodies swaying to the DJ's beats, laughter mingling with the bass.

My friends, Lilliana and Gabriella, had just pulled me into a group dance, their excitement infectious.

But as much as I tried to lose myself in the moment, my thoughts kept drifting to Lucien.

Where was he? He had been by my side all evening, but now, he was nowhere to be seen. My eyes scanned the room, searching for that familiar face, but he was elusive.

Suddenly, I felt a warm hand on my shoulder. I turned around to find Lucien standing behind me, his expression playful yet serious.

Before I could say anything, he held up a black silk blindfold, his eyes glinting with mischief.

"Trust me?" he asked, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

I nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Always."

Without another word, he gently tied the blindfold over my eyes, blocking out the room and leaving me in complete darkness.

The music and chatter faded, replaced by the sound of my own breathing and the rapid beat of my heart.

Lucien's hand found mine, his grip firm and reassuring. "Come with me," he whispered.

He led me through the hall, guiding me carefully with each step. I could feel the curious stares of our guests as we passed by, their whispered questions barely reaching my ears.

But I didn't care. All that mattered was the warmth of Lucien's hand and the thrill of not knowing where he was taking me.

After what felt like an eternity, I heard the sound of a car door opening, and Lucien helped me inside.

The leather seats were cool against my skin, a stark contrast to the warmth of his hand still holding mine.

"Are you comfortable?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

I nodded, settling into the seat. "Yes, but where are we going?"

"You'll see," he replied, his tone teasing. "Just relax and enjoy the ride."

The engine roared to life, and I felt the car begin to move.

Without my sight, every sensation was heightened-the gentle vibrations of the road beneath us, the sound of the wind rushing past, the subtle scent of Lucien's cologne lingering in the air.

My mind raced with possibilities. Where could he be taking me? What could he possibly have planned?

The drive seemed to go on forever, each minute stretching into what felt like hours. But I didn't mind.

Being with Lucien like this, alone and away from the prying eyes of our families, felt like a stolen moment, a brief respite from the chaos of our lives.

Finally, the car slowed to a stop, and Lucien turned off the engine. I heard the door open, and then his hand was on mine again, helping me out of the car.

"We're almost there," he said softly, his breath warm against my ear. "Just a few more steps."

He guided me forward, and I felt the texture of stone beneath my feet. The air was cooler here, carrying the faint scent of flowers and something else I couldn't quite place. My heart raced with anticipation.

Then, without warning, Lucien stopped and untied the blindfold. I blinked against the sudden light, my eyes adjusting to the scene before me.

We were on a rooftop, high above the city, with a panoramic view that took my breath away.

The entire terrace was bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, the flickering flames casting dancing shadows on the stone floor.

A table for two sat in the center, adorned with delicate china and crystal glasses, surrounded by an array of blooming flowers that filled the air with their sweet fragrance.

But what caught my attention most was the massive bouquet of roses that Lucien held out to me. The flowers were a deep crimson, their petals velvety and perfect.

"Happy birthday, Perle," he said, his voice filled with genuine warmth. "And happy engagement."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I took the bouquet, the weight of it almost overwhelming. I had never seen so many roses in my life. "Lucien, this is... I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything," he replied, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Just know that tonight is for you. No obligations, no expectations-just us."

He led me to the table, pulling out a chair for me before taking his seat across from me.

The night was perfect-stars twinkling above, the city lights below creating a beautiful tapestry of life and light.

It felt like we were in our own little world, far removed from the responsibilities and burdens that weighed us down.

As we started to eat, our conversation flowed easily, punctuated by laughter and shared memories.

Lucien was more relaxed than I had seen him in a long time, his usual guarded demeanor giving way to something softer, more vulnerable.

We talked about everything and nothing, the easy banter between us bringing a sense of normalcy to the surreal setting.

For a moment, I allowed myself to forget that this was an arranged engagement, that Lucien's heart belonged to someone else.

In this moment, it was just us-two people finding comfort in each other's company.

As the night wore on, I found myself wishing that this evening would never end. But eventually, the plates were cleared, and the candles began to burn low.

Lucien stood up, extending his hand to me once more.

"Come on," he said, his voice gentle. "Let's get you home."

We walked back to the car in comfortable silence, the night air cool against my skin. When we arrived at my doorstep, Lucien turned to face me, his expression serious yet kind.

"Thank you for tonight," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "I don't think I've ever had a birthday like this."

He smiled, that rare, genuine smile that made my heart flutter. "You deserve it, Serafina. I hope this is the first of many more to come."

And then, in a moment that felt both fleeting and eternal, he pulled me into a hug.

His arms wrapped around me, strong and protective, and I allowed myself to sink into the embrace, feeling the steady beat of his heart against mine.

For that brief moment, everything felt right. In his arms, the worries and fears that plagued me seemed to fade away, leaving only the warmth of his presence.

When we finally pulled apart, I felt a pang of loss, but also a sense of peace. Lucien opened the car door for me, and I slipped inside, the warmth of the bouquet still in my hands.

"Goodnight, Perle," he said softly, his eyes lingering on mine.

"Goodnight, Lu," I replied, my heart heavy yet light at the same time.

As the car pulled away, taking him with it, I realized that tonight had given me something I hadn't expected-a glimmer of hope.

Happiness can come in any form. So what if I can't have Lucien's love? I still have his care, his warmth, his secret and his smile. And for now, this was enough.

As I sat there in the quiet of my room, surrounded by the remnants of the evening, I held onto that hope, letting it settle into my heart like a fragile but beautiful promise.