The grand ballroom of the Everhart estate was dazzling, filled with the scent of roses and the hum of laughter. It was a celebration, yet for Augustus and Evelyn, it felt more like a prison sentence. The air between them was thick with resentment, their fates sealed by the iron wills of their families.

Augustus Alexander Thorne stood near the window, his tall, imposing figure bathed in the golden glow of the chandeliers. His sharp jawline, piercing blue eyes, and slicked-back jet-black hair made him the epitome of perfection. Yet, his cold demeanor and stern expression warned people to keep their distance. Augustus wasn’t one for frivolities; he was calculating and controlled, traits that had earned him respect in his family’s multi-billion-dollar empire. But tonight, his patience was wearing thin.

Evelyn Grace Everhart, on the other hand, was a stark contrast to Augustus. With her flowing auburn curls, sparkling green eyes, and a radiant smile that could light up any room, she was the embodiment of joy. Evelyn was known for her lively personality, always finding humor in the mundane and beauty in the overlooked. Tonight, however, her usual sparkle was dimmed. She stood at the far end of the room, her laughter forced as she entertained yet another guest congratulating her on her "good fortune."

Good fortune? She scoffed internally. "What kind of fortune traps you in a loveless marriage with a man who treats you like a business transaction?"

Their engagement had been announced just a week ago, a move orchestrated by their parents to merge the Everhart and Thorne empires. The announcement had shattered both their worlds. Augustus had stormed out of the family meeting, his girlfriend Katherine on his mind. Katherine was everything to him—or so he thought. She was mysterious, with an air of danger that thrilled him, though Evelyn had once overheard someone say, "There's something off about that woman." Augustus ignored the whispers. He didn’t need anyone’s approval.

For Evelyn, the engagement felt like a betrayal of her autonomy. She had always dreamed of marrying for love. Her parents’ decision seemed cruel, especially since her childhood sweetheart, Justin, had once promised her the world before leaving for his studies abroad.

But life wasn’t a fairytale.