with their intricate crystal designs, reflected the flickering candlelight, casting a warm yet suffocating glow. I

?" our father asked, his tone

rmally so composed and stoic, Vasile now looked almost boyish in his happiness. For any other occasion, I would have shared in his joy, b

pride, Vasile turned to me. His eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and a

barely able to contain his joy. "Eve has agreed to

rly support. "It's wonderful news,

many plans, Diego. So many things I want to share with her. Eve i

lt like my face might crack under th

urning thoughtful. "I've noticed you watchi

? Did he know about the nights I spent watching Eve from the shadows, my heart ach

ords with precision. "But what matters is what you thi

peak with her, I see something new, something fascinating. She's not just beau

thoughts I harbored. "She does seem to have a certain... inno

t that, Diego. I want to ensure that she remains untainted by the darkness o

e. Her vulnerability, her strength-they had captivated me. But now, hearing Vasile'

tening. "And I need your support now more than ever. This marriage isn't j

every fiber of my being screamed for Eve? But I nodded, the mask of broth

s smile widening. "Thank you, bro

s they could work on together-I found it increasingly difficult to maintain my composure. Ea

for Eve. "A place where she can be herself, where she can explore and learn without any

than the jealousy that threatened to consume me. "

lnerability. "I want her to be happy, Diego. Truly happy. An

ove her

not just that but seeing her happy that I am her master, s

d: the way she moved at the ball, the sound of her voice, the touch of her hand. I had watched her for ye

's voice broke through my reveri

't look as hollow as it felt. "Y

ow this is a lot to take in. But I'm glad you're h

ood up. "I should go. There's still so much to do before th

lace. "Anytime, Vasile. You k

ess with Eve was going to be one of the hardest things I'd ever done. But I had no choice. For now, I had t

obses

busy, but he made time to share his plans and ideas with me, his excitement undiminished. Each conversa

oom was a welcome contrast to the humid warmth, and I shut the door behind me, relishing the quiet. My cellphone lay on the nightstand, a silent testamen

p my brush and began to work through the knots in my long, white hair. My gaze never left my reflection. The girl staring back at

eign and inevitable. I never thought I would get into it so fast. Bu

against the wall next to my window, his red eyes fixed on me with an intensity that

ked, his voice low and edged with s

y mind racing to catch up

of a smile playing at the corners of his mout

d in my hand like a lifeline. "You

wall and taking a step closer. "I c

mething different about him tonight, a darkness in hi

leaving mine. "I want to know if yo

ect me this way"Vasile has been kind to me. He promise

was sharp, almost accusatory. "You

this was coming from. "Wh

s presence overwhelming. "I'm saying that Vasile isn't the o

sion mingling with the growin

ending a shiver down my spine. "Like not rushing into a marriage with someon

ou care, Diego? Why does it matter to you what I do?" I frown " you have no business in t

eveal a flash of something raw and unguarded. "Be

ting me like a physical blow. "You're jealo

lous? Maybe. Or maybe I just don't want to see you ma

it hard to breathe. "You don'

to something you're not ready for," he replied, his voice low and urgent.

g emotions. "And what if I choose Vasile? Wh

go said, though the seriousne

rds settling heavily on my shoulders. "

stration. "I want you to be happy, Eve. Truly happy. Not just

lenged, feeling a spark of defiance. " what do you

know vasil

omething between us, a connection that went beyond mere acquaintance.

say," I whispered, my

e to say anything, Eve. Just... think about what you really want

of his words pressing

ll, sad smile. "

watching as he turned and lef

idea why suddenly my life is becoming unstable, why will I

ed marrying me, I should

ed in my ears, a stark contrast to the promises Vasile had made. Could I really

d through the contacts-names of people who were more acquaintances than friends. No

ge of Diego's face, the pain and jealousy that had been so evident. Was

. My heart leaped into my throat. Who could it be at thi