…I am burning endlessly in my misery. You threw me into that dark abyss so mercilessly. And this is caused by nothing but the fire of my love....

Evelyn POV:-

I look at my reflection in the mirror and in that reflection there's anything but me. An aristocratic woman with a cold heart torn into pieces stood there.

A void girl with exhaust feelings.

“Am I doing the right thing?” I whispered under my breath.

What am I feeling right now is beyond anyone's understanding- even mine. I don't know what I am thinking or what I should be thinking. I just know that I saved lives by destroying my own.

From outside, I looked like an exquisite lady with graceful and ravishing looks. But from inside, I feel like my fragmented heart is in a desolate place all alone in despair with no one to save it.

I closed my eyes for a brief moment to escape from my world and remembered the anguish I felt in all those years because of him.

***

I was 8 years old and was sitting in the hall and mother said, "Evelyn, Go get ready your uncle is coming for dinner."

"So?" I said monotonously, it's not even a new thing for me that uncle is coming for dinner.

"Fine stay here." Mother sighed and said that as she left for the kitchen.

Later, when I walked down the stairs for dinner I saw Adrian and Lawrence there. Adrian is 2 years older than me while Lawrence is 4 years older than me.

When I looked at Adrian my heart began to beat so loudly as I felt butterflies in my stomach. I quickly ran to my room and wore my favorite Blue frock and combed my hair.

“Hey Everyone…”

I walked down and greeted everyone with a smile and in my usual decent manner. During dinner, just meaningless eye contact with him made my heart skip a beat.

Whenever I saw him, a sweet feeling of something inexplicable used to rush in my veins, I treasure those emotions with whom I grew up.

A feeling of elation gushed through me whenever we met or I just caught a glimpse of him. With those immense feelings, I grew up.

Watching him from afar and loving his one sight, desiring nothing but to talk and see him.

When I turned 19 I couldn't take it anymore and decided to confess to Adrian. I and Adrian were standing on the rooftop of his house.

"Adrian, listen, I have liked you ever since our childhood and I still do," I said with my eyes shut.

My heart was beating so fast as it could leap out of my chest. An unpleasant feeling filled me when I opened my eyes. Adrian stared at me for a second and sighed.

"Look, Evelyn. I don't feel the same for you. You're just like a family." I nodded while my heart was being frayed, I passed him a faint smile.

"I understand." I said as I left.

Okay, I understand that he doesn't like me but at least he should think about it. He broke my years of fondness in mere seconds but I can't blame him if he doesn't feel the same.

I cried to myself all night that day. After a few days of it, I tried to talk to Adrian again but the way he talked to me.

I realized that I am an idiot to fall for someone like him and from that moment I swear to myself that I'll show him that I am happy without him and I don't even need him.

“Forget it, Evelyn. Forget it.”

I will try my best to neglect him and in accomplishing that task I spent countless nights- crying to myself.

Even if I show to the world that I am happy; I am not.

I am weak and a coward who wants to run away from reality. That's why at night when I am alone I let out my feelings.

After it I tried a lot to talk to him about it, trying to sort things out, even 'beg' for a chance but he never took pity. I was willing to do anything but he didn't, breaking my building emotions terribly.

And now I am 22, three years ever since then. And from that moment I am trying my best to remove those feelings, the emotions which made me to be a slave of my vulnerability.

Wanting to move on from him and forget the stain of desperation but couldn't...

***

I opened my eyes slowly as I felt someone's hand on my head. I saw my mother with a smile.

"I am so proud of you." She said, She then kissed my forehead and began to say;

"Evelyn, I know this marriage is too sudden and you are not even ready but, remember one thing my child, you are going to be his wife and from now on he is your everything.” She explained the most obvious part.

“You have to take care of him and respect him.” She guided.

“I know.” I nodded weakly.

“Lawrence is a great man. I am sure that he'll prove himself to be an embodiment of a husband."

I just closed my eyes due to the dread building up inside of me. How can I love Lawrence?

How are we going to work it out?

"And you are looking so beautiful in that dress." Mother complimented.

"Indeed she is." Aunt Kyla joins the conversation too. I looked at her as she passed me a sad smile and said.

"We all are truly thankful to you. But my love, you don't have to do it just for us."

I passed her a faint smile and said, "You have called me your daughter and I can do it for you at least."

She also kissed my forehead, "And we will treat you like our daughter."

I simply looked down and saw my reflection in the mirror for the last time.

I wore a silver gown embroidered with pure silver. It is a sleeveless gown. I wore a heavy matching necklace with it. It was a lavishing gown.

It's a tradition of the Bayford family that has passed down for generations that the bride of the first son will wear this dress.

I never thought I would wear this. The traditional Dress of the Bayford family all along with that traditional jewelry.

I looked exceptionally charming in that. Looking at myself, I can easily tell that I am looking irresistible.

And with those beguiling looks and an enervated heart filled with dismal. I walked towards those gates of misery and despair.

I stood outside the hall with my father. He kissed my hands and said.

"You are looking so beautiful just like your mother looked at our wedding."

I looked at my father with wide eyes. He never said anything like that before.

Mother blushed and looked away as I smiled at them. Father then gave me a side hug.

"I am so grateful to you Evelyn." I hugged father back and passed him one of my rare smiles. Mother gave me a bouquet of roses.

I looked down as mother put the veil over my face. My eyes which were void of every emotion didn't even lift themselves.

I slowly walked in and all eyes fell upon me. My throat dried. My legs lost their strength as I feel like I'm gonna fall anytime. My heart began to thump very loudly for I don't know what for.

“Calm down, calm down.” I let out shallow breaths and my hands turned ice cold. My walk towards the altar was slow but to be honest, I didn't even want it to end. I am scared as hell.

I lifted my gaze a little and my eyes met with the last person I wanted to see. Adrian.

He gave me a sympathetic look and turned his head away. That moment I felt a raging fire in my heart- for the first time.

I gulped for the last time as my grip on my father's arm tightened. I want to run far away or at least make it a dream. Like something like that never happened.

We reached the altar and no matter how much I don't want to let go of my father's arm, I still let it go.

I know that if I refused, my father would never force me to marry but I can't say no to him, At least not when he is begging me.

I took a final deep breath and put my hand over Lawrence as he offered me to take his hand. Lawrence's eyes flicker with an intense look filled with guilt and sadness. He is also suffering.

My eyes met him for a brief moment and at that moment I can see that he's also falling apart like me; just distinctively. But there was something else present there in his eyes too.

It's almost like he is crumbling because... ‘I am falling apart?’

…Even though our time together was brief. Even though your fingers intertwined with mine for a brief moment. But, it was the most everlasting moment of my life...

Evelyn POV:-

I stood still at the Altar with my trampled dream of becoming- Never mind. My blank mind was clouded with different emotions like fear and heartbreak.

I felt like my soul is even giving up on me. I closed my eyes for a short-lived solace which I can never receive ever again.

I listened to the vows.

"And in happiness and sadness, I would stay by your side. Holding you close to me whenever you need me."

If I recall correctly, Lawrence wrote his vows himself. I never thought I'd be listening to these and like that.

That moment I want to leave everything and run without caring for a thing in the world. Away from all this tribulation. But I know I can't.

My dried lips and hollow self prepare itself for what the priest is going to say next,

"Do you, Lawrence Bayford, Take Evelyn Sawyer as your lawful wife?"

"I do," Lawrence said in a firm manner and a feeling of my heart being torn rushed in my every vein.

Even Adrian's rejection didn't hurt like that; it's inexplicable.

"Do you, Evelyn Sawyer, Take Lawrence Bayford as your lawful husband?" Silence fell upon the hall as I tried to speak but my vocal cords can't even produce a single sound.

It's like my voice is stuck in my throat. I was stiff as a deadly calm took over. Like the calm before unimaginable chaos.

"Evelyn?" The priest called my name again as the voice which was stuck in my throat was released.

I took a deep breath and said farewell to my dreams and the thoughts which were impossible and now became truly impossible.

"I do.." My voice came out like a vague whisper.

"I pronounce you as husband and wife."

And here I am officially becoming Mrs Evelyn Lawrence Bayford. Becoming Mrs. Bayford with the most unexpected person.

I don't have words to explain how I feel burning, a strange sensation I cannot encrypt. How I was coming here just to catch a glimpse of him and now I am the wife of his Brother.

The dream I held dear in my heart shattered in a few seconds. I wished I never liked him So that I never came here and all this happened.

I lost myself in misery when the priest announced;

"You may now kiss the bride."

I never imagined even in my dream that I would lose my first kiss in front of him and by his brother. The feeling of awkwardness is immense.

I looked down as I felt a sudden knot in my heart as my heart began to beat at an abnormal pace. I swallow the lump in my throat.

Lawrence lifted my veil as my gaze was fixed on the ground. I thought Lawrence would lean in and kiss me on my lips but instead, I felt him getting away.

“Evellyn.” My heart skipped a beat when he called my name.

I stood still, an unwanted feeling of disapproval filled me. I don't know how that feeling was built inside me but it was unwanted.

I was lost in my thoughts as I felt hands wrapping around my waist and pulling me close. I let out a soft voice of gasp when Lawrence pulled me close to him.

“Lawrence, Please.” I whispered desperately, unable to meet his eyes.

A sudden blush crept upon my cheeks because of the closeness. My lower body was touching Lawrence's lower body. Thanks to the heavy dress I can't feel it that much.

Heat radiating from him made me unable to think or move. We always hugged each other but this feeling of heat never occurred.

“It’s okay.” He whispered reassuringly.

Lawrence looked at me with a look which was beyond my understanding. The time was brief but it seemed like the most everlasting moment of my life and to be honest.

I want it to end as quickly as possible. Lawrence leaned in and I closed my eyes for that dreadful moment but instead I felt Lawrence lips on my forehead.

I felt his soft lips on my forehead kissing them with... Affection?

“See? It’s okay.”

I shook off that thought and thanked Lawrence in my heart for not kissing me on my lips.

I knew that Lawrence is a gentleman, he knew that I didn't want it so he didn't take my first kiss. He pulled away after a few seconds and smiled a little at me.

"I know, Evelyn, you don't want it but I promise, I will try my best to keep you happy. I won't force anything upon you." He said sincerely.

His words of assurance calmed me a bit as I passed him a faint smile and nodded. I met his green eyes as his eyes looked at me with hurt.

Our eyes met for a second and I felt like time stopped at that moment. A strange feeling filled me. I don't know what happened.

Lawrence shifted his eyes away from me as I also looked down.

“T-Thanks..” I gulped.

Everyone began to applaud and some people began to whisper to each other about the absence of the actual wife.

I grit my teeth in anger when I heard the name of that damn woman, I want to kill that woman because this all happened because of her.

She can say no to this wedding but no, she decided to run away from her marriage. Her parents must be devastated because of this act. By this stupid action, she destroyed a lot of lives.

Lawrence, unfortunately, heard the sound of me gritting my teeth. Lawrence thought I did it because of the mess I've been through.

"I am sorry, Evelyn for everything." He whispered in my ear. An electric spark traveled to my very core when I felt his hot breath on my neck.

Goosebumps formed all over my skin. Is that what happens when you feel a man's breath on your neck? Because I have never been this close to a man before.

“Thank you.”

I've been in a relationship just once when I was trying to forget Adrian. I never been in an intimate relationship before and being this close to a man like that is entirely new to me.

That's why I am feeling those unwanted sensations.

I mentally sighed and looked at Lawrence who was looking sadly and apologetically at me. I passed him a sweet smile and said,

"It's alright." He smiled a little as we walked down the aisle. A girl glared at me.

I didn't understand at first then I realized that Lawrence is the most handsome guy of the family. She's obviously a girl who likes him.

She must have come at that time when all that ordeal happened. She might have been in my place and we all would be happy except for Lawrence who wasn't happy with anything at all in the first place.

We received our elder's blessing. Lawrence's Aunt Camila, who already came late, gets to know about the whole situation. She hugged both of us and whispered.

"You truly are a kind child Evelyn." I passed her a weak smile and finally hugged my parents.

The tears I've been holding so far began to spill out. I began to cry out as they patted my back.

"We know this is not what you want but believe me It's not wrong either. He'll take great care of you.” She said.

“You are married now, you'll fulfill your duties as his wife and he'll also fulfill his duties as your husband. And Lastly, we are proud of you." I just sobbed.

After a while, I slowly pulled away. Mother and Father, both of their eyes were filled with tears. I gave them one final hug and left with Lawrence.

We exited the Hall and there's a whole crowd of media to see the Wife of Lawrence Bayford. Thankfully the media doesn't know the name of the bride.

They all are eager to know.

Bayfords are the owner of the world's best Fabrics and Textiles Companies and We Sawyers are one of the world-famous Fashion designers.

My father is a fashion designer. We are business partners as well as Sawyers receives the Fabric for their clothes from Bayfords. Uncle has already freed himself from business life.

Adrian is 24 years old, owns the companies Bayford Textiles. He was into business life at the age of 20.

And Lawrence is 26 years old, Owns the companies of Bayford Fabrics. He went into business at the age of 18.

He is very experienced and is the youngest to join the business life. He is doing exceptionally well. Both brothers have their business degrees as well.

They maintained their business as well as studies efficiently.

As for me I have just completed my masters and was thinking of gaining a Fashion Designer Degree but all of my dreams are left hanging in my room and my dairy…

…My life with you is something I would never trade for anything…

Evelyn POV:-

After getting out of the hall and meeting a whole crowd of media, I and Lawrence sat in the back seat of the BMW, I closed my eyes and leaned back on the seat and let out a sigh.

Then I realized that we are going home. My heart began to thump very loudly when the drive began. My blood turns cold by each time we get nearer.

I gulped and looked at Lawrence whose eyes were closed. He looked frustrated and my whole being went numb looking at him like that.

I never saw him this frustrated before. Terrifying thoughts began to roam in my mind;

Living in the same house as Adrian's as his Sister-In-Law, how embarrassing it can be. I just want to be away from Adrian.

‘What if Lawrence knew about me liking Adrian. What Should I do?’

Lawrence is stressed, who knows that he is also like me- fake from outside. What if he took out his wrath on me when we reached home.

‘No, Lawrence won't do it, he is a nice guy. What if he isn't? What if Adrian told him that I liked him.’

These thoughts began to fill my petite being with great apprehension. I gulped in fear and by looking at Lawrence like that is making me petrified.

“We are here…” Lawrence told me. I gasped.

My terrified being lost its senses when we reached home. Lawrence looked at me as my petite self lost itself in the pools of fears of what is coming next.

“It’s okay, Evelyn…”

I should've thought about the future.

I gulped and gave Lawrence a look anticipated with fright.

“What happened?”

He narrowed his eyes on me and at that time I almost thought that he is not what he is and he's gonna do unimaginable things to me when we reach our room.

“N-Nothing…”

I shiver at the thought. 'Our Room'.

My thoughts were interrupted when the door of my side was opened and Lawrence held his hand out for me. I took it with hesitation and looked down.

“Come.”

Lawrence didn't even spare a glance at me as we walked inside and was greeted with a welcome filled with a shower of rose petals.

Uncle Shawn and Ray, Aunt Kyla and Camila and Adrian were standing at the entrance. My whole being lost its strength when I saw Adrian.

Don't think about him.

We walked closer as Aunt hugged me and Uncle handed me a red cloth.

"You know the Tradition, Evelyn," Uncle said with a smile.

I nodded and took the cloth and turned Right. There was a pillar where a lot of red clothes were tied tightly. It's also a tradition of Bayfords that the new bride will tie a knot on the pillar to show the love and happiness of the newlywed couple.

It's said; "The more tightly knot the more tightly knot relations.", in that sense, I don't think this knot is going to last longer.

“I am sorry you have to do this.” Lawrence whispered but I remained silent.

I wrapped the cloth around the pillar and tied a tight knot. It's not that I want my marriage to end miserably. It was a tight knot. I don't know why but I smiled when I tied the knot.

After tying the knot, I turned to Lawrence. He was observing my every move. Now, Lawrence will kiss my hands and will say those words I never thought I would hear from him.

Lawrence bent to his knees and held my hands in his. I looked away and saw that Adrian was making a video. Lawrence held my cold hands as he slightly kissed them and said.

"May our marriage last forever."

My heart stopped when I heard it.

‘What is this feeling?’

I curled my toe to calm my anxious self. Being unable to understand my feelings and thoughts, Aunt Camila and Kyla took me to Lawrence-I mean our Room.

“Come, Evelyn. Let’s go.”

I truly don't want to call it that. By each step, we took closer my heart began to beat louder and faster as if it could burst.

“It’s going to be alright. Don’t vex, you know our Lawrence.” She whispered, trying to comfort me.

My hands and feet were cold. Adrenaline rushed in my veins. They opened the door of the beautifully decorated room.

Filled with candles and petals of red roses and lavenders and some other flowers. I swallowed hard and walked inside.

“You stay here, it’s okay.”

Aunt passed me a reassuring smile and said that it would be alright, but I don't think it will. My scared form walked toward the window and leaned on it and began to think...

Lawrence POV:-

I was standing at the altar when my eyes fell upon Evelyn.

‘Was she always that beautiful?’

A strange sensation took over me when I saw her. She took my hand and a spark traveled straight to my soul. I gulped and gave her a sympathetic look. She must hate me.

I can see that she doesn't want it. She wants to run away. I want to free her from this suffering but I can't. I am a coward who can't even do anything.

If I refuse to marry Emerald in the first place this would never happen. I ruined her life. She is shattered because of me, by looking at her like that I also felt broken.

Like her crumbling apart made me crumble.

But When Evelyn said, 'I do.', I felt like my heart was floating in the air. What is this unexplainable sensation? But now, She bears my name. And she is my responsibility. I will take care of her and will stay by her side forever.

And then the priest announced to kiss her. I looked at her face. She looked like an angel. I was like; submerged in her beauty.

As I was admiring her beauty, I saw her eyes filled with hurt and sadness. She wants me to get away.

‘Am I this undesirable?’

Remorse took over me as I pulled away from her. She never wants it and she will never love me. A kiss was necessary so I pulled her close to me and kissed her forehead.

I have kissed her forehead before but this time everything was different, maybe we were too close or maybe she is my wife now. My heart was beating so fast as if anyone could hear it.

We received blessings from our elders and I saw Evelyn cry. My heart ached when she cried. I have never seen her cry before, maybe that's why.

We sat in the car as I mentally sighed and closed my eyes and leaned a bit. I am frustrated right now, I swear I will never let Adrian get arranged in a marriage.

I can't. I can't.

‘What is happening to me?’

We reached home and Evelyn gave me a frightened look. I immediately calmed down and rushed to her side and took her inside.

I watched her every move carefully when she tied the cloth. How her smile made me happy. She turned to me as I bent on my knees and kissed her hands slightly.

A shiver went down my spine when I kissed her hands. I never felt like this about her before. My thumping heart, deceiving the feeling of my voice being struck said;

"May our marriage last forever."

That moment, I even want it to. She passed a faint smile and left with Mom and Aunt Camila. I went to my father and Uncle Ray. Aunt Camila is the sister of my father.

I greeted them and asked, "Where's Adrian?"

"Here," Adrian said entering the living room. We exchanged looks and Adrian said,

"I never thought that Evelyn would be my Sister-In-Law. She is a gem, take care of her." He said sincerely, looking down as if he wanted to say something but refused.

"I know it. And don't worry, I will." I smiled at him.

"So... Eager to go to your room?" Adrian asked in a teasing manner but it seems like it was forced. I blushed a little. I soon regained my posture and said,

"You know the situation, I don't want to force her." I sighed.

"That's my son! I am proud of you. You are a man like me!" Father said proudly. I smiled weakly at him.

"What about me?" Adrian said, showing fake sadness.

"You are like me." Mother said joining the conversation along with Aunt.

"Exactly!" Adrian said, hugging Mother.

"By the way, Uncle, why didn't Danielle come? " Adrian asked again.

"You know, Her exams and all. She is studying hard." Uncle said.

"What are you doing here? Go to your room. Your wife is waiting." Aunt said.

“Do I have to? Can’t we let her rest?” I asked hesitantly.

“You have to go to the room eventually. Are you going to hide from her?” Mother asked, shrugging her shoulders.

“I want to give her some space.” I said sorrowfully.

“Then talk, you guys already share a great friendship. Talk it out.” Uncle said, convincing me to go and see her.

I stood, pondering deeply about what was happening for a few moments and walked away with heavy steps, going to my room to see my wife waiting for me, praying deeply in my heart that things would go well.