…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.

…I may not be your first love, but I hope I will be your last…

Lawrence POV:-

Here, we bound her poor soul with me and they are taking it lightly, over-confident as if we will work. How can they be collected about it when I am burning from inside?

I know Evelyn doesn't have a lover but what if she likes someone else? What if she doesn’t accept me?

Anything could happen but despite all this, she agreed for this marriage. I am deeply grateful for her.

“Okay, here goes nothing.” I sighed.

My heart began to beat so fast. Maybe I shouldn't go.

I gulped and took a deep breath and opened the door and went inside. I walked closer, my body felt frozen with strange sensations.

I looked at Evelyn, the moonlight was falling on her face enhancing her features more. She gave me a scared look and turned her gaze away from me.

“Evelyn…”

I should have known. Was she always scared of me?

I walked towards her and leaned on the other side of the window. She didn't dare to lift her gaze. I thought of saying something to comfort her,

"Beautiful, isn't it?" I said, referring to the full moon with a faint smile.

“Huh?” She blinked, tensed.

“The moon, bewitching, don’t you think?” He asked softly, turning to the Moon and back to her.

She smiled a little and said in a soft tone, "Yeah..."

“Evelyn, listen.” Inhaled deeply, I looked at her earnestly, speaking honestly with a low soft tone,

"You truly are a selfless girl. I am glad to have you as my wife and I promise you that I'll try my best to be a good husband.” I paused to see her reaction.

“To never let your smiles falter, I won't force you into anything, even if you want to leave me, I won't stop you, you have the right to live your life. I will support you in every way I can."

I smiled, meaning my every word and took a step closer but not close enough to startle her. Evelyn kept looking at me in daze.

“It’s okay, you can tell me anything. I am here for you.” I whispered, smiling faintly.

Maybe she was lost in her thoughts. I slowly put my hand on her shoulder and shook her slightly "Evelyn."

I called, dragging her out from her thoughts. She snapped from her thoughts as she pushed me away;

"Please don’t, Lawrence, please!" She said in a croaked voice as if she could cry anytime.

I wanted to slap myself for making her cry or scared. I wonder since when she is so frightened of me but I have to erase this fear.

It.. Hurt me.

"Hey, It's Alright. I would never touch you without your consent. You don't have to worry. I am sorry. I won't do it again."

She looked down in embarrassment because she knew she was the one who was lost in thoughts.

"No, It's alright. I am sorry too." she said in embarrassment.

“I.. just couldn’t think anymore.. Sorry.. My mind is present elsewhere.” She mumbled, looking away, nibbling her bottom lips.

I gave her a wide smile, reassuring her, "It's fine. I can understand, you must be."

She hummed and before a silence could arise between us, she looked up at me.

"Lawrence.." She called me and my heart skipped a beat when my lips rolled on her lips.

‘What are these feelings I've begun to feel about her? Since when does my name sound so beautiful on her lips?’

"I'll also try my best to be a good wife." She said shyly.

And I felt all the things around me stopped. I want this moment to last forever.

“You said it, that means a lot. Thank you.” I said sincerely.

How can I never notice her before?

She is everything a guy could ask for. Is this what they call, Love at First Sight?

Even if it's not, There's no shame in loving my wife. Just saying my wife made me feel aroused.

"Oh, you must be tired. Please change." I said with a smile, wanting her to be comfortable, maintaining a fair distance from her.

"I want to but.. I don't have anything else to wear." She said in her shy manner again. This is the first time I have seen her this shy.

Was she always like that? No, she is a sarcastic and chill person.

So who is she? Is she the Evelyn I know?

“Oh, it’s okay. You can wear mine.” I grinned.

“Thanks.”

I nodded and walked towards the closet. I took out my casual shirt and a boxer.

I gave her the clothes as she thanked me and left to change, leaving me alone in the thought which never crossed my mind before.

Evelyn POV:-

I was so scared that Lawrence might take his wrath on me. I know about his anger issues. But he is truly a gentleman.

He is such a nobleman.

At least I don't regret marrying a person like him. When he said those sweet words to me a strange sensation took over me as I thought about how Lawrence is gonna take care of me.

I was so lost in them that when he shook me instead of saying sorry I pushed him away. I felt bad for it.

But when he said that he won't touch me unless I want to I felt bad. Not because I want him to touch me but that he is swallowing his desires and everything to be a good husband.

‘I knew it, his wife would be the luckiest, just I never expected it would be me.’

He even handed me his clothes to wear since all my clothes were in my used-to-be house. I shivered at the thought.

Just in one day, my surname, my home, everything changed. How twisted fate could be?

I was about to leave but Lawrence called me,

"Evelyn." I turned to him and tilted my head a little in confusion.

“Hmm?”

"Um.. Are you alright with me being your husband? Like if you want me to change any habit of mine then tell me. We have known each other for years.." He began to say, tensed,

“If there’s anything you don’t like about me, I could work on it. You know, try to be a better man for you. You can tell me.”

He said nervously as if he was trying his best to choose the correct word cautiously. I smiled at him.

"I am fine. What's gonna happen will happen. None of us can prevent it and maybe that's for the better and I don't want you to change. You are fine the way you are." I said in a soft tone.

“What changes you want me to bring into perfection anyways?” I chuckled.

Just a few moments ago, I wanted to cry to myself but now I am not feeling like crying at all. Lawrence never fails to soothe me and lighten my mood by his sweet talks.

"Such a deep thought coming from you." He said playfully, laughing a little.

“My honor to be considered as perfection from you, My Lady.” He said gallantly, bowing a little.

“You may now change your dress.” He smirked, teasing me.

I clicked my tongue at him. We both laughed a little as I left to change.

No matter what, he is still the Lawrence I knew in all those years.

He is trying his best to be a great husband and today I swear that I'll also try my best to be a great wife. I'll never think about a man other than him.

To me, my husband matters and nothing else. He is my everything and I'll also try my best to be a great wife and to love him.

That's my new aim in my life and I'll try my best to accomplish it and for it, the first thing I have to do is to remove all those feelings I felt for Adrian.

I have to eradicate all the feelings I've felt for Adrian and think only about my husband.

...Maybe everything happens for a reason and maybe that's for the better...

....Our eyes met and I saw that look of passionate hatred burning in your eyes and that's the moment I understood, nothing is the same anymore...

Evelyn POV:-

I stood still as the cold droplets of water drenched my petite form. I shivered at the coldness of the water. My heart was beating so fast.

“Calm down, Evelyn, Calm down.”

I put my hand over my chest to calm my anxious self. I was worried for nothing. I looked at the floor as a tear released itself followed by a stream of them.

No matter how much of a great husband Lawrence is, I still can't give him the love and affection he deserves. I sniffed and wiped my tears.

"Just be normal and act like Adrian is nothing but your Brother-In-Law."

I scold myself for thinking about Adrian. I won't let this happen. I will think only about Lawrence and no one else.

After spending quite a while in the shower, I wore the clothes Lawrence gave me.

Unwanted convulsions emerge from my body when I realize that I am wearing Lawrence’s clothes and in Lawrence’s room and using his bathroom.

“Oh Lord, please help me.”

Now my whole being is connected to him.

‘Is marriage so powerful that it makes you think about the person you never thought that way before?’

We both are bound to each other and gonna help each other. Somewhere in my heart, I want my marriage to work. Like, No person wants her marriage to be annulled unless the situation requires it.

I took a final deep breath and walked out with a flushed face. I have worn shorts before, So why am I getting nervous?

Lawrence's shirt was too long for me, it reached to my thighs almost hiding the boxer. It made me feel like I am wearing nothing but this shirt.

"Lawrence..." My embarrassed form called him.

He was sitting on the sofa with one leg over the other, rubbing his temples.

His coat was thrown on the other side, his tie was also missing, his hairs were messy. He looked at me with those exquisite green eyes.

‘God, he looks so dominant right now. Is he gonna do something?’

“Hmm?” He looked at me for a second and turned his head away with an expressionless reaction.

“Is it fine?” I asked innocently, thinking he might not like the way I looked.

“As long as you're comfortable in it.” He shrugged nonchalantly.

He stood up as my heart stopped for a second.

He walked closer as I closed my eyes thinking he might be coming for me. I slowly opened my eyes and saw Lawrence walking past me and entering the bathroom.

“Oh…” I sighed in relief when I heard the sound of the door being closed.

I opened the closet and took out a hanger and hung my wedding dress. I arranged my jewelry as well. I went to the closet again and looked at Lawrence's clothes.

A black suit jacket with a black shirt and with a fancy tie caught my eye. It was eye-catching but I have never seen him wearing it.

I wonder how perfectly it would suit him. I was about to close the closet but then I heard a voice.

"Are you alright with sharing the closet with me or do you want a closet of your own?" Lawrence said.

I turned away and met his emerald eyes. He was looking at me with raised eyebrows, vexed about my comfort. Water was dripping from his skin with a towel over his head.

He was getting so concerned about every little thing. Wanting to be sure that I am comfortable enough being with him.

"Oh, Uh, I-I don't mind sharing the closet.." I stuttered, averting my gaze from his appealing features. I admit when was always handsome but when did he become… tempting?

He looked at me with a bewildered expression and sighed, "Look, Evelyn, You don't have to be scared, You know it, I will never hurt you.”

“I know you don't want it but you don't have to hide your feelings. Be the usual Evelyn, Everything is fine. There's nothing to fear, I am with you. Please believe me.." Lawrence said reassuringly and I swear you can never find a husband as sweet as him.

And that's the thing making me feel low that I can't adore you like that. Even if I try to love you, It could never be enough.

As for my feelings, This is the real me, I am shy. I looked away and said.

"I am fine. It's just everything happened quickly. I am trying to cope with it. I will be fine And I am my usual self." I said the last line in a slightly angered tone.

He laughed a little, "Okay, Whatever you say." He said as we both walked out.

I walked to the bed and looked at Lawrence, even though the thought of sleeping with him made my very soul tremble.

Lawrence ran his hand through his raven locks and sat on the sofa. He grabbed a blanket and was about to lay there.

"Lawrence, You don't have to. The bed is big enough for both of us." I said. I don't want him to sleep on the sofa nor myself.

"No, it's alright. You sleep on the bed. I am fine here." He said with a smile.

"But Lawrence, It's uncomfortable to sleep there." I tried to reason with him. He can't always sleep on the sofa.

"Evelyn, Please try to understand. I don't want to..." Lawrence said trailing off. I have known Lawrence ever since my childhood.

Even though he is a chivalrous man, he has a short temper and can easily lose himself to his desires. I nodded in agreement and let him sleep on the sofa.

If he is saying that he knew that he might do something to me without my consent. That's why I agreed.

I still remember that day when Lawrence called me urgently to his home.