…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.

…You are the label of my love…

Evelyn POV:-

I was getting ready to go to the Bayford Mansion. As usual, I was trying my best to look good so that Adrian might notice me but to no avail, though it hurt a lot to see him far enough to never reach but I bore it.

Lawrence called me urgently so I went there.

I greeted everyone and went to Lawrence, he gave me a side hug and we went to the garden.

"So? What is it?" I asked.

"Look, Evelyn, you are a girl." He began to say nervously, pacing around.

"No, I am a boy," I said, pouting.

"Look, it's serious." He said a little seriously this time. I sighed as he continued.

"You know that girl I am dating, Hellen. I tried to take our relationship to an intimate level."

My face lit up hearing that, "Really? What happened? Oh" I began to tease him.

"That didn't happen." He frowned, stopping and turning to me.

"Then?" I said tilting my head in confusion.

"You know I can't control my anger and desires." I nodded.

"Even though I have seen none of that. Neither your anger or you losing to desires." He looked at me with a deepened frown and took a deep breath.

"So, She didn't like it when.. You know... and left me." I gave him a shocked look.

"Idiot! You're supposed to take things slowly. You have known her for what? Like 6 months!? Of course, she left you!" I yelled at him.

I always thought he was lying, I refused to believe it but his expressions showed it was true.

He can’t do this, can he?

He hung his head low. I sighed and began to say, "I have always seen you in your noble form so I don't know why she left you. And to be honest I don't even want to see you snapped."

"That's the reason she dated me. But... I messed up. I just couldn't control my urges." I sighed and patted his back to cheer him up a little.

"I didn't mean to." He said sadly.

"Come on, forget it. Besides, you are that handsome, anyone can easily agree to date you.." I said, punching his arms playfully.

He smiled and said, "But, I want her."

I put my index finger under my chin and began to think of a way for him to make up with her.

As I was thinking, My heart stopped for a second when Adrian entered the garden. I lost my words and turned my head away.

It's been six months since he rejected me and three months since I stopped my constant pleas to him. I truly don't want to come but I have to due to Lawrence's stupidity.

"Okay then, Lawrence, Try to say sorry in a romantic way." I waved at Lawrence.

"But how?" He asked.

"Think about it yourself. You can do it. You're such a chivalrous man! You can definitely get any girl" I said happily, augmenting his spirits and left in a hurry.

I didn't have enough courage to be where Adrian is. It broke my heart. If it wasn’t for Lawrence, I wouldn’t even come. I want to go where his shadows cannot follow me.

It made me want to cry out loud. I couldn't stand where Adrian did and left both of them there.

Later I found out that girl slapped Lawrence for what he did and told him to never show his face to her again.

And from that day I truly don't want to see Lawrence's anger or lust.

Like if a person can slap Lawrence, I don't even want to think how lethal his anger or thirst can be.

***

I don't want Lawrence to do something to me because he's also gonna feel guilty about it. I know he can control neither his anger nor his desires.

I gulped at the thought.

He promised and if he promised, I knew he wouldn't hurt me. I trust him.

Maybe I should ask someone about it...

Lawrence POV:-

Evelyn is being really shy. She was never like this. She looked so adorable in my shirt. I felt like she was a precious gem I was yearning to hold.

God, how badly I wanted to grab her waist, press her against the wall and- Shut up.

‘Control yourself, dammit.’

I am getting closer to her as if some strings are pulling me close to her. I want to wrap my arms around her and hug her tight.

Mentally scolding myself for thinking like that about my wife.

I stood up and left for the bathroom without even catching a glimpse of her. I walked out and saw her. She was looking pretty in an endearing way.

Then I was going to sleep on the sofa but she stopped me and told me to sleep with her. No matter how much I wanted to, I still refused.

‘Why would she share a bed with me? It must be uncomfortable for her.’

She was already dear to me but I never thought about her in a romantic way.

"But Lawrence, It's uncomfortable to sleep there." She insisted.

She is more like a partner to me and now when she is my wife I am feeling those strange sensations like Loving her, Caring her and all.

"Evelyn, Please try to understand. I don't want to..." I assured, I want her tranquility.

In a sense, it's all right for me to think about these things but I don't think she is comfortable with me. None of us thought that we'll get married one day and like that too.

But as long as it is my responsibility I'll take care of her and will love her.

That's all I could for her to relax in my presence and trust me. I have to place my conviction in her heart so we could move forward for a better future.

She laid down as I stared at the ceiling with a feeble smile on my lips accompanied by strange sensations, whispering to myself inaudibly.

“...May our marriage last forever...”