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CHAPTER 1 — THE LAST GOLDEN AFTERNOON
The Hart Estate basked in the gentle warmth of late autumn, its marble columns glowing a pale gold as the sunlight poured across the courtyard. Flowers fluttered lazily in the breeze, and servants moved quietly through the halls, preparing for the evening's charity gala.
Evangeline Hart stood in the veranda, a porcelain teacup resting delicately between her fingers.
She looked every bit the perfect daughter of the Hart Family—
Elegant. Graceful. Untouchable.
Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back, catching the light like strands of midnight silk. The tailored cream dress she wore only emphasized her refined posture, straight-backed and regal without trying. She looked composed, ethereal—yet her eyes held a soft, searching warmth that softened her aura.
An aura that the world adored.
But the world didn't know the truth:
Evangeline Hart was much more than a noble beauty.
She was sharp. Observant. Terrifyingly intelligent beneath her gentle exterior.
And that combination was the very thing that would destroy her peace.
Footsteps approached. She didn't have to turn to know who it was.
"Daydreaming again?"
A teasing voice floated behind her.
Evangeline smiled without looking back.
"You're late, Eryn."
Her twin brother leaned against the balcony railing beside her. While they shared the same sharp facial lines and graceful build, Eryn's presence was louder, brighter—everyone noticed him the moment he entered a room.
He eyed her carefully.
"You've been… quiet today."
"I'm just thinking."
"That's exactly why I'm worried."
Evangeline raised a brow. "How rude."
"I know my sister," he shot back. "Too well. When you're quiet, it's either because you're planning something… or something is bothering you."
She fell silent.
And Eryn sighed softly.
"It's Adrian, isn't it?"
Evangeline's fingers tightened around her teacup—just slightly.
Adrian Crestfall.
Her fiancé for three years.
The man she believed she would marry.
The man her heart had once adored.
A man who had been… distant lately.
Yes. She knew something was wrong.
She sensed it with the same intuition that had protected her all her life.
But she shook her head.
"Maybe he's just stressed with work."
"He's hiding something," Eryn said bluntly. "And I'm going to find out."
"Don't," she whispered.
She knew her brother—fiery, protective, reckless.
"Eva."
Eryn's tone softened.
"You deserve someone who treasures you. Not someone who makes you guess whether he still cares."
Her heart squeezed painfully.
But she forced a gentle smile.
"When the charity event ends tonight, we'll talk. Everything will be fine."
Eryn stared at her for a long, worried moment.
"…I hope you're right."
A breeze drifted through the veranda, brushing their hair lightly. For a brief second, Evangeline wished she could freeze the moment—this warm peace, her brother's presence, the beauty of the golden afternoon.
Because deep inside her chest, a strange uneasiness whispered:
This might be the last peaceful moment she would ever have.
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THAT EVENING
The Hart Estate dazzled under crystal chandeliers. Guests mingled, musicians played, and laughter filled the halls.
Evangeline moved through the ballroom with perfect grace, greeting guests with her soft, elegant smile.
But she kept searching the crowd.
For her fiancé.
Where is he?
She finally spotted him near the far end of the hall. Adrian Crestfall—tall, handsome, impeccably dressed—his golden hair neatly combed back, his expression composed and polished.
But something felt… wrong.
He wasn't alone.
A woman stood dangerously close to him.
Beautiful.
Bold.
Eyes filled with triumph.
Vivianne Slate.
The woman Evangeline had noticed hovering around him lately… too often.
Her stomach knotted.
Vivianne leaned closer to Adrian, whispering something, and he—
He smiled.
Not politely.
Not formally.
A smile Evangeline once believed was hers alone.
Her breath froze.
No… it couldn't be…
But Vivianne's hand casually slid along Adrian's arm—and he didn't move it away.
Evangeline's heart cracked.
Just then—
A hand rested on her shoulder.
"Eva."
Eryn's voice.
He followed her gaze—saw them.
All warmth left his face.
"Oh hell no."
"Eryn," she whispered sharply, grabbing his sleeve.
He looked like he was seconds away from ripping Adrian in half.
"You stay here," he growled. "I'll—"
"No. Please."
Her voice trembled.
"Not here. Not now."
Her brother clenched his jaw.
But when he saw the pain flickering behind her eyes…
He stopped.
And pulled her into a protective embrace.
Evangeline closed her eyes, breathing in his comforting warmth.
But deep inside—
Something shattered.
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END OF CHAPTER 1