CHAPTER 2: THE VOWS OF DECEPTION

Evelyn couldn't remember the drive to the chapel. The city lights blurred into streaks of neon, and the hum of the engine faded into the background as she sat in the back of Lucian's car, her mind racing. Everything felt surreal, like a dream she couldn't wake from.

Talia had wanted to come with her, but Lucian had insisted it was too dangerous. "The fewer people who know, the better," he'd said, his tone leaving no room for argument. Evelyn had barely managed to hug her best friend goodbye, promising she'd explain everything later. But how could she explain something she didn't fully understand herself?

Now, sitting beside Lucian, the silence between them was thick with tension. She stole a glance at him, trying to read the man who was about to become her husband. His expression was unreadable, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. There was an air of detachment about him, as if this were just another business transaction.

"You're quiet," Lucian said suddenly, his voice cutting through her thoughts.

Evelyn swallowed, her fingers twisting in her lap. "There's not much to say, is there? I'm still trying to process all of this."

Lucian nodded, but didn't look at her. "It's a lot to take in, I know. But you'll be safe with me."

Safe. The word echoed in her mind, but it didn't bring the comfort it should have. How could she feel safe when she was being thrust into a world of secrets and lies, with a man she didn't know?

"How did you find me?" she asked, needing something to ground her in reality.

Lucian's grip on the steering wheel tightened. "I've been watching over you for years, waiting for the right time to approach. When your parents died, my family took over the responsibility of protecting you. But you were hidden so well, even from me, until recently."

"Why now?" Evelyn pressed, her voice trembling. "Why not before?"

Lucian hesitated, and for a moment, she thought he wouldn't answer. But then he spoke, his voice low. "Because the people who want you dead only recently learned you're still alive. If I'd approached you any sooner, I would have led them straight to you. I had to be sure I could protect you before making contact."

Evelyn felt a chill run down her spine. "Who are these people?"

"That's something I'll explain once we're safe," Lucian said, his tone final.

Evelyn opened her mouth to argue, but the car was already pulling up to a small, nondescript chapel tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. The building was old, its stone walls weathered by time, but it had a certain charm to it, like something out of a different era.

Lucian parked the car and got out, coming around to open her door. He extended a hand to help her out, his touch firm and steady. She took a deep breath, feeling the cool night air on her skin as she stepped onto the pavement.

"This way," Lucian said, leading her toward the chapel.

As they approached, the heavy wooden doors creaked open, revealing a dimly lit interior. Candles flickered along the walls, casting long shadows across the floor. At the front of the chapel stood an older man in a simple black robe, his hands clasped in front of him. His eyes were kind, but there was a gravity to his expression that made Evelyn's heart race.

"Mr. Blackwood," the man greeted Lucian with a respectful nod before turning to Evelyn. "And you must be Miss Monroe. I'm Father Michael. I understand you're here under extraordinary circumstances."

Evelyn forced a smile, her nerves frayed. "That's an understatement."

Father Michael's gaze softened. "I've been told as much. But rest assured, I'm here to help in any way I can."

Lucian stepped forward, his hand still resting on the small of Evelyn's back. "We need to make this quick, Father. Time is not on our side."

Father Michael nodded and gestured toward the altar. "Of course. Please, come forward."

Evelyn's heart pounded as she and Lucian approached the altar, the reality of what she was about to do sinking in. She was about to marry a man she barely knew, in a ceremony that felt more like a transaction than a union of love. But what choice did she have? If Lucian was right, her life was in danger, and this was the only way to protect herself.

Father Michael opened a small book and began the ceremony, his voice low and soothing as he recited the traditional vows. Evelyn tried to focus on his words, but her mind kept drifting, caught in the whirlwind of the past few hours.

"Do you, Lucian Blackwood, take this woman, Evelyn Monroe, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

Lucian's voice was steady, almost emotionless as he replied, "I do."

Father Michael turned to Evelyn, his eyes searching hers as if he could see the turmoil within her. "And do you, Evelyn Monroe, take this man, Lucian Blackwood, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

Evelyn's throat tightened, the weight of the decision pressing down on her. She glanced up at Lucian, who was watching her with an intensity that made her pulse quicken. There was no warmth in his gaze, no hint of affection—only resolve. This was a man who got what he wanted, no matter the cost.

For a brief moment, she considered running, fleeing the chapel and disappearing into the night. But where would she go? And how long could she hide before the people Lucian spoke of found her?

With a deep breath, Evelyn forced herself to meet Lucian's gaze. "I do."

Father Michael's smile was small, but genuine. "Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Evelyn's heart lurched as Lucian stepped closer, his hand reaching up to tilt her chin. She barely had time to react before his lips were on hers, firm and demanding, claiming her in a way that left no room for doubt. It wasn't a kiss born of love, but of possession, a mark that told the world she was his.

When he finally pulled back, Evelyn was breathless, her head spinning. Lucian didn't say anything, just gave a small nod to Father Michael before turning to lead her out of the chapel.

"Wait," Father Michael called after them, his voice filled with concern. "Mr. Blackwood, Miss Monroe… take care of each other."

Lucian paused at the door, glancing back over his shoulder. "We will."

But as they stepped out into the night, Evelyn couldn't shake the feeling that she was stepping into the unknown, a world where danger lurked in the shadows and trust was a luxury she couldn't afford.

As they drove away from the chapel, the city lights blurring past once more, Evelyn stared out the window, the weight of the marriage certificate in her hand feeling heavier than ever. She was married now—bound to a man she didn't trust, in a life that wasn't hers.

But there was no turning back. She had made her choice, and now, all she could do was see it through.

Evelyn knew one thing for certain: whatever lay ahead, it would be a battle to survive. And she wasn't sure if she could trust the man beside her to protect her—or if he was the one she needed protection from.