unexpected Encounter
Ana sat in the drawing room, the book resting in her hands but her mind far from the pages. Thoughts of her upcoming engagement clouded her mind—thoughts she couldn't escape, no matter how hard she tried.
Her younger sister was sprawled across the couch, playing with her hair absentmindedly. "You've been awfully quiet, Ana," she remarked with a knowing smile. "Still troubled by the engagement?"
Ana didn't answer immediately. The weight of it all was suffocating, but she wasn't about to let her sister see how much it bothered her. "I am not troubled," she replied, though her voice faltered slightly.
Her sister raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Brooding, then. That's far more fitting."
Ana's lips tightened, but she didn't respond.
The moment was interrupted by a soft knock at the door.
The servant stepped into the room, glancing at Ana before addressing her father. "My lord, Lord Falkner is here."
Ana froze. Caden. Her stomach churned at the thought of him—she hadn't expected him to arrive today.
Her sister's eyes sparkled with mischief. "How fortunate. It seems your fiancé is eager to see you."
Ana didn't move, trying to mask her nerves. Why is he here now?
And then he appeared in the doorway.
Caden Aurelius Voltaire-Falkner.
He stepped into the room with a presence that filled every corner. Tall and imposing, he wore a dark coat with a trim so precise, it looked as though it had been carved for him. His eyes—cold and calculating—swept the room before landing on Ana. The faintest trace of a smile tugged at the corner of his lips, but it held no warmth.
Her father hurried forward, overly eager. "Lord Falkner, how delightful to see you! We had not expected you so soon, but please, do make yourself at home."
Caden nodded once, acknowledging her father with a brief glance, then his attention returned to Ana. "I do not require an invitation to call upon you, my lady."
Ana's pulse quickened at his words, the coolness of his tone sending a shiver down her spine. Why is he here?
Her sister, ever the instigator, leaned forward with a teasing grin. "Ana, it seems your beloved fiancé couldn't wait to see you."
Ana's brow furrowed slightly, but before she could respond, Caden spoke again.
"I trust you are well?" His tone was smooth, almost casual, but there was something unnervingly controlled in it—like a predator checking if its prey was still unaware.
Her father interjected with enthusiasm. "Lord Falkner has come to discuss the wedding arrangements. It seems our plans have moved ahead faster than we had expected."
Caden's eyes flickered toward her father, but it was Ana who held his attention. "Indeed. It is necessary to ensure everything proceeds without delay."
Ana remained silent, her gaze steady. The air between them felt thick with an unspoken understanding. This visit was about more than just wedding plans. She could feel it.
Caden took a step closer, his movements measured, deliberate. The room felt smaller, colder, as if he had brought the chill of winter with him.
"Your father seems eager to finalize matters," Caden said, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "However, I suspect you are not as eager."
Ana held his gaze, her posture unyielding. "I do not recall being consulted about the arrangements."
His lips twitched, a cold smile playing at the edges. "Consultation is a luxury we are not afforded, my lady."
Her father eagerly stepped in to smooth over any tension. "But of course, Lord Falkner! It is all for the best, my dear. The wedding will be nothing short of grand."
Ana stood her ground, her mind racing. This isn't just about the wedding. What is he really here for?
Caden's eyes lingered on her for a moment longer, as though sizing her up, before he turned toward her father. "I shall return soon. We will ensure the final details are addressed."
As he turned to leave, Ana couldn't shake the feeling that the encounter had only just begun. There was something in his gaze that spoke of far darker intentions, something that stretched beyond the boundaries of their engagement.