jared

I stood before the mirror, adjusting my collar and running a hand through my hair, trying to look my best. But the reflection staring back at me felt uncertain, a labyrinth of thoughts swirling in my mind. Lately, I couldn't shake off the image of the redhead—the intensity of her lips, the depth of her eyes—intriguing yet forbidden.

Just then, my phone buzzed, a vibration that sent a jolt of anxiety through me. My heart raced as I read the message—a wave of anger washed over me, and I nearly crushed the device in frustration. After a moment of gathering my thoughts, I tapped out a response: "Help him out," and hit send.

I stepped outside and dialed Damon's number, urgency lacing my tone. "Hey, we need to talk—it's an emergency. Your parents should be here too." I scanned the surroundings, relieved to see that Elara was nowhere in sight.

"Dad? Mum?" I called as I entered the room. "We've got a serious issue."

They exchanged worried glances, confusion etching their features.

"Just wait until Damon and his parents arrive," I assured them. My mother offered a reassuring smile to a distant figure, attempting to maintain an air of normalcy despite the brewing storm.

When Damon and his parents finally arrived, we quickly retreated into the dressing room. The atmosphere grew heavy as I revealed the sinister message that had been sent to me. The room fell silent as they laid eyes upon the horrific images: my man's wife and daughter brutally murdered. I couldn't bear to see the grim reality reflected in their faces, and then I showed them the next set of photos—ten snapshots of me with Elara, and ten more of her alone. It was crystal clear; someone had been lurking in the shadows, watching her for far too long. And it wasn't just any random assailant—it was the Silent Orders, the same group who had audaciously contacted me.

"How dare he!" My father's voice erupted, his anger palpable as he stood up, fists clenched.

Elara's parents, however, remained unsettlingly calm, their expressions unreadable.

"So what do we do now?" my mother asked, concern tightening her feature.

"We have to call off the engagement; it's the only way to ensure Elara's safety," Damon stated harshly, his voice clear and resolute. "Besides, that reckless boy only targets family and loved ones. He revels in shattering lives by extinguishing those closest to them. If you cut off your engagement with Elara, everything will be fine."

A heavy silence enveloped the room, punctuated only by the muted rustle of fabric as everyone absorbed his words.

"We can't just call it off," Elara's mother interjected, her tone tinged with urgency. "We've invited so many families from distant corners, and everyone is here; we must find another solution."

A glimmer of determination sparked in her eyes. "I know what to do. Let's announce that we'll be choosing Elara's suitor tonight. After all, Mr. George and his son are present. He would be a perfect match for Elara, and I'm certain Mr. George will be thrilled!"

I furrowed my brow at her suggestion, a sense of alarm rising within me. Just as I opened my mouth to protest, Elara's distress silenced me.

"How could you say that, Mum? Elara doesn't even know Mr. George or his son! Just imagining her shock at meeting someone new instead of Jared... It's unthinkable!"

"That's enough from you, Damon!" Elara's father commanded, his voice reverberating with authority. "We'll proceed with your mother's plan."

With that, Damon stormed out, his anger palpable in the air.

As the doors swung shut behind him, I let out a long, heavy sigh. It hadn't ended well, but a flicker of relief coursed through me at the idea of no longer being tied to Elara. I realized now that I had never truly loved her; our engagement had been more of a pact between our families. Elara herself was lovely, and I had hoped we might cultivate a connection over time, but deep down, I understood that I was merely fulfilling my parents' wishes.

As the room began to clear, people trickled out to converse with Mr. George, leaving behind the echo of hushed voices and the lingering tension. I leaned back in my chair, feeling the weight of unspoken thoughts pressing against my chest. I needed to navigate the silent orders that loomed ahead.,