The Beginning of Always
The sun painted golden streaks across the morning sky as Evelyn sat on the balcony, her fingers gently tracing the ring on her finger.
It still felt surreal.
She was engaged.
With Theo Bennett.
The man who once hated romance.
The man who swore he would never love.
The man who now looked at her like she was his entire universe.
A warm hand suddenly wrapped around her waist, pulling her back against a firm chest.
She gasped.
"Theo—"
His voice was husky with sleep.
"Still trying to run, Carter?"
Evelyn rolled her eyes but leaned into him, letting his warmth seep into her.
"If I wanted to run, I wouldn't have said yes."
Theo chuckled, pressing a soft kiss to her hair.
"I would've hunted you down."
She turned slightly, arching a brow.
"Hunted me down?"
Theo smirked, eyes dark and playful.
"You think I'd let my fiancée escape after making me fall this hard?"
Her breath caught.
There it was.
That intensity.
That look that told her she wasn't just someone he loved—
She was his.
Evelyn swallowed hard, placing her hand on his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
"You never let me go, Theo." She smiled softly. "Even when I tried to push you away."
Theo's jaw clenched, his grip tightening around her.
"Because I knew." His voice was low. "I knew you were it for me."
She bit her lip, heart swelling.
They stayed like that, wrapped in each other, watching the city awaken.
Until Theo suddenly pulled away.
Evelyn blinked.
"What?"
His lips curled into a smirk.
"We're getting married."
A blush crept up her cheeks.
"Yes, I know—"
"No." Theo stepped closer, trapping her against the balcony railing. "We're getting married today."
Her eyes widened.
"What?! Theo, we haven't even—"
"I don't care." His hands cupped her face, tilting it up so she could see the absolute determination in his gaze. "I've already waited too long for you."
Her lips parted in shock.
Theo smirked.
"You think I'm letting you change your mind?"
Evelyn gasped.
"You think I would?!"
Theo's expression softened.
"No," he murmured. "But I'm not taking any chances."
Her heart melted.
She shook her head, laughing.
"You're crazy."
"For you?" Theo leaned in, brushing his nose against hers. "Always."
(Time skip)
The Wedding
The chapel was small.
Nothing extravagant. Nothing grand.
Just them.
Kade stood beside Theo, arms crossed, a rare smile tugging at his lips.
Nina Evelyn's agent
Nina wiped her tears for the tenth time.
And Evelyn?
She was standing at the entrance, staring at the man waiting for her at the altar.
Theo.
In a black suit, his hair slightly tousled, his eyes only on her.
As if nothing else in the world mattered.
Her hands trembled as she took her first step.
Theo's lips parted slightly, his Adam's apple bobbing as he took her in.
The love. The devotion.
It was all there.
Waiting for her.
And suddenly—
Her fears vanished.
Because this man?
He was home...
Theo reached for her the second she got close, his grip almost desperate.
Like he needed to feel her.
Like he needed to know this was real.
She smiled up at him, whispering—
"I'm here."
Theo exhaled, brushing his thumb over her knuckles.
And then—
The vows.
Simple. Raw. Unbreakable.
When it was time, Theo slipped the ring onto her finger, voice thick with emotion.
"You're mine, Evelyn Carter." He swallowed hard. "And I'm yours. Always."
Evelyn barely held back her tears as she slid the ring onto his hand.
"Always."
And then—
"You may kiss the bride."
Theo cupped her face and gave her a soft forehead kiss.
Just them
Breathing. Holding. Loving.
The moment stretched endlessly—
Until Theo whispered against her hair—
"Mrs. Bennett."
Evelyn laughed, leaning into him.
Finally, finally—
She was home.
---
End of Chapter 70