[The Park]
The sun had dipped low enough that the sky was painted in soft shades of apricot and rose. The lake near the park shimmered quietly, reflecting the fading light like scattered gold.
Evelyn stood near the railing with her arms wrapped around herself, pacing anxiously as she waited.
Her heart hammered when she finally saw him.
Alexander walked toward her in long, steady strides. His eyes softened the moment they met hers.
He had left a meeting midway the second he received her text saying 'We need to talk'.
He slowed in front of her. "Evelyn? What happened?"
She took a shaky breath. "My father gave me an ultimatum."
Alexander's shoulders tensed immediately but his voice stayed gentle.
"What ultimatum?" he asked.
She swallowed and hesitated before answering. "He wants me to choose between marrying you or someone else."
Alexander didn't move, he did not even blink.
She waited for shock, anger or maybe confusion but instead, he simply exhaled, slowly and deeply.
