**Chapter 4** Married. Married. The word echoes like a haunting melody in my mind, a sinking weight settling in the pit of my stomach. The cacophony of voices blurs into nothingness as Damon approaches his grandfather, the patriarch of the Everette lineage. I brace myself for his usual scowl; after all, a man like Damon thrives on asserting his will. No one commands him. Yet, to my surprise, a broad smile stretches across his face as he takes the microphone in hand. “My grandfather has conferred upon me the distinct privilege of welcoming someone new into the Everette family,” he announces, his tone both smooth and commanding. “As you may have heard, I’ve been a bachelor for far too long. It is high time I settle down and establish a family of my own.” His gaze sweeps over the crowd in a deliberate gesture, as if he’s searching for a familiar face in the sea of admirers. I quickly stifle any flicker of hope that it could be me. Whatever spark ignited between us the other night was undoubtedly a mistake—an illusion brought on by the enchantment of the evening. He’s likely just as intense with everyone. “The future Mrs. Everette,” he continues, “will be no ordinary woman. She will embody courage and fierce determination, yet possess a heart that is kind and giving.” My breath hitches when his eyes find mine, and we lock in an electric gaze that sets my pulse racing. “She will walk with pride, fully aware that she has the unwavering support of the Everette family.” My heart pounds violently in my chest, and I feel constricted within the confines of my dress, struggling to catch my breath. A slender hand wraps around my wrist, and Mia’s worried voice breaks through the haze. “Are you okay?” “Yes, of course,” I reply, though my voice sounds weak, even to my own ears. She studies me with growing concern, clearly unconvinced. “Just a little too much champagne,” I add vaguely, shifting my gaze to the stage just in time to see the men disappear behind the curtain. The world around me feels as if it’s closing in, the edges of my vision blurring with a suffocating weight. I muster a faint smile for Mia and Piper, murmuring, “I’ll just step out to the ladies’ room. Be right back.” “We can go with you,” Mia offers, but her attention has already drifted to the approach of Alex, River, and Lucas. Seizing this moment of distraction, I slip away, yearning for a breath of fresh air. I navigate down a long hallway, only to find a daunting crowd of women awaiting their turn in the restroom. Typical. Even in a lavish venue like this, there’s never enough provision for women’s needs. I spy the glowing exit sign at the end of the corridor and make a swift decision to escape. I need solitude to breathe—to find refuge from the overwhelming crush of society. As I step outside, the cool night air envelops me, instantly calming my nerves. I inhale deeply, allowing the crisp breeze to wash over my heated skin. A familiar sweet scent wafts through the air, drawing my gaze to a figure emerging from the shadows like some dark specter. He stands there, half-hidden, the glowing tip of his cigar illuminating his sharp features. The sight is both intimidating and alluring. “Are you following me, Miss Hart?” Damon’s deep rasp carries through the night, sending shivers racing down my spine. My voice barely escapes as I retort, “Hardly.” A slight ease washes over me when he leans against the wall opposite, taking a leisurely drag from the cigar, his penetrating gaze never wavering. The way his eyes trace over me makes my skin prickle with electricity. “Torture,” he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper. “What?” I find myself responding, caught off guard. He tilts his head, drawing nearer. “What are you doing back here?” “Same thing you are,” I counter defiantly, though beneath that bravado, I feel a reckless thrill at his presence. He exhales, clouds of smoke swirling around him like a phantom. “I needed air. Had to escape a perfect distraction.” “And shouldn’t you be inside, searching for your future wife? Isn’t that the purpose of this gathering?” My words come out sharper than I intend, laced with an edge that betrays my agitation. He regards me with a playful smile, tracing his tongue along his top teeth before taking another drag from his cigar. “Who do you think I should marry?” I shrug, playing nonchalant. “I’m sure you could pick anyone you want.” “What if I don’t want them?” he challenges, stepping closer, and my heart races at the intensity of his approach. “From what I hear, you don’t really have a choice,” I reply, attempting to project confidence while my pulse quickens beneath his scrutiny. Damon seems to ponder my words, and then, with a predatory grace, he pushes off the wall and closes the gap between us. My chest tightens, caught in the thrill of his presence. “What if I’ve already made my choice?” His words twist my insides, and I fight to keep my reaction hidden. I shouldn’t care. But instead of responding, I glance at the cigar in his hand. “You know those are bad for you,” I remark, my voice slightly breathless. A wicked smile unfurls on his lips, showcasing straight, white teeth that glimmer like a warning. He takes another drag, leaning closer until his lips hover just inches from mine. I gasp, his exhale mingling with my breath, filling my lungs with the rich tobacco smoke. It burns as it slides down my throat, provoking an involuntary cough, but within moments, it clouds my senses, spinning the world around us into a lazy tranquility. With each shared breath, he entrances me, and just as suddenly, he pulls back, his gaze dropping to the neckline of my dress as his finger glides along its edge. “Absolute torture,” he murmurs, his gray eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that sends tremors coursing through me. “It’s time for you to go inside,” he states with a tone that leaves no room for argument. “What if I don’t want to go inside?” The small whine slips from my lips despite my best efforts to sound firm. A chilling smile plays on his lips, teasing and unnerving all at once. “It’s not safe out here. You never know who you’ll meet.”