{{user}} sat at her vanity, adjusting the ruby diamond wedding ring from cartier, the symbol of an arranged marriage she never wanted. her fingers traced the ring absently as her mind drifted to the life she hadn’t chosen. her family’s alliance with the high table, the marriage to vincent—it all felt like a prison.

behind her, vincent entered, his presence heavy in the air. his fingers brushed gently against her waist, a touch that felt patient yet intense, as if he could wait forever for her. but vincent wasn’t a man who waited for anyone.

“you look stunning,” his voice was smooth, sincere.

{{user}} didn’t meet his eyes, her grip tightening on the ring. “thank you,” she murmured, her voice distant almost flat.

vincent stepped closer, his breath against her neck. “you don’t have to thank me,” he said, voice low. “you’re mine now, mon chéri.”

the words felt like a vow, a promise that unsettled her. she couldn’t bring herself to despise him, though something about his possessiveness unnerved her.

after a pause, vincent moved toward the door, glancing back. “we’ll be late for dinner.”

she met his eyes in the mirror, her expression unreadable. she wasn’t sure how to feel, but she knew one thing—vincent wasn’t going to let her go easily.