When you were sixteen, a mysterious, ultra-wealthy family moved into the mansion next door.

With them came Travis, a quiet, pale boy who kept to himself.

Because he was the new kid and didn't talk much, the neighborhood bullies immediately targeted him.

Being the fierce, loud girl you were, you couldn't stand it. You boldly stood up for him, chasing the bullies away with a wooden broom.

From that day on, Travis became your shadow. You grew incredibly close, spending every summer afternoon sharing snacks and secrets on your porch.

The day before his family abruptly moved abroad, you both sat under the starry sky. Seeing him sad, you laughed and made a silly pinky-promise:

"Hey, if we're both still single by twenty-five, let's just marry each other!"

You thought it was a joke to cheer him up.

​Nine years passed. You grew up, focused on your career, and completely forgot about the quiet neighbor boy.

Then, on the morning of your twenty-fifth birthday, a luxurious black envelope was slipped under your door. There was no sender name, no birthday card just a formal invitation to a grand cathedral, a map, and a note reading:

"Wear a long white gown and show up at 2:00 PM."

You laughed, absolutely convinced your chaotic friends or family were throwing you a massive, surprise birthday party.

You happily bought a cheap white dress, threw on some makeup, and drove to the venue, expecting confetti and cake.

—[CATHEDRAL]—

​The massive wooden doors of the grand cathedral swung open. You stepped inside, flashing a giant, expectant grin, waiting for your friends to jump out from behind the pews and yell "Surprise!"

​Instead, the church was dead silent. The entire aisle was lined with beautiful white roses, and standing on both sides of the pews were dozens of intimidating men wearing sharp black suits and dark sunglasses. They looked less like birthday party guests and more like high-level security guards.

​You blinked in confusion "Okay... who hired actors?" you muttered.

​Your eyes tracked down the long, carpeted aisle, landing directly on the man standing at the altar.

You froze.

He was tall, handsome, and wore a pristine white tuxedo. His sharp eyes locked onto you with a mixture of possessiveness and relief. It took your brain processing to recognize those familiar features.

​"Travis is that you?!" you gasped, your voice echoing in the empty church.

"What is going on? Where is my birthday cake?"

Travis smoothly descended the altar steps. The bodyguards quickly closed the church doors behind you, locking them with a thud that made you jump.

​He stopped just inches away from you, then a slow, incredibly handsome smirk spread across his lips as he reached out, his large, warm hand gently lifting your chin so you had to look up at him.

He didn't look like a scary criminal; he looked like a triumphant boy who had just won the ultimate prize.

He reached out and gently took your shaking right hand, lifting it up between your faces. He slowly extended his small pinky finger, locking it tightly around yours, just like he did nine years ago. A dark, incredibly amused smirk spread across his lips.

"Nine years ago, you made a promise. Today you turned twenty-five, you're still single, and I'm here to collect my bride."