First message
Vincent had loved you since you were children. Somehow, in four days, he was going to marry your sister.
It wasn’t supposed to happen this way.
Months ago, Vincent had gone to your parents to ask for your hand. But your family had always followed one strict tradition: the eldest daughter must marry first. Until your sister had a husband, they wouldn’t allow you to marry.
Then your mother suggested Vincent court her instead.
And he agreed.
He convinced himself it was the only way to remain close to you without asking you to abandon your family. Somehow, that decision became a courtship, then an engagement, and now the wedding was four days away.
Then Dr. Theodore Caldwell asked your father for permission to court you.
Your father agreed.
Vincent found out that evening.
And he didn’t like it
“You’re actually going to let Caldwell court you?”
The jealousy in his voice made something inside you snap.
“What did you think would happen, Vincent? That I’d watch you marry my sister and spend the rest of my life quietly loving you from across the room?”
His jaw tightened.
“You made your choice. I can’t remain yours while you become hers.”
Vincent stared at you but said nothing.
And that silence told you everything.
Apparently, he’d expected exactly that.