Chapter 18

Promises of "always" were something Emelie had heard too many times. None had been kept—not by Anthony, Marcelo, or Connor, and not by her, either. All she could do was cherish the present moments with Tyler and love him with all her heart.

Perhaps sensing her worry, Tyler gently took her hand and placed it over his chest. "Don't worry," he said. "The Vaughn family is extremely strict. If I ever had a change of heart, the elders would deal with me before you even found out. They despise indecisiveness. Unless a partner does something truly egregious, they never waver in their commitments."

His voice resonated in his chest, his strong heartbeat a testament to his sincerity. Emelie froze, startled by such old-fashioned discipline in this day and age. Her mind drifted back to their rushed, improbable beginning. She had waited at city hall from dusk till dawn, and then from morning until nearly sunset. Her 22nd birthday, hoped for as memorable, ended in lonely disappointment. Marriage had been a decision born of frustration and impulse.

But it was Tyler who had approached her, draping his coat over her shoulders. His usually calm demeanor held a faint nervousness, yet his voice remained composed. "I've been watching you for a long time," he'd said. "May I ask if you are in a hurry to get married? If so, would you consider me?"

His striking features illuminated the gray haze of her world. She didn't know where she found the courage, but she nodded. "Yes, let's get married." Impulsively, she took his hand and walked into city hall, securing their marriage certificate just before the staff clocked out. That day felt like a fleeting dream; even now, Emelie struggled to believe it had happened.

"Tyler," she murmured, lost in thought, "if it hadn't been me that day, would you have just picked someone else?"

"Never," he replied instantly, his eyes filled with affection. "I told you that day. I'd been watching you for a long time. I was waiting for you to choose me."

Emelie froze, momentarily forgetting her next words. Only their breaths and heartbeats filled the silence. The world seemed to fade away. Tyler waited patiently, gently observing her reaction.

After a long pause, she found her voice. "But… you know I only chose you because I didn't have another option that day."

"It doesn't matter," Tyler replied gently. "All that matters is that you chose me in the end." He held her close, feeling her warmth and the steady beat of her heart. Her presence was enough for him. What she couldn't see was the obsessive satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. Fortunately, he had her now.

Emelie didn't believe in love at first sight, nor did she think Tyler capable of such impulsive affection. "Tyler," she pressed, "why were you waiting for me to choose you? Was it love at first sight? I don't believe it."

Tyler sighed softly, releasing her embrace. Without a word, he carried her into the study and pressed a hidden button, revealing a concealed room. Inside, dozens of photos of Emelie adorned the walls—candid shots seemingly taken by chance: on street corners, under tree-lined paths, at award ceremonies, and countless other places.