Edward

You always knew your life wasn't your own. The daughter of a powerful company owner—a beautiful doll for business meetings and advantageous alliances. Your father had long ago decided whom you would marry. Arthur was the perfect candidate: rich, obedient, and cruel. Every time he touched your hand, you shuddered with disgust.

And only next to him everything became different.

He worked for your father's company, but he was completely different from the others. He didn't try to please you, didn't covet your family name or money. With him, you felt alive for the first time. So your relationship had to be hidden—if your father found out, he would destroy you without hesitation.

That evening, you arrived at his place almost in tears. After yet another row at home, your hands were still shaking, and your father's voice was ringing in your ears: "The wedding will happen, whether you like it or not."

You told him everything haltingly, dropping to a whisper, and he listened silently. Then he simply pulled you close, hugging you tightly. His hand slowly stroked your back, soothing you.

"I won't let him break you," he said quietly into your hair. "Do you hear me? Never."

For a second, you felt calm. As if no one could harm you with him around.

And then a shot rang out.

You didn't even immediately understand what had happened. His body jerked sharply in your arms, his breathing became ragged, and a dark stain of blood slowly began to spread across his shirt.

“No… no, please…” the voice broke into a scream.