---- He paused, his eyes searching mine. "Ts that okay, Evelyn?" The way he said my new name made my heart flutter. Not like he was calling a stranger, but like he was cherishing something precious. I stared into his eyes, seeing nothing but sincerity and hope. No games. No hidden agendas. Just pure, honest love. Slowly, I nodded, my face flushing red. "Yes," I whispered. "It's okay." Like scenes that had appeared in my dreams for years suddenly becoming reality. Sebastian stood frozen for a moment, as if he couldn't quite believe what he'd heard. He pinched his other hand hard, making sure he wasn't dreaming. When he finally reacted, his face lit up like the sun breaking through storm clouds. He excitedly lifted ---- me and spun me around, my feet leaving the ground. "You said yes," he laughed, his voice filled with wonder. ''You actually said yes." Though he was smiling, tears fell uncontrollably down his cheeks, his voice trembling with overwhelming emotion. "Evelyn, thank you for making me the happiest man in the world." I couldn't bear to see his overwhelming joy mixed with tears. It made me realize how much pain he'd carried all these years. "Don't get too excited yet," I said, trying to inject some reality into the moment. "My current identity doesn't allow me much autonomy. My future mate still needs my parents' approval." Sebastian chuckled softly, setting me down but keeping his arms around me. "We had an engagement arrangement before- they'll surely be delighted." ---- I placed my hand over his lips to stop him from saying more. "Don't joke about that. This is serious." Sebastian became serious, his expression growing tender and patient. "you're right. This is serious. The most serious thing in my life." He took my hands in his, his thumbs tracing small circles on my palms. "It's okay. I can wait. I've waited ten years-I can wait however long you need. We'll do this properly. We'll win your parents' approval. We'll build something real and lasting." The sincerity in his voice made my chest tight with emotion. Just then, the doorbell rang again. The sound cut through our intimate moment like a blade. Sebastian's expression immediately hardened. He knew-the instigator had arrived. ---- "They're here," he said grimly. "Who's here?" I asked, confused. "Whoever set up that attack at the party. They think they failed to hurt you, so now they want to ruin your reputation instead." My blood chilled. "What do we do?" Sebastian's eyes gleamed with calculated determination. "We turn their trap against them." He signaled for me to answer the door while he quickly moved to the bed, lying down with his back to the entrance. He messed up his hair and loosened his shirt. "Remember," he whispered. "Act embarrassed but not ashamed. You're engaged to me, after all." My heart pounded as I approached the door. I took a deep breath and opened it.