48 Chapter 1 (1/2)

Five days later

”My parents called last night.”

Maintaining her practice perfect smile, Evangeline watched the handsome man sitting opposite her with a raised brow.

”So you called me in the middle of the night to report that?” she said, amused with an 'I don't care' look plastered on her face.

Daniel sighed, brushing his hand through his hair before he continued.

”They . . . They found me . . . a fiancée . . .”

The spoon in Evangeline's hand, which was stirring her tea, paused briefly, though her eyes held no emotions while her face didn't give anything away.

”Congratulations!” She beamed somewhat sarcastically, continuing to stir her tea, ending the conversation before it even began.

They were currently in Snow Café, where she was waiting for Eric to finish his night shift when Daniel called, asking for her to meet him.

Looking at the uncaring woman sitting opposite him, Daniel didn't know how to proceed.

Frankly, when his parents called, he thought it was to remind him to go home for winter break. However, he was surprised—no! Shock to know that they called to tell him they had found him a fiancée. Just like that. Out of the blue!

From start to finish, after dropping that news, his soul seemed to have left him. He didn't even know what happened next nor how he ended the call and found himself lying on his bed. He appeared to be thinking, yet his mind was blank.

Eventually, his shock turned to disbelief. Then to unwillingness and finally to anger.

All his life, he always did what his family asked of him. He had been an obedient child. He did his best in his studies to make his parents proud. He was active in the various organizations to foster his leadership and social skills since it was his parents' desires. He managed and even expounded their influence and investments since that was what his parents expected of him.

Everything to pleased and met their expectations, he had done it without questions. Without reservations.

However, at this very moment, he reached his bottom-line.

Of course, he expected he would have an arranged marriage. But it should not happen until he reached the age of thirty. Or, if not, at least he hoped he had the right to choose who his bride to be among the list of candidates.

But no, his parents already took the liberty of choice from him without even asking for his opinion. Without his approval!

Am I just a puppet for them to control?

Due to his anger, clouds of dark smog covered his brain, and the overwhelming desire to rebel overflowed in his mind.

His parents apparently hastened the process of this fiancée selection when they got hold that he was dating a woman of common birth. Else, why the perfect timing? They never even mentioned the list of candidates to him before.

And now, he already has a fiancée?

A fiancée that was supposed to be seriously discussed not until he was thirty years old.

The royal family was alright with him dating women in the past as long as all those women could rival his status. After all, they weren't unreasonable to restrain him, a healthy young man, from dating for thirty years. Thus, his parents didn't mind when he hooked up with influential ladies of important birth. However, when he had gotten together with Sisley, he bet his parents went alarmed as to why he dated a commoner's daughter.

After another long moment, he was at a loss on what to do that he unknowingly called Evangeline.

Frankly, he had many female friends. But he thought Evangeline was the most suited to talk about his current predicament since the woman had a good grasp of things. And mostly because she was not affected by his charms unlike most, if not all, of his female friends who were secretly giving him the feeling that they were waiting for him to break up with Sisley so they could take her position.

Males were no good either. He could practically see the situation would only intensify. His male friends were hot-headed and impulsive. He knew that they would just give him half-hearted advice and urge for a drinking session instead.

And that was how this situation came to be.

Leaning against the backrest of the sofa, Daniel ma.s.saged his forehead. ”You know I'm going out with Sisley, right?”

Chuckling, Evangeline propped her chin against her palm, elbow resting on the table. ”And?”

Controlling his temper, Daniel answered in a soft yet forceful voice, ”And . . . I . . . I don't know what to do . . . ,” he said, followed by a helpless sigh.

Watching Daniel closing his eyes, appearing deep in trouble like he had lost his fortune or something, Evangeline took slight pity and said, ”I don't know what the problem is, Daniel. I'm sure you already know the answer yourself.”

”If I know, I wouldn't have called you for advice.”

”Surely you jest. From the start, you already expected this outcome.” Evangeline smirked and added, ”It's only a matter of time.”

Daniel scoffed. ”The problem is . . . I don't know how to break up with her without hurting her. I still . . . I still have feelings for her.”

Evangeline rolled her eyes in disdain. ”You have feelings, yes. But do you see her in your future, ruling your country with her by your side?”

”. . .”

When Daniel didn't answer, Evangeline continued, ”Why am I even speaking to you? A man who already knows he would end up with a fiancée, yet still hooked with a girl to have fun knowing full well that girl would end up brokenhearted. While you, on the other hand, would live happily ever after with your wealthy, beautiful fiancée.”

Daniel sighed in defeat as his face contorted in shame. ”Well, it sounded horrible if you put it that way.”

Evangeline smiled a smile that sent everyone running for the hills. ”Oh~ believe me, it's a lot worse.”

”I . . . I didn't mean it . . . It just . . . happened . . .” Daniel sighed once more.

Evangeline giggled in disdain. ”So tell me . . . did you courted me knowing full well that you'll break up with me sooner or later?”

Daniel couldn't react for a moment as he watched Evangeline's haughty face before he broke out — laughing.