Chapter 3 The Mask of Jealousy

I sat in the meeting hall, the grandeur of the room only amplifying the tension in my chest. The chandeliers above, with their intricate crystal designs, reflected the flickering candlelight, casting a warm yet suffocating glow. I watched as Vasile discussed his marriage plans with our parents, his voice brimming with excitement and confidence.

"Do you think she will support?" our father asked, his tone filled with cautious optimism.

"Of course, she already gave her go ahead," Vasile responded, his eyes gleaming with joy. It was a rare sight, seeing him this elated. Normally so composed and stoic, Vasile now looked almost boyish in his happiness. For any other occasion, I would have shared in his joy, but not this time. The fact that I also desired Eve gnawed at my insides, turning his happiness into a bitter pill I was forced to swallow.

As our parents left the meeting hall, their expressions a mix of relief and pride, Vasile turned to me. His eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and anticipation, and I had to force a smile to mask the storm brewing within me.

"Diego, can you believe it?" Vasile began, his voice barely able to contain his joy. "Eve has agreed to marry me! I still can't quite wrap my head around it."

I nodded, my face a mask of brotherly support. "It's wonderful news, Vasile. Truly, I'm happy for you."

He walked over to me, his steps quick and purposeful. "I have so many plans, Diego. So many things I want to share with her. Eve is special, you know? There's a fire in her, a spirit that's rare."

I forced another smile, though it felt like my face might crack under the strain. "Yes, she is quite unique."

Vasile's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze turning thoughtful. "I've noticed you watching her too, Diego. What do you think of her?"

For a moment, my carefully constructed facade almost slipped. How much had he seen? Did he know about the nights I spent watching Eve from the shadows, my heart aching with a mix of desire and frustration? But I couldn't let him see that. Not now.

"She's... intriguing," I said carefully, choosing my words with precision. "But what matters is what you think of her, Vasile. She's your future wife, after all."

Vasile smiled, his joy undiminished. "I think she's incredible. Every time I speak with her, I see something new, something fascinating. She's not just beautiful, Diego. She's intelligent, strong, and she has this... purity about her."

Purity. The word stung, reminding me of the dark, possessive thoughts I harbored. "She does seem to have a certain... innocence," I agreed, my voice betraying none of my inner turmoil.

Vasile sat down beside me, his expression turning serious. "I want to protect that, Diego. I want to ensure that she remains untainted by the darkness of our world. That's why I proposed to her. I want her to feel safe and free."

"Safe and free," I repeated, my mind drifting back to the night I first spoke to Eve. Her vulnerability, her strength-they had captivated me. But now, hearing Vasile's noble intentions, I felt a pang of guilt. My desires seemed selfish in comparison.

"I know you've always had my back, Diego," Vasile continued, his voice softening. "And I need your support now more than ever. This marriage isn't just about me or Eve. It's about our family, our legacy. Can I count on you?"

His words were a knife to my heart. How could I support him in this when every fiber of my being screamed for Eve? But I nodded, the mask of brotherly duty firmly in place. "Of course, Vasile. You can always count on me."

He clapped me on the shoulder, his smile widening. "Thank you, brother. I knew I could rely on you."

As he began to talk about his plans for the future-trips he wanted to take with Eve, projects they could work on together-I found it increasingly difficult to maintain my composure. Each word, each expression of his joy, was a reminder of what I was being asked to sacrifice.

Vasile's voice was filled with excitement as he described the estate he wanted to build for Eve. "A place where she can be herself, where she can explore and learn without any restrictions. I've already started drawing up the plans. It will be a sanctuary for her."

I nodded along, trying to focus on his words rather than the jealousy that threatened to consume me. "It sounds like a wonderful place. Eve will love it."

"I hope so," Vasile said, his voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "I want her to be happy, Diego. Truly happy. And I believe that with her by my side, I can make that happen."

" you love her?" I ask

" love is a huge word " vasile smile " I wish to own her, not just that but seeing her happy that I am her master, she is human after all" I nod, of course, I know the kind of

As Vasile continued to talk, I found myself retreating into my thoughts. Memories of Eve danced in my mind: the way she moved at the ball, the sound of her voice, the touch of her hand. I had watched her for years, my feelings growing stronger with each passing day. And now, all of that was being taken away from me.

"Diego, are you alright?" Vasile's voice broke through my reverie, pulling me back to the present.

I forced a smile, hoping it didn't look as hollow as it felt. "Yes, I'm fine. Just... thinking."

Vasile nodded, his expression understanding. "I know this is a lot to take in. But I'm glad you're here with me, Diego. I couldn't do this without you."

After a few more minutes of discussing his plans, Vasile stood up. "I should go. There's still so much to do before the wedding. Thank you for listening, Diego. It means a lot."

I nodded, my smile still in place. "Anytime, Vasile. You know I'm always here for you."

As he left the meeting hall, I felt a weight settle on my chest. Supporting Vasile in his pursuit of happiness with Eve was going to be one of the hardest things I'd ever done. But I had no choice. For now, I had to keep my feelings hidden, to bury them deep inside and hope that one day, they wouldn't consume me entirely.

This obsession.

As the days turned into weeks, the preparations for the wedding continued in earnest. Vasile was often busy, but he made time to share his plans and ideas with me, his excitement undiminished. Each conversation felt like a dagger to my soul, but I kept my mask firmly in place, pretending to share in his joy.

I stepped out of the bathroom, the steam curling around me like the tendrils of a ghostly embrace. The cool air of my bedroom was a welcome contrast to the humid warmth, and I shut the door behind me, relishing the quiet. My cellphone lay on the nightstand, a silent testament to my isolation. I still wondered why I owned this object-no one dared to call me or check up on me. It was a symbol of a freedom I didn't truly possess.

I put on my nightwear, a soft, silken gown that clung to my frame with gentle familiarity. Moving to my dressing chair, I picked up my brush and began to work through the knots in my long, white hair. My gaze never left my reflection. The girl staring back at me was a stranger in many ways-innocent, yet burdened with the weight of expectations and dreams that seemed forever out of reach.

Marriage. The word echoed in my mind, a concept that seemed both foreign and inevitable. I never thought I would get into it so fast. But is this truly the only way for me to be free? Must I take this risk?

"Marriage?" a voice startled me, breaking my reverie. I turned to see Diego leaning against the wall next to my window, his red eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat. When did he get here? How had I not noticed his presence?

"Do you really fancy Vasile?" he asked, his voice low and edged with something I couldn't quite identify.

"How did you-?" I began, my mind racing to catch up with the sudden intrusion.

"How did I know?" he finished for me, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "I have my ways, little Eve. I hear things."

I stood up, the brush still clutched in my hand like a lifeline. "You shouldn't be here, Diego. It's late."

He shrugged, pushing away from the wall and taking a step closer. "I couldn't sleep. Too much on my mind."

I watched him warily, my heart pounding. There was something different about him tonight, a darkness in his eyes that set me on edge. "What do you want, Diego?"

He took another step, his gaze never leaving mine. "I want to know if you really want to marry lord vasile."

I swallowed, trying to steady my nerves. Why do he affect me this way"Vasile has been kind to me. He promises me freedom, a chance to live my life on my own terms."

"And you believe him?" Diego's voice was sharp, almost accusatory. "You think marrying him will set you free?"

I frowned, unsure of where this was coming from. "What are you saying, Diego?"

He closed the distance between us in a few swift strides, his presence overwhelming. "I'm saying that Vasile isn't the only one who can offer you freedom, Eve. There are other ways."

"Other ways?" I echoed, confusion mingling with the growing sense of unease. "Like what?"

Diego's hand reached out to brush a strand of hair from my face, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. "Like not rushing into a marriage with someone you barely know. Like taking the time to figure out what you really want."

I stepped back, the brush slipping from my fingers and clattering to the floor. "Why do you care, Diego? Why does it matter to you what I do?" I frown " you have no business in this, I don't even know you, this is like the second time am even talking to you!" I yell.

His eyes darkened, the mask of calm slipping to reveal a flash of something raw and unguarded. "Because you belong to me, you don't even realize it."

I stared at him, the truth of his words hitting me like a physical blow. "You're jealous," I said, the realization dawning on me.

Diego's jaw tightened, his expression hardening. "Jealous? Maybe. Or maybe I just don't want to see you make a mistake you'll regret for the rest of your life."

The intensity of his gaze made it hard to breathe. "You don't think Vasile is right for me?"

"I don't think anyone is right for you if it means you're being forced into something you're not ready for," he replied, his voice low and urgent. "Eve, you deserve to make your own choices, not have them made for you."

I turned away, my mind a whirl of conflicting emotions. "And what if I choose Vasile? What if I think he can give me the life I want?"

"i will never accept it!" Diego said, though the seriousness in his voice, unmistakable.

I faced him again, the weight of his words settling heavily on my shoulders. "What do you really want from me, Diego?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair in a gesture of frustration. "I want you to be happy, Eve. Truly happy. Not just settled for something because it seems like the only way out."

"And you think marrying Vasile is settling?" I challenged, feeling a spark of defiance. " what do you want? I should marry you? I don't even know you!!!"

" you don't know vasile either!!!"

The raw honesty in his words left me speechless. I had always sensed something between us, a connection that went beyond mere acquaintance. But hearing him voice it so openly was both terrifying and exhilarating.

"I don't know what to say," I whispered, my emotions a tangled mess.

Diego took a step back, his expression softening. "You don't have to say anything, Eve. Just... think about what you really want. Don't let anyone, not even Vasile, make that decision for you."

I nodded, the weight of his words pressing down on me. "I will."

He gave me a small, sad smile. "Goodnight, Eve."

"Goodnight, Diego," I replied, watching as he turned and left the room, through the window.

I frown, these two men, I know nothing of them, I have no idea why suddenly my life is becoming unstable, why will I reject vesile offer, he seemed more honest compare to Diego

Diego never even mentioned marrying me, I shouldn't get ahead of myself.

Alone again, I sank onto the edge of my bed, my mind racing. Diego's words echoed in my ears, a stark contrast to the promises Vasile had made. Could I really trust either of them? Was marriage truly the only way for me to gain my freedom?

I picked up my cellphone, the object feeling heavier than ever in my hand. I scrolled through the contacts-names of people who were more acquaintances than friends. No one I could truly confide in. No one who would understand the turmoil I was feeling.

The night stretched on, the silence oppressive. I couldn't shake the image of Diego's face, the pain and jealousy that had been so evident. Was he right? Was I making a mistake by rushing into a marriage with Vasile?

My thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. My heart leaped into my throat. Who could it be at this hour? I stood up, hesitant, and made my way to the door