Chapter 2 Chapitre 2

The cold wind swept through the gardens of the Solhart mansion, but inside, Lyana faced a storm of a different kind. Standing in the large living room, surrounded by the inquisitive looks of her parents, she felt the pressure building. Her mother, still impeccable in her cream suit, stared at her with a hard glint in her eyes, while her father crossed his arms, a look of disdain on his face.

" SO  ? » he said sharply. "Have you thought about our proposal, or should I remind you what's at stake?" »

Lyana took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "This is not a proposal. It is a condemnation. You are asking me to sacrifice my life for your failures. »

His mother let out an exasperated sigh. "Stop being a martyr, Lyana . You have never been a priority in this family. If we give you this chance, it is an opportunity that you should take with gratitude. »

" Opportunity  ? You use me, as always. » Lyana clenched her fists. "Why not marry Leonie to dear Draven ? She is your pride, after all. »

Her mother's face hardens at the mention of her older sister, perfect in every way according to family standards. "Leonie is already promised to someone much more important. We don't have the luxury of choosing for you. Draven Blackthorn wants you. Accept this, or else..."

An icy silence settled over. Lyana crossed her arms, challenging her father with a look. "Or what? Will you throw me out? Disinherit me? Perfect, do it. I prefer that to selling my soul. »

His father gave a cruel smile. "You think it's that simple? If you refuse, Lyana , you condemn more than this family. You condemn those you claim to love. »

These words were a blow to the heart. She knew what he was talking about. Her aunt Isabelle, a gentle and loving woman, had been financially dependent on the Solhart family since she lost her husband. His cousins, still young, had no one else to watch over them.

"You wouldn't dare..." she whispered, but she read in their looks that they would.

His mother approached, placing an icy hand on his arm. "Believe me, Lyana , we have no other choice. Do what is expected of you, and everything will be fine. Draven is a powerful man. If you play your cards correctly, you might even come out on top. »

With a lump in her throat, Lyana looked down. She now understood that she was trapped. His fight was lost in advance.

---

A few days later, the engagement evening was organized in a large hotel in the city. The reception room shone brightly, adorned with sparkling chandeliers and elegant decorations. The hand-picked guests wandered around in luxurious outfits, exchanging hypocritical smiles and empty compliments.

Lyana , dressed in a black dress that highlighted her graceful figure, stood near a table, a glass of champagne in her hand. She felt foreign to this world, lost in the midst of these faces who saw her only as a pawn in a game she did not yet understand.

Léonie, her older sister, approached with a smirk. Her tight red dress was the center of attention, and she seemed delighted with her own glow.

"So, little sister, do you feel ready to become Madam Blackthorn ? » she asked, her voice tinged with sarcasm.

Lyana suppressed an urge to respond sharply. "I don't really have a choice, do I? »

Léonie laughs softly. " It's true. But at least try not to embarrass the family tonight. You know how important this is to us. »

Lyana didn't answer, but the contempt she felt towards her sister grew with each word. Léonie walked away, leaving behind an intoxicating scent and a trail of arrogance.

Things got worse when their parents decided to give a speech. Her father, standing in front of the guests, described her as a "brave and promising" young woman, while her mother insisted on how "lucky" she was to marry such an exceptional man as Draven Blackthorn .

Every word sounded like a slap. Lyana felt the looks weighing on her, some full of pity, others of curiosity or even contempt.

A particularly mocking voice rose from the crowd. "She's really lucky, this little Solhart . Who would have thought a man like Draven would be interested in her? »

Lyana turned around and saw an elegant woman, her lips painted a bright red, whispering in her companion's ear. The latter burst out laughing, attracting the attention of a few guests.

Before she could respond or run away from this humiliation, a towering figure appeared beside her. Draven .

His arrival imposed an almost immediate silence. He wore a dark suit that seemed tailored to highlight his natural presence. His dark eyes scanned the crowd before settling on Lyana .

"I see that some here have difficulty understanding the intricacies of strategic alliances. » His voice was cold, each word carefully articulated. "But I assure you that, for me, Lyana Solhart represents much more than a simple arrangement. »

He held out his hand towards her, and despite her surprise, Lyana took it. His gesture seemed calculated, almost theatrical, but it worked. The whispers stopped, and eyes quickly turned away.

"Thank you for your support," she whispered when they were a little away from the onlookers.

Draven stared at her for a moment, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Don't thank me too quickly. It was not an act of kindness, but a necessity. »

She raised an eyebrow. "Necessity? To keep up appearances? »

He leaned towards her slightly, his warm breath brushing against her ear. "To protect what is mine, Lyana . And to remind everyone that no one disrespects the future Madam Blackthorn , regardless of their opinions. »

The tone of his voice made her shiver, but she couldn't tell if it was from annoyance or something else. Draven had a way of making every interaction unsettling, like he was playing a game whose rules she didn't yet know.

They didn't" spent the rest of the evening side by side, exchanging polite words with the guests. Lyana noticed that, despite his cold demeanor, Draven had a certain talent for manipulating conversations to his advantage. He gave answers that seemed mundane, but always left a lasting impression.

When they finally left the reception, Lyana felt a weight lift from her shoulders. But she knew it was only temporary. The real fight was only beginning, and Draven , with all his secrets and icy charisma, wasn't going to make things easy.