Vivienne stood in front of the mirror in the small dressing chamber , her breath shallow as her fingers smoothed down the soft fabric of the pastel blue gown she had been given . The gown flowed like a stream of dawn light - simple , delicate, and entirely unlike anything ade'd worn before . She wasn't nused to silk or lace . Her fingers were more familiar with cleaning cloths than jewels . But tonight, none of that seemed to matter.
The knock on her door came like a heartbeat. She turned o find it was Mrs . Blackwood herself, eyes shining with pride and affection.
" You look beautiful, my dear," she said warmly , stepping inside and placing a hand gently on Viviennes cheek. " Are you ready?"
Vivienne managed a nod . In truth , her heart felt like it might burst . This wasn't supposed to happen . She was a maid . A girl from servants quarters . Yet here she was about to be engaged to Soren Blackwood.
The garden outside had been transferred into a dream . Fairy lights twinkled in the trees, candle floated in the grand marble fountain, and hundreds of roses bloomed under the moonlight . The guests were already gathered important people , dressed in velvet and satin , their eyes scanning for the girl they'd never heard of.
Soren stood at the front , beneath the rose arch that had been freshly woven with pale white blooms . He wore a midnight - blue suit , tailoring to every line of his strong frame , but it was the expression in his eyes that caught her breath . He looked nervous. Vulnerable . As if this mattered to him just as much as it did to her .
As Vivienne walked down the aisle , led by Mrs , blackwood the music swelled gently . All eyes turned towards her . But she didn't see them only him.
When she reaches the srchway , Soren stepped forward and offered his hand . She took it . Warm , steady , grounding.
The officiant began speaking , his words a soft hum under the hush of the crowd.
" We are gathered here tonight to witness the engagement of Soren Alexander Blackwood and mis Vivienne Robert Langford."
Vivienne heard the names and nearly flinched . They didn't sound like they belonged together. But then she looked into Soren's eyes , and for just a moment, she forgot everything else.
As the time came for them to exchange rings , Soren turned to her , pulling a small box from his pocket. He opened it to reveal a simple but elegant silver ring with a small sapphire . No diamonds. Nothing flashy . Just something real.
It was my mother's , he said softly . She wanted this to go to someone who made me better . Someone who made this house a home.
Vivienne's fingers trembled as he slid it onto her hand . It fit perfectly.
Her own right for him was far simpler - a thin glod band Mrs. Blackwood had offered. Vivienne looked at him , her lips parting slightly . This is just a contract , she whispered, loud enough only for him to hear.
" I know ", he replied, voice low . 'But tonight , I want it to feel like more. For her ."
He gestured subtly to his mother in the front row . Mrs blackwood wiped at her eyes , beaming with joy.
With the final vows spoken and the rings exchanged , the officiant declared , " May this bond bring comfort , kindness, and strength. Let this engagement be a light in the days to come,"
The guests applauded , glasses were raised , and music filled the garden once more . But Vivienne didn't hear any of it . She was lost in the quiet of her thoughts , her hand still resting in Soren's.
Later that evening , while the celebration carried on , Soren led her away from the crowd to the rose gardens edge.
" You were perfect tonight," he said , standing beside her under the moonlight.
Vivienne turned to him . " I felt like I was playing a role."
Soren shook his head . " No one else could have done this . Not the way you did . My mother's never smiled like that . Not since my father died ."
There was a long pause between them.
"She really loves you , you know," he added .
" Like the daughter she never had".
Vivienne looked down at the ring again . " I hope i don't disappoint her."
" You won't."
"What about me ? " ..... You should not disappoint me either!
I know it's a contract but as we are going to get married .... So.... He said ...
Vivienne was dumbstruck.
Sorry, I was joking! I want do anything to you , unless if you let me do it . He said
He reached out slowly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear . She didn't flinch . She leaned into it .
And for a second , they forgot about the contract.
Forget about the guests.
Forgot about everything but the pull between them , quiet and magnetic.
" I won't let this hurt you," he said .
" I believe you," she said .
And just like that , the lines began to blue between what was real and what they pretended.