Chapter 4

The luxurious restaurant glittered with chandeliers and polished marble, a place where the elite dined with a blend of opulence and pretension. Camilla and Martin arrived promptly, their presence commanding attention even before they entered the private dining room. The Evergreen family had reserved the room for their meeting with Evelyn's parents, hoping the setting might soften the inevitable discussions.

Camilla, dressed in a navy blue dress that accentuated her commanding presence, glanced at Martin. "Remember, we're here to ensure Evelyn's future, regardless of how they try to push their agenda," she said, her voice low but firm.

Martin nodded, his expression one of resolute determination. "I understand. Let's handle this delicately but firmly."

When Evelyn's parents—Mr. and Mrs. Evergreen—arrived, they were dressed in their usual understated luxury. Mrs. Evergreen's fur coat, though clearly expensive, seemed draped in an air of disdain. Mr. Evergreen's tailored suit was immaculate, but his face carried a mask of indifference.

"Camilla, Martin," Mr. Evergreen greeted, his tone clipped. "Let's get down to business."

They took their seats at the grand table, a spread of gourmet dishes laid out before them, but none of the attendees had much of an appetite. Camilla wasted no time.

"We're here to discuss the upcoming marriage between Evelyn and your son, Earl," Camilla said, her eyes meeting Mr. Evergreen's with unwavering resolve. "We want to ensure that everything is in order and agreeable for both families."

Mrs. Evergreen's lips tightened. "We appreciate your urgency, Camilla, but we've been discussing a potential alternative."

Martin leaned forward, a hint of curiosity in his gaze. "Alternative?"

"Yes," Mrs. Evergreen began, her tone carefully neutral. "Given the situation, we've been considering Erin as a more suitable candidate for Earl."

The mention of Erin's name seemed to hang in the air like a threat. Camilla's jaw tightened. "I'm afraid that's not an option we're willing to entertain. Evelyn is to marry Earl, as previously agreed."

Mr. Evergreen's eyebrows arched slightly. "Evelyn is not our biological daughter, as you know. Erin, on the other hand, is the rightful heir. It seems... unjust for her to miss this opportunity."

Camilla's eyes narrowed. "With all due respect, Mr. Evergreen, Evelyn has been part of this arrangement from the beginning. Erin's situation does not change the commitment we've made."

Mrs. Evergreen's eyes flashed with frustration. "We can't help but feel this is an oversight, Camilla. Evelyn, though a part of your family, is not the true heir."

Martin cleared his throat, his voice steady. "We are committed to this marriage. We believe it will benefit both families. Any further discussion of alternatives is not welcome."

The atmosphere grew tense. Mr. Evergreen's face remained a mask of stoicism, but Camilla could see the reluctance in his eyes. The Evergreen family was known for their influential status, and they could not afford to offend the Silverwoods.

"Very well," Mr. Evergreen said with a forced smile. "Let's proceed with the arrangements. We shall make the necessary preparations."

The conversation shifted to the details of the wedding—the dates, the venues, and the required formalities. Camilla and Martin went through the list with meticulous precision, ensuring every detail was accounted for.

After the meeting, Camilla drove to Earl's house. The once charming residence now seemed cold and distant, reflecting Earl's own emotional state. She was greeted by a subdued atmosphere, with Earl himself appearing more like a mechanical figure than a son.

Earl sat in his study, surrounded by papers and reports. His face was pale, with dark circles under his eyes. Camilla knocked gently before entering.

"Earl, how are you?" she asked, her voice gentle but filled with concern.

Earl looked up, his expression devoid of warmth. "I'm busy, Mother. I have a lot to do."

Camilla nodded, noticing the exhaustion etched on his face. "I understand. But I need to talk to you about something important."

Earl's eyes flickered with a hint of curiosity but remained guarded. "What is it?"

Camilla took a deep breath, trying to gauge how best to approach him. "It's about your grandmother. Her condition has worsened. The doctors have said she has only a short time left."

Earl's expression shifted slightly, a hint of worry breaking through his cold façade. "What can we do? Should we find the best doctor in the world for her?"

Camilla shook her head. "There's something more we can do for her, something that will bring her joy in her remaining days."

Earl's gaze remained icy, though his concern was evident. "What do you suggest?"

Camilla hesitated, then spoke carefully. "I understand you're heartbroken, Earl. But I believe you need to consider something for your own good as well. Your engagement to another girl has been arranged by your father. It's important for the family's future."

Earl's face hardened. "So you're asking me to marry someone else while nana is dying?"

Camilla held up her hands, trying to placate him. "It's not about the marriage itself. It's about giving Florentina some happiness in her final days. She's looking forward to seeing her grandchildren."

Earl's anger flared. "I don't want this. I don't want to be forced into a marriage while dealing with everything else."

Camilla's voice remained calm. "I understand, but sometimes we have to make difficult decisions. It's not just about you, Earl. It's about the family as a whole."

Earl's eyes were cold, his voice a mere whisper. "I need time to think. Please leave."

Camilla nodded, her heart heavy. "I'll give you space, but remember, we need to make a decision soon."

Back at Evelyn's home, her parents delivered the news with their characteristic detachment. Evelyn was called into the study, her parents seated behind a grand desk. The air was thick with an unspoken tension.

"Evelyn," Mr. Evergreen began, his tone authoritative. "We've made a decision. You are to marry Earl."

Evelyn's heart sank. "But—why me? I didn't ask for this."

Mrs. Evergreen's gaze was cold. "You owe us. This marriage is your way of repaying us for the life you've had. It's the only option."

Evelyn's mind raced. "This isn't fair. I want to pursue my dreams. I don't want to be forced into a marriage."

Mr. Evergreen's expression remained stern. "You have no choice. This is the way to repay us and Erin for the life she's missed out on."

Evelyn's shoulders slumped as she absorbed the weight of their words. She was being stripped of her autonomy, her dreams now tied to a future she hadn't chosen.

Without waiting for her response, her parents dismissed her. "Go to your room. This is final."

Evelyn walked slowly back to her room, feeling as if the walls were closing in on her. She collapsed against the door, tears streaming down her face. Her dreams, her hopes, everything seemed to be unraveling.

A week later, Earl was at his desk, surrounded by the weight of his responsibilities. His family's pressure to agree to the marriage was relentless, and he was growing increasingly frustrated. The text message from Nathalie popped up on his screen, catching his eye.

He hesitated, his heart pounding. When he finally clicked on the message, his breath caught. Nathalie was engaged.

The news hit him like a punch to the gut. Memories of their time together—her laughter, her support, her love—flooded back. He remembered the first time he saw her in high school, a shy and lonely kid who had found solace in her friendship. Nathalie had believed in him when no one else did.

Now, seeing her with someone else, Earl's world felt shattered. Had she ever really loved him, or was it all just a facade? The realization hit him hard. He had to make a decision.

With a heavy heart, Earl agreed to the arranged engagement. It was a decision born out of despair and confusion.

When Camilla received the news, she was overjoyed. She quickly relayed the information to Evelyn's family. "The engagement is set," she announced. "Earl has agreed. The arrangements will proceed as planned."

The Evergreen family was forced to maintain their business-like smiles. Internally, they were incredulous that Evelyn, the so-called "fake" child, was marrying into such a prestigious family.

Meanwhile, at Earl's house, Camilla went to see Florentina. The elderly woman was beaming with joy, her eyes shining with anticipation.

"I can't believe it," Florentina said, her voice trembling with excitement. "I'll finally get to see my grandchildren soon. I'm so happy."

Camilla smiled, her own heart lighter. "Yes, mother! Everything is moving forward as planned. You'll have your wish."

As she left Florentina's room, Camilla felt a mix of relief and determination. She had managed to secure the marriage, and now, she would focus on ensuring that Evelyn's and Earl's future would align with her plans.

It was a strange twist of fate—Evelyn, who had lost everything, now faced a future she hadn't chosen, while Earl, struggling with his own demons, was forced into an engagement he never wanted. The world seemed to turn in unexpected ways, leaving people grappling with dreams and realities they hadn't anticipated.

For now, though, the plans were set in motion. Camilla knew that the real work was just beginning.