Burn

Tell me darling,

Who were you before they stole your Moon and left you with only the dimly lit stars?

—Lorelei Ellsworth

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"Oh, I already knew that the moment I saw you walk out that door with such a determined resolve. Yet I know you will change your mind," he spoke as if it was guaranteed that she would change her mind.

Eva bit her lip and replied, "You will have to remain unmarried for a long time then, My Lord. You can marry a much better woman than me."

'So please leave or all the rice will burn!' She tried to sniff the air for a whiff of anything burning but all she could smell was the fresh atmosphere which felt as if it was being polluted by too much cologne.

Ignorant of her worried thoughts, he insisted on, "Yet I only wish to have you as my wife. I'm afraid no one else will do. You cannot think of leaving a man such as me single forever, can you?" he asked and stepped forward while Eva immediately took a step back. A displeased expression flashed across his face which soon passed away as quickly as it had arrived but it didn't miss Eva's sharp gaze.

"I do not wish to give you any false hope in this matter. I have no thought of matrimony at present," she explained, trying desperately to end the conversation. Here she was, trying her best not to hurt the man's heart while he was trying to force her to push the knife deeper inside his core.

An angry look replaced his previous smile. Eva knew he was getting madder with each passing second and she prayed it would start raining any time soon. Would his head sizzle if water hit it?

She pursed her lips to not laugh. Scolding herself, she looked up to see him open his mouth once again.

"You should think wisely on this subject before making such rash decisions Evangeline." his tone became harsher as he resumed, "Your father is dead, your mother barely earns anything from selling shabby clothes and you will be left without a roof soon when the debt collectors arrive on your doorstep. If you consent to marry me, I can provide a better lifestyle for your family."

Eva's eyes narrowed as her posture soon turned rigid in defense. He was mocking her family's condition and hoping that she would marry him after saying all that? Men like him ruin other gentlemen's reputations. She had never imagined Lord Ken to be such a disgusting man from within.

The way he looked at her, showed clearly that he was no different from those abominable men who craved physical pleasures. He would marry her, use her for his needs and then would go and spend the rest of his days cheating behind her back.

"Why do you want to marry me?" she asked, folding her arms across her chest. If he confirmed her doubts, Eva would rejoice and tell her sister that he was a bad, cruel man and not worth marrying.

Problem half-solved!

But she hoped that she was wrong in her suspicions. Even if she didn't want to marry him, she did not want to mistake him for a bad man accidentally.

"Why, of course, it is quite a surprise to me that you aren't aware of your own beauty. If you are," he hesitated. "Uh, dressed in the right attire it would make you look even more gorgeous than you already are," he spoke as if he was already imagining how she would look like in a strapless gown.

If Eva had the courage, she would've slapped him there and then for uttering such disgraceful words. She hoped that no girl had the misfortune of marrying a man like him. If she was not in a helpless, poor condition, she would've beaten him into a pulp! But knowing the consequences, she calmed down her twitching palm and tried to think astutely.

Understanding that he could do something dangerous if she refused again, Evangeline tried her best to look hesitant.

"Can you give me some time to think about it?" she requested, hoping he would not insist on it once again.

However, the Lord looked extremely pleased, as if he had finally heard what he had always wanted to hear.

"Of course, of course! But I hope you do not take much time. Less than a month or I would have to come search for you again." it felt more like a threat than a request.

Eva smiled, feeling apprehensive. A bitter taste entered her mouth as she bowed goodbye and went inside the house after seeing him leave.

Now she had a new task apart from earning money. Either to run away with her mother and sister or to get rich enough to protect her family from the monsters surrounding them. Either option had to be completed in under a month. The thought was enough to make her shoulders slack down from the burden of everything she carried. She would surely be forced or assaulted if she refused again.

Her feet halted outside the doorway as the idea of marrying another man entered her mind. Her safety would be ensured but... No! She refused to go to such lengths just for her safety. She would protect her family herself without the help of any male whosoever.

Vanessa, who had seen the Lord go off with a happy expression, quickly approached her little sister and hugged her tightly.

"So when and where is the marriage to be held?" she asked after backing away with a smile.

Eva sighed softly. "I have told him that I will consider his offer yet I have no plans whatsoever of marrying him. I lied to the Lord, I don't want to get engaged to him Ven," she told her everything that occurred a while ago, taking Vanessa's hands in hers.

Her elder sister's face fell as quickly as it had risen earlier. "But why? When you know that our family is in a bad situation and we will be left without a roof on our heads if this continues any longer. Mother's health could worsen yet you're acting selfish and still worrying about love?" she questioned knowing her sister's wishes quite well.

Her anger was expected but Eva still felt disappointed. She was hoping that Vanessa would support her and if not, then at least comfort her. She couldn't blame her sister. Her anger was justified. It was her fault and no one else's.

"I'm sorry."

"What good will that do?" Vanessa asked her tone still furious and overflowing with anger.

"I know I can earn money by myself Ven. I'll take up more jobs and will work at night if I have to. Please do not be mad at me any longer." she stepped forward as if to embrace her but Vanessa stepped back. She only glared and retreated, stomping towards her room and Eva soon heard a door slam shut.