Chapter 74: CHAPTER 74: At Crossroads

　　The world seemed to contract, the air thickening around me until it was difficult to breathe. Nicola's words echoed in my head, each syllable a hammer blow to my already fragile heart.

　　A match? Alexander was to be married off?

　　Nicola must have seen the look on my face, the devastation threatening to spill over. "Evelyn, darling," she said, her voice laced with a forced concern, "you don't look happy with this news. I thought you'd be excited. It means your little charade is coming to an end."

　　A choked sob escaped my throat, and I pressed my lips together, forcing back the tears blurring my vision. "Surprised," I managed, my voice barely a whisper. "That's all. Surprised." It was a pathetic lie, but all I could muster under Nicola's scrutiny.

　　"Surprised, yes, that's understandable," she said, her gaze unwavering. "But relieved, wouldn't you say? No more pretending, no more walking on eggshells. You can finally get back to your normal life."