The study was quiet, heavy with the scent of leather-bound books and polished wood. Christian Valerius stood near the fireplace, his hands clenched, eyes fixed on Lucien Ashwell.
"You can't go through with this," Christian said, his voice low but firm. "This arranged marriage… it's wrong. It's unfair to her. You're forcing a life on someone who doesn't even know who she's marrying."
Lucien's expression remained calm, almost imperious, as if the world moved only at his command. "Christian, the agreement was made long ago. It is binding. And both families benefit from it. You knew this day would come."
Christian's jaw tightened. "Yes, I knew. But that doesn't mean I have to watch it happen. She is young. She has a choice — you can't just take it away from her."
Lucien leaned back, folding his hands, his gaze piercing. "The choice was made decades ago, when the contract was signed. The world does not always bend for sentiment, Mr. Valerius. This is about legacy, about family, about honor. She will marry."
Christian shook his head, frustration evident. "You don't understand her. You don't know her heart. She is not a pawn to be placed on a board."
Before Lucien could reply, the door opened quietly. Elijah stepped inside, his presence commanding even without a word. The tension in the room shifted immediately.
"Father," he said firmly, his gaze flicking between the two men. "The marriage will happen. It is not to be overturned. No argument, no negotiation."
Christian turned sharply. "Elijah, wait —"
Elijah raised a hand, stopping him mid-sentence. "I said it. It will happen. Not because of duty alone… but because I have begun to feel… something. Something that tells me this is right. That she is right."
Lucien's eyes narrowed slightly, studying his son. "You are certain?"
"I am," Elijah replied. "And I will not allow anyone to undo this — not my father, not hers, not anyone."
Christian ran a hand through his hair, disbelief and worry mixing on his face. "You… you feel for her?"
Elijah did not hesitate. "Yes. I do. And that is precisely why I will not turn back. The marriage will happen — because it is hers, too, in ways she cannot yet see."
Lucien's expression softened only slightly, a small acknowledgment of his son's resolve. Christian, however, looked away, conflicted — torn between protecting his daughter and respecting the bond forming between her and Elijah.
Elijah stepped closer, eyes steady and unyielding. "She will understand in time. And by then, it will not matter what anyone else thinks. Because she will know what I already do."
Christian exhaled sharply, leaning against the desk. "I hope for her sake you're right."
Elijah's gaze did not waver. "I am."