“There is some confusion Evangeline. You are not going anywhere. From today onwards, this is your new home!” said the man with a frown and the girl blinked.

“Pardon” was all she could say as the words were too absurd for her to even understand! Why would she stay here between strangers?

“I apologize for being too direct. Let me explain to you in detail. I was talking to your father about the business details when the place caught fire suddenly. Your father had already reached the door but he returned to save me. If it would not have been for him, I would have died.

He saved my life, but unfortunately I was not able to save his life. But I asked him if I could do anything for him. And his last wish is a better life for you. He was worried that there would be no one to take care of you after his death and he would never get peace until you are settled.

So, I told him that I have a son who is the sole heir of my dutchy. So, his last words were that I will marry you off to my son. Since he is my benefactor, of course, I will fulfil his last wish.

So, from today onwards you are betrothed to my son, Leonardo. He is not in the town right now, but I have sent a letter to him. He will be here in two days.” The man continued to speak in a soft voice but all she could hear was his father’s last wish was her to get married to a stranger! A stranger that is also a noble!

She never had any good opinion of nobles as they always ask a big amount as tax even when they did not have a penny to spend. The way they monopolize every good thing. Even the roads were blocked when their carriage passes through! If there had been any other girl in place of Evangeline, she would have danced with happiness but all Evangeline felt was a blackhole that was trying to suck her in.

No! She could not marry a noble! She would not marry a noble!

The man did not notice the change in her expression as he continued to tell her about the merits of his son and his legacies. He was proud of his family. He had an obedient and talented son and many nobles were trying their best to marry his son. It was the good luck of this girl that she got this chance.

“No!” came the determined voice of Evangeline when she saw that the man had no desire to stop.

“Pardon!” This time it was his turn to be confused.

“I understand your goodwill, kind sir. But i have no will to marry anytime soon. And I am not going to marry your son ever!” she replied in a sharp tone. Her whole aura changed.

William, who had thought that the girl was meek and soft hearted, was stunned to see the sharp and strong willed girl.

“Well, i think there is some misunderstanding.” he said, as he did not understand why an orphan like her would be so against marrying a noble family like theirs! Could she not see the size of the castle? Even his maids were better dressed than her!

“There is no misunderstanding, kind sir. I do not want to marry your son. Now if you please excuse me, I have to find a carriage to take me back home.” with that she stood, ready to leave. She did not even wait for his reply as she had nothing to do with him.

“It is the good luck of yours, little girl, that I want to fulfill the last wish of my benefactor! Do you not want to fulfill your father’s last wish?” he asked, being sure that the girl would weaken there. She was too attached to her father. He had noticed the way she had cried before.

“I love my father and I respect his last wish. But it doesn’t mean that I will marry a man whom I do not know. I understand his way of thinking but I do not believe in that old traditional thinking. I followed it since he was my father. But I am not bound to follow it for you too.

And I think the discussion ends right here.“ With that the girl held her muddy and dusty dress and bowed her head the way she had seen in the common parties of the town.

“You can not go!” said the man and the knights that were standing on the corner covered the door so that she could not leave.

She glared at the old man. She could not believe he was using despicable methods to stop her now

“You are not in a condition to make a decision for now. Take your time. Meet my son, and then decide. I am not forcing you. I am just giving you a proper opportunity so that you do not regret it in the future.” he replied, giving her a warm smile that the elders give. She did not like the way he was authorizing even a bit.

But she knew that she did not have any means to fight against the two strong knights that were guarding the door. And she was sure there were many like them.

“So, if I still did not like your son, my decision stays the same. Would you let me go by then?” she asked in a much more docile tone now.

A triumphant smile formed on William’s face when he heard her and the tone she used and he nodded. He knew that she would say yes eventually. She had to! Or else everything would go to waste. But he was not at all remorseful as he was doing all this for her only. And he was sure she would understand it in her future.

So he nodded with a warm smile.

“Then take an oath, swearing on the name of your family.”

“………”