The Wedding He Stole for Her Birthday - Chapter 9: Chapter 9

The letters had been my constant lifeline, a steady stream of encouragement in those dark days...
Just as the memories began to surface, the haunting strains of a violin surrounded me. That melody - achingly familiar - wrapped around my shoulders like my grandmother's hand-knit shawl, instantly transporting me back to my university years. How many evenings had I practiced piano while that same beautiful violin part wove through my scales, creating perfect harmony?
But fate had other designs. Family obligations forced me to abandon both school and music to care for my mother. That's when Alexander entered my life.
"Something urgent came up at home," Tristan's voice brought me back to the present. "I thought I'd handle it quickly and return to you. But when I came back..." His voice caught. "Alexander was already by your side. You've always had such a strong sense of obligation, Scarlett. By then, I knew I was too late."
His next words sent my pulse racing: "You can't imagine how my heart leapt when Amanda called asking if I'd marry you. All these years... I've been waiting for you." His eyes searched mine. "Would you give me this chance?"
My heart hammered against my ribs - not with the anxious hesitation I'd always felt around Alexander, but with something wild and exhilarating. Tristan's gaze held me like warm sunlight, making me feel weightless.
"Tristan..." I murmured, cheeks burning as he leaned closer. When I shyly averted my eyes, he simply smiled and rested his hand gently on my head.
"It's alright," he reassured me, his voice like velvet. "We'll take this at your pace."
For the first time, I understood what it meant to feel truly seen. Tristan's quiet respect created a safe harbor I'd never known with Alexander.
The Walkers' influence matched the Adams family's in every way. Though Tristan had rushed back unprepared, he now stood as my unwavering protector. One evening, I caught a news segment about Alexander's disappearance - the media frenzy was impossible to ignore, yet he never appeared. Instead, my phone began buzzing relentlessly with unknown numbers. The pattern was unmistakable. Eventually, I had no choice but to change my number entirely.
Tristan shared exciting news about establishing an international business chain. "Come abroad with me," he offered, eyes alight. "I'll help you enroll in university - you can finally finish the education you sacrificed." Music had been my first love, abandoned for duty. His offer reignited that spark, and without hesitation, I said yes.
Then Alexander found me.
The man who emerged from the shadows bore little resemblance to the disciplined executive I'd known. His once-athletic frame had withered; the tailored trench coat that used to accentuate his commanding presence now hung like a discarded theater curtain. For three days he haunted my apartment building until I finally went downstairs - partly for my neighbors' sake, partly to end this.
Tristan offered to accompany me, but I squeezed his hand reassuringly. The Adams family had been waging a quiet war against the Walkers, using every resource to pressure Tristan into surrendering me. Though he never complained, I knew the toll it took. I wouldn't drag him deeper into this mess.
Alexander crushed his cigarette when he saw me, the acrid smoke curling between us. My stomach turned at the carpet of discarded butts - the Alexander I knew would never tolerate such lack of control.
"Scarlett." His voice carried that same oppressive weight. "Finally."
Knowing the power his name carried - and wanting to avoid paparazzi - I suggested a quiet café. He ordered my usual Americano, but I left it untouched.
"Not even a sip?" His gaze probed mine. "It's your favorite."
A bitter laugh escaped me. The truth was, black Americanos had always been his preference. In my misguided gratitude, I'd adopted his tastes as my own. How many mornings had I prepared his coffee with trembling hands, mistaking obligation for affection? Now I wondered - had I ever truly loved him, or just the idea of being worthy of him?