The Martin estate had never looked so alive. Servants darted across the courtyard, their arms full of silks, trays of dried fruits, and fresh flowers brought in from the market. Relatives from nearby villages poured through the gates, their voices rising like a flock of birds — laughter, gossip, instructions, corrections.
Linda stood at the edge of the main hall, her gown slightly wrinkled from being tugged at all morning by meddling aunts. Every word she heard seemed to begin with "You must…"
"You must sit like this."
"You must cover your head properly."
"You must not laugh too loudly."
Each demand piled upon the last until her temples throbbed. The scent of rosewater clung to her skin, but instead of calming her, it only suffocated.
Across the room, Daniel stood in deep discussion with his father about arrangements, but Linda caught his eyes flicking to her more than once. He noticed the stiffness in her posture, the way she twisted her hands in her lap to keep from snapping at the women circling her like hawks.
Finally, one of the older women clucked her tongue. "You are Daniel's wife now, child. Soon all eyes will be on you. Do not shame him before his family."
The words cut sharper than intended. Linda forced a nod, biting her tongue until she tasted blood. She wanted to scream that she was not just a decoration, not a fragile doll meant to sit pretty for others' approval.
From across the room, Daniel's jaw tightened. He excused himself from his father and strode over, his dark presence enough to silence the chatter.
"That's enough," he said, voice low but firm. His hand brushed against Linda's back — a touch that was half reassurance, half possession. "She doesn't need a dozen tutors. She already knows how to carry herself."
The women muttered among themselves but fell back. Linda turned her head slightly toward him, surprised by his defense, though she didn't miss the edge in his tone. He wasn't shielding her because he believed in her freedom… he was protecting his name.
Still, his nearness, his scent of musk and cedar, made her heartbeat skip.
"Stay close," he murmured, just for her. "Don't make me repeat myself in front of them."
Linda's lips parted, half in protest, half in something she couldn't name. She hated being controlled. She hated even more that part of her felt… steadier with him beside her.
The hum of the wedding preparations carried through every corner of the mansion. The smell of roasted lamb and spiced rice floated in from the kitchen, mingling with rose petals scattered across the marble floors.
Linda sat on a carved wooden bench near the balcony, trying to catch her breath after another round of questions from Daniel's cousins. She smoothed her gown across her knees, her thoughts still restless.
That was when a servant — a young man she didn't recognize — approached her. He bowed awkwardly, avoiding her eyes as he handed her a folded slip of parchment. "From the market supplier, my lady," he muttered quickly, and vanished before she could question him.
Her brows furrowed. The seal was broken, the paper creased as though it had been passed through many hands. She unfolded it carefully, her pulse already rising.
"Come out, Linda. I have something important to tell you. I'm waiting outside the mansion."
— David A.
Her throat went dry.
Daytime. Broad daylight. The mansion was swarming with Daniel's relatives, villagers, guards. Everyone's eyes were sharpened by gossip and suspicion. At night, she could vanish beneath her red cloak like a whisper, but in daylight? Impossible.
She folded the note tightly, pressing it against her chest as if to still her racing heart. Her gaze flicked around the courtyard — children ran with ribbons, women arranged trays of sweets, Daniel himself was near the gate, giving instructions to the guards.
Her stomach twisted. If anyone saw her step out, whispers would spread like fire. Daniel's pride would be wounded, his wrath inevitable.
And yet… the name written at the bottom of the note coiled in her mind. David Armani. His letters always carried concern, a strange understanding of her hunger for more than this caged life. He had never spoken so directly before.
Linda bit her lip, torn between fear and a reckless tug of curiosity.
Linda lingered by the courtyard door, her pulse thundering in her ears. The note felt like a living thing against her palm, its words whispering insistently. She told herself a dozen reasons why stepping outside was foolish—dangerous even. And yet, her feet kept shifting closer to the door.
Just one moment. I only need to hear what he has to say. Then I'll return before anyone notices.
Her fingers brushed the handle. A gust of warm air from the garden curled around her, carrying the faint sound of the village beyond the walls. Freedom—or disaster—waited only a few steps away.
"Linda!"
The sharp voice cut her in half. She spun, heart leaping into her throat. One of Daniel's elder aunts stood there, hands on her hips, eyes narrowing like a hawk's.
"There you are," the woman said briskly. "What are you loitering for? We need more garlands strung for the doorway. Come, don't stand about like some dazed child."
Linda swallowed, her pulse still galloping. "I was only—"
"Only wasting time," the aunt snapped. "Your husband's family is hosting the entire village soon. Do you wish to shame us with your idleness? Come along."
The handle slipped from Linda's fingers. She forced a smile, though her jaw clenched so tightly it hurt. "Of course, Aunt. I'll help at once."
As she followed the older woman inside, the folded note pressed harder into her palm, its edges sharp as a blade.
Her chance was gone—at least for now. But the fire in her chest only burned hotter. If she couldn't escape today, then she would find another way.
She could feel it like a secret flame, smoldering, demanding to be answered.
But not now. Not here.
Her gaze drifted one last time toward the gates, where sunlight poured across the cobblestones like an invitation. And though she let the aunt guide her away, the thought echoed mercilessly in her chest:
He's waiting.
PLEASE SUPPORT,
LOVE FROM,
♡LINDA AND DANIEL ♡