The next morning, Evangeline was jolted awake by the shrill ring of her phone. She groaned, clutching her throbbing temples.

She nudged the man beside her with her foot. "Answer it."

Marcellus grabbed the phone. "Hello? What is it?" He listened for a moment, his jaw tightening. "Fine. I’ve got it. Do nothing for now."

He hung up, his brow furrowed as he looked at the woman beside him, still thick with sleep. He slid back under the covers and pulled her into his arms. They drifted for another half-hour before Evangeline’s mind finally cleared.

"Who was calling so early?" she mumbled, rubbing her tired eyes.

Marcellus tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his voice calm. "Someone posted online, claiming we have an 'improper relationship.'"

"What? Who’s playing games now?"

"Kara Dixon. She tried to hit on me a while back."

Evangeline chuckled, nestling into his chest. "Well, who could blame her? I possess the most powerful man in the city. It’s only natural they’re green with envy."

Marcellus’s gaze softened. He looked at her, his voice hesitant. "Evangeline, I want to go public. I want everyone to know we're together."

"Is now really the right time?"

As the words left her lips, she saw the flicker of disappointment in his eyes, and a sharp, familiar ache gripped her heart. She had been given a second chance at life, not just for herself and her parents, but for him. She had to love him properly this time.

Evangeline grabbed his hand, her expression resolute as she smiled at him. "Marcellus, let’s go home first. Mom and Dad shouldn't be the last to know."

"You... you agree?"

Seeing his pupils dilate, his face alight with a rare, raw excitement, Evangeline knew she had made the right choice. His happiness was the only thing that mattered.

"Of course! I’ve been your wife all along."

Marcellus hauled her into a crushing embrace, his joy too great for words.

Meanwhile, the internet was in a frenzy. A blogger had leaked a photo of Evangeline snuggled against a man—his face obscured, but his silhouette radiating raw, unbridled power. Paired with a suggestive caption, the keyboard warriors were already in full attack mode.

"Don't look at it," Marcellus said, snatching the phone from her hands.

Evangeline gave him a reassuring smile. "It's fine. None of what they’re saying is true. They aren’t talking about the real me; it won't affect me."

A frantic knocking echoed through the room. "Evangeline? Are you awake?" Remi Crawford’s voice came through the door, sharp with worry.

Marcellus got up to let her in.

"Have you seen Twitter? They’re tearing you apart!"

"Remi, don't worry. We’ll handle it. Let the chaos play out for a while," Evangeline said, her voice steady. Seeing her composure, Remi finally exhaled, her shoulders dropping.

"Who’s behind this?" Remi huffed. "So petty!"

"Likely Kara Dixon. She probably couldn't handle losing the competition, so she resorted to rumors."

"What a pathetic clown," Remi spat.

"Exactly," Evangeline agreed. "Let’s get ready. We’re heading to the house."

On the drive back, Evangeline called her father, insisting he come home for lunch. She had something monumental to say. When they arrived, Marilyn was pacing the porch, her face pale with anxiety.

"Mom!" Evangeline rushed over to hug her.

"Sweetheart, why haven't you issued a statement? They're saying such horrible things!"

"That’s why we’re here, Mom. Once Dad gets back, we have something important to discuss."

Marilyn looked between the two of them, her brow furrowed. They were acting far too serious.

They waited until the family was gathered. When Edward arrived, Evangeline stood up, wearing her most persuasive expression. "Dad..."

"Evangeline, what did you do?"

A father always knows. Evangeline awkwardly rubbed her nose. "Dad, Mom... please, sit down."

They sat, looking at their daughter with growing dread. The silence in the room grew heavy.

"Well? Out with it," Edward said.

Evangeline bit her lip. "Dad... Marcellus and I are married. We already signed the papers."

"What?!" Edward’s voice cracked. He shot to his feet, trembling.

Evangeline flinched, but Marcellus stepped forward, wrapping a protective arm around her. "I’m sorry, sir."

The sound of him calling Edward "Dad" hit the older man like a physical blow. Edward pointed a shaking finger at him, unable to speak. Marilyn rushed to her husband’s side, rubbing his back to keep him from hyperventilating.

"Evangeline, how could you?" Marilyn whispered.

"I’m sorry, Mom, Dad. I know I acted impulsively."

Edward’s voice was a low, dangerous rumble. "Tell me. Did he force you? Did this boy threaten you?"

"No, Dad. I love him! I was the one who couldn't wait to be his wife."

Marcellus looked at her, stunned. She was using her own pride as a shield to protect him.

"Evangeline Montgomery!" Edward bellowed. "You are our princess! You are the treasure we’ve guarded with our lives! To throw yourself away for a man like this..."

The word "cheap" died in his throat. He couldn't bring himself to say it to her. The look of profound disappointment and heartbreak on his father-in-law’s face was a blade through Marcellus’s chest. He had never felt more useless.

"Sir," Marcellus said, his voice steady but heavy with regret. "I am the one who coerced her into this. It’s my fault. Punish me however you see fit."

"I knew it! You absolute scoundrel!"

*CRACK.*

Edward’s hand flashed out, a sharp slap that left a flaming red mark across Marcellus’s face. Evangeline’s hand flew to her own cheek, her heart shattering. She knew she had pushed her father to his breaking point.

She caught Marcellus’s gaze and hissed, "Kneel!"

Without a second of hesitation, Marcellus dropped to his knees beside her. Evangeline knelt with him, her eyes fixed on the floor.

"Oh, goodness! What are you doing? Get up!" Marilyn cried, reaching for them. Evangeline pulled away, her eyes glistening.

"Dad, Mom, I was wrong," she choked out.

"Are you trying to hold me hostage with this display?" Edward roared.

"No. I was impulsive. I didn't consider how this would affect you, and for that, I apologize. But I never intended to disrespect you."

Edward looked down. Marcellus, the man who held the city in his palm, the man everyone feared like a demon king, was kneeling at his feet for his daughter’s sake. His anger was still there, but a flicker of begrudging respect fought through the rage. He was still furious that this man had plucked his flower and walked away with the pot.

He glared at Marcellus. "Get up! You have no right to kneel before me!"

"A son-in-law is half a son," Marcellus replied quietly. "It is only right that I kneel before my father."

Edward was momentarily struck dumb, left sputtering, "Shameless! Absolutely shameless!"

Marilyn sighed, sensing the tension breaking. "They know they were wrong, dear. Let them get up."

"Nobody told them to kneel! If they want to stay there, let them! I’m going to eat!" Edward turned and marched toward the dining room.

He hesitated at the threshold, his back stiff. After a long, agonizing moment, he let out a jagged breath.

"Get up and eat!"

The order was gruff, but the ice had cracked. Evangeline beamed, pulling Marcellus to his feet. "Thank you, Dad!"