Vow
439 Words
The hall glittered with gold and crystal, guests whispering with poorly hidden amusement.
Evan's gaze swept the crowd—then froze. His parents stood near the back.
He hurried toward them, voice tight.
"Dad, Mom... why me? Wasn't this supposed to be my cousin's wedding?"
His father didn't even look at him. "Shut your mouth. Your only job today is not to embarrass us."
His mother glanced away, tone soft yet merciless.
"Your cousin ran off. This is the only way. Evan, be sensible—sacrifice once for the family, what's wrong with that?"
Evan went cold all over.
Sacrifice? Of course. I'm the one easiest to throw away.
The system chimed in his head, merciless:
[Background data loaded.]
[Original groom: the cousin. Status: runaway. Host substituted.]
[Note: Family attitude: indifferent, cold.]
His throat tightened, a bitter laugh curling in his chest.
Thanks for the love, really.
The officiant called out, voice carrying through the hall:
"Would the two grooms please step forward."
Every eye turned on Evan. Snickers followed like knives:
"Even a substitute can walk the red carpet."
"Pathetic. He's not worthy of Adrian at all."
Evan's fists clenched, fingers trembling. He looked up—and accidentally met Adrian's eyes.
Tall. Imposing. A predator in a razor-cut suit. Black eyes glinted like polished obsidian, sharp enough to pin him in place.
For the briefest second, something flickered in that abyss. A crack. A spark.
The system chimed:
[Affection +0.5/5]
Evan blinked.
...Wait. Huh? I'm terrified out of my skin, and he's the one catching feelings?!
The officiant continued smoothly:
"Now, please exchange vows, sealed with a kiss."
Evan's stomach dropped.
A kiss? Oh, you've got to be kidding me.
The system cut in, cold as a blade:
[Main event triggered: The Vow Kiss.]
[Warning: Failure will deduct health points.]
Before he could bolt, Adrian moved.
The man turned, gaze locking on him with lethal precision. He leaned down, voice a husky command:
"Look at me."
Long, elegant fingers caught Evan's chin, forcing it up.
Heat crashed in—cologne sharp and icy, threaded with the furnace-warmth of his body.
And then lips slammed onto his.
It wasn't gentle. It wasn't tender.
It was a brand, hot and merciless, claiming him in front of the entire hall.
Gasps erupted. Cameras clicked frantically. The world narrowed to Adrian's iron grip and scorching mouth.
Evan's heart thundered so hard it hurt.
The system chimed again:
[Affection +1/5]
...No way. This system's bugged. I'm not flirting—he's the one acting like he owns me!
Pinned under Adrian's dominance, breath stolen, Evan realized—
there was no escaping this man's shadow.
- Writer
