|| VIKTOR'S POV ||

As Agatha entered the room, her face radiant with joy, I felt a pang of guilt twist in my gut. She had always been so eager to please me, so desperate for my affection, and yet I could not reciprocate her feelings in the way she desired.

"Viktor," she said breathlessly, her voice tinged with excitement. "I heard the news. Is it true? Are we really going to be married?"

I forced a smile onto my face, though it felt hollow and insincere. "Yes, Agatha," I said softly, my voice devoid of warmth. "It's true. We are to be married."

Agatha's eyes lit up with joy,...