Evelyn's POV
The room remained completely still after Victor's question.
His words seemed to linger in the air, refusing to disappear even though no one spoke. Outside, the orchestra continued playing while the distant sound of laughter drifted faintly through the closed doors.
I looked from one face to another.
My father watched me quietly, saying nothing. My mother's hands remained clasped together so tightly that her knuckles had turned pale, while Victor simply stood waiting with remarkable patience.
No one urged me to answer.
No one repeated the question.
For the first time that evening, I realized they were genuinely waiting for my decision.
My thoughts became strangely scattered.
Miranda was missing.
Search teams were already looking for her.
Hundreds of guests continued celebrating just beyond those walls, completely unaware that the woman whose engagement they had come to celebrate had disappeared.
Then there was Victor's request.
He hadn't explained it yet.
