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-ˋˏ " I can tell you have a kind heart, Ray. "  ˎˊ-

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𝑹𝒂𝒚

It's been two months since I bid farewell to most likely the love of my life, y/n.
I haven't spoken a word to her. Emma and Norman still talk with me, thankfully. But they don't fill the emptiness I feel. Since she left, something has been missing.

"Ray,"
My name pulled me out of my thoughts.
"she's here."

I inhaled sharply. Today, I was to meet my wife.
It's August, which means this month I wed.

I dragged myself out of my bed, hesitantly walking down the stairs as I adjusted the tie that sat uncomfortably around my neck.

"Ray, I'd like you to meet Madelyn Hargrove. Your fiance." The sound of my mother's voice echoed throughout the entry room.

I curved my lips into a fake smile, "Madelyn, I've been anxiously awaiting your arrival." I approached her, charming her by placing a soft kiss on her hand.

Madelyn stared at me plainly. Her eyes were the color of hazelnuts, her auburn hair tied neatly into a low ponytail. She's pretty, but her looks are nothing compared to my y/n.

My future wife's father nudged her with his elbow. "Speak," he muttered through his hoarse voice.

Her features adorned a smile, "Ray. I can't express how glad I am we are finally meeting."

I nodded and slowly interlocked our fingers, politely.

"Oh my, he's quite the charmer." My soon-to-be mother-in-law beamed in awe.

"Isn't he?" My father laughed, "why don't you escort madame Madelyn to the gardens? I'm sure she'd be fascinated with the assortments of plants and statues, hm?"

I flicked my gaze to the auburn-ette, "shall we?"

"We shall," a giggle fled her heart-shaped lips as she squeezed my hand with excitement.

It was a quiet walk until we reached the outdoors; a faint breeze blowing through our hair.

"I must say, I was angry when I found out I'd be a part of an arranged marriage, but now... I'm overjoyed. I couldn't be happier with the situation!" She explained happily, admiring me.

I didn't bother to look at her. "And why is that?"

A grin embellished her face, "because you're so polite and handsome, of course."

I lowered my eyes, chuckling quietly. "Thank you, but I'm afraid that I may not fulfill your expectations."

Her eyebrows furrowed, "why not?"

I exhaled sadly, there's no point in lying to her when I'll be spending the rest of my life with her.
"I'm still in love with a girl."

Her expression saddened, "then this situation must be tough for you, huh?"

I nodded, "you seem like a wonderful girl, Madelyn--"

"Maddie," she corrected me; waving a finger in the air.

I continued, "Maddie, but it may take time for me to develop feelings for you."

"I one-hundred-percent understand!" The auburn-haired girl beamed, "we will make this work."

I exhaled with relief, "I'm glad you understand."
"we've been out here for a few minutes now, we should probably go inside for dinner."

She hummed in agreement as we switched from hand-holding to locking our arms at the elbow. Madelyn-- Maddie is shorter than me, so she had to slightly raise her arm.

"Dinner smells absolutely divine, Isabella." The auburn-haired woman was seated at the table.
It was sort of scary how similar she and her daughter was, other than the fact that the woman was obviously much older.

"Oh, you're too kind." My mother gave a closed-eye smile, joining her on the seat opposite. A wave of relief appeared to wash over her as she saw us approach.
          "Madelyn, Ray, just in time."

My fiancé's mother glanced at our locked arms then at us with a pleased smirk plastered on her powdery face. "I think you've both taken quite a liking to eachother."

I gave a hesitated nod, "your daughter is absolutely lovely."
         I pulled a chair out for Maddie, watching as she quickly sat. I was seated across from her.

The food in front of me looked mouthwatering. I soon dug into my meal when I saw the others around me do the same.

"So, Ray, what are your feelings on taking on the family company?" Mr. Hargrove inquired politely.
         He sounded like some sort of interviewer, questioning me until I give up with frustration.

I swallowed a mouthful of water before opening my
mouth. "In all honesty, I couldn't be happier."

The man adjusted his posture and smiled reassuringly, "what a perfect answer."

A grin appeared on my fathers lips. "Ray here had perfect grades in every class. He received many scholarships, but saw no need for them considering our incredible family business." He continued, "my son respectfully declined them and requested they'd be sent to his friends and those in need."

Madelyn blinked, "is that true?"

I nodded with embarrassment.

Her lips curved upwards, "that's amazing. I can tell you have a kind-heart, Ray."

A faint chuckle left my mouth, "thank you."

After that, we continued to our meals.

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\\ August 19th, 7 days before the wedding of Ray Sheathes and Madelyn Hargrove. //

Laughter echoed throughout the fancy restaurant.

"Yes, now that you're bringing it up, I do recall Ray telling me that the other night." Madelyn spoke through laughter, sipping from a glass of wine.

"Ah yes, he probably would have. It's his favourite childhood story, he tells almost everyone." My mother wiped her tears away and covered her mouth with a quiet giggle.

"That isn't true," I rolled my eyes and stifled back a smile.

I was drawn away from the conversation when a flash of h/c hair entered the restaurant. I flicked my gaze towards the door, figuring it was just my imagination.
But of course, it wasn't.

I knew the conversation around me was still happening, yet I couldn't take my eyes off her; Y/n. I missed her, so much. She looked beautiful, of course, there's never a time where she doesn't.

The girl from my past seemed nervous. It didn't take long for me to notice an unfamiliar man behind her.

He seemed... expensive. I can tell that he has money, it wouldn't take long for anyone to realize he had riches. The young mans watch appeared to be pricey; I could tell by the way the clock sticks out and the gold surrounding it. The unfamiliar guy looked around calmly, then gently placed his hand on her lower back.

Unknowingly I clenched my fists. I don't like seeing another guy touch her, it makes me pissed. That should be me. He's probably her date, I could care less. They look awful together. She's too good for him—

"Ray." My mother's voice was stern, yet quiet. "I know you miss her, but you've got to let go. Get a hold of yourself, you're having dinner with your parents and fiancé."

I glanced away from Y/n, locking contact with my mothers soft purple eyes. "Right, sorry." I shook my head and waved it off.

Thankfully, nobody else noticed. I'm not sure if Y/n knew I was there, but I'd prefer if she didn't.

I was wrong, I only said it to make myself feel better. They look perfect together. They appear to be overjoyed. By the looks of it, he treats her well. I hope he does. And god help me if he doesn't, I'm not sure what I'll do.

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