Furiously in Love

Moments

Elena's POV

As I wake up to the morning sun, I can hear the hustle and bustle outside my room. I overheard the maids preparing for the meeting with the Duke, my parents, and William. The reality of the situation hits me - we are going to discuss the arrangements for my wedding.

I get out of bed, my mind still heavy with the events of the previous night. I freshen up and dress in a simple yet elegant dress, suitable for the occasion. As I step out of my room, I can see the maids scurrying around, their faces flushed with excitement and anticipation.

We gather in the grand drawing room, its opulence a stark contrast to the turmoil in my heart. The Duke and my parents are already there, deep in conversation. William is there too, looking as composed and regal as ever.

The Duke starts the conversation, “Elena, my dear, we are here to discuss the arrangements for your wedding. We want this to be a grand event, befitting of our families.”

My mother chimes in, “Yes, dear. We have been thinking about the venue. The Duke’s castle would be a perfect place for the wedding.”

William, who has been quiet till now, speaks up, “I agree. The castle has always been a special place for our family. But Elena, this is your day. What do you think?”

I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before responding, “I appreciate everyone’s input. The castle sounds wonderful. But I would like to be involved in all the decisions. After all, it’s not just my wedding, it’s ours, William.”

There’s a moment of silence before everyone nods in agreement. The meeting continues, with discussions about the guest list, the menu, and the wedding dress.

Despite me participating in on the decisions I feel miserable about my life, as a lawyer that normally defend the human rights and obligations, am here being hapless the irony

After the meeting, one of the Duke’s maids, Mary, whom I’ve become quite familiar with, offers to show me around the Duke’s estate. I gladly accept, eager to explore my new surroundings.

We start with the grand mansion, its opulence and grandeur leaving me in awe. Mary points out the various rooms - the grand ballroom, the library filled with ancient books, the dining hall with its long, ornate table. Each room tells a story, a piece of the Duke’s family history.

Next, we move to the gardens. As we step outside, I’m greeted by the sight of lush greenery, blooming flowers, and the sweet scent of nature. Mary leads me to a secluded part of the garden, a place she refers to as the ‘Dead Duchess’s Garden’.

“This garden,” Mary begins, her voice soft, “was the favorite place of the late Duchess. She loved spending her time here, tending to the flowers, reading under the shade of the trees.”

I look around, taking in the beauty of the place. Despite its name, the garden is full of life, a testament to the Duchess’s love for nature.

Mary continues, “The Duchess was a kind and loving woman. But her life was cut short by a sudden illness. It was a great loss for the Duke and his family.”

As Mary shares the story of the late Duchess, I can’t help but feel a sense of sadness. The garden, beautiful and serene, is a poignant reminder of the Duchess’s love for life and nature. As the sun begins to set, casting a warm glow over the garden, I make a silent promise to honour the Duchess’s memory and keep her garden alive.

After the tour of the estate, Mary, hands me a schedule. It’s a detailed outline of my life as William’s fiancée. I look at it, my eyes scanning over the neatly written tasks and appointments.

“Miss Elena,” Mary begins, her tone gentle yet firm, “as the future Duchess, you have certain responsibilities and duties.”

She points to the schedule, explaining each item in detail. There are etiquette classes, charity events, meetings with the Duke and of course, time set aside for William and me.

“Your days will be busy, but it’s important to remember that you’re not just William’s fiancée. You’re a part of the Duke’s family now,” Mary says, her words both comforting and daunting.

I nod, taking in all the information. It’s a lot to process, but I’m determined to do my best. After all, this is my new life, and I’m ready to embrace it.

Looking at the schedule, I feel a mix of emotions. On one hand, it’s overwhelming to see my days so meticulously planned out. The responsibilities and duties that come with being William’s fiancée and a future Duchess are daunting.

On the other hand, there’s a part of me that’s excited. This schedule represents a new chapter in my life, a chance to learn, grow, and make a difference. It’s a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity.

I understand that this schedule is not just about duties and responsibilities. It’s about becoming a part of a family, a part of a legacy. And while it’s certainly going to be a big adjustment, I’m ready to embrace this new journey. After all, life is about embracing change and making the most of the opportunities that come our way. And this is one opportunity I don’t intend to let pass by.

William POV

From the window of my office, I watch as Elena sits in the garden, my mother’s favorite spot. She’s engrossed in the schedule Mary handed her, her expression a mix of determination and apprehension. The afternoon sun casts a warm glow on her, highlighting her radiant black beauty. She looks at home here, amidst the flowers and trees, a sight that brings a strange sense of comfort.

But snapping back to reality, I pulled away from the window and back to my desk. I have a mountain of work waiting for me. As a lawyer, my work involves a lot of research, drafting legal documents, and preparing for court cases. Today, I’m working on a particularly complex case, requiring all my attention and expertise.

I delve into the case files, immersing myself in the world of laws and legal jargon. The office is quiet, the only sound being the occasional rustle of papers and the ticking of the clock. As I work, my thoughts occasionally drift back to Elena.