Love's Tragedies

Chapter 4

Heart pounding, I raced toward the rendezvous point, hoping against hope that I wasn't too late to meet the man who had captured my imagination and heart.

At a distance, I saw him...standing there, wearing what a guard wears.

"You're here. I thought you were not going to show up." the moonlight shined on him and a big bright smile appeared on his face.

Is this the guy Benedict knows? He is so far from it; he is too pure for it. Besides, I know my father has already done his inspection before allowing someone to get close to me.

My chest still pounding, why is my heart racing so much? Is this still infatuation what my sister is talking about? I don't think so but, if it really is...I can't wait to turn it into love.

What would it feel like?

Would it feel the same as what I am feeling now?

...

"Here you are. I wasn't sure if you'd show up," he said warmly, walking over to me and draping a blanket around my shoulders. "You might get a cold."

I couldn't help but smile. "I apologize for being late."

He guided me to a spot on the grass where he had laid out another blanket, then gently helped me sit down. I felt a bit shy as he settled down beside me.

In front of us, the river that flowed through our villa glistened in the moonlight. "How did you know about this place?" I asked, curious.

"Well, I can see it from my room, and I figured you must know about it too, growing up here," he explained. "So, I thought this would be a perfect spot for our meeting."

His thoughtfulness touched me, and as we sat together by the tranquil river, I felt a sense of connection growing between us.

"Wouldn't you like to stay like this forever?" I asked out of the blue. He's already my fiancé, and our parents have given their approval, so why should we wait any longer to be together?

He looked stunned for a second but then smiled sweetly at me. "Is that a proposal, My Lady?"

Bold as my words were, embarrassment quickly overtook me, and I covered my face.

"Am I that straightforward?" I mumbled.

He chuckled, gently removing my hands from my face. "I don't mind," he said, his face moving closer to mine. "I want to stay with you forever too."

"Let's get married."

As he leaned in, it looked like he was about to kiss me. I closed my eyes, heart pounding, waiting for the moment... but then—

"Young Lady!" A sudden shout stopped us in our tracks, startling us to the point that we sprang up from where we were seated.

"S-Sir Sinclair?" It was our butler, looking both shocked and stern as he stared at us. What is he doing here?

I glanced at William, who appeared devastated by Sir Sinclair's interruption. Worry gnawed at me—what if Father punished us for this?

Sir Sinclair strode over, positioning himself between William and me. "What are you doing with our Young Lady?" he demanded, glaring at William.

"Sir Sinclair, we were just enjoying each other's company," William defended himself.

Ignoring William's explanation, Sir Sinclair began to steer me back toward the mansion.

"I will make sure the duke hears about this," he warned, casting William a final stern look before leading me away from the lake.

"William..." I whispered, feeling a pang of regret and concern for what might come next.

...

"I can't believe this..." my father said, his voice heavy with disappointment as he massaged his temple. "You're a lady, meeting someone secretly at night. What if someone had seen you? Your reputation could be ruined."

We were in his office, and he was still in his pajamas, clearly having been woken up by this incident. I felt a pang of guilt for disturbing his sleep just because I decided to sneak out and got caught.

"He's my fiancé, Father. I don't see anything wrong with meeting him," I reasoned, my voice trembling slightly.

Father groaned in irritation, massaging his temples as if the very thought caused him pain. "At NIGHT," he emphasized, his voice growing louder.

Desperation welled up inside me. "That's why, Father, I want to ask a favor! To prevent this from happening again... please, let us get married!" My words tumbled out in a rush, my heart pounding in my chest.

Father looked at me, his surprised expression. He sighed deeply; the weight of the situation evident in his eyes. "Well, that's what me and William's parents wanted in the first place." His voice sounded gentler this time. "I didn't expect we would be talking about the wedding so soon. Do you have a date in mind?" he asked.

I felt relieved after hearing that from my father, and I thought I would have to convince him more, but it's already unnecessary.

It was already past midnight and already dawning so excitedly, I answered my father, "Tonight!" Again, he is shocked but more shocked than before. "I am fine if it's not that great and the visitors are only us. What is important is for me and William to get married!"

This time he clasped his head, he looked like he was having his headache, it took him for a while to talk to me again.

"Fine..." he stood up and went to the door, then opened it, "The wedding will start tonight." and he left.

I nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and anxiety. As I left his office, I couldn't help but hope that my plea would be heard and that our love would finally be allowed to flourish openly. I am excited about telling this to my sister!

Should we have a double wedding? It will be exciting! But I want my wedding day to only be mine so I will not be sharing it and just planned for my wedding.

I giggled, excited at the thought that I would be married.