Love's Tragedies

Chapter 3

The evening concluded on a tranquil note, and the following day found the two sisters deep in conversation about their night.

"Zinnia, I think I'm in love!" Avellana burst out, clasping her flushed face as she rolled around on their bed.

"You're just infatuated, you met him yesterday." Zinnia replied, her eyes never leaving her favorite romance novel as she sat at the table in their room. "Who wouldn't be after he showed you his effort?"

"I think it's love! And even if it is infatuation, it can turn into love!" Avellana insisted, full of conviction.

"Whatever you say," Zinnia murmured, turning a page.

Someone knocked on the door, "Young Ladies, your breakfast is ready." a maid said after opening the door, pushing a cart full of breakfast for the ladies, and then she set the breakfast at the table.

Excitedly, Avellana sprung from bed and headed to the table where the breakfast was served.

"Thank you, Dahlia." Avellana thanked the maid for serving breakfast.

"Thank you, Dahlia." Zinnia said and put her book to her side.

"Your Pleasure, young ladies." the maid said, and then she pulled out something from her pocket and handed it to Avellana.

"A letter?" confused Avellana wondered who sent it. She looked at her sister, who was also confused. It was a letter with no logo on it, so the sender remained anonymous.

The maid smiled, "It was from your fiancé, Miss Avellana."

After hearing it, a bright smile was visible on the young lady's face. She turns to her sister, who is still confused about the letter.

"I will be taking my leave." The maid bows and takes her leave.

Lady Avellana jumped from excitement, "Did you hear that, Zinnia?!" she exclaimed. "It's from William!"

Avellana opened the letter and read it aloud for her sister to hear.

---

Dear Avellana,

Forgive me for any perceived rudeness; I meant no secrecy. Upon hearing of your fondness for forbidden romances, I was inspired. What if I were to play the role of a mysterious lover from a lower class, while you remain our esteemed young lady? Could you meet me at midnight, by the river behind the mansion, where our tales begin?

With all my heart,

Yours ever secretly,

Will

---

Avellana sat up and had a dreamy smile on her face, "What kind of man makes an effort like this?"

"When have you been fond of forbidden romances?" Zinnia had facepalmed, couldn't believe what she had heard. She knows her sister's preferences, so she can't believe her sister will make up something to keep on going in conversation with a guy.

"We are going to meet at midnight!" she continued on fantasizing.

"You are not going." Zinnia firmly said, "You don't know the man yet. I am against you meeting him just between the two of you." she continued with a worried look on her face.

Avellana disregarded what her sister said and just laughed about it, "Come on, Father wouldn't let us meet a man who cannot be trusted, and it is our way of knowing more about each other. Besides, I have to meet him because he'll be the one I will be marrying."

In Avellana's mind, her romantic optimism overshadowed Zinnia's cautious pragmatism. Zinnia had no choice but to think of another way. Her sister had already closed her senses, she was thinking that she'd follow her later or let someone else do it.

...

Avellana's POV

I sneaked out of the Mansion to see my future husband. It is near midnight and the wind is cold.

I hope he will not get a cold waiting for me there; I'll surely blame myself if he ever gets sick. So, I had to walk fast in order to get to him. Fortunately, the clothes that I am wearing right now are comfortable to run in. I got this from the maid and gave her some money to let me borrow it.

He's not the only one who has to play a part. I also have one in mind. A lady who is so in love, risked her status and wore peasant clothes to meet the love of her life. It may be cliché, but what does pride or appearances matter when love is at stake?

"You're already at the age, but you're still sneaking out?" a voice is heard from behind.

"That voice..." I hurriedly looked at my behind because that voice was from..." Benedict."

He chuckled as he looked at me, "What are you doing out here? It's dangerous being alone, you know."

"What are you still doing here? Aren't you going back home?" I said, feeling surprised. I thought that he had already gone home. It didn't come to my mind that he was still here.

"The duke let me stay here for days. What about you? What are you doing here?" his brow arched like he was wondering what I am up to.

I couldn't shake him off; he had been sticking close since childhood. I needed a diversion. What excuse could I use? Right!

"My sister is in our room right now; you should go there." I said and funnily nudged him.

"No." he stopped me from nudging him by pushing me slightly away from him, "I am not going to a lady's room without permission from her father and her."

What a serious guy. I forgot what a gentleman he is. He refused to go to our room even though he always entered our room when we were a child.

"Here, this is for you." He gave me a red pouch and placed it in my hand, "I didn't get a chance to give it to you before." By looking at it, I already know what's inside. He has always given me a pouch with candies made by his maid since we were still a child.

I quickly hid it in my pocket and got back to the subject.

"Come on, it will be fun. I am sure my father will like this if his daughters make a bond with each other's fiancé."

His brows furrowed deeper. "So that's what you've been up to." He crossed his arms firmly and took hold of my hand. "You're not meeting that guy without your father's permission." With determined steps, he began to lead me back toward the mansion.

"No! He's waiting for me!" I protested, attempting to pull my hand free. His grip was strong, and despite my efforts, I couldn't break free. Frustrated, I resorted to a desperate measure and kicked him in the back of the knee. He winced in pain, momentarily loosening his grip, allowing me to break free.

I sprinted away, not looking back, fearing he might catch up. "W-wait! That guy is dangerous! He's involved in illegal activities!" I heard him call out, but I refused to believe it. He couldn't just fabricate accusations because he didn't like him.