Chapter 12
Captain Bernard slowly rode his horse down the path that once led him towards the city. He had considered not returning to Belle’s hamlet. Even the thought of her brought him pain.
They had shared something so wonderful and intimate together. But as quickly as their intimate encounter arose, Belle’s feelings seemed to wither. What was most painful of all was why things had changed. Belle had acted like she could love him forever until he had shared with her his greatest secret, that he had once loved another man.
Belle’s rejection was devastating for Captain Bernard. He couldn’t escape from it fast enough. Still holding out hope that he could ingratiate himself to Belle by finding her father, he had left for the city. But unable to find him in a week or even two, the Captain
