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Elizabeth was haunted.

She was haunted by the past, by her helping hand, by her responsibilities, and by her father's death. Her haunting followed her like a shadow, refusing to liberate her from perdition and grant her the needed oxygen. The torment ran through her veins and burned her like sulfuric acid, causing a mountain of despair to combine with her crimson blood.

The color from her life had been stripped away and become replaced by the black and white. A simple melody from her piano had transformed into a golden cage, its rusted edges brushing against her fingertips like a demonic stroke infecting her with its darkness.

The piano used to be her father's favorite instrument. He valued the dulcet keys and up to the bitter ones, claiming there couldn't be light without darkness. Both of them needed each other to exist. They needed each other as much as the low and high keys of the instrument did. Without it, masterpieces wouldn't form and the world would be filled with abysmal silence.

Elizabeth loved listening to her father's rambles. She loved his enthusiasm, the passion in his voice, and the understanding he had for opposing beliefs. It was the reason as to why she endured piano lessons with him. Even if she wasn't as fond of the instrument, her love developed when seeing the joy it brought him, and anything that made her father happy was certainly meant to be loved.

So that's exactly what her childhood was like.

Full of bliss, understanding, perfect chaos, and every now and then, a hint of being a people pleaser, but it wasn't like she was hurting anyone. If anything, pleasing her father was easier than breathing. She idolized him more than anything, and while there were times when they butted heads, Alexander Windsor was still her hero.

Come to think of it, maybe she shouldn't have held him on a high pedestal. Maybe she shouldn't have accepted the oxygen he granted her with. If she hadn't, she wouldn't have struggled to breathe the years after his death.

She could have mourned him like a normal person. She could have cried for a few days and then moved on to the next chapter, but she didn't – and no, it wasn't because of her grief, but because of her mother's.

Victoria had become subdued to her affliction, settling on remaining in her chambers and relying on her oldest to fend for her youngests. It was cruel, really, but to be fair, she lost her husband and the love of her life, and in return, she had stolen her daughter's right of mourning him like a devoted daughter should.

But Elizabeth never complained. Elizabeth wouldn't. Elizabeth would never.

She welcomed the hand of responsibility and cherished it like her father's love. This was what he would have wanted. He would want his pride and joy to care for their family, so for the past ten years, putting others above her was all she knew.

Her duty kept her moving forward and for as long as she would live, her family would come first. They were all she had left, so handing the key to her heart to a stranger would be out of the question. If her mother barely survived losing a part of her soul, how would she?

Maybe she was overreacting or being irrational, but love terrified her more than anything. Experiencing such heartache plagued her dreams, maimed her soul, and altered her reality. Her priorities have always been set straight that sidetracking her lifelong mission for a moment of weakness was out of the question.

Marriage of convenience were the keys to her soul, the melody reverberating through her system, and the skeleton hiding in her chambers. Love was a weakness and Elizabeth couldn't imagine becoming subdued to such sentiment.

The social season was running in her favor by far. She had to thank Anthony Bridgerton for that.

Oh, Anthony Bridgerton.

Just thinking of his name brought butterflies to her stomach. Her heart raced in such a profound way, a forbidden and terrifying one that made her dread her next encounter with him, but just like her dread, the desire of seeing him was much stronger.

For a moment, just a mere fraction of time, she allowed herself to drown in these feelings. They were overwhelming, applying pressure on her chest and making her blood hotter than the sun's blaze. She clutched onto the book Eloise had lent her tightly and roamed the gardens like a lost soul. If she had known these strange sentiments would have formed, she wouldn't have accepted their agreement.

Now that she was officially being courted by William, Elizabeth couldn't find the will or the strength to accept his amiability. The Duke was remarkable and one of the most honorable men she had ever met, but something didn't feel right. Something was missing and it vexed her that after having prepared for her debut for so long, she was tossing everything away, and for what? For someone who had no intentions of courting her? For someone who was adamant on courting her friend?

It was absurd to think about. She had accepted to help him with Edwina and her family, so it was incomprehensible as to why she was having doubts all of a sudden. This agreement was working as it should, and while she wanted to take a step back, she didn't have the strength to do so, because that would mean cutting ties with him.

Sighing heavily, she lowered her book and sprinted towards the stables. It's been a while since she's headed to the lake. With her schedule being filled with balls, strolls at the park, and dinners with the Duke, she hasn't had much time for herself. For the first time in days, she's finally able to acquire a moment for herself, so heading to her hideout seemed the most appropriate.

As she took off on her horse, the warm and embracing sun struck her face, allowing its warmth to become a part of her and consume her very being. Everything was turning quieter the further she went, leaving only the sound of the rustling leaves and horse's steps to fill her eardrums.

She had missed the breeze on her skin and the freedom of escaping. She could only hope no one had discovered her spot as she'd be forced into finding another, which was something she'd be unwilling to do.

Elizabeth urged her horse to go faster and it wasn't until she passed a large gathering of shrubs when she heard his voice. For a mere moment, she believed she had imagined it, because why would he be here far from town and not in his home? She stopped and looked around, soon finding the voice wasn't her imagination, but turned out to be very much real.

Anthony rode his horse in her direction. Like always, he looked like he was crafted by the Gods, as if he had been their favorite creation. His smile was the brightest she's ever seen and it made her heart start racing the closer he got.

"What are you doing out here alone?" he asked, both of them now riding their horses side by side.

She shrugged, "I'm not alone now, am I?"

"Fair point, but you didn't fully answer my question," he insisted, but noticed her hesitancy and became afraid of appearing like he was pressuring her into speaking. "You know what? No need to tell me."

"Can I trust you to keep a secret?" Elizabeth moved her horse to stand in front of him, blocking his path and making him wonder what she had to say.

Anthony placed his hand against his heart to pledge his honor, "I'll take your secret to the grave. You can trust me."

She smiled, "Whenever I try to get an escape from my life, I come to my secret place for a break. It's far from town, so I am certain no one will be able to find it. Well, I hope at least."

He listened attentively, loving the way her eyes sparkled and how deep in thought she was. She radiated excellence and grace, making her the most beautiful woman in all of England and perhaps in the entire world. He loved listening to her voice and the way she spoke with passion and with such an intriguing tone. If he were granted the opportunity to listen to her for all an eternity, he would gladly do so in a heartbeat.

"I stumbled upon this place accidentally and let me tell you, it truly is one of the greatest wonders," Elizabeth started riding quicker, getting much more excited in finally having someone to share this with.

Don't get her wrong, of course she loved having her privacy, but it got lonely every once in a while. It's not like she could tell her sisters since they've never been able to keep a secret that doesn't involve them. Besides, she's certain if this location was revealed to them, she would never obtain a moment of peace.

With Anthony, it was different. He was the only one who understood the importance of fulfilling her duty to her family. Their motives were similar and while they often argued, she was comforted in knowing there was someone to share this predicament with.

"I wish I could convey its beauty with words, but you will just have to see for yourself."

Anthony admired her eyes, loving the way their rich brown color resembled the warmth of the first sip of coffee on a cold winter day. The way her lips moved and matched the color of her rosy cheeks accentuated the golden highlights in her hair. The sunlight was hitting her perfectly, making her the epitome of the beauty of a poet's words, an artist's masterpiece, and the creation of a composer's notes.

She truly was the most remarkable and exquisite woman to have walked this earth.

But why in the world was he suddenly feeling this?

Elizabeth glanced over at him, her expression softening and becoming consumed with an unknown feeling. A flutter formed at the pit of her stomach and rose to her heart, making her body become consumed with vibrations and a tinge of bashfulness. Her hands trembled slightly as her shoulders tensed and she could only hope someone as attentive as him wouldn't notice.

"So, how are things going with you and Edwina?" Elizabeth blurted out, the desire of knowing what's happening getting the better of her.

Anthony blinked and averted his gaze to his surroundings. He absolutely hated how nervous she made him and how his mind would lose his train of thought. Every time she's around, his responsibilities would vanish and he could simply be the person he once was before being forced into becoming the head of the family.

There was freedom, bliss, serenity, and trust. Something he never expected to find with anyone, especially with someone who turned his world upside down upon first meeting. Being with her has made him like he could shoot for the stars and take a breath of fresh air in this polluted world.

If there was a chance he could freeze time and leave him frozen with her, he would be a fool in not doing so, but that thorn pricking his thoughts flips the switch as he realizes how inconceivable this could be.

Now even more when he's intent on courting another woman.

Her friend.

"Miss Edwina and I could not be more perfect," he finally said, forcing himself to say the words. "She's quite a charm and the most even-tempered lady I have ever met. I truly am the most fortunate."

The most fortunate.

How funny how those three words felt like she had swallowed stones. He sounded sincere and something in the way his eyes shone at her mention made her believe that maybe he's starting to view Edwina in a different light. Perhaps the diamond has managed to find a way into the crevices of his heart hidden in his mines.

The way he spoke about Edwina was enchanting and despite her aversion to a love filled marriage, she desired it. She desired for a husband that would speak highly of her, that would smile at the mention of her name or just when thinking about her. She longed for a love that consumed her and made her feel like she could shoot for the stars. She wanted someone whose heart and soul longed for, but she's not made for it.

She's not made for any of it.

Anthony grew concerned when noticing her sparkle had disappeared, causing him to speculate on what has her so bothered. He couldn't bear not seeing her smile or her lively essence become stripped away. Her charisma and free spirit was something that brought him joy, so the distress etched in her face made his heart drop as if gravity had betrayed him.

"Are you alright?" he softly asked, his tone worried and stern.

Elizabeth willed herself to look at him, but she was certain if she looked at those mesmerizing eyes, she would lose her train of thought. God, she hated herself for this. She hated being upset by his charming words describing who she considered a sister. All she wanted was for Edwina to find happiness and if Anthony was able to bring her the sun, then she would choose to linger in the night for all eternity.

For her loved ones, she would do anything.

"Of course I am, my lord," she nonchalantly said, urging her horse to walk faster.

"You know, I've been thinking-"

"Viscount Bridgerton has been thinking? Surely the world must be about to end," she smiled and tried resisting the urge of laughing when seeing his forehead crease in vexation.

Anthony rolled his eyes, shaking his head at her remark she always seemed to have up her sleeve, "Oh, shut it, Miss Windsor."

She gasped and placed a hand against her heart to pretend as if she's been offended, "Did you just tell me to shut it? That's not very gentleman-like, my lord."

"Can you stop calling me that?" Anthony blurted out, making her furrow her brows in questioning. "If we're going to pretend to be good friends, you shall call me by my given name. No friends of mine will call me 'my lord.' I'm not that pretentious."

Elizabeth came to an abrupt stop as she wondered if what she was hearing was actually right. She was surprised that he would ask her such considering their supposed dislike for the other, but such honor brought immense warmth to gather in her chest.

She wanted to provide a snide remark, one of her usual comments she always has up her sleeve, but instead, a laugh escaped through her rosy lips (which was definitely not the reaction he expected).

"Is there something funny about this?" he asked through a smile.

"None at all... Anthony," Elizabeth's voice calling his name felt so right.

The soft, velvety sound of her tone brought shivers down his spine and made the blush gather in his cheeks. His name coming out from those perfect and desirable lips had been a gift sent from heaven that he could only wonder why he hadn't asked this sooner.

"You shall call me by my given name as well."

Anthony raised his chin ever so slightly and formed a soft smile, "Very well... Elizabeth."

"Now, how about a race?" Elizabeth didn't give him a chance to get ready as she started going further into the woods at a much quicker pace. She could hear him complaining and going after her, which only made her much more determined in beating him.

It surprised her how slow he was considering she's seen him racing with his brothers before. He always turned out to be the fastest one, but now, he's become the representation of the slow and deficient.

"Hold on!" Anthony demanded, grinding his teeth and urging his horse to go faster. "Watch out for the vines!"

Elizabeth smiled as she glared at the target ahead. The vines appeared to be dangerous, but it was her experience in running past countless times that gave her the courage in leaping over them. She turned back at him, unable to prevent a conniving smile from forming when seeing him struggling to keep up. Seems the mighty viscount wasn't as skilled as he claimed.

"Elizabeth, wait!" Anthony bellowed, but she didn't listen. If anything, his demands made her rush and take a giant leap over the winding vines, causing him to come to an astonished halt.

"It seems that I've won!" Elizabeth applauded herself and was unable to prevent her triumphant laughter. He was staring at her with starstruck and his mouth was hanging agape, which definitely made this success much sweeter. "Come on! The lake is right over there!"

Anthony followed after her and stopped shortly when finally catching sight of the hidden body of water. He knew of nearly all the lakes, but this one was an entirely new one that he couldn't help but wonder how he never found it.

The waters were crystal clear, allowing its depths to be seen along with the few fishes swimming all around. Lily pads are placed delicately on top and the sunshine was hitting them perfectly, accentuating the vibrancy of their colors and casting a warm glow. Even if the weather was getting extremely warm, the surrounding evergreens allowed for crisp wind to become trapped.

"What do you think?" Elizabeth questioned as she admired the grand scenery.

He glanced her way, unable to peel his eyes away from her, "It's beautiful."

She hopped off her horse and headed to the lake's edge, delicately tipping her foot in and making sure the temperature was just right (as if that would stop her from getting in).

"It is just perfect," Elizabeth gestured with her hand at him to head over, prompting him to hastily join her side as if his life depended on it. She twirled her foot one more time and glanced sideways at him, "How about a swim?"

Anthony hummed in thought for a moment before crouching down to feel the temperature. His fingertips ran through the surface as a chill ran down his spine, "I fear you want me to catch a cold. It's freezing."

She scoffed, nudging him teasingly on the arm, "Oh, please. The Serpentine was much colder than this one."

He froze for a moment as he remembered how she tossed him into its waters. It truly had been the first time where he felt annoyed at someone, but now looking back at it, he realized it was well deserved since he had been insufferable with her.

But would he admit it? Of course not.

Without warning, Elizabeth jumped into the lake with her brown dress still on. She reached for her chestnut locks, allowing them to roam freely and cascade down her shoulders like a waterfall.

"Are you quite serious?" Anthony gaped at her with disbelief that she had willingly chosen to jump in her dress. Hell, not even her sisters and mother would be caught dead doing such.

"What?" she asked through a smile, her hands flailing around and creating water ringlets.

"I'm just surprised you got in with your dress," he pointed out.

She narrowed her eyes and slightly tilted her head, "Would you have preferred I undressed myself?"

Anthony swallowed hard as he was caught off guard by her question. He opened his mouth to speak, but the words died on his lips. He had to admit, it would be a beautiful sight, but he reminded himself that he's a gentleman and indulging in a conversation like this with a lady wouldn't be proper.

Elizabeth laughed at his reaction, splashing him with the water, "Come on, Anthony. Do not tell me I left you at a loss for words?"

"Of- of course not," he stuttered, gaze averting to the ground beneath him. "I'll just- I'll just wait here since I have no intention of getting into that freezing water."

She rolled her eyes and swam closer to him, her dress and hair dripping as she stood in front of him with her hands on her hips. "So you're just going to watch," she didn't ask, but simply stated knowing it was something that would make him nervous. "Didn't take you as an observer, Anthony. If anything, I took you as the adventurous type."

He raised his head to look up at her, the sun's lighting surrounding her in a perfect silhouette. "What if I'm both, Elizabeth? What then?"

She leaned closer, her expression serious yet filled with resilience, "How about you show me? Or I'll do it."

He raised a curious brow at her, "How so?"

Elizabeth sighed in contemplation to make him believe she doesn't have a plan just yet. Taking him off guard and making him lose his breath has been one of her infamous tactics, so she's not about to lose them now.

Before Anthony could perceive her next move, he was suddenly taken aback when her hands reached for him to pull him into the water. For the second time, she had tossed him into the lake, but unlike the other time, he was overcome with pure ecstasy and enjoyment. Hearing her laughter and witnessing that angelic smile on her face made the frigid water and possible cold they could catch worth it.

"Elizabeth!" Anthony playfully exclaimed and splashed water onto her, prompting her to return the gesture until both of them were fully drenched. "Come now! This isn't over!" he exclaimed once she started swimming away underneath a large tree.

"Anthony, no!" Elizabeth splashed more water onto him at the same time he did, their actions creating a small tsunami to gather at the palm of their hands. She tried preventing any more water from hitting her face, but he was a storm against nature. "That is not fair!"

He laughed uncontrollably, "Serves you right for starting it!"

Their laughters and their carefree moment was one that came so unexpectedly. There was freedom obtained in getting to dive in their enjoyment seeing as for the first time, their duties and societal expectations weren't hovering over their shoulders. Here in the lake, they were free to be themselves and not even their supposed dislike mattered anymore. The lake had brought them together, linking their souls with each others and expressing how hers and his were the same.

Some know each other's steps to their dances. Others know the lyrics to each other's songs, but Elizabeth and Anthony knew more. They understood each other like no other as they knew their struggles and importance of their roles were the same. They were painted with the same brush, played the same keys and danced the same choreography in a graceful path. All it took was just one look and one moment to solidify it.

While they were crafted by a different thread, they were cut with the same scissors and meant to intertwine like the fabric needed for a dress or a suit. It was unlike anything and such a thought brought consternation and unsettling to them, because in what universe could parallel paths become one?

Now as they're laying on the wading grass underneath the orange blaze, there's a silence surrounding them. Today had been unlike any other that despite knowing they needed to return, not a single part of them wanted to.

"Do you miss it?" Anthony asked, breaking their companionable silence.

She opened her eyes and glanced his way, unsure what he was referring to, "Miss what?"

"Paris," he confirmed, remembering having heard her mention the city of love and the longing she had for it. He knew he was selfish in being glad the circumstances brought her here, but he was also worried as to what brought them together.

Elizabeth sighed heavily and ran a hand through her damp hair, "There's never a time where I do not miss it. Paris was my home. It saw me grow up and saw me change into the person I am, but while I miss it, I'm also afraid of returning."

He furrowed his brows in concern, "How come?"

She's never spoken to anyone about her father before. Not even with her family since it tends to be a sensitive topic, especially for her mother. It's been suffocating having to endure all these years in silence and while a part of her was afraid of opening up about this to someone, she suddenly felt willing to for the first time.

"If I return, I'll just be reminded that my father is no longer with us," her voice was barely a whisper, but he heard her perfectly. "I miss him all the time and I know you think I have high expectations for marriage, but it's important that I find someone accomplished as it would mean I get to save my family."

Anthony understood her more than anyone. The only reason he was choosing on pursuing Edwina was because he knew he could never fall in love with her. She was a remarkable woman and held admirable qualities, which was why he surrendered in making her his viscountess as it would mean she would be perfect in helping him with his family while not worrying about love getting in the way.

He loved them more than anything and would go through hell and back for them if needed. This duty needed to be fulfilled, so he could never judge Elizabeth for seeking the same or for having the same expectations.

To know that someone shared his responsibility and understood the pain that came with missing a parent, it made him feel the most fortunate to have found a friend after so long.

"I am terribly sorry about your father," he softly said, his gaze softening and voice breaking. "I miss my father every day and always remind myself that I'm doing everything to honor him. I want to make him proud and let him know that I would always look out for my family just like he did."

Elizabeth could see how much it hurt him to speak about his father, which made her feel the most grateful to have been granted such an honor in being his confidant. She gazed at him with comprehension, hoping he'd be able to understand her silence was her way of showing she understood him.

"I am certain he is proud of the person you have become," she noticed her words had removed a weight off his shoulders and it made her realize that all this time, he was trying to fulfill his duty to his father to make him proud. She couldn't judge him for it any longer as she was also on the same page. "I know I would be."

As if the oxygen had been brought back to him, Anthony breathed in relief at hearing someone understand his reasoning. All he's ever heard was critiques from his mother and while he understood her concern, he wished she understood why he was doing this.

"Your father would be as well," he softly said, making her eyes brim with tears that she quickly blinked away.

"Looks like we have something in common then," Elizabeth's voice was gentle and low, but he understood her perfectly.

"It seems like we do," he agreed through a soft smile.

Elizabeth felt a strange jolt in her chest, one so foreign and unknown. It was something that made her body radiate with tension and while the greater part of her was afraid, she also couldn't help from wanting to hold on to it just a little longer.

Anthony stared at her through a soft expression filled with longing. A tinge of pink gathered in his cheeks as inexplicably, his hand started reaching for hers. He knew their hands colliding could never happen, especially without the fabric of her gloves being their barrier, but he wanted to feel her touch and warmth against him for just a short while.

Thinking the same, she slowly began tracing her fingertips toward his. With their solitude, no one would have to know, but it was that same thought that made her realize how wrong this would be. Even if they're alone, she can't allow herself to dive into whatever it is she's feeling.

And Elizabeth couldn't do this to Edwina.

Not today and not ever.

Abruptly, she shifted her body away from him and hugged her knees together. Her chest was rising slowly yet also hastily, making her hope he wasn't noticing as it wouldn't be prudent to make him doubt her now.

"So, what's next?" Anthony breathed heavily, blinking profusely and running a hand through his locks. "What's in store for Miss Elizabeth Windsor now that she's being courted by William Swan?"

His tone sounded bitter and resentful at the mention of the Duke, making her chuckle at the vexation lacing his features.

"Don't make fun of him-"

"I only said his name and asked a question," Anthony raised his hands in surrender as she shook her head at him.

"To which you sounded judgmental about," she defended, making him roll his eyes and shift his body to face her.

"If he were to propose, would you accept?"

It was a question that kept him up at night. The Duke held all the qualities she was searching for in a husband and while a part of him understood the importance of finding a suitable match, he couldn't help but feel that William wasn't the right man for her. She didn't seem to enjoy his company and yes, she laughed and smiled at whatever it was he said, but it didn't sound genuine. If anything, it sounded as if she was trying to convince herself that it was what she wanted.

Elizabeth took a deep breath and leaned back against the grass, allowing the sun's rays to seep through her skin. If anyone else had asked her this, she would have said yes in a heartbeat, but telling Anthony this felt so wrong, like it was an answer meant to be kept from him.

But she couldn't lie to him. Not when this was a part of their agreement – finding a match.

"Most likely, yes," she reluctantly admitted.

Anthony groaned, refusing to believe she would consider a proposal this soon, "What is it with every lady of the ton being smitten by him? All of them are tossing themselves at his feet as if he were some kind of God."

She gaped at him in disbelief, "I would not be talking if I were you."

He scoffed and leaned forward, "What do you mean by that?"

"Every lady has tossed themselves at your feet, or have you forgotten how many asked for a dance at Lady Danbury's ball?" Elizabeth pointed out and she was satisfied when seeing him at a loss of words. "Exactly. Even if you were once a rake, your title helps you with your choices. You can have anyone you want, so judging the Duke for having the same opportunities makes you sound like a hypocrite."

"Okay, that is neither here nor there-"

"I am simply stating the facts," she argued and he tried dismissing her words, but he knew she was right.

God, he hated that.

"So you will simply marry him because of his title?" Anthony inherently questioned, cinching his brows in perplexion. "Never took you as the type to care for such things."

Elizabeth was well aware of how terrible her reasons for marriage made her look. She hated searching for a marriage of convenience, but she needed her family to be saved. By marrying an accomplished gentleman, their future would be set and it would mean her sisters would get to marry for love unlike her.

"I know what I want and I won't apologize for it," she pushed back against the grass as she began pacing around with her arms across her chest. "Marrying rich is what my family needs, so I will not be shamed for it."

He nodded his head, humming in thought for a moment, "I am not shaming you. I am simply surprised since when I first met you, I took you as the romantic type. For someone who would value love over anything, especially with how much you intended to prevent me from pursuing Miss Edwina."

"Well, I believe love is a luxury that not everyone can afford," she admitted, taking him by surprise. "Edwina has the opportunity to choose just like many women of the ton. I, however, do not. I am simply marrying for convenience since it's what my family needs."

Anthony admired her courage and how willing she was to sacrifice her happiness for her family, but it maimed his heart in knowing she wouldn't live a life full of joy. "But is it something you truly want?"

Elizabeth tensed at his question, not knowing how to answer as half of her wanted love, but another didn't. She was terrified of experiencing heartache after witnessing the pain her mother went through, but the hopeless romantic part was pleading the heavens for a maddening love unlike any other.

She averted her gaze to the trees, knowing she could never admit the complete truth, "My family's well being comes first, so it does not matter what I want."

He nodded along with her words, "What would happen if you were to fall for someone? What then?"

She deliberated for a quarter of a second, "I highly doubt that would happen."

"How are you so certain?"

"Because love is a privilege," Elizabeth loudly declared as she moved closer to him. "We all have a choice on settling for a life of prosperity or a life full of despair. Love does not provide for a family or open doors. You know what does? Titles. Wealth," she admitted, unable to prevent the words from flowing like a river. "I am a woman who cannot work, cannot attend university, and cannot express my voice without being shunned. I do not have the same luxury as men, who can be with all the women in the world without the worry of being called impure. I am expected to always be proper, to save myself for marriage, and to silence my voice, or else I would lose everything..."

Anthony listened to the passion of her words as he began understanding her reasoning for having accepted this agreement of his.

"Privilege is for the powerful and I am a woman without power," her tone was stern and firm, making the trees shake with its force. "All I am worth is my womanhood, so I will use whatever means to acquire what I need without remorse."

Elizabeth turned silent as she expected him to call her out for her beliefs. It's something she waited for considering society has made it its goal to make women powerless. While she's learning to trust him, a part of her was afraid that he would turn out to be just as shallow as the other gentlemen she's ever spoken with.

Anthony walked closer to her and she deliberated on taking a step back, but not a bone in her body wanted to. He gazed deep into her eyes and within the blink of an eye, he held out his hand toward her, "Then I will use my power to ensure you get exactly what you need. That is a promise, Elizabeth."

She softly smiled, relieved he wasn't judging her and was actually understanding her, "It's a promise then."

And with that, their hands became firmly locked as a way to seal an oath that Anthony would never dare break as all he cared for was granting her the power she so wholeheartedly deserved.

Author's Note

Hey, y'all! Long time no see!
So sorry for the wait, but for some reason I just had the most intense writer's block for this chapter.

I'll try to get the next chapter out sooner though ☝🏼
Anyway, hope you guys liked the chapter!

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