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Betrayal.

One word. Eight letters. A term usually reserved for enemies, for those in combat, or on some occasions, it's reserved for unfaithful friends. One word can hold a grand burden and place the world onto one's shoulders like Atlas. It's a term that can usually be read about in novels or heard about during afternoon strolls, but experiencing it beforehand and becoming its carrier, it was a tragedy of grand proportions meant to be sentenced to a life of perdition.

As Elizabeth walked up the stairs in search of Edwina, there's a mixture of remorse and anger burning her from the inside out. She was beyond infuriated with Anthony for calling her name at the most inconvenient of times. Beyond closed doors would have been preferred, but even then, she would have hated him for it.

"Lizzie, perhaps you should wait until tensions have lowered," Victoria suggested as she struggled to catch up with her.

Adelaide scoffed, "Tensions will never lower. Avoiding the issue would make everything worse, especially because he so foolishly said the wrong name in front of everyone."

"Does that mean the wedding will be canceled and Lizzie and the viscount will be forced to wed?" Aurora pondered her thoughts aloud, narrowing her eyes in perplexity. "But, what will happen to Edwina and the Duke?"

"The viscount and I will not marry," Elizabeth finally spoke up, but lowered her voice when reaching the room Edwina and the Sharmas were in. "I need to speak with Edwina to try to remedy this chaos, but I need you all to give me some privacy."

"It's not like everyone does not already know," Adelaide's love for gossip made her unwilling to agree with her sister's demand, especially when it was the one thing she expected to happen sooner than later. "Everyone at the church keeps talking about it. You three are surely to be in the next Lady Whistledown-"

"Adelaide, please. You are not helping," Victoria sighed heavily and grabbed ahold of her arm before she could get a chance to run off. "We will be out in the garden waiting for you, Lizzie. Take all the time you need."

Elizabeth nodded with gratitude and watched as her family walked away. As much as she wanted them to stay to make everything easier, she knew this was something she needed to do on her own. This was her mess, her responsibility, and her betrayal to attempt remedying.

With a deep breath, she gently knocked on the door. Muffled voices could be heard, but she was able to distinguish Edwina's above the rest.

Kate opened the door slightly and frowned upon seeing her, "It is not the right time, Elizabeth..."

Elizabeth.

For the first time, she didn't refer to her as Lizzie. She called her by her full name and while it may seem like an insignificant thing, it created a barrier between them. It closed a door that had been opened ever since they first met during that one trip to India.

"I know it isn't, but please, Kate," Elizabeth pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I need to speak with her and explain everything."

"Explain or continue lying like you have been doing all this time?" Kate moved herself closer and blocked any possible attempts at entering.

She had it coming, but it still hurt hearing her hostility. "I understand how you feel-"

"Do you?" Kate narrowed her eyes, her chin raising ever so slightly. "If you did, you would not have become involved in this travesty. You would have been honest from the very start, but you did not, so tell me, how can you understand how my family, how my sister feels?"

Elizabeth didn't know what to say. She knew Kate was right and was now starting to understand why Adelaide had pressured them to reveal everything. If she hadn't found a loophole that night, perhaps things would have been different and this betrayal wouldn't have been as hurtful as it is now.

"I am so sorry," she said, her eyes brimming with tears that she blinked away in an instant.

Kate recognized the regret in her voice. She glanced past her shoulder at her family and decided to give her an opportunity. "Come on, but I must warn you that she has still not calmed down."

Elizabeth only nodded in response and followed her. Standing in the middle of the room, Edwina was hyperventilating and pacing back and forth. Her mother kept trying to comfort her, but she was buried in her recent revelations to care for anything else.

"It is not tea that I want!" Edwina harshly told Lady Mary, but upon seeing Elizabeth, her anger was redirected to her instead. "Oh, there you are! Care to tell me the truth?!"

She wanted nothing more than to explain what happened, but it was the fear of losing them that caused the words to become trapped. Admitting more to her deception would cost her everything and she would rather die than lose her family for the sake of following her heart.

"Suddenly, your words fail you, Elizabeth?" Edwina incredulously said and took a step closer.

Lady Mary got in between them to try and regain control of the situation, "Edwina, I do not think-"

Edwina cut her off, "I shall tell you what is going on, mama. After claiming to have had my best interest at heart, of having filled my head with nonsense, of all this talk of great gallant notions and looks between lovers-"

"Edwina, that is not what I-"

"He has feelings for you!" Edwina loudly declared, stunning everyone into silence. "All this time, this friendship between you both became more! You claimed that he was what I needed when in reality it was you that needed him!"

Elizabeth shook her head frantically, "If you could please let me explain-"

"Do not try to deny it, Elizabeth!" Edwina bellowed, her eyes brimming with hot and angry tears. "How could I have been such a fool? You hid this from me after claiming there were no more secrets between us! You told- you told me there was nothing more, but no. The agreement was merely the beginning of your deception."

How could she deny this? It was nothing but the truth and denying it would only make everything worse. Perhaps she should have listened to Adelaide during the engagement ball and revealed everything right then and there, but she had been so foolish to believe her secret would never see the light of day.

"I fooled myself into believing you had only the purest of intentions!" Edwina cried. "That your only desire was for me to be happy!"

"And that is the truth," Elizabeth approached her gently as she tried her hardest to prevent the tears from spilling. "I wanted you to find happiness and I believed that the viscount could offer you that."

Edwina scoffed in disbelief, "By letting him marry me despite him having feelings for you?! If that is your idea of happiness, I truly fear for the future you intend for your family and yourself."

"I- I had no-" Elizabeth didn't believe that Anthony could ever love her, because why would he? There was nothing worthy or remarkable about her. Other ladies had more to offer and he said it once himself. She was intolerable and insubordinate, so believing someone like him could love someone like her, it made her feel like the most absurd person.

Edwina breathed heavily as she looked her right in the eye, "Do you love him?"

Elizabeth froze at her question, "What?"

"You both claimed you did not tolerate one another, but now that my eyes have been opened, I can now see that it was obvious there was something more between you," Edwina ran through her words slowly, as if the puzzle pieces were finally getting pieced together. "This friendship you claimed was a lie, it became real just like your feelings. So tell me, do you love him?"

Elizabeth wanted to proclaim her love for Anthony. She wanted to scream it to the world, to the heavens, to the entire universe, but the pain in Edwina's eyes was preventing her from doing so. While the truth was the one thing that could set her free, it meant hurting her more than she already had.

"That is enough," Lady Mary declared. "No good can come from this at present. Let us all take a moment to calm ourselves, shall we?"

"Give her some time," Kate attempted to reassure her despite believing the complete opposite. "Perhaps she will have a clearer mind later on."

"Go, anywhere else, Elizabeth," Lady Mary demanded as she attempted comforting an inconsolable Edwina.

Elizabeth didn't say anything more and left the room. She despised the pain she caused and for allowing herself to fall for someone who was already intent on courting another. If she had simply stayed away from Anthony, none of this would be happening. His wedding would have been successful and she would be more than ecstatic to marry William, but no. She chose to become friends with him and accept his agreement.

She deserved this and way worse.

With her tears now spilling, she hastily walked out with no idea on where to go. She couldn't return to the church as it would mean facing William, and she wasn't ready for it. If she could barely explain herself to Edwina, how could she do it with him?

Elizabeth leaned against the stairs, but her breath hitched when noticing Anthony storming in the direction she was in. Already knowing that being seen together would make everything worse, she glanced around for any possible place that would go unperceived by him. As much as she wanted to speak with him, it would be the worst mistake she'd be making.

The music room was the closest to her. She stormed toward it and closed the door, her back laying against the wooden wall as she slid down in defeat. The cold silver of her ring became tighter, as if punishing her for this deception and reminding her of the loss she's about to encounter. Its diamond blinded her upon first sight and for a split second, she swore seeing it become smaller against her finger.

Harshly, Elizabeth removed the ring and tossed it across the room. Its metal clink reverberated throughout the floor, causing her temples and walls to start crumbling down. She hugged her knees together and buried her face into them. The silence and solitude allowed her to release her pain, anger, guilt, and love for him.

It hurt thinking of Anthony, but it destroyed her ignoring the moments they shared. In spite of everything, she concluded that no matter how much she wanted to forget him by marrying William, no circumstances could prevent her heart from beating for him.

Anthony Bridgerton was her beginning, but he would also be her end.

Nothing would change it.

Elizabeth started thinking of the Sharmas and the scandal she brought them. She wrecked everything they worked incredibly hard for and there would never be a time where she would find the strength to forgive herself.

Family doesn't end in blood, but everything was telling her that her betrayal would cause them to cut ties with her. Why wouldn't they?

Exile would be a justifiable sentence. This town was not her homeland anymore and abandoning the place that brought her downfall was what she deserved. Without her in the picture, everyone's lives would prosper and blossom into a nurturing flower.

No one would miss her. In fact, they would be relieved at her banishment. Before being left, she would rather disappear herself, because who in their right mind would stay?

__________________

With his family trailing after him, Anthony rushed into the nearest room, wishing to be alone and find a way to see Elizabeth. He needed to explain why he said her name and attempt to remedy the mess he caused, but the rational part of him reminded him of the grand mistake he'd be making as it would only worsen this scandal.

"How could you have said the wrong name?" Benedict questioned in disbelief. "Sure, their names start with the same letter, but they are nowhere near similar to the other."

"I am sure this mistake happened due to nerves," Colin attempted being the voice of reason, but even he couldn't believe himself. "Miss Elizabeth did happen to be in your direct view, so perhaps that might have been a contributing factor."

Benedict softly chuckled, "I have to say, I did not take Anthony as someone with a delicate constitution."

Anthony breathed heavily in frustration and rubbed his temples. His brothers were mocking his imminent ruin and it angered him that they couldn't view the severity of this. All of his hard work was tossed out the window simply for following his heart.

"Perhaps fresh air might help," Colin suggested.

"Flask," Benedict whispered as he began reaching into his inner pocket.

"So does that mean there will no longer be a wedding?" Hyacinth questioned. "Or will the bride be trading places? If that happens, it would be incredible having Elizabeth in the family."

"Or perhaps, she will realize that marriage is, in fact, a prison for women and it causes her to end her engagement with the Duke," Eloise voiced her thoughts aloud, her face lighting up when envisioning a future where she wouldn't have to lose a friend to marriage this soon.

Colin narrowed his eyes in disbelief, "Ugh. Must you always be so... you?"

"How else should I be?" Eloise argued. "Married and silent?"

"If there will be a switch in the bride, wouldn't Miss Elizabeth need to find a new dress?" Gregory innocently asked.

Hyacinth stared at him as if he had grown two heads, "That is absurd. Miss Edwina's dress is beautiful, so perhaps they will just trade."

"Perhaps we should allow Anthony a little respite," Benedict finally came to the rescue, putting an end to the senseless conversation between his siblings. "Brother, is that what you need?"

Anthony had his face buried in his hands, attempting to ignore his pounding headache and the panic of the aftermath he would face. Listening to his family discuss a possible switch in the bride made everything worse, because he couldn't deny how much he desired for that to occur.

With a deep breath, he glanced up, but found himself setting his eyes on Daphne. She was the only one who knew why he called Elizabeth's name, and he worried that she would say something now. It wouldn't be prudent if she revealed the truth, not before he did, at least.

However, Violet noticed right away and looked in between her children. If she couldn't get a word out from Anthony, Daphne would be the one to tell her everything.

"Precisely," Anthony declared before scurrying out of the room, leaving his family behind as all he cared for at the moment was finding his way to her.

Daphne only watched as he walked away, but soon was met by the accusatory gaze of her mother. "What?"

Taking a step closer to her, Violet declared, "You know something."

"I do not," Daphne argued, an attempt at prolonging the full truth of coming out.

"Daphne, you may be a duchess, but you are still my daughter," Violet's tone was demanding and she knew better than not to listen to her mother now. "Tell me what you know."

__________________

As much as he desired to find Elizabeth, Anthony knew he had to fix his mistake with Edwina first. He dishonored her by calling another woman's name during the ceremony. It was despicable what he did, and he could only hope his error wouldn't cost him everything he's worked so hard for all these years and these most recent months.

Knocking gently on the door, Anthony prepared himself for the consequences. He wasn't sure what to expect, but nothing could be worse than the scandal that's already brewing out in the open.

"Lord Bridgerton," Kate answered the door, hesitant to listen to his imminent explanation. "It is not the right time."

"Miss Sharma, I was hoping to speak with Miss Edwina," Anthony said, hoping his request would be granted.

"I am surprised you said the right name this time," Kate retorted. "Perhaps you should have rehearsed it before today. Surely, the name of your future wife must be so hard to remember."

He had it coming, but it still caught him off guard. "No words will be enough to express my sincerest apologies, but if I could please be granted a moment with her."

Kate sighed heavily before glancing back and it wasn't until receiving an approval from her sister that she accepted. "Remember, her name is Edwina. Do not make everything worse by calling her by another name again."

Anthony only remained silent and took a step inside. He didn't have a clue on how to address the situation, because how to explain the reason he called Elizabeth's name was because he loved her?

"Lord Bridgerton," Edwina was more composed now, but seeing him was starting to bring her anger back.

"I would like to apologize for earlier," Anthony began. "My actions have dishonored you and I despise ruining our day for a meaningless mistake."

"Meaningless?" Edwina's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "My lord, you do not call another woman's name on the day of our wedding because it is meaningless. If you truly want me to accept your apology, the least you could do is be honest."

Anthony was surprised by her sudden backbone. In all the months he's courted her, this had been the first that he had truly seen more than just her gentleness and even temper.

As he pondered on how to resolve this, the lightbulb in his head turned on. Admitting to his feelings for Elizabeth was something he would never dream of revealing, but it could be their ticket out of this. It could help her at least.

"You are right. It was not meaningless," he reluctantly said. "The truth is that I have grown fond of Elizabeth."

Edwina's breath hitched at his confession.

"But it is an unattainable dream that will never happen."

"Are you certain of it?" Edwina asked, refusing to believe his feelings were one sided.

"Her heart is with the Duke," Anthony forced the words, his heart breaking at the remembrance of never being able to be the man she calls for. "She made it clear from the very start of our agreement. Our friendship meant more to me than it did to her, so I had no other choice than to move past what I felt."

Edwina listened attentively, and for the first time, she felt the viscount was being honest.

"I would hate for you two to grow apart for an error that I caused," he continued explaining as he hoped it would bring a conclusion to this ordeal. "She cares for you, so much, so please, Miss Edwina, do not punish her for a mistake on my part."

"I see," Edwina took in his words and deliberated on what more to do. "So... you love her?"

Anthony's body ran cold at her question. Of course he loved her, more than anything. He wanted nothing more than to admit it, but his silence served as an indication of his truth. "I am intent upon this marriage. I know it might not be what you desire, but the very fact that we have arrived at this day with whatever interference there might have been should be proof enough."

"Indeed," Edwina agreed. "Yet I still wonder why you wish to continue pursuing this marriage when it is not me that you want."

"Miss Edwina, I have never wavered in my intentions since the first moment of our meeting," he explained, recalling back on the evening of the poetry reading. "It was clear to me then, as it is now, that what we share is greater than all else."

"And what is it that you believe we share?"

"Our places," Anthony hastily replied with no hesitation. "Our roles. They align. I, as the viscount. You, as the diamond. Neither by our own choice. We are yoked to each other in that respect. It is why I never gave up pursuing you, even when some thought me a fool to continue. It is why I was not swayed by the insults of the Sheffields or your lack of dowry."

"And also because Elizabeth did not love you back," Edwina added and his heart broke at the remembrance of it. "Is that not right?"

Someone as remarkable as Elizabeth could never love a heart like his. She deserved all things good this world had to offer and he would rather witness her experience them with someone else than break her heart by disappointing her. It didn't matter if he loved her, because he was willing to push his feelings aside as long as she was happy.

For her, he would do anything. He would go to hell and back and carry the world on his shoulders.

"Precisely."

She took a deep breath, "If we move forward with this marriage, will you grow to love me? Or will I just be the woman who simply helped you fulfill your role?"

Anthony knew for a fact that he could never love Edwina the way he loved Elizabeth. Never in a million years would he love someone that is not her, so assuring her of the improbable was the last thing he desired.

"I understand you. I sympathize with you," he breathed out. "In a certain light, I am you. We do not have the luxury of a choice. We cannot escape our roles. But married, we may face these difficulties together."

Edwina was still uncertain about this. Now that she knew he loved another, she wasn't sure if marrying him would be the right thing. "And what of Elizabeth? What role will she play between us in the future?"

Anthony couldn't imagine a life without her, but if he was intent on marrying Edwina, he had to let her go. "She will be married to the Duke and away in Edinburgh, so she will be the thorn easily removed from the blossoming flower of our lives. She shall have no place in our future. Once we marry, it will be as if she had never existed, and you and I will be free of her."

"And that is what you now wish?"

Of course it wasn't. It destroyed him knowing he would never see her again, but letting her go was for the better.

"That is what I now know," he avoided her question by answering vaguely. "The great distance between us will only bring you and I closer. But that future is only possible if you decide today to marry me."

Edwina looked to her mother and sister for reassurance, but she knew this was a choice she had to make on her own. Her future was on the line and the decision she would make would set her destiny in the right or wrong path.

"I have been told what my future would look like more times than I now wish to admit, my lord," she confided, her hands interlocking as a way to mask their trembling. "But I am no fool. I know the scandal that would ensue should the two of us fail to see this through. Well, if there isn't one already. I am trying to find a reason enough, but I cannot."

Anthony remained silent, awaiting for her decision that would make or break their future.

Edwina took a step back, "I require a moment to think. Of my future, indeed. But only in the way that I might now imagine it. You must understand."

"Of course," he assured her in a softer tone that indicated he understood. "Of course I do."

Anthony bid his farewell and left the room. Despite his worry and uncertainty about the decision he made, he needed to find Elizabeth and explain what he did. Both of them needed to get on the same page in order for this to work, so it was with a heavy heart that he went in search of his beloved.

__________________

In all these months of repressing her emotions, Elizabeth felt a massive hole had been left in her chest after this hour. She allowed herself to cry, to release everything she kept hidden, and while it was an undignifying action to do, she couldn't care less for what the ton had to say. Her name was already in everyone's mouths that she now felt prepared to leave the sanctuary the music room had become.

As she wiped her remaining tears, the sunlight reflecting onto her engagement ring caught her attention. She desired none of it, but that one piece of jewelry held the significance of moving forward. After all of this, she needed to ensure this scandal wouldn't cause William to end their engagement.

If her mistake cost her family everything, she would rather head to the gallows.

Refusing to stay in this room any longer, Elizabeth placed the ring back on. She headed to the door and took a deep breath, preparing herself to face the consequences. It was now or never, and as much as she would rather choose the latter, it would be foolish to hope for it.

No one was in the halls, so with a new sense of composure, she walked to the stairs in the direction of the exit. However, she was prevented from continuing when finally coming face to face with Anthony. It seemed he was heading in her direction already and seeing her only made him more eager to continue.

But Elizabeth couldn't do this.

She couldn't face him yet.

She would never consider herself a coward, but when she stormed off in the opposite direction, she added a new description to her long list of absurd qualities.

Thinking he didn't see her, Elizabeth took refuge in the music room again and rested against the wall. She took a deep breath of relief when the door didn't open, but her heart practically stopped beating when footsteps strided into the area.

Sure enough, Anthony closed the door and made his way closer to her. "Elizabeth, what are you-"

"You cannot be here," she interjected, not sparing him a glance. "I wish to be alone, so if you can please just let me be."

He shook his head, "I cannot."

Clenching her jaw and with her gaze hardening, she breathed in aggravation, "Please!"

"I cannot," Anthony insisted, his voice low and tremulous. "Because... I- I want to explain what happened."

"You do not need to explain," she started heading to the exit, but he was standing right by the door to prevent her from leaving. "Anthony, get out of my way. I do not want to be caught in another scandal, so let me leave so I can try to fix your mistake."

"It was not a mistake."

Elizabeth blinked at him, "What?"

Anthony melted at the fervence behind her eyes. She made him so helpless and weak, and as much as he hated, he couldn't help but love it at the same time. He loved that she was the only woman to ever make him reconsider everything he's ever told himself, but it also frightened him more than anything ever did.

"I have spent all these months trying to prevent myself from screaming your name and to allow myself to dream freely of you," he came closer and felt his eyes watering with vulnerability. "It is maddening how much you consume my very being. Night and day, you live within my heart and soul. I think of you every second-"

"Please, Anthony," Elizabeth refused to believe this was happening. She would have never imagined hearing those words from him. Never in her wildest fantasies. "Do not say this. Do not say these words if you do not mean them."

"Why do you think I called your name at the altar today?" Anthony shortened the distance between them and she felt herself wither under his presence. His warmth radiated onto her like a fireplace and she could never deny such comfort from embracing her. "It has been destroying me repressing all of this, but now that it is out in the open, I wanted you to know."

Elizabeth considered she was dreaming. These words were the ones she only heard at night and accepted never being able to hear them in the daylight. It was unfathomable believing their friendship could become something more as it meant allowing the world to turn upside down.

"But, Anthony, we cannot be friends or anything more," she spoke without thinking and was entirely unaware of the hurt her words had caused.

Anthony had told those same words to other women before. They wanted more from him and he desired to never attempt to go any further. None of them ever came close to her and hearing his own words in her voice brought him a sense of understanding to the pain he had caused to many.

Despite every fiber of his wanting to remain close, he willed himself to break the barrier and allow the distance to come in between them. "My apologies. I- I should have known better."

Elizabeth knew it was a mistake, but she was willing to allow herself to admit to her feelings for the first time. Like him, it was destroying her not telling him that she loved him. Perhaps from the first day she laid eyes on him. Perhaps that was the reason as to why she was disappointed by his actions.

Everything... it was starting to make sense now.

"But I must admit, I wish for us to become more," she breathed out, her voice barely above a whisper.

Anthony felt the air returning back to him. For a second, he considered he was growing mad. It was unfathomable that someone as mesmerizing and powerful as Elizabeth would view him in the same manner.

"You do?" he whispered, his face just mere centimeters from hers.

She found herself willing to become submissive for the first time. "I do," she repeated, her voice sending shivers down his spine.

He closed his eyes as his hand caressed the softness of her cheek. It was blushing rose and burning with the potency of the sun. He had never witnessed true beauty until her and it shattered him living a future without his heaven by his side.

Elizabeth urged him to make the first move, but he seemed to be thinking the same. She knew this was wrong in all proportions, but the solitude and the feeling of his warmth against her was clouding her rationality. She forgot all about what's beyond these walls as the only thing that mattered was her paradise finally emerging.

Anthony leaned closer and just when he believed he would acquire a taste, footsteps from outside the door made them disperse like prey running from the hunter. It was right then and there when they remembered how forbidden and deceptive this was. After everything that transpired today, how could they consider becoming more?

"I- I've just met with Miss Edwina," he blurted out, causing the already tense atmosphere to worsen. "She was harsher than I knew her capable of being."

"Well, that is what happens when you say the wrong name at the altar," she retorted, sarcasm dripping from her tongue. "Or did you expect her to welcome you with sunshine and doves?"

God, he loved her. He loved how unserious she could be in dire times. It was refreshing having someone know how to lighten the mood when he had been so used to panicking and thinking the worst.

"Fair point," he said, his smile soon fading when noticing hers did. "I- umm, I believe I convinced her of your innocence in this fault."

She raised a brow at him, "You what?"

He took a deep breath, "I told her my feelings were not reciprocated and that she should not worry since you would be marrying the Duke, and I would be marrying her if she decides to take me."

Elizabeth was distraught that he was still considering marrying Edwina after everything. Not to mention after having proclaimed his feelings. How dare he make this decision for her?

"Are you quite serious?"

Anthony now avoided her gaze. He knew he ruined everything by admitting his intentions on marrying Edwina despite having proclaimed his feelings not even a minute earlier. As much as he wanted to follow his heart, he knew he couldn't allow himself as it would go against everything he so desperately needed.

"You must be growing mad if you believe she will want to marry you after today," Elizabeth paced around the room, her hand running through her hair as she contemplated on her most recent mistake.

He swallowed hard, but chose not to argue nevertheless, "You must admit that even if we decide on following what we desire, it will only bring pain to those around us."

She scoffed, "Of course I know that. More than anyone. I am simply distraught by how inopportune you are. You come here and declare your feelings and then proceed to mention how you are still intent on marrying Edwina after everything."

"Because it is the right thing."

"The right thing would have been to never have created this agreement," she didn't intend on raising her voice, but his absurdity was getting hard to ignore and pretend it wasn't destroying her. "We should have steered clear of the other and instead of being locked in this room, we could have been celebrating."

Anthony agreed, "That is why I am coming to you. I convinced her that my feelings are one-sided and how you made it clear from the very beginning that only friendship could occur between us. Me calling your name does not signify anything, so you will not have to worry of losing your engagement to the Duke or your connection with the Sharmas."

It was all too much to process. She had to look back on his words and repeat them, hoping she might have heard wrong and this was just all in her head. But it was not. He still wanted to marry Edwina after his earlier confession and he wanted her to marry William. Everything between them didn't matter and she so foolishly fell for his trap again.

"You want me to agree to more plotting and scheming?" Elizabeth laughed incredulously, shocked he was even considering doing such. "Edwina knows about your supposed feelings for me, and I know she will not want to subject herself to a marriage with you. Lying to her will do more harm, so I refuse to do this."

"So you intend simply to cease to help her, and hide in this room as she ruins her life?"

Elizabeth shook her head as the only person responsible for this had been her. "You mean we both ruined her life."

Anthony walked toward her, but she now refused to be anywhere near him. Every time they're together, tragedy seems to follow. Accepting more of this treachery and committing deceptions behind closed doors wouldn't offer the forgiveness she desired. It would be taking a step back from the progress she hoped she would make.

"You should not have come here," she placed her hand on the knob, but the feeling of his hand against hers made her movements come to an abrupt halt. His touch was invigorating and kept her trapped as if it were her own personal drug. Regardless of her attempts of denying him, her heart would always find a way to escape its cages.

"Wait," he pleaded in a whisper, as if praying to his Goddess and hoping his prayers would be answered. "Stay a little longer."

Elizabeth's gaze softened as she admired his brown eyes. They were her weakness and made her lose sense of reality. At any place, finding him in the sea of people was easy as long as she found his hypnotizing stare meeting hers.

God, she loved Anthony Bridgerton.

More than anything, more than life itself.

"I cannot," she denied him and forcefully removed her hand from his. "Like you said, I will be marrying William and if Edwina accepts you, you two will be wed before nightfall."

Without another word, Elizabeth turned around despite everything telling her to stay. She needed to think rationally about this, because sooner than later, a choice would be made and everyone would be affected.

For better or for worse.

Author's Note

Hey, everyone! Long time, no see!

So sorry for the wait, but work and school has been kicking my ass. Working on this chapter took a long time to finish, but I hope the length makes up for it!

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