You hated being betrothed to your fiance. You truly did. But your father loved the man and thus, had approved the marriage before you were even aware a proposal was happening. You felt trapped, like you were being pulled under the surface of the water and drowning with no one to help you get back to the surface. That was how you felt every second of every day. You despised the feeling. But there was one person who could make it just a little bit better.

Major Edmund Hewlett was somewhat opposite of your fiance. He was the kind of man you'd always thought you'd marry. Quiet, intelligent, and kind. He was soft spoken with you unless he let his passions bubble to the surface. You loved seeing that side to him. The two of you got along well and enjoyed each other's company. A friendship blossomed between you quickly and, over time, romantic feelings grew. You would have given ANYTHING to not marry your fiance and marry Edmund instead.

When you made the mistake of mentioning this to Edmund, he looked so heartbroken. He gently took your hands in his and gave them a light squeeze. "You cannot say such things, Y/N." The two of you had long dropped formalities whenever you were alone. "Why not? It is the truth." He gave you a soft smile. "Truth or not, it is difficult to maintain my honor when I know you share my feelings." You wanted to be angry at the situation, but you admired how Edmund, even after all his own heartbreak, held onto his honor and protected yours.

Tears welled up in your eyes. "I-I understand, but damn you, Edmund. Damn you for being so honorable," you said, your voice cracking a bit. He smiles once more, his own eyes wet with tears, and brings your hands up to his lips. "Perhaps I am not destined for a lifetime love, but I wish for you to know that I do love you, Y/N." You couldn't help but cry now. Was life truly that unfair?

When you left Edmund a few moments later, your heart grew heavier with every step. It wasn't like you despised your fiance. Not at all. He was a decent man. But you didn't love him. You loved Edmund. Now knowing that Edmund loved you as well, you couldn't help but wish things would turn out differently. Still, you would do your duty and marry your fiance. Or, that's what you had planned to do at least.

A few days later, your fiance called on you in your father's home. You greeted him politely, if a little coldly. Once everyone else had left the room aside from your chaperone, your fiance turned to you. "Word has gotten to me that you've been enjoying another man's company," was all your fiance said. Your eyes grew wide.

"Samuel..." He held up a hand. His eyes met yours, practically boring into your soul. "Major Hewlett is a good man. Do you love him? The truth, please." Your heart was beating out of your chest as you tried to come up with something, anything, that would make this not so bad. Samuel's eyes never left you and you realized that maybe this could be your chance at an escape.

"Yes. I-I love him. But I assure you, he has been nothing but honorable! Never once has anything...untoward happened." You began rambling and didn't notice the small smile creeping onto Samuel's face. It wasn't until he began chuckling a bit that you stopped. You froze, unsure of whether he was angry or not. You didn't know him well enough to discern his different laughs.

"Thank God," he finally said. You were taken aback. "What?" He laughed again. "I must be honest with you, Y/N. I have been searching for a reason to break off our engagement for months. The truth is, I have a love as well and she isn't you. I wish to marry her." You blinked in surprise before smiling yourself.

"Really?" He nodded. "Certainly your father would not object. After all, a major is a far better prospect than a leftenant." You quickly hugged him. "Thank you, Samuel." He smiled at you. "Don't thank me. Just go to him while I speak with your father." You were out of the door before he even finished his sentence.

You must have looked a fright, racing through the crowded streets of York City. You knew where Edmund would be this time of day. Fortunately, he was alone when you burst through the door of his office. His head shot up in surprise upon seeing you disheveled and out of breath. "Miss Y/L/N?" he greeted cautiously in case anyone could overhear.

"Major," you gasped out as you tried to catch your breath, "Edmund, I...had...to...see you!" He stood from his desk and came over to you, helping you to sit. He knelt down in front of you and took your hands. "What is it? Are you hurt?" You shook your head as you beamed at him.

"He broke of the engagement." Edmund stared at you as his mind processed your words. "Your fiance?" You nodded. "Yes! He-Someone told him they'd seen us together," you said before relaying the whole conversation. Edmund shook his head in disbelief. "And he agreed to release you from your promise of marriage?" You nodded, giddy with the idea of possibilities for your future. All of them featuring your Edmund.

Edmund suddenly stood, pulling you with him. His smile was beautiful as he gazed at you with eyes filled with love and devotion. Without thinking, you leaned in and pressed your lips to his. He responded immediately with a passion you only seen in his words. It thrilled you to your bones. You were panting when you parted. "I suppose there is only one honorable thing to do now," Edmund whispered once he'd caught his breath. You asked what he meant. "I shall have to make you my wife, if you are agreeable." You laughed and replied that you would, of course, marry him. He cupped your face with one hand, bringing your face close to his again to seal your promise with another kiss.