CHAPTER FOUR
A SHOULDER TO CRY ON

As preparations for the famous Hearts and Flowers Ball were in full swing,and the rest of the ton was starting to arrive to Aubrey Hall, being greeted by Violet and Daphne, the Crawfords were outside, enjoying the fresh air and a delicious breakfast.

"The scones here are always mind blowing," Elliot said, his mouth full.

"I agree," Walter nodded, finishing a bite.

"You have something there, dear," Eleanor chuckled, leaning in and using the napkin to wipe the jam that had stayed on her husband's chin.

"Thank you, love."

Victoria watched them with a smile. Her parents had always been her role model when it came to relationships, having observed their affections from a young age, and she couldn't help but wish for a connection like that to find her in this lifetime.

"And Elliot, do not talk with your mouth full, please."

"Sorry, mother," he said with a cheeky smile.

After some more chatting and eating, and greeting the other nobles as they walked past them, Arthur approached his sister once he noticed she was done with her food.

"Victoria, mind joining me for a walk?"

She raised an eyebrow, already knowing he wanted to tell her something. "Of course."

The two set off, walking through the gardens of the estate.

"Spill it, Artie." And Victoria wasted no time in getting to the bottom of the matter.

He chuckled. "You can read me so well, Tori."

"I've known you all your life, after all," she smiled teasingly.

"Yes, you have."

"What's the matter, then?"

Arthur took a deep breath, and Victoria could tell he was nervous. "I wanted to let you know that I will be calling on Emmaline."

That definitely caught her off guard.

But Arthur continued. "I have not talked to her yet, as I plan to do so at the end of our stay here in Aubrey Hall, but I wanted you to be the first one I told. She is a close friend of yours, after all."

He wanted to call on Emmaline? The girl that had been infatuated with the eldest Bridgerton for as long as Victoria could remember?

"I did not know you liked her." However, she was not going to rain on her brother's parade. After all, it was some harmless courting. It didn't necessarily mean they were going to get married.

"I do," Arthur blushed. "I like her opinionated mind, and her wit."

"Well, then you have my blessing. Even if you were not asking for it," she chuckled, it dying shortly after. "Just... be careful, Arthur."

She did not want him to get his heart broken.

"I will."

The two continued to enjoy their walk, but it was cut short when Arthur noticed Emmaline on her own, quickly excusing himself to go greet the Davison girl.

Left alone, Victoria looked around. There was a trio of musicians playing classical tunes and enhancing the atmosphere, and from where she was standing, she could observe Eloise and Penelope chatting with some of the other ladies, with Daphne talking to Aiya and her mother not too far away. Furthermore, some people were engaging in games, like a group of women playing battledore and shuttlecock, or the Featheringtons playing ninepins.

Between the glee and the gossip, her eyes found the youngest Bridgertons, Gregory and Hyacinth, playing a round of ring toss. She could hear their bickering from afar, and she couldn't stop herself from approaching them.

"What are you two fighting about this time?" she asked with a playful tone.

Both siblings were startled, looking at her with wide eyes.

"Lady Victoria," Gregory bowed his head as Hyacinth curtsied.

However, the youngest did not hesitate to call her brother out. "Gregory keeps cheating, distracting me whenever it is my turn."

"That is not true!" he exclaimed. "Lady Victoria, do not listen to her. She is lying."

Victoria just chuckled. She really enjoyed the Bridgertons' antics.

"Perhaps I could join the next round? That way I can make sure no one cheats. And besides, I used to excel at this game back when I was your age, so I am quite certain I could best you."

"Oh, it is on!" Gregory smiled excitedly.

"We will see about that, Lady Victoria," Hyacinth chuckled, a gleam in her eyes.

"May the best one win, then," she smiled. "And please, call me Victoria."

"Very well, Victoria," Gregory replied, his enthusiasm palpable. "Prepare to be amazed by our skills."

Hyacinth giggled. "Indeed! You may have been good when you were younger, but we are quite formidable ourselves."

Victoria laughed lightly, feeling a rush of warmth at their playful banter. "I wouldn't have it any other way. A little friendly competition is just what I need to liven up this gathering."

"Shall we set some rules?" the youngest Bridgerton suggested, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I say we do three rounds."

"Agreed!" Gregory chimed in, bouncing on his heels. "And if you lose, you must tell us an embarrassing story from your youth!"

Victoria raised an eyebrow playfully, letting out a small chuckle. "Oh, is that how it is going to be? Very well. But if I win, you both must promise to share your most embarrassing moments as well."

The siblings exchanged a glance.

"Deal!" They said in unison.

With the terms set, Victoria took a deep breath and focused on the game, the siblings doing the same. Picking up a ring, she tossed it toward the peg with a surprising accuracy, it landing perfectly as she scored a point and her opponents clapped.

"Not bad for someone who claims to be out of practice," Gregory exclaimed, his competitive spirit ignited.

"I did warn you," Victoria teased them.

Hyacinth narrowed her eyes playfully. "Just wait until you see what I can do!"

As the rounds progressed, Victoria found herself caught up in the thrill of the game. She tossed ring after ring, her competitive spirit ignited by the laughter and cheers of the siblings, and the few people who were now expecting the game.

However, as much as she tried to focus, Gregory and Hyacinth were indeed formidable opponents.

In the second round, Hyacinth landed a perfect toss that sent her ring sailing through the air and landing squarely on the peg. The crowd erupted in applause, and Victoria couldn't help but smile at her skill.

"Well done!" She called out, clapping her hands. "That toss was pretty impressive."

"Thank you, thank you," Hyacinth chuckled happily.

As the last round began, Victoria started to feel the pressure. She had won the first round, and Gregory and Hyacinth had won the second, so everything was at stake. Besides, it was clear that both siblings were determined to win, and their determination caused her confidence to waver.

Gregory went first this time, his ring arcing beautifully before landing with a satisfying thud on the peg.

"That is how you do it!" he declared triumphantly.

Hyacinth followed suit, her toss equally impressive. The crowd that had formed around them cheered louder, their excitement palpable as they sensed the competition heating up.

Victoria took a deep breath and steadied herself for her final throw. She focused intently on the peg, trying to channel her younger self, the one that had excelled at this game. But as she released the ring, it veered slightly off course and landed just a few feet away from the peg.

"Looks like we have a winner!" Gregory exclaimed, his eyes shining with delight. "Hyacinth takes this round!"

The youngest Bridgerton jumped up and down in excitement, clapping her hands together. "I cannot believe it! We did it!"

Victoria chuckled good-naturedly despite her disappointment, clapping as well. "Well played, both of you. It seems my skills have dulled more than I thought."

"You were brilliant, though!" Hyacinth insisted, beaming at her. "And you made it so much fun! We should play again sometime."

"Indeed," Gregory added with a grin. "But don't forget about that story you owe us!"

"A promise is a promise," the Crawford girl laughed. "Shall we sit down?"

Hyacinth nodded, leading the way to a nearby table, a tray of chocolate chip cookies on top. "Follow me!"

They took their seats, the siblings immediately starting to snack.

"Out with it," Hyacinth said after she finished her bite.

Victoria chuckled slightly. "Yes, ma'am. If I am not mistaken, my most embarrassing yet funny moment occurred when I was thirteen."

"That is how old I am!" Gregory exclaimed, cookie crumbles on his face.

"It is, indeed," she chuckled again, handing him a napkin, which he took sheepishly. "But back to the story. When I was thirteen, during the off season, I discovered a new hobby: painting."

The Bridgerton siblings shared a look. Their older brother Benedict enjoyed painting as well.

"My parents were kind enough to indulge me, buying me canvas and colors, and I spent almost every morning and night experimenting with art. One day, though, my father had visit over, old friends from his college days. I knew about this, of course, but that was not going to stop me from finishing my painting."

"What was the painting of?"

"The lake behind Magnolia Manor, our country home," she answered Gregory's question. "It was, and still is, one of my favorite spots in the world. Nothing like the sight of water to calm me down."

Hyacinth giggled. "Sounds nice."

"And that is why I was painting it," Victoria chuckled. "I had everything set up in the backyard, I was only missing my colors. I ran into the house, picked them up, and went outside again. Only I was not paying attention to where I was stepping, leading me to miss a stair and trip, the paint splattering all over my father and his friends."

Gregory and Hyacinth both bursted out laughing, and Victoria joined in.

"My goodness! Did you really do that?"

"I imagine Lord Essex was furious!"

"He was," Victoria nodded, agreeing with Hyacinth's comment. "But he knew I was only a child, so the scold wasn't as big as it could have been. Besides, he still supported my endeavors after that morning."

"That is indeed an embarrassing and funny story," Gregory chuckled.

"Do you still paint?"

"Occasionally, yes," she nodded. "But not as much as I would like to. My duties must come first."

If only she had never grown up... Maybe then she could spend all her days painting.

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"Grow up, Victoria! Life is not as easy as you paint it to be."

Noah's voice, thick with drink and frustration, cut through the dimly lit drawing room like a blade.

Meanwhile, his sister stood stiffly by the settee, her knuckles almost turning white. She had seen him drink before, a few times since she and her brothers had returned from their travels, but tonight, something in his demeanor was different; it was harsher, more distant. 

"And ruining yourself is the answer?" she shot back. "Drowning in brandy and pretending your problems do not exist?" 

The oldest Crawford scoffed, lifting his glass to his lips once more, as if to prove a point. "Do not lecture me, little sister. You do not understand." 

"I understand well enough! I understand that you are not the brother I once knew! That you are slipping away, and I am–" Her voice wavered, but she swallowed the lump in her throat. "I am trying to pull you back before it is too late." 

Her words angered Noah, who slammed his glass down onto the side table. "Too late for what, Victoria? For me to be the dutiful son? The perfect gentleman? I tire of it all!" 

"You think I do not feel it too?" Victoria's hands trembled, but she refused to let the tears come. "That I do not grieve, that I do not struggle under the weight of expectation?" 

"Please," Noah laughed bitterly. "What do you know of struggle? You, father's princess who can do no wrong. You've never had to make the decisions I have. You've never had to bear the burden of being the eldest, of holding everything together while it all crumbles."

"Then let me help you!" She pleaded. "Please, Noah. You are my brother. Let me share your burden." 

His expression darkened, his eyes gleaming with something unreadable before he grabbed the glass and took a sip again. "I do not need your pity." 

"It is not pity!" She cried, stepping closer and reaching for him, but he moved away quickly, as if he was scared her touch would burn him. 

"You do not understand," he said again, quieter this time, shaking his head. "And you never will." 

A heavy silence settled between them, the only sound the rhythmic ticking of the clock in the corner. Victoria stared at him, searching his face for the boy she had once known, the boy who had protected her, who had laughed with her in the gardens. The boy who had been more than this hollow shell before her.

But he was gone. Or perhaps, he was slipping through her fingers faster than she could grasp. 

Unable to hold back the tears any longer, Victoria stormed out of the room, wanting to be anywhere else but there.

Her feet navigated the way through the halls of Aubrey Hall, each step taking her further away from Noah and his anger. She hated that he was becoming a... monster, and that she couldn't do anything to help him.

Eventually, she ended up at one of the estate's balconies. It was cold, and the sky crackled with thunder and flashes of lightning decorated the sky, but she welcomed the fresh air and the smell of rain, it being a distraction to the turmoil she was feeling inside.

Besides, if someone showed up, she could disguise her tears as raindrops.

As she cried silently and stared out into the darkness, her arms wrapped around herself, her thoughts went back to Noah. If only there was something she could do to help him... Telling her parents was not an option, for she knew that if she did talk to them, especially their father, about how bad his drinking problem had become, that it would only deepen his hatred for her.

She really didn't know what to do, and it felt like she had no one to talk to...

"Victoria?"

The sound of her name cut through the stormy weather, startling her. But when she turned around and saw none other than Benedict standing there, a wave of calm washed over her.

"Benedict."

"What are you doing out here?" He asked, his eyebrows scrunched together and concern written on his voice as he noticed her tear-streaked face.

"I... I just needed some air."

Instead of pressing her for details, Benedict simply nodded. "Well," he said, gently placing a blanket over her shoulders, "be sure not to catch a cold. We would not want that."

After saying that, he turned to leave, but Victoria couldn't bear to see him go. Not when she desperately needed someone to talk to.

"Wait." Benedict faced her again. "Could you stay here with me? I-I do not want to be alone."

His face softened, and without hesitation, he stepped closer. "Of course."

The two stayed in silence for a few minutes, both just admiring the way the lightning lit up the sky.

"There is something captivating about thunderstorms." Benedict was the one to break the silence. "They remind me that even the fiercest storms eventually pass."

Victoria turned to him, a small smile playing on her lips. "I have always found them exhilarating. The way the sky lights up and the air crackles with energy... It just feels alive."

He was surprised by her response, but there was still a smile on his face. "Really? I assumed you'd be like most people, frightened by the noise and chaos."

"Well, I am not. I actually love it. It is raw and powerful, just like life itself," she smiled, but then her expression shifted as she considered her brother again. "Even if that power can be overwhelming sometimes."

Benedict studied her closely, wondering what was bothering her. And then he remembered that evening at the gentlemen's club. "You're thinking about Noah, aren't you?"

Victoria wasn't even surprised at his words. Ever since they had reconnected, she had come to accept that he could read her like an open book. "Yes. He is spiraling out of control, and I feel so helpless watching him become someone I can barely recognize."

"Have you talked to him?"

"I have tried to," she sighed. "Multiple times, the last one being just mere minutes ago. But every time I bring it up, he either shuts down or lashes out. It is like he is trapped in this storm of his own making."

Benedict stepped closer to her, their shoulders almost touching. "You cannot fix everything for him, Victoria. But you can be there for him, show him that he is not alone."

"But... what if my support only pushes him further away?" She asked, looking up at him. "Because it feels like it is the only thing it is achieving."

"Then you adapt," he replied. "You find new ways to reach him. And before you say you do not know if you can do that, let me tell you: you can. You are stronger than you think. You just need to believe in yourself as much as I believe in you."

Victoria felt a warmth spread through her — and her cheeks — at his words.

"It is just so hard to watch someone you love struggle and not know how to help."

"I know," Benedict said softly, his eyes filled with understanding. "But remember... Storms do not last forever."

She couldn't help but smile, mirroring the one in Benedict's face. Somehow, if he was by her side, Victoria felt like she could weather this storm after all.

"Thank you for being here, Benedict."

"Always," he replied. And he meant it.

A comfortable silence surrounded them, it being accompanied by the tempestuous night in front of them, and once again, Benedict was the one to break it.

"You know," he said, a playful tone in his voice. "Hyacinth mentioned something interesting earlier."

"Oh, did she tell you about how Gregory and her beat me at ring toss?"

He chuckled. "Yes, but that is not what I wanted to say."

"Well," she chuckled as well. "Then do tell."

"She said you love painting. Told me a funny story about your childhood, as well," he teased her.

And Victoria chuckled, her cheeks red due to the slight embarrassment she was experiencing. "I should have known that story would not stay secret once I told the youngest Bridgertons. But she is right, I do love painting. It is one of the few things that helps me destress."

Benedict's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "When was the last time you painted?"

"Upon my return," she admitted. "During my trip to Greece with my brothers, I was so captivated by the stunning statues and the Greek myths behind them that I started a painting of my favorite one. It is still a work in progress, though."

"Well, I would love to see it once it is done," he smiled.

"You will be the first one I show it to. But only if you show me one of yours."

He chuckled softly. "It is a deal, Victoria."

"It is a deal," she smiled.

"And speaking of painting," Benedict continued, still wanting to ask her something. "Why don't you come visit me at the Royal Academy once I have settled in?"

Victoria's eyes lit up. "Are you certain?"

"Of course I am. Anyone who enjoys the arts should have the privilege of attending, regardless of gender."

"I wholeheartedly agree. And I would love to visit you there. But only if I wouldn't be intruding."

"You would not be intruding at all," he reassured her, his voice warm. "I would love to have you there."

Again, she blushed. "Well, it is settled then."

"It is," he replied with a wide smile. "We can explore the galleries and find a quiet room where we can paint together. Perhaps it will even help you clear your mind about Noah."

"Thank you for this, Benedict," Victoria said sincerely, looking into his eyes. "Truly. It means more than you know."

Benedict smiled softly in return. "Anytime, Victoria."

As they exchanged smiles, a warmth blossomed within Victoria. The way he looked at her, with such kindness and understanding, stirred something deep inside her, something she could no longer ignore: her heart was beginning to lean toward him.

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The Hearts and Flowers Ball was in full swing, with music soaring through the grand ballroom as couples glided across the polished floor in perfect harmony. Garlands of roses and wisteria draped from gilded columns, and crystal chandeliers cast a golden glow over the dancers, their light flickering across silk and lace.

Victoria moved through the evening like a vision, her pale lavender dress matching the color theme of Violet Bridgerton's party. She had danced with several suitors throughout the night, such as Mr. Carlisle, and Lord Fife.

Each man had offered her pleasant conversation, and yet, none had truly held her attention. There was something, or rather someone, else in her mind.

"Enjoying your evening, Mr. Bridgerton?" Victoria asked as she spotted him next to the aperitif table and made her way over.

She knew he wasn't fond of dancing — after all, she hadn't seen him take to the floor since the season had started. Well, except for that one time at the Diamond Ball when they had danced together, but that had merely been a ruse to keep an eye on their younger siblings.

Even if she secretly wished he would write his name on her dance card.

"Indeed I am, Lady Victoria," he replied with a slight nod and a warm smile. "It appears you are as well? I have noticed you have taken to the dance floor quite a bit."

"What can I say? I do enjoy dancing."

"Let us hope it does not rival your passion for painting and matchmaking," he teased.

And she replied with a playful smile. "Never. Have you seen our unsuspecting victims?"

Benedict nodded, lifting his glass and gesturing toward where his mother and Eloise were standing before he took a sip. "My sister is trying to avoid my mother's attempts to get her to dance, and your brother... well, here he comes."

"Elliot," Victoria greeted him with a smile. "Are you not dancing tonight?"

"Yes, perhaps with someone I am related to?" Benedict added.

The youngest Crawford rolled his eyes playfully. "Not you too, please. Mother has already tried to coax me into dancing with Eloise, but I was thankfully able to get her off my back."

"Are you saying dancing with my sister is bothersome, Mr. Crawford?"

"What?" Elliot's eyes widened as he almost choked on his champagne. "N-No! I never said that. I just– Eloise and I both agreed we would not let our mothers play matchmakers with us."

Victoria and Benedict shared a look. If only he knew Violet and Lillian weren't their only matchmakers at work.

"He was just messing with you, brother," Victoria chuckled.

"Indeed," Benedict laughed. "But it is good to know you have an appreciation for my sister. Things could have turned rather unpleasant otherwise."

Elliot gulped, but he chuckled. "I am relieved that is not the case, then."

"Me too. And besides," Benedict took another sip of his drink. "It appears my sister has fallen prey to my mother's schemes regardless."

All three turned their attention to the dance floor, where they spotted Eloise twirling with a potential suitor.

"That is Lord Morrison." Victoria looked at Elliot as he spoke, a frown of his face. "He does not have the best reputation among the men."

"Oh?"

Benedict nodded, agreeing with Elliot and frowning as well. "He is rather... misogynistic."

Their comments made Victoria frown as well. With her gaze drifting back to Eloise, she observed her closely, her expression showing that Lord Morrison was saying something that clashed with her feminist ideals.

And when the girl abruptly stepped away from him, tears glistening in her eyes as she exited the ballroom, Victoria couldn't help but feel a need to comfort her.

But perhaps someone else was better suited for that task.

"Elliot," she said, nudging him gently. "Why don't you go check on her? I think she could use a friend right now."

Benedict realized what Victoria was doing, and despite his initial instinct being to comfort Eloise himself, he realized this was indeed the better course of action.

"I would go myself, but I fear she will just push me away."

Elliot's gaze remained fixed on the staircase Eloise had ascended. He didn't need to be told twice. Nodding, he set his drink down on a nearby table and followed after her, Victoria and Benedict exchanging a knowing look as he left.

It seemed their matchmaking was slowly yielding results.

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The day the ton was set to depart the premises of Aubrey Hall, Victoria awoke earlier than usual, eager to steal an hour to herself amidst the sprawling estate and its lands. In the soft light of early morning, she got dressed, choosing a delicate gown of soft green mint cotton and draping a lace shawl around her shoulders to keep herself warm.

As she left her room, she was met by her maid Adelaide, who just looked at her with a knowing smile and a gentle shake of her head. Adelaide had worked for the Crawfords long enough to know of Victoria's penchant for morning walks, and she also recognized that the Crawford girl was more than capable of looking after herself.

Grateful for her support, Victoria returned the smile as she ran down the stairs and slipped through one of the back doors of the Bridgerton's country home, knowing of the path behind it that led to the nearby lake.

The world was waking up around her, with birds chirping and dew glistening on the grass, and with each step, Victoria felt at ease. There was nothing quite like the sensation of fresh air brushing against her skin.

"Couldn't sleep?"

Again, a voice startled her. And again, it belonged to Benedict.

"You really must stop sneaking up on me," she replied playfully, a smile on her lips. "One day I might faint from fright."

"My apologies," he chuckled softly. "But that does not answer my question."

"I slept very well, thank you," she said with a light laugh. "What about you?"

"Likewise. I was just enjoying some warm tea while reading," he said, motioning to the empty cup of tea and the book resting on the table where he had been seated.

"Oh? Might I ask what you were reading?"

"Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe," he answered.

Victoria nodded. "Oh, I have read it. It is quite the classic."

Benedict smiled at her enthusiasm. "Indeed it is. But, if I may be so bold, what brings you out here at this hour? It is half past five, after all."

"I guess I could ask you the same question," she teased him before offering an honest answer. "But if you must know, I came out here to enjoy the morning air. Perhaps go for a walk."

"In that case," he said with a playful smile, "I suppose I should accompany you. It would be rather rude to let you wander alone."

Her eyes sparkled with delight. "I am very fond of walking."

"Yes. Yes, I know."

Victoria frowned at his choice of words, curiosity flickering across her face. "And how, exactly, do you know that?"

Benedict hesitated for a fraction of a second before glancing away, a half-smile tugging at his lips. He could hardly tell her the truth.

Not all of it, at least.

Ten years ago, on a late summer morning, just as the sun was beginning to rise, a sixteen-year-old Benedict had taken to riding his horse along the familiar paths. He had always loved these early rides, for it felt as if the entire world belonged to him, even if it was just for a little while.

Only it was different that day. Because as he rounded a bend near the edge of the woods, he caught sight of something. Or well, someone.

Victoria.

He recognized her instantly, even from a distance. Normally, it would have been rather strange for her to be so far away from home, but the Crawfords had arrived to Aubrey Hall the day before, with Walter and Edmund wanting to engage in a joint venture.

She was younger then, no more than fourteen, walking barefoot in the grass with an air of tranquility, and even from a distance, Benedict could see the serene contentment on her face.

Instinctively, he had slowed his horse, captivated by the view. Most young ladies of her station would never dream of stepping out alone at such an hour, let alone with bare feet. But Victoria had always been different.

As she paused by a cluster of daisies and knelt down to inspect them, Benedict felt an inexplicable urge to call out to her, but something held him back. He didn't want to disturb her, and therefore he stayed quiet, silently observing her.

Suddenly, Victoria stood up and took off running, laughter spilling from her lips as she dashed toward something hidden from his view. There was no hesitation in her movements, only unrestrained joy, as though she belonged to the world in a way no one else did.

He had felt something strange then, something unfamiliar stirring in his chest. He had never given much thought to Victoria before — she had been just another girl, the younger daughter of his parents' friends —, but in that moment, something changed.

She would never be just another girl. Not to him.

Benedict blinked, pulled from the memory by the weight of Victoria's gaze.

"You said that as if you've been paying attention," she mused, tilting her head slightly.

"Can you blame me?" he said, his smirk returning. "You do have a rather distinctive habit of wandering off on your own."

She huffed. "I do not wander."

"Yes, you do."

"I simply enjoy the outdoors," she countered, a smile on her face.

"And yet," he teased gently, "you always seem to end up in the most unexpected places."

Victoria narrowed her eyes at him, but there was no real annoyance there, only curiosity. Did he notice her as much as she noticed him?

Benedict just smiled. "Shall we get going then? We wouldn't want to miss the sunrise."

Victoria hesitated for just a moment, watching him walk ahead, and with a small smile, she quickened her steps to catch up.

"You do realize," she said, falling into step beside him, "that means you were watching me closely enough to notice."

Benedict glanced at her, his smirk softening. "Perhaps I was."

The words lingered in the quiet morning, and Victoria found she didn't mind at all.

『••✎••』

i'm back!! & this new chapter has to be my favorite one so far🤭🤭🤭

victoria playing with gregory & hyacinth, the balcony scene, elliot going after eloise at the hearts & flowers ball, the flashback... i love every single scene

also, it is official, victoria has feelings for benedict, & it seems they are reciprocated... 👀

anyways, don't be a ghost reader & i'll see you the next chapter! 💙

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