Abel squeezed his eyes shut and tried to run away from the memories that threatened to overwhelm him. She didn’t know it, but her words had cut him deeply.
Olivia got to her feet slowly, and Abel opened his eyes, hoping she didn’t see the pain in them. He saw something in her eyes as she held his gaze—a quiet intensity, like glowing coals in a hearth. Her voice lowered, but her determination remained unwavering.
“Abel, listen to me, if you do anything to hinder the wedding, I will never forgive you. I will hate you forever. This is my choice, and you need to respect it.”
Abel knew his sister well enough to know when she was dead serious. The intensity in her eyes sent a chill down his spine.
Here was the little girl he had raised, ready to go up against him to defend her love. He always knew his sister was a romantic. He’d hoped he’d be able to teach her to be different, more firm, but now, he was fighting off seeing their mother in her.
He shook his head and turned away. He had always been a typical overprotective and traditional brother, having raised her all by himself. He was accustomed to being the man of the house, and the most influential figure in the ton.
Yet, despite all this, he always turned into a soft cookie when it came to his little sister. Despite his strictness, he always found it difficult to deny her requests.
His eyes narrowed as his gaze returned to hers, a playful smirk gracing his lips. “Oh, little one, always so stubborn, aren’t you? You think a few passionate words will sway me so easily?”
Olivia’s gaze hardened, her voice laced with determination. “I am not trying to sway you, Brother. I am simply asking you to respect my choices and support me in this.”
He crossed his arms, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Respect your choices, you say? And what if I don’t agree with your choices? What then, dear sister?”
Olivia’s voice remained steady, her tone unshaken. “Then we shall have to agree to disagree, Brother. But I hope that the bond we had as siblings would still be honored and cherished as sweet lost memories even when I decide to disown you and hate?—”
“Enough with all that talk.”
After a short period of contemplation, with a heavy sigh, he spoke, his voice tinged with resignation, “Well, I suppose therest of the family seems pleasant enough. I will try my best to endure the next few days.”
Olivia nodded, her contagious joy shining through her eyes. “Oh, thank you! Thank you for giving them a chance!”
He shook his head at her overly excited tone. “Hm.”
“And who knows, Brother,” she continued with a smile. “Lady Bridget may surprise you, and your relationship with her might change to a pleasant one.”
Abel let out a doubtful laugh. “Not in a million years, little sister.”
CHAPTER FIVE
Bridget sighed as she skimmed through the pages of the book in front of her. Three days had gone by with her hiding away in the library, doing her best to steer clear of the Duke.
She’d made sure to be out of his presence since the first dinner they had, yet somehow his aggravating face flashed in her mind at random times. She chose to believe it was because she still felt the need to talk some sense into him.
His words remained infuriating, yet her mind knew the best thing was to stay away. It would look bad on the family to pick another fight with him. Most of all, her father would never let her live it down.
It was surprising he hadn’t, in fact, pulled her aside to give her a proper mouth-lashing after the saga. In fact, he’d seemed to be smiling for a short moment during her argument with the Duke, or perhaps her mind had been playing tricks on her.
Thankfully, the library provided a haven for her to immerse herself enough to not think of answers to her various questions. The shelves were lined with books that whispered stories of distant lands and forgotten romances.
Just as she settled into a cozy nook, Hector burst into the library, his mischievous grin lighting up the hall.
“Ah, there you are, hiding away like a mouse in a cheese cellar!” he exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
“Dear sister, color me genius, for I have the perfect idea to fix your awful relationship with the Dukeas well as bring us all closer!”
Bridget sighed, already anticipating the trouble that usually accompanied his ideas. “What harebrained scheme have you cooked up this time, dear brother?”
Hector feigned offense, placing a hand dramatically over his heart. “Harebrained? I am wounded by your lack of faith in my brilliant plans, Sister mine.”
Rolling her eyes, Bridget couldn’t help but smile at his theatrics. “Oh, spare me, Hector. You know very well that your plans often lead us into more trouble than we can handle.”
Leaning against a nearby bookshelf, he adopted a thoughtful expression. “But hear me out, Bridget. This time, it’s foolproof, I promise!”
