“Lady Bridget, since when did you begin to find my company so amusing that it brings forth such laughter?”
Her laughter filled the air even more, a melodious sound that danced with mirth. Her eyes sparkled with delight when she replied, “Your Grace, I assure you, your reputation would not be ruined by romance literature.”
Abel couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face as her laughter continued. His heart thumped as he stared at the happy crinkles at the corners of her eyes and her pinkened ears as she giggled.
She looked… beautiful.
He couldn’t help but be captivated by her infectious joy, and his gaze lingered on her, unable to look away.
Sensing his intense gaze, Bridget allowed her laughter to fade into a soft, knowing smile. Their eyes locked, and the air crackled with an unspoken connection. Time seemed to stand still as they were drawn into each other’s presence, the world around them fading into the background.
Yet again, the enchanting moment was abruptly interrupted by the thunderous sound of a passing carriage, shattering the spellthat had enveloped them. Startled, the two tore their gazes away from each other, their eyes mirroring uncertainty and confusion.
Awkwardness settled between them as they struggled to meet each other’s gazes once more. The air, once filled with an electric charge, now carried a sense of hesitancy. They exchanged nervous glances, their hearts beating in unison yet unsure of how to proceed.
At last, Abel noted the absence of their shopping companions. He met Bridget’s gaze with a shocked expression. “Where are our siblings?”
Bridget’s eyes widened as the realization dawned on her again. After a shocked few seconds of search, she bit her lower lip.
“I do not know, Your Grace. I fear I hadn’t paid much attention to anything else aside from our conversation.”
Abel’s brow furrowed in surprise as the realization dawned on him too. The bustling town had faded in her presence.
His eyes widened in confusion as he scanned their surroundings again, discovering that Elliot and Olivia were still nowhere to be found.
A sense of worry washed over him quickly, and his fists clenched, his voice laced with concern as he exclaimed, “Where could they have gone? We must find my sister!”
Bridget, too, looked around, searching for any sign of their missing companions. She attempted to reassure Abel, her voice calm but tinged with uncertainty. “They couldn’t have gone far, Your Grace. Let’s not worry ourselves on the matter.”
But Abel scoffed, his frustration evident as he turned to glare at her. “I blame Elliot for this. I knew something like this would happen.”
Bridget’s confusion deepened, and she questioned him, her voice filled with unpleasant surprise, “Your Grace, nothing has happened. Why are you blaming my brother? What has he done?”
Abel halted in his tracks, his gaze meeting Bridget’s in a moment of tension. His eyes roamed over her, his tone filled with accusation as he uttered, “Isn’t it obvious? Lord Fadden has had sinister intentions all along.”
Bridget’s jaw dropped in disbelief, her heart pounding in defense of her brother. She wouldn’t tolerate such allegations, and her voice trembled with a mix of shock and anger.
“How dare you suggest such a thing! My brother would never harm anyone, let alone his betrothed!”
Abel growled, his frustration boiling over as he resumed walking, determination etched on his face. His words were laced with urgency. “We must locate them. I simply won’t rest until we do.”
Bridget’s eyes blazed with fury as she followed after him, her steps quick and determined. “How dare you, Your Grace! Retract your words this instant! My brother would never stoop so low!”
Abel turned to face her, his expression hardened. His voice was cold and resolute as he replied, “I have nothing else to say until we find where Lord Elliot has taken my sister. Until then, my suspicions remain.”
Bridget’s rage intensified, her voice filled with righteous indignation. “Your suspicions? What has my brother done to warrant such careless accusations? Speak, Your Grace!”
Abel’s eyes narrowed, his voice laced with bitterness. “Men like your brother, Lady Bridget, are common. They seek to take advantage of innocent women like my sister.”
Bridget’s face flushed with anger as she retorted, her voice dripping defiance, “You know nothing of my brother’s character! Elliot loves Olivia deeply—anyone can see that—and he would never dishonor any woman!”
Abel’s voice remained stoic. “In this world, trust can be a dangerous luxury. I will not rest until I find them and ensure Olivia’s safety.”
“Y-You insolent?—”
“Hold on, aren’t those…” Abel interrupted her, placing a finger on his lips as he pointed discreetly behind her.
A short distance away, amidst a crowd admiring a breathtaking view, stood Olivia and Elliot. Without a second to spare, he hurried towards them, his worry evident in his voice.
