His gaze darted from the ornate chandeliers on the ceiling to the decorations gracing every corner, yet in short periods, his eyes found his way back to her.
Bridget mirrored his actions, nervously fluttering her delicate fan. Despite their distance, there seemed to be a delicate thread that threatened to unravel between them at any moment.
Amidst the jubilant festivities and the joyous celebration of love, Abel found himself teetering on the precipice of madness. The memory of their kiss made him unable to participate in anything properly.
There was a frightening truth he could not deny. He had unwittingly fallen under the spell of her charm. His heart, once guarded and resolute, now beat with a rhythm that echoed her name.
Still, he knew all too well the perils of love in a society like theirs, where duty and honor reigned supreme. He knew he had to resist this tide of emotions, and the last thing he could do was allow himself to be consumed by love’s treacherous grasp.
With a tumbling heart, he resolved to put distance between himself and Bridget. With quickness, he had to quell the burgeoning feelings before they blossomed into something he could not control.
The mere thought of developing the obvious connection between them sent a shiver of fear running down his spine. He well knew the consequences it could bring.
As the guests took their seats, the room buzzed with animated conversations and the clinking of glasses. The orchestra struck up a lively tune, and couples twirled across the dance floor in a graceful waltz. The atmosphere was alive with joy and merriment as friends and family gathered to celebrate the union of two souls.
As the wedding breakfast began, a moment of tension and surprise swept through the room as Abel rose from his seat suddenly, his heart heavy with a decision he had come to.
The gentle clinking of silverware ceased, and all eyes turned towards him, curiosity etched on the faces of the guests.
“If I may have everyone’s attention,” he began, his voice carrying across the hall.
The area fell into a hushed silence, the atmosphere thick with anticipation. Bridget, sitting across the table, looked up at him with curious eyes. His gaze, however, remained fixed on nothing in particular, unable to meet hers.
“My congratulations to the married couple once again.” He sent a smile in his sister’s direction. Without sparing a second, he continued, “I regret to inform you all that I shall be departing immediately after the conclusion of this joyous celebration.”
Murmurs of confusion and surprise rippled through the room as guests exchanged puzzled glances.
Before anyone could voice their questions, he pressed on, his words carefully chosen. “Urgent business calls me away—a matter of great importance that cannot be delayed. I apologize for the suddenness of this announcement, but duty compels me.”
With a smile, he purposefully exchanged glances with only a few members of the family. “The Fadden household has indeed been very kind to me. While we may hardly cross paths again, please know that I will always be grateful for the days that we spent together.”
He nodded his head and raised his glass higher. “Thank you.”
As Abel took his seat once more, the room erupted into a flurry of whispered conversations. Some faces still displayed surprise while others seemed more understanding—all portrayed a lingering sense of curiosity.
Bridget’s eyes remained fixed on him, her heart shattered, her eyes filled with disbelief. As the announcement of his departure resounded in her ears, she felt the world crumble around her.
She fought to maintain her composure, struggling to conceal the turmoil within.
She truly was in love with him. At that moment, the realization hit her like a shipwreck. Only hours ago, sharing such a tender kiss, that fleeting moment of connection had stirred her soul.
In the unexpected embrace, she had believed that her feelings were reciprocated, that his heart beat in harmony with her own. But now, faced with his sudden departure, doubt gnawed at her.
She wondered why he kissed her if he had no intention of staying in the first place. Perhaps he was leaving out of fright of what her reaction would be? They hadn’t discussed the matter, after all.
Still, he left her standing without giving either of them a chance to process what happened! Could he truly be serious about leaving, when they had such heavy business between them?
Her mind raced with questions, her thoughts in a whirlwind of confusion. The truth eluded her, leaving her only further heartbroken and longing for answers she slightly feared.
As the ceremony continued, Bridget kept her head bowed. She dared not raise her eyes, fearing that they would betray the painshe carried. The joyous celebration felt hollow, the music and laughter a mere backdrop to the ache in her heart.
Her mind was consumed by thoughts of him, yet she could not look at him any longer. She found herself replaying their moments together, searching for signs of his true intentions from the start.
Had it all been a facade? A cruel trick played on her vulnerable heart? The uncertainty weighed heavily on her by the minute, threatening to unravel the steady facade she was struggling to keep up already.
At last, she was forced to excuse herself from the celebration and made her way to the garden, desperate for a moment of respite. With each step she took towards the center, her emotions threatened to overwhelm her. Her heart heavy, she tried her best to hold back tears.
However, as she arrived at the garden center, a shocked gasp swiftly replaced the sobs stuck in her throat. Her eyes were wide as she found Abel standing by the flowers, his countenance seemingly filled with sorrow.
