“Papa…”
Bridget’s voice trembled as she uttered the word she hadn’t spoken in decades. Her eyes filled with tears, a torrent of emotions flooding her heart. She got to her feet and rushed towards her father, throwing her hands around him desperately.
As they embraced, a surge of nostalgia washed over her. Memories of her childhood came rushing back, the times when her father was her protector and confidante. In that tender moment, she felt a glimmer of the bond they once shared.
“Papa,” her voice trembled as she spoke, “I have been so hurt, and at times, I don’t even recognize myself anymore. I yearn for a chance to start anew, to escape from the weight of my past.”
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she poured out her heart to her father. She spoke of the pain she had endured, the wounds inflicted by the recent Duke’s betrayal and disregard, and the heavy burdens she carried.
Leonard held his daughter tightly, hoping desperately that his embrace could offer solace and understanding. He listened intently as she bared her soul, her words punctuated by sobs and sighs.
“My dear daughter,” he murmured, his voice laced with compassion, “you have carried so much on your shoulders. It pains me to see you suffer. But know this, my dear, you are not alone. We shall face the trials together, and I will do everything in my power to help you find the happiness you deserve.”
Bridget’s tears continued to flow, but they were no longer tears of despair. They were tears of release, of hope, and of a newfound strength. As she clung to her father, she knew that their shared journey would lead them to a place of healing and redemption.
When Bridget’s tears finally subsided, Leonard’s hand gently caressed her head, a gesture of affection that had been absent for far too long. In that tender moment, he made his decision and voiced his thoughts.
“Bridget, we have a small estate far from here, a place where you could find the peace you seek. You may stay there, my child, for as long as you wish. It’s a quiet, simple place, and it could be your haven alone.”
Bridget’s heart skipped a beat, her eyes widening in disbelief. She pulled away from him, sniffling, and asked, her voice trembling, “Do you truly mean it, Father? I could leave?”
A soft smile graced Leonard’s lips as he looked into his daughter’s eyes, filled with love. “Yes, my dear,” he replied, his voice steady and reassuring. “All I have ever wanted is for you to find happiness and fulfillment in life. This estate is yours to embrace, to create a life that brings you joy.”
Overwhelmed with emotion, Bridget’s smile bloomed again, even as tears threatened to spill anew. She reached out, her arms encircling her father in a tight embrace once more, gratitude and love filling the moment.
“Thank you, Papa,” she whispered, her voice filled with a mix of gratitude and hope. “I will cherish this opportunity, and I promise to make the most of it. Your love and support mean everything to me.”
“Bridget.” Leonard’s voice quavered with anticipation and tenderness. “I have something else to share with you. Your sister, Virginia, resides in close proximity to our estate.”
As Bridget pulled away from the hug once more, her jaw dropping in shock, he nodded and gave her a warm smile. “You may see her whenever you wish. This way, you will never be lonely.”
Bridget’s eyes widened in astonishment. She was taken aback by his knowledge, and her heart wondered how he had come to possess such information at all.
Leonard, his countenance adorned with a gentle smile, observed her reaction and lifted an eyebrow as he asked, “Why are yousurprised, my dear? Virginia is still my daughter, and despite my anger, I’ve always wished to ensure her safety.”
Emotion and understanding welled up within Bridget’s chest, a mix of awe and gratitude for this newfound side of her father. It was a facet of him she had never truly witnessed before, and it stirred her soul.
Overwhelmed by the depth of her emotions, she instinctively pulled him into another embrace, her arms encircling him tightly. The realization that her father still cared for her and her sister, despite their differences, brought a renewed sense of hope and healing to their relationship.
In that tender moment, she felt the weight of years of longing and sorrow begin to dissipate. The wounds of the past were gradually healing, and the chasm that had separated them was slowly closing.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
The following evening, Bridget stepped out of her room, her heart aflutter and a distinct bounce in her step as she made her way towards the dining room, the soft glow of candlelight illuminating her path.
At last, the family was reunited, and the evening would be the first dinner together they had had in a while, a momentous occasion, indeed.
Hector, with a twinkle in his eyes, had returned from his worldly travels while Olivia and Elliot had just gotten back from their blissful honeymoon.
To celebrate, the family planned a feast. As Bridget approached the dining room, the fragrant aroma of a sumptuous meal filled the air. The table was adorned with their finest china, sparkling crystal, and exquisite floral arrangements.
The air was thick with joy, but beneath Bridget’s radiant smile, a hint of nervousness lingered. She had made the decision to share the news of her departure that evening.
She took a deep breath, her delicate fingers trembling slightly as she clutched her dress, hoping the protests would not be of magnitude.
As she entered the dining room at last, her eyes met Olivia’s, and a beaming smile graced her face.
“Dearest Bridget!” Olivia’s loving voice rang out as she rushed forward to envelop her in a warm embrace.
