Thankfully, before she could get lost in her sad thoughts, her mother let out a weary sigh, her voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty as she spoke.
“I do believe there might be other paths to consider,” Ruth began, her gaze filled with motherly concern. She hesitated, then added, “But if this is truly what your heart desires, my dear Bridget, then I shall stand by your side and support you.”
The rest of the family nodded in agreement, their expressions a mix of understanding and acceptance. Bridget’s eyes welled up with tears of gratitude as she glanced around the table.
With a heartfelt nod, she silently thanked her mother and every member of her family, feeling a bittersweet joy in her heart.
As the realization settled in that her departure was imminent, a wave of emotions washed over her. Happiness swelled within her, knowing that she had the unwavering support of her loved ones.
Yet, there was also a tinge of sadness, a realization of how much she would miss them once she embarked on her new journey.
Dinner carried on, and with her heart soaring and a sense of purpose burning within her, Bridget cherished the preciousmoments before her. She knew that their unwavering support would be her strength as she ventured into her new life, carrying their love with her every step of the way.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
“If it isn’t my darling newlywed sister? To what do I owe the pleasure?” Abel asked.
Olivia couldn’t help but laugh at her brother’s words, feeling the warmth of their banter fill the room instantly.
She had decided to surprise him with an unannounced visit to his grand estate, and she made her way to his study, where she knew he’d be.
She chuckled, her eyes sparkling as she moved gracefully towards him, wrapping her arms around him in a warm embrace.
After exchanging other pleasantries, Abel’s curious smile filled his face as he asked, “So, dear sister, how was your honeymoon? Did it live up to all your expectations?”
Olivia’s smile widened as she reminisced about her time away. “It was a dream come true in its entirety, dear brother.”
Abel’s smile widened as he spoke, his voice filled with warmth. “I am delighted to hear that. Elliot truly is a good man.”
Olivia raised an eyebrow, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes. With a playful scoff, she chuckled and teased, “And do you recall, dear brother, when you nearly thwarted my plans to marry him? Oh, how far we’ve come.”
Abel shook his head, a gentle smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “The past is but a distant memory, dear sister. We have both grown and learned from our experiences. It serves us not to dwell on what could have been.”
As his words hung in the air, his expression dropped, and the jovial atmosphere suddenly settled into a brief silence. Sensing the change in her brother’s demeanor, Olivia leaned in, her eyes locked on his face, silently urging him to share his thoughts.
She held her breath, her eyes fixed on him, waiting for his next words. The room seemed to hold its breath alongside her, the air thick with anticipation.
“I have found a woman, Olivia, and I have decided to take her as my wife,” he finally declared, his voice steady and devoid of emotion.
Olivia’s eyes widened in shock, and his sudden announcement hung in the silence that ensued. She remained silent as her eyes inspected him. Aside from the weariness in his tone, she could see that he looked sick.
It was obvious he hadn’t been eating well or getting enough sleep. He was heavily neglecting himself.
In a hushed tone, she spoke, her words tinged with reprieve, “Well, what is she like? Please, tell me more about this woman who has captured your heart.”
Abel’s gaze met hers, his eyes showing annoyance at her tone. He hesitated for a moment, then spoke with a hint of bitterness in his voice.
“Her name is Lady Genevieve, a woman of impeccable lineage and beauty. She possesses all the qualities desirable in a future wife.”
Olivia’s brow furrowed. It was comically obvious that he was listing the woman’s attributes based on the matchmaker’s words. She studied her brother’s face, searching for a glimpse of his true feelings.
A silence filled the room, and then, with gentle persistence, she asked, her voice laced with concern, “Brother, are you truly certain about this decision? It is your happiness that hangs in the balance.”
“Yes, I am certain!” Abel’s composure shattered suddenly, anger bubbling to the surface. He glared at her as he snarled, “Who are you to question me? Do not take liberties in our relationship, Olivia. I remain yourelderbrother.”
Olivia’s patience wore thin, and her voice was laced with frustration as she snapped back without missing a beat, “What on earth are you playing at, Abel? You’re acting like a fool, and you know it!”
Abel’s eyes widened in shock, then narrowed in a simmering rage. “Excuse me?”
