Olivia reached out, her hand gently resting on Abel’s, her voice filled with compassion. “You are stronger than you think, Brother. Love can be both beautiful and challenging, yes, but it’s worth the risk.”
Her heart ached for him, seeing the pain etched on his face. She gently reached out, her touch a comforting reassurance as she whispered, “Brother, you are not destined to repeat our parents’ mistakes because your life is your own, and you have the power to shape it.”
His voice was filled with vulnerability as he opened up further. “You don’t understand the depth of my fear, Sister. I’ve always carried this fear. As the firstborn, I felt the weight of their legacy on my shoulders. As the firstborn?—”
“Brother, I stand firm on believing our parents’ choices do not define us. We are individuals with our own paths to walk.”
Her eyes glistened with empathy as she spoke from the depths of her heart. “Love may have its challenges, but it also holds the potential for immense joy and fulfillment. And you more than anyone deserve that happiness, Brother. You do.”
Abel’s eyes glistened as he leaned forward and pulled her into a tight embrace. His tone was filled with gratitude as he whispered, “Thank you, dear sister. Your words give me hope.”
When they pulled away, Olivia’s gaze lingered on her brother, uncertainty etched on her face.
After a moment of contemplation, she let out a sigh and decided to share the weighty news at last.
“Brother,” she began apprehensively, “I came here today to share something with you.” She paused, taking a deep breath to steady herself. With a heavy heart, she continued, “Bridget… is leaving, Abel. She’s made the decision to go far away, and it seems she intends to stay away indefinitely.”
As the words escaped her lips, Olivia watched his expression shift from confusion to disbelief. She could see the pain etched on his face as he struggled to process the news.
Abel’s heart sank as her words hung in the air, the weight of her revelation hitting him like a ton of bricks.
“Bridget… i-is leaving?” he stammered, his voice filled with shock.
Olivia’s gaze softened, her eyes brimming with sympathy. “I’m afraid it’s true, Brother. She has made her decision, and she intends to depart indefinitely.”
Abel’s heart clenched in anguish as the realization washed over him like a crashing wave. He had convinced himself that he could bear the pain of Bridget remaining unmarried or even marrying someone else as long as he could still see her.
But the mere thought of never laying eyes on her again was unbearable. His desperation consumed him, and he turned to his sister with wide, pleading eyes.
“Where is she? Where is she now?!”
Olivia was taken aback by the intensity of Abel’s desperation, her heart racing in response. She hesitated for a moment, then composed herself and replied, “Bridget… she’s most likely on her way to their second estate by now, far from here.”
Abel’s breath caught in his throat as he absorbed her words. Without a second thought, he bolted towards the door, his determination fueling his every step. The weight of his emotions propelled him forward, his heart pounding in his chest.
He had to reach her. He had to express the depths of his feelings before it was too late.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
After leaving the chaos from home behind, Bridget found solace in the small estate where she had settled for the past couple of days.
The countryside embraced her with its serene beauty, offering a respite from the multitude of events that had unfolded in her life.
The estate itself was a picturesque haven, nestled amidst rolling hills and lush greenery. The grand iron gates opened to reveal a winding gravel path, lined with vibrant flowers that bloomed in a riot of colors.
The scent of freshly cut grass and the sweet fragrance of blossoms filled the air at all instances and periods.
The first time she approached the house, her heart skipped a beat at its sight. The little cottage mansion stood proudly, exuding an air of elegance and homeliness. Its regal facadeboasted intricate stonework and large windows that allowed the golden sunlight to filter through.
Inside, it was a blessed architecture of warmth and comfort. The grand foyer greeted her with a sweeping staircase, its banisters adorned with delicate carvings.
The walls were adorned with exquisite artwork, depicting scenes of nature and romantic landscapes. Plush furniture was arranged in cozy clusters, inviting one to sink into their soft embrace.
Bridget felt a sense of peace wash over her when she set out to explore the various rooms. Each space held its own unique charm, from the cozy library with its walls lined with books, to the opulent drawing room where she imagined hosting intimate gatherings.
She wandered through the elegant halls that morning with a smile on her face when her lady’s maid, Eloise, who had traveled with her, walked forward, a warm smile gracing her face as well.
“Good morrow, M’Lady,” she greeted, curtsying gracefully. “I hope the day finds you in good spirits.”
