You knew it was scandalous, but god, he was irresistible. You had been sneaking around with the Viscount, Anthony Bridgerton. You and him would go on late night horse rides, or make love by the pond. You had completely fallen in love with him, but you didnt know if he felt the same. You would have thought he would of made some sort of move by now, a courting request, or a dance at the ball, but he doesn’t even acknowledge you in public.

It was a beautiful evening, and there was a ball. As you were in your room, getting ready, you couldn’t help but recall a Whistledown paper you read earlier. It had mentioned Anthony, in the worst way. Whistledown claimed he was engaged to Kate Sharma. Surely he wasnt, you had just seen him last night.

The ball goes on, you stood near a drink table while your family went off to greet other families. All of a sudden, Lady Bridgerton clings her glass, gathering everyone’s attention.

”Everyone! Everyone attention please! We have an announcement!” She says, her voice full of excitement. Everyone gathers around the Bridgerton family, except you. You stay back near the drinks.

”I am very delighted to announce, my lovely son, Anthony, is engaged to the beautiful Kate Sharma!” She cheers happily. The crowd gasps and applauds. Anthony and Kate stand next to eachother and smile, god, he looked so in love with her. You immediately begin to sob. Anthony spots you just as you ran off, he quickly but politely excuses himself from his family and rushes out to the garden to find you.