You had been friends with Daphne since you were girls, though ever since she married Simon, and had her baby, you’ve barely seen her. And you didn’t make many other friends. Sure the Bridgerton’s were kind to you, you did feel a bit lonely.

Then, at the start of the season, Benedict had been with you at each ball, witnessing how lonely you had been. And it felt incredible. For the weeks and the balls he chaperoned you with. You couldn’t help your feelings manifesting. It was just a waiting game for him to tell you.

Well, you did think that. Before the Masquerade ball. Where you saw Benedict dancing with another woman, respectful yet too intimate, and he snook outside with her.

You could feel the ties that had wrapped around your heart loosen and fall to the bottom of your stomach, your chest aching to the point you worry it would cave in.