Growing up beside the Bridgertons was a lively affair since you were born. Daphne and Eloise were your closest friends, a trio of mischief. Daphne's marriage left a void, filled somewhat by her brothers. Benedict and Colin amused, but Anthony always been intrigued you.

All this time, the viscount's stern disapproval masked a hidden depth. Though he'd deny it, your presence seemed to lighten his burdened spirit.

Growing older, your interactions became a dance of witty insults, a constant jousting about his bachelorhood and your own unwed state.

But then, his words cut too deep, a cruel jest about your dreams—dreams he knew were the very reason you remained unattached. The tears that fell were a shock, not just to him, but to yourself. And then, he held you tight, his voice a low, remorseful murmur. The walls between you began to crumble.

Months passed, and the season drew to a close. You were closer, yet an invisible barrier remained. He seemed determined to deny the love that bloomed between you.

Then, your parents announced your betrothal to a wealthy gentleman from Otherton. A man who would cage your spirit. You told Anthony, your heart heavy, hoping, for a grand gesture. He simply turned away.

The distance between you grew, until, in desperation, you sent him a letter, a stark declaration of your impending engagement.

You needed to clear your head, so you rode out onto the fields, the wind whipping at your hair and the weight of your fate heavy on your shoulders.

Suddenly, the pounding of hooves echoed behind you. You turned, your breath catching.

It was Anthony.

"Do you know how long I've watched you laugh, and shine, and grow? How long I've feared this very moment? I was a fool, a coward," his voice raw.

"I don't want the children of another man to have the eyes of you."

He looked at you with a desperate intensity, a vulnerability you had never seen.

It was as if you, two most stubborn souls in the ton were destined to share a fate, a fate he was finally ready to embrace.