Regina's heart pounded every time she saw the woman who worked with the horses outside. The stable girl, with her strong hands and gentle touch, had captivated Regina in a way she had never experienced before.

They found stolen moments together, hiding behind the hay bales or in the quiet corners of the barn. Each kiss was a secret treasure, each touch a forbidden delight. Their first taste of intimacy had left Regina breathless and yearning for more. She was utterly smitten with this woman from the lower class, unable to think of anything or anyone else. Every hour of every day, she longed to be with her, to feel her presence, to share in their clandestine love.

The stable girl, though aware of the risks, did her best to make Regina happy. The money she earned from working for Regina’s mother, Cora, was modest, but she spent every penny on Regina. Flowers, small trinkets, anything to bring a smile to her beloved’s face. When money was tight, she would venture into the fields, picking wildflowers and weaving them into delicate bouquets. She was a hopeless romantic.

Now, the couple lay together in the grass, wrapped in each other's embrace under the warm, golden rays of the summer sun. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in their bubble of happiness. Regina felt safe like this, more secure than she had ever felt in her entire life. The stable girl's arms were a haven, a refuge from the harsh reality of their situation.

"Baby... I—" Regina began, her voice a soft murmur. She hesitated, her heart swelling with the depth of her emotions. She nuzzled into the woman's neck, inhaling her earthy scent. It grounded her, giving her the courage she needed to speak her heart.

"I love you..." It was the first time she had said it out loud, the first time she had openly admitted her feelings to the woman she wasn't supposed to be with.

The reality of their forbidden love weighed heavily on her mind. Regina knew her mother would be furious if she ever found out.