n her mind, echoing through the hollow spaces of her life like a distant call. A life not bound by the rules of those who cannot see beyond the surface. The thought of it filled

m her thoughts, Alexander remained ther

ultivation of relationships that would one day benefit the Whitford name. As the evening progressed, Evelyn found herself seated beside the Duke of Ashcombe, her betrothed, t

of politics, of social matters, of the future of the estate. His voice was a steady drone, the words measured and predictable. Evelyn nodded along, but her mind wandered, as it had

" the Duke remarked, his voice breakin

on him. "I'm perfectly well, Your Grac

g slightly. "I trust that you are not reconsidering

feel the eyes of the other guests on them, the unspoken knowledge that her marriage to Ashcombe would be a matter of public celebration, a symbol of w

er voice steady, though a bitter taste lingered on her

st that once we are married, the matter of your estate will be settled, and you will s

ing with each word he spoke. She was

clair, of the spark of something real that had ignited between them in the garden, something that could not be ignored. He had awakened a desire in her that was impossible to silenc

the same polite smile she had worn throughout the evening. But instead of heading toward her carriage as she w

an who had seen beyond the polished surface of her life, who had shown

the wrought-iron gate that separated the house from the grounds. She hadn't told anyone where sh

an ancient oak tree, his dark silhouette outlined against the night sky. He turne

with a quiet amusement. "You do know that it's not w

ing out before she could stop them. "I couldn't stand it. The endless conversations,

"Then why stay there, Lady Evelyn? Why stay

for answers she wasn't sure she could even articulate. "B

ony. "A word that carries so much power, yet

the silence, waiting to be acknowledged. She had always known her life would follow a certain path-one of wealth, expectation,

h frustration. "But how can I just... walk away? Everything I kno

er spine. "You have the power to choose, Evelyn. But only if you allow yourself to

ne Alexander seemed to promise-one of freedom, passion, and possibility.

ngerous allure of what could be