Chapter 21

Sir Winston returned to her side, barking excitedly, needing her attention. Chloe absentmindedly threw the stick for him again. Hyde Park might have been utterly beautiful, but Chloe was distracted. All consumed with thoughts of Anthony and the way his lips felt against hers. She felt a dreamy smile tugging at the corners of her mouth, unable to suppress the joy that filled her heart.

"Chloe, darling," Seraphina's voice broke through her reverie, her tone equal parts curious and teasing. "What has you smiling so sweetly? You look positively radiant, as if you have been kissed by an angel."

Chloe's cheeks flushed, the color rising to her porcelain complexion. She glanced at Seraphina, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Did her friend know? Could Sera tell what had happened? "Oh, Sera, I can not contain it any longer. I must tell you."

Seraphina's eyes widened with anticipation. "Ooh, now this sounds exciting…"

Chloe took a deep breath, her heart fluttering with the thrill of her secret. "Anthony and I... we shared a kiss."

Seraphina's mouth fell open in delighted surprise. "A kiss? With Lord Anthony James? Tell me everything!"

Chloe laughed. "It was more than just a kiss, Sera. It was... magical. I felt as though the world had stopped, and it was just the two of us. It was like the sort of kiss that might be written about in a story."

"But you have never been kissed before," Seraphina teased, nudging her in the side. "So how do you know it was such a wonderful kiss?"

"Oh, I do not need to kiss another, I just know."

"Tell me, what did it feel like?" Seraphina whispered. "I must know."

Chloe sighed, her smile widening. "It was everything I had ever dreamed of and more. When his lips touched mine, I felt a surge of warmth and love. It was as if all the years of longing and heart ache had melted away in that moment. I knew, without a doubt, that I love him with all my heart."

Seraphina squeezed Chloe's arm affectionately. "And what of Anthony? Does he feel the same? Have you finally talked about your feelings at long last?"

Chloe's expression grew thoughtful. "I believe he does. There was such intensity in his kiss, it was so powerful, it had to be real. But I suppose we do still have a lot to worry about, so even if I do ask him about his feelings, it will be hard for us to move forwards together."

Seraphina's brow furrowed with concern. "I suppose so. What are you worried about the most?"

Chloe sighed, her thoughts turning to the obstacles that loomed over their happiness. "There is my father's disapproval, for one. He has never considered Anthony a suitable match for me, believing that I should marry someone of higher ranking. And then there is the Duke of Fladbury. His intentions are clear, and my father seems to favor his suit."

"But your mother is on your side, is she not?"

"Yes, but I do not know how much difference that will make."

Seraphina's expression softened with empathy. "Have you considered telling your father how you truly feel? Sometimes, parents can be swayed by the genuine emotions of their children."

"I have tried, but he remains unmoved," Chloe replied, a note of frustration in her voice. "He believes he knows what is best for me, and he can not see past his own ambitions. And I do not know if he ever will."

"That must be frustrating," Seraphina agreed. "But if you do not talk to him, then you will never know."

It was easier said than done, but Sera had a point. Chloe did not want to live a life of unhappiness, wondering what if, just because she was too scared to try.

Chloe nodded slowly, absorbing Seraphina's words. "You are right, Sera. I can not let fear dictate my future. I have to at least try to make Father understand. Or I will regret it forever."

Seraphina smiled warmly, squeezing her friend's hand. "That's the spirit, Chloe. And remember, you are not alone in this. You have me, and I am sure Anthony will stand by you as well. Of course, you will always have your mother."

Chloe's heart swelled at the thought of Anthony's unwavering support. She looked at Seraphina with gratitude.

"Thank you, Sera. I think I needed to hear that."

Sir Winston returned, barking happily with the stick in his mouth once again. Chloe laughed and took it from him, throwing it once more. As she watched the dog dash off, she felt a renewed sense of determination. She would talk to her father and fight for her love with Anthony. She would at least try.

***

Upon returning home, Chloe's moment of hope was shattered.

Is that…?

She strained her eyes, her heart sinking as she realized it was.

It was Lord Frampton.

He was leaving, his expression smug and self satisfied.

He bowed charmingly the moment he spotted her. "I have just had the most delightful meeting with your father."

"You… you have?" Chloe stammered.

"Indeed. Now I must bid you good day."

Her heart sank as she watched Lord Frampton's carriage roll away. The dark clouds that had briefly lifted returned, heavier than ever. What had he discussed with her father? What sort of devious plan was he concocting now? She took a deep breath, steeling herself as she entered the house. Her father was waiting for her in the drawing room, his expression stern and unyielding. Chloe knew this was not going to be a pleasant conversation.

Lord Swift" Chloe," he said, his voice tinged with both authority and frustration, "we need to talk."

Her footsteps echoed softly on the polished floors as she followed her father to the drawing room, each step heavy with trepidation. Her heart pounded in her chest. Her father sat in his usual armchair, his posture rigid and his face a mask of stern determination. Her mother, seated beside him, looked equally grave, her eyes filled with unspoken worry.

"Chloe," Lord Swift began, his voice carrying the weight of authority, "we need to have a serious discussion."

Chloe swallowed hard, her mouth dry. "What is it, Father?" she asked, her voice trembling as she spoke.

Lord Swift exchanged a glance with his wife before continuing. "I have just had a very interesting meeting with Lord Frampton."

Chloe felt sick to her stomach. She knew this already, but that did not make it any less terrifying a prospect.

"Lord Frampton has proposed, and I have given him my blessing."

Oh no.

No, no, no…

The room seemed to spin around Chloe as the words sank in. Her worst fears had come true. She opened her mouth to protest, but her father raised a hand to silence her.

"You will marry him, Chloe. It is an excellent match, and it will secure our family's future. Lord Frampton is a man of influence and wealth. I do not need to hear anything from you about this."

Chloe's heart felt like it was breaking into a million pieces. She turned to her mother, seeking any sign of support or reprieve, but Lady Swift's face was etched with sadness, her eyes avoiding Chloe's desperate gaze.

She knew in that moment that it was far too late.

"But Anthony…"

Her father's face hardened. "There is no Anthony."

"We have been courting…"

Lord Swift's face turned red. "Enough!" his voice thundered, cutting through Chloe's protest like a knife. "You will not speak of him again. Anthony James is not suitable, and that is final."

Chloe's heart shattered further with each word. She could feel the tears welling up in her eyes, but she blinked them away, determined to stay strong. They were supposed to be in a fake courtship, to put an end to this, but they had hardly been given any time together. They had not had a chance to make it public, to stop Lord Frampton.

"Father, please, you can not force me into a loveless marriage," Chloe pleaded, her voice trembling. "I do not love Lord Frampton. I can not be happy with him."

Lord Swift's expression hardened. "Love is a luxury, Chloe, one that you can not afford. You will learn to be content. This is for the best."

Lady Swift's lips trembled, but she remained silent, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.

"Mother, please," Chloe implored one last time.

But of course, she got nothing back.

With a final, desperate plea, she turned back to her father.

"Father, if you force me in to this marriage, you will condemn me to a life of misery. Is that what you want for your daughter?"

Lord Swift's expression softened for just a moment, but then he shook his head firmly. "This discussion is over, Chloe. You will marry Lord Frampton. It is decided. It has already been agreed upon."

Chloe's heart shattered. Without another word, she turned and fled the room, her tears finally spilling over as she raced to the sanctuary of her bedroom. Her world, so briefly filled with the promise of love and happiness, had come crashing down around her. She threw herself on to her bed, the sobs wracking her body with a force that left her breathless. How could her father do this? How could he be so cruel, so blind to her feelings? The thought of marrying Lord Frampton, a man she did not love and could never love, was unbearable. And Anthony… what would become of them now?

The kiss they had shared, the emotions it had stirred, had felt like the beginning of something beautiful. But now, it seemed like a cruel twist of fate.