Chapter 22

"How do I look?" Chloe asked as she prepared for the masquerade ball that was being held that night at the James residence, of all places. But perhaps that was perfect, because she could do what she needed to do.

"Hold on…" Rose assisted her with the finishing touches on her costume. "Let me just…"

Chloe took a deep breath, willing herself to stay calm. She needed tonight to go perfectly. Once Rose was done, Chloe stepped back, and admired her reflection in the full length mirror. The gown was a masterpiece of soft, pale blue silk, the bodice adorned with intricate silver embroidery that glimmered in the candlelight. The skirt fell in graceful folds, the hem brushing the floor as she moved, a whisper of elegance and refinement.

The gown was beautiful, yes, but it was also a reminder of the societal expectations she was bound to, the impending marriage to Lord Frampton that loomed over her like a dark cloud.

Rose handed Chloe her mask, a stunning creation of white satin painted with shimmering silver accents that evoked the gentle glow of moon light. Chloe's heart fluttered as she secured it in place. The mask was a tribute to her favorite Greek Goddess, Selene, the Goddess of the Moon. It held special meaning for her and Anthony, a reminder of the plays they used to enact as children, the hours spent dreaming up grand adventures and imagining a world where they could always be together.

But she could not fully feel excited by this, noy with her heart so painfully heavy. The thought of a life without Anthony, of being bound to a man she did not love, was almost intolerable. That was why she absolutely had to take action. She could not sit back and do nothing if she wanted her life to be her own.

Her heart raced at the thought of proposing to Anthony that they should elope to Gretna Green, so that they could be happy instead. It would be dramatic and scandalous, but that was not the most important thing to Chloe anymore. She needed happiness. She needed love.

"You look perfect," Rose said to her. "Like a goddess yourself."

"Thank you, Rose. You are too kind." Chloe managed a small smile, but inside, her nerves were a tempest. "I should go downstairs. My parents will be expecting me."

Rose nodded, with a supporting smile "I hope you have a wonderful evening, my lady."

With a final deep breath, Chloe made her way down the grand staircase, each step echoing her anxiety.

"Chloe, darling, you look absolutely ravishing," her mother said, her eyes sparkling with approval. "The mask is lovely and the gown… beautiful."

"Thank you, Mother." Chloe's voice was steady, but her heart was racing. "Father."

"Ah, there she is, the belle of the ball," her father proclaimed, his tone oddly jovial. "Are you ready to make an entrance? It is a very important event tonight."

Chloe swallowed hard and nodded. "I am ready."

Lord Swift nodded with a self satisfied smile playing on his lips. Chloe could not help but be completely unnerved by that. What did it mean? He had not warned her that he would announce the engagement tonight, but it seemed that he did not feel like he needed to warn her about anything anymore. That only meant she would need to act fast, to do what she could to avoid that.

The carriage ride to the James residence felt interminable. Lady Swift, trying to lighten the mood, chattered about the upcoming festivities, but her words fell flat, swallowed up by the oppressive atmosphere inside the carriage. No one else seemed to have anything to contribute to the conversation at all. Chloe stared out the window, her heart racing as they drew closer. She knew Anthony would be there, and hoped he would see her in her costume and understand the message she was trying to convey.

As the carriage pulled up to the James residence, the sound of lively music and laughter reached Chloe's ears. Her heart quickened with both anticipation and dread. Tonight's masquerade ball was not just another social event; it was a pivotal moment in her life. One that she absolutely needed to go right.

The grand house was alight with the glow of chandeliers, casting a warm and inviting light that belied the turmoil within her. Taking a deep breath, Chloe steeled herself. She stepped out of the carriage, her skirts swirling softly as she moved, and made her way inside, her heart pounding. The sounds of lively music and laughter filled the air, enveloping her in an almost surreal atmosphere. The opulent ballroom was a swirl of color and movement. One that almost made Chloe a little dizzy. Guests in elaborate costumes and masks danced and mingled, their laughter echoing off the high ceilings. The ballroom was a sight to behold, the walls adorned with shimmering draperies and the chandeliers casting a soft, gilded glow over the assembled guests. Leonora had out done herself, creating an atmosphere of enchantment and mystery that perfectly suited the masquerade theme.

It was exciting, but Chloe had a lot on her mind. A lot that she needed to do. As she moved through the crowded ballroom, her eyes scanned the sea of masked faces, searching for one in particular. She needed to find Seraphina, her confidante and the one person she could rely on to help her navigate the night's complexities. She needed an escape from her family, desperately. Especially with her father being more forceful than usual.

Chloe spotted Seraphina across the ballroom, her heart racing with relief. She navigated through the throng of dancing guests, her steps purposeful yet concealed beneath the elegance of her gown. Seraphina's eyes widened in delight as Chloe approached, her mask adorned with delicate feathers that fluttered with each movement.

"Chloe! You look absolutely breathtaking," Seraphina exclaimed, taking Chloe's hands in hers. "Like a vision from a dream."

Chloe managed a grateful smile, though her eyes betrayed the turmoil within. "Thank you, Sera. You look stunning as always."

Seraphina's brow furrowed slightly, sensing the tension in Chloe's demeanor. "What's troubling you, Chloe? You seem... different tonight."

Chloe glanced around nervously, ensuring they were out of ear shot from prying ears.

"Sera, I must tell you something." She swallowed hard, the reality of this settling down on her. "My father has accepted Lord Frampton's proposal."

Seraphina's eyes widened in shock, her hand flying to her mouth. "Oh, Chloe, no..." She pulled her friend into a comforting embrace, Chloe trembled against her.

And this was why she needed to leave. She had been left with no choice in the matter.

***

Am I ready for this? Truly ready?

Anthony stood before the mirror in his spacious bedroom, adjusting the collar of his crisp white shirt for what felt like the hundredth time. His reflection stared back at him, the anxiety etched into his features. The masquerade ball that his mother had been planning for far too long was here, and Anthony knew that it was time for him to finally be honest about all the things that he has spent too long keeping inside. amely, his love for Chloe.

He no longer wanted their courtship to be fake. He wanted it to be their reality. Their future, together forever. His mother's words echoed in his mind, a gentle but firm reminder of what was at stake. Lady Leonora had always been supportive, but her recent advice had taken on a new urgency.

"You can not let fear dictate your actions, Anthony," she had repeated just that morning, her eyes full of the wisdom of her years. "Chloe is special, and if you love her, you must fight for her. Do not let her slip through your fingers because of old wounds and misplaced pride."

Anthony sighed deeply, running a hand through his neatly styled dark brown hair. His striking blue eyes, usually so confident and clear, were clouded with doubt. He had spent years trying to forget Chloe, to bury his feelings under the weight of responsibility and duty, so he did not cause trouble for her. But the moment he had agreed to the charade of a fake courtship, all those buried emotions had surged to the surface, impossible to ignore. As he fastened the buttons of his waist coat, his thoughts drifted to their shared past; the summers at their neighboring estates, the laughter, the secrets, the unspoken bond that had grown stronger with each passing year.

And then, the sudden and painful distance that had been forced upon them by her father's disapproval. Anthony had respected Lord Swift's wishes, believing that Chloe deserved someone of higher rank, someone who could offer her the world. But the years had done little to diminish his love for her. If anything, they had only made it more profound. And now, he knew that she did not want someone of high rank. She had kissed him , which had to mean something, right?

With a final adjustment of his attire, Anthony took a deep breath and turned away from the mirror. He could no longer afford to let fear hold him back. Tonight, he would tell Chloe the truth, and he would fight for their future together. The weight of the secret he had kept for so long pressed heavily on his heart, but he knew it was time to set it free.

He could only hope that he did not have his dreams crushed. Because a life without Chloe was unfathomable. He could not even begin to imagine it. Nor did he want to. His heart was always going to belong to her.

***

Julian lounged comfortably in his private room at the prestigious St. Bradbury's Club, a self satisfied grin plastered on his face. The room, adorned with rich mahogany and velvet furnishings, exuded an air of opulence that perfectly matched his ambitions. His cousin, Lord Charles Hastings, sat opposite him, nursing a glass of brandy and watching Julian with a mixture of curiosity and admiration.

"You seem exceptionally pleased with yourself tonight, Julian," Charles remarked, swirling his drink thoughtfully. "Care to share the source of your delight?"

Julian's grin widened as he leaned back in his chair, stretching his long legs out before him. "Ah, Charles, it is not every day that one secures a bride with such impeccable timing and convenience. Lady Chloe Swift will soon be mine, and with her, the Swift family's considerable business connections."

Charles raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "Lady Chloe? The Earl of Hadleigh's daughter? My goodness, Julian. How did you manage that?"

Julian laughed, a low, calculated sound. "It was surprisingly simple, really. The old fool, Lord Swift, is desperate to see his daughter become a duchess. His ambition blinded him to the true nature of our arrangement. He thinks he is securing his daughter's future, but in reality, he is delivering his entire network of business connections into my hands."

He was going to make everything right for Julian. Put him back on the right financial path.

But Charles did not need to hear about how Julian had struggled.

"Clever," Charles acknowledged, raising his glass in a gesture of admiration. "And what does the lady herself think of this arrangement?"

Julian shrugged, a dismissive gesture that betrayed his lack of concern. "Lady Chloe's opinions are of little consequence. She will do as her father wishes, and in time, she will come to accept her role as my duchess. Besides, she is a mere pawn in a much grander game. Are not all women when you really think about it?"

Charles chuckled, raising his glass to Julian's. "To your cunning and to a future filled with endless business possibilities."

The two gentlemen clinked their glasses together, the sound a triumphant note in the dimly lit room. Julian took a long sip of his brandy, savoring the warmth that spread through him. His mind raced with plans, each one more ambitious than the last. He was so pleased with what he had done, he did not even feel the need to attend the latest event of the Season, the masquerade ball held at the baron's house was for those still looking for connections. Julian was far from that. Securing Chloe's hand in marriage was just the beginning. With her father's connections at his disposal, he would expand his influence, cementing his power within the highest circles of society. He would be back .

"You know," Julian continued, setting his glass down on the polished table, "once the marriage is formalized, the first order of business will be to secure an heir. A male heir, of course."

Charles nodded, understanding the significance. "Naturally. A duke must have an heir to ensure the continuity of his title and estates."

"Precisely," Julian agreed, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. "Once Chloe provides me with a son, my lineage will be secured, and I can resume my life as I see fit. The responsibilities of marriage and the demands of fatherhood will be Chloe's concern, not mine. But I will provide help for her, of course."

Charles raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "And what of your... extra curricular activities? You are not planning to give those up, I assume?"

Julian chuckled, the sound low and sinister. "Hardly. Once an heir is secured, I shall be free to continue my affairs as before. Mistresses, dalliances… whatever I desire. The beauty of this arrangement is that it offers me the best of both worlds. Chloe will fulfill her duty, and I will enjoy my freedom."

Charles leaned back in his chair, clearly impressed by Julian's meticulous planning. "You have certainly thought of everything, Julian. But are you not worried about Lady Chloe discovering your intentions and possibly rebelling against this arrangement?"

Julian waved his hand dismissively. "Lady Chloe is a dutiful daughter, raised to obey her father's wishes. Even if she harbors any romantic notions or dreams of love, they will soon be dashed. She will learn to accept her place and fulfill her role. Besides, the allure of becoming a duchess will outweigh any fleeting notions of defiance."

"Still," Charles mused, "a woman scorned can be a dangerous enemy. It might be wise to keep her somewhat content, at least on the surface."

Julian's smile turned cold. "Oh, I intend to be a perfectly courteous husband, as long as she behaves. Lady Chloe will have everything she could desire. Wealth, status, and the respect of society. She will want for nothing, and in return, she will give me an heir and maintain the facade of a perfect marriage."

The door to their private room opened, and a club servant entered, carrying a tray with a decanter of fine port. He set it down with a deferential bow before quietly exiting. Julian poured himself a glass, his eyes gleaming with ambition.

"To the future," he said, lifting his glass. "A future where I reign supreme in both business and society."

Charles clinked his glass against Julian's. "To your future, Lord Frampton. May it be as grand as you envision."

As they drank, Julian's mind continued to churn with plans. He envisioned himself at the pinnacle of power, with the Swift family's resources bolstering his every move. The connections he would forge, the alliances he would build, all of it was within his grasp. Now he just needed to make those final moves. He would not only secure his financial stability at long last so he no longer had to worry about the issues that had been plaguing him of late, but also carve out a legacy that would be remembered for generations.

***

The masquerade ball was in full swing as Anthony entered the grand ballroom, the air alive with music and laughter. His eyes scanned the crowd, seeking the one person who mattered most. There might have been a lot of people in front of him, but he did not care about any of them. Only her. The sight of the elegantly dressed guests, their faces hidden behind ornate masks, did nothing to calm the storm of anticipation and nervousness within him. Then, amidst the ocean of colors and dancing, he spotted her.

Chloe .

Relief flooded him the moment his eyes captured her. No one else mattered but her. The soft, pale blue silk of her gown and the intricate silver embroidery caught his eye, transporting him back to their shared childhood memories. The outfit she wore was unmistakable, a beautiful tribute to Selene, the Goddess of the Moon. It was a reminder of the bond they had always shared. The fun that they had always had together. The fun that he wanted to continue having with her, forever.

Heart pounding, Anthony made his way through the crowd towards her, his steps quickening as he drew closer. When he reached her, he could hardly contain the emotion in his voice as he spoke, "Chloe, may I have this dance?"

She turned to him, her eyes lighting up with recognition and something else… hope, perhaps? "Of course, Anthony," she replied softly, and as they took to the floor, the music swelling around them, Chloe looked up at him with a small smile playing on her lips.

"You recognized me in the outfit," she remarked, her tone filled with a mixture of surprise and delight. "I was not sure that you would."

Anthony, his eyes filled with warmth and longing, met her gaze. "There are many things about you that I will never forget," he said, his voice gentle yet firm. "And our shared memories are included." The words carried the weight of his unspoken love, a love that had grown over the years and had become impossible to ignore.

They moved in perfect harmony, the memories of their childhood adventures dancing alongside them. Each step, each turn, felt like a reaffirmation of the connection they shared. Chloe's presence, her scent, her touch… it all felt so right, so destined. Chloe's smile widened, and a soft blush colored her cheeks.

"You have always remembered the smallest details, Anthony. It is one of the things I have always admired about you. Every single time I remember something from our past, you already have it, right there at the forefront of your mind."

Anthony's heart swelled at her words, his resolve strengthening. This was the moment he had been waiting for, the chance to finally tell her how he truly felt. He leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Chloe, there is something I must tell you. Something I have kept hidden for far too long."

Her eyes widened slightly, her breath hitching in anticipation. "What is it, Anthony?"

Before he could speak, the music began to fade, signaling the end of the dance. Panic surged through him as he felt the moment slipping away. But he could not let it end like this. Not now.