IV

The next day dawned with a sky so grey it seemed as if the weather itself wanted to mirror the uncertainty weighing on Grace's heart. The faint light filtering through the thick curtains of her room wasn't enough to chase away the shadows that had followed her since arriving in London. A chill filled the air, like a premonition of what was to come. The note she had received the previous evening only added to her nervousness: Lord Hantersey wished to meet her and had invited her to lunch at his residence, Symes Manor. The formality of the letter only emphasized the rigidity of the situation.

" Milady, you should be pleased, " said Lesly as she tied the bow of her dress. The young woman's hands were trembling so much from nerves that she could barely fasten the buttons.

" Pleased? " Grace replied with a faint smile that didn't reach her eyes. " How could I be? I barely know the man, and already I must continue with this lie that my mother imposed upon me. "

The echo of her own words sounded cruel and harsh. She was trapped in a promise she didn't want to keep, though duty weighed heavier than her desire to escape. Lesly sighed, realising that nothing she said could truly calm Grace's growing anxiety.

" Everything your mother did, she did out of love, " Lesly said warmly as she carefully adjusted the ribbons. " She would be proud to see you now, becoming a true lady. You're finally receiving the life you deserved by birth: nobility and respect. Have faith in the Countess's decision. "

Grace felt her chest tighten. Though well-meaning, her maid's words of comfort sounded like a terrible sentence to her. Since that fateful day, her life had become a series of choices that were not her own and a destiny she had never chosen. In Scotland, her days, though simple and marked by discretion, had offered her something she now craved more than ever: freedom. Despite being educated as a lady, away from rumours and prying eyes, now she felt everything slipping away. She knew how to behave in aristocratic circles, true, but what she was about to do—though something she was trained for—carried a weight of uncertainty. One wrong step could cost her everything.

The nerves overwhelmed her like a relentless wave. She felt a knot in her stomach that she couldn't ignore. She stood abruptly and rushed to the small washroom, barely able to contain the urge before dizziness took over completely. She leaned over the basin and vomited, her inner turmoil manifesting physically.

Lesly, ever attentive, followed her quickly. Her face reflected the worry she had tried to hide.

" Calm yourself, please, " she said tenderly, kneeling beside her and holding back Grace's hair as she bent over the basin. " It's just nerves. This will pass... you'll see. "

Grace closed her eyes for a moment, searching for the comfort Lesly was offering. She took a deep breath, trying to steady the trembling in her hands, but the anxiety continued to grip her chest like a vice. She was caught between duty and fear of the uncertain future that awaited her. Had she made the right choice in accepting this imposed fate?

" I don't know if I can do it, " she finally murmured, her voice barely audible. " I feel like my world is falling apart, and I don't know how to stop an inevitable disaster. "

Lesly looked at her with tenderness but said nothing more. She knew that no words could ease the fear Grace felt at that moment. The only option was to face the future with courage, just as the Countess had planned. She took Grace's hand and squeezed it gently, offering all the support she could.

" We must leave soon, milady. The carriage is waiting, " Lesly announced, trying to bring her back to the present.

Grace nodded slowly, rising with effort. She looked at herself in the mirror and barely recognized the young woman staring back at her. Her blue eyes reflected the storm raging within her, and her pale skin contrasted sharply with the dark dress she wore. She took a deep breath, trying to summon the courage she needed to face what lay ahead.

" Very well. Let's not keep my fiancé waiting, " she declared, attempting to sound resolute.

Lesly smiled approvingly, and together they left the room. The hotel hallway was silent, and the echo of their footsteps resonated against the walls adorned with paintings and tapestries. When they reached the lobby, they were greeted by the footman who would escort them to Symes Manor.

As the carriage halted in front of the grand mansion, the imposing sight made Grace's heart race. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was being led toward her own doom. Before she could utter a word, the coachman stepped down and ceremoniously opened the door, and Lesly, ever attentive, offered her hand to help her down.

" Everything will be fine, milady, " Lesly said with a serene look, her voice steady. " I'll be by your side the whole time. "

Grace nodded slightly, but her face betrayed her thoughts. The unease still lingered in her eyes. She felt the cold ground beneath her feet, her legs trembling slightly. Despite the familiar shiver running through her, she maintained her composure. She raised her gaze toward the entrance and saw that a line of servants awaited her, ready to receive her. Gripping Lesly's arm tighter, she walked slowly toward them. Suddenly, a tall figure stepped forward, observing her with an expression of surprise, as if expecting a mere hen and instead finding a swan. Without wiping the smile from his masculine face, he approached her quickly.

" Lady Grace, " said the man with a courteous nod as he extended his hand. " I am Cassian Hantersey, your betrothed. "

Though brief and gloved, the touch of his hand sent a strange chill through her. Grace maintained her composure, reminding herself to summon the strength her mother had always shown.

" Pleased to meet you, milord, " she replied with a slight curtsey.

Cassian offered a faint smile, though his eyes remained fixed on her, scrutinizing her as if she were an object to be examined rather than a person.

" Please, come with me. Our home welcomes you with open arms, " he said with a formal tone that barely masked the emotional distance.

They walked together, with Lesly trailing behind discreetly. As they moved through the mansion's entryway, Grace could feel the curious gazes of the servants lining the hallway, eager to see the woman who would become their future lady. The silence between them was uncomfortable. Though Hantersey was polite, something about his demeanor deeply unsettled her. There was a coldness in his movements, a detachment in his words that didn't align with the romantic stories she had once dreamt of. The marble-floored foyer, with its sweeping spiral staircase, led to rooms adorned with tapestries and art, but everything felt devoid of life.

The dining room, which they soon entered, was as grand as the rest of the mansion, with crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and thick carpets muffling their steps. Everything was luxurious, but lifeless. Cassian gestured toward one of the chairs.

" Please, have a seat. "

Grace obeyed silently, though she quickly noticed that her fiancé's once amiable expression had hardened. His earlier smile had vanished, leaving behind a cold seriousness.

" I suppose we have much to discuss, " he said bluntly as the servants began to serve lunch. Every detail was meticulously arranged, yet Grace sensed the tension that hung in the air.

" I agreed to this marriage because it was my father's wish, arranged with your uncle months ago, " he continued, never breaking eye contact. " I had been led to believe that you were older than me, yet it appears time has been kind to you. "

Though his words were spoken politely, the sting of his comment was unmistakable. Grace felt a faint blush rise in her cheeks as she lowered her gaze, trying to hide her discomfort. She attempted to speak, to offer some explanation, but before she could utter a word, Cassian raised his hand, gesturing for her to remain silent.

" While neither of us may like this situation, I understand that it is for the best. Once we are married, you will regain the respect you lost when you left with the late Earl of Hesse, and I will secure the life I desire, " he stated with a stern, emotionless tone.

" The life you desire? " Grace asked, narrowing her eyes slightly.

" I am in love with another woman. She is not of the aristocracy, so I cannot marry her, but my heart belongs to her. This marriage is merely a formality, Lady Grace. Nothing more. "

His words struck her like a blow. Each syllable deepened the chasm of despair she had feared since agreeing to this charade. The dream of marrying someone who loved her crumbled before her eyes. The idea of a loveless marriage had always been a quiet worry in her mind, but hearing the harsh truth from her betrothed's lips chilled her to the core.

" There will be no love between us, " he continued calmly. " However, I assure you that you will have a peaceful life and a respectable position. I will not visit your bed unless it is necessary to produce an heir. After that, you will be free to live as you wish. "

Grace felt as if the ground was slipping from beneath her feet. Despite everything, she forced herself to keep her composure. This was the fate her mother had set in motion, and she had chosen to accept it.

" I understand, milord, " she replied, her voice steady, though inside she was breaking apart.

Cassian raised his glass, the cold smile that had vanished earlier now returning with a chilling air.

" Let us toast, then, Lady Grace! Let us celebrate this arrangement. "

Grace lifted her glass, though her soul screamed against this fate. There was no turning back. She was trapped in a crossroads that led only to eternal misery.

" To our agreement, " she whispered, her words sounding like a sentence of doom.