Hold me, lover, like you used to (so tight I'd bruise you)

Seen that wild blue yonder and said, "Let's end this, too"

"Daphne, are you planning on attending the social event this week?"

When her mother uttered the question, it hung awkwardly in the air. She felt her siblings' eyes on her, as they not so subtly listened in to hear her response. The thought of saying no crossed her mind, telling them that she had work to do. But, she then wondered if her life would always be like this. Hiding away and lying to her family just for the sake of avoiding him. Instead, she straightened her back, turned her eyes directly to her mother, and uttered a simple yes.

Her mother, thankfully, only nodded in return. Dinner continued on but the murmurs that followed her answer were almost deafening to her ears. Even if they were from her siblings, she couldn't stand the whispered talks. She spent the last two years fully knowing that people would gossip behind her back. Their snide remarks about her relationship and eventual breakup would always leave a sting. But, she can attend the event and prove to them that she was fine.

So Daphne Bridgerton found herself nervous and late. Very, very late.

She was supposed to arrive about an hour ago but got held up. The traffic didn't help either. Her phone was buzzing in her clutch, probably blowing up with messages from her mother and brothers wondering where she was.

Making her way towards the entrance, greeted a few people on her way with a polite smile. She fished her phone out of her clutch, in an attempt to send a quick text to her eldest brother telling him that she was already at the venue.

Looking down at her phone as she stepped over the threshold, she didn't expect to collide with someone. The force of the collision made her lose her balance, fearing that she might fall down. Thankfully, the other person grabbed her arm - steadying her.

Too embarrassed to look up, she managed to squeak out an apology. His hand was warm and familiar. Too familiar.

"Daphne..." He whispered out her name in response, making her heart flutter. It was the voice that haunted her. The voice that whispered sweet-nothings to her ears and the voice that ripped her into shreds with its ferocity.

"Simon." She turned her gaze towards him, shocked to see him again so soon. They stood so close together, that the intensity of his gaze on her made her flush. Taking a step back from him, letting his hand fall. "Hi."

Daphne wanted to beat herself up. Her lame attempt at a greeting to ease awkwardness only made it more awkward. She tried to avoid looking into his eyes, but they were like magnets, always drawing her in. She foolishly thought he didn't have that kind of effect on her anymore.

Simon knew he should reply. He was being incredibly rude by just standing there, but his tongue felt like lead. He doesn't even know what to say to her. How are you? I'm sorry? I miss you?

Instead, he opted not to say anything in return, in case he would blurt out something he might regret. He looked at her, probably too much. He wanted to soak up this moment, to memorize her features because God knows when he'll be able to be this close to her again. The idea of just grabbing her by the face and kissing her was tempting. But, he had to restrain himself.

"I better go. My mother and brothers are waiting." She said after a second of silence. Raising her phone awkwardly, as if proving to him that her family is in fact waiting for her. Nodding, he took a step to the side, letting her pass by.

She started walking towards her brothers on the other side of the venue. Sighing, he continued on his way out. He felt an overcoming frustration and anger - at himself, at Daphne, and at how their relationship ended up.

He looked at her one last time before he left the event.

Spotted: Anthony Bridgerton and Simon Basset having a civil conversation. No punches or harsh words were thrown. It appears these two are still thick as thieves, no matter what happens.