The Things I've Never Done: A Caledon Hockley Love Story

Chapter 6: Those Whose Hearts Are United Beat As One

Nodding her head weakly, Y/N prepares herself for the day ahead, the day she knew would be full of lingering gazes and quick checks over the shoulder. As the last knots were wound, last layer of crinoline was placed, her dress fell over her shoulders, fitting her form perfectly. It was a pretty dress, but Y/N's attention on it quickly dulled as she looked at her face. Nothing was particularly out of the ordinary, but her eyes had shifted in a way, her emotion swirling within them to appear puppy-like.

"You're going to be fine, Baby. If he doesn't change, then let it be. Men are different at times, unable to see what they truly desire until it's too late. It's a woman's job to move on," Molly states once more, squeezing her daughter's shoulder blade before leaving the room, allowing Y/N to collect herself as she takes a final look at her reflection.

"Still the Y/N I was, someone else entirely on the inside," she smirks, recollecting her sense of being, "Fuck men."

To Be Continued...

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<3rd Person Perspective>

With a somewhat new outlook on life, Y/N makes her way down the grand stair case once more, catching a glimpse of the man she dreads for. The men and women were gathered together, awaiting their seating as they planned to conjoin as a party. Just swell, Y/N grimaces.

Molly spots her instantly, as does Jack Dawson, smiling and waving her over. Cal watches the whole interaction quietly, watching her. She felt that exact gaze and longed to join it, but she feared her heart would break if she had.

There was inner turmoil in her mind. She'd just met Cal the night before, spending the whole night with him. She barely knew him yet decided it would be right to give him the only thing that gave her "value" to the public's eye. She fell so easily, so stupidly, for a man who was off limits. Engaged! ...But, she still wants him nonetheless. She hates it.

"Hey!" Jack glows as Y/N drags her way over in mock-delight, "How are you?"

"I'm as good as it gets it seems..." Y/N looks at Cal, quickly turn back in enough time to dodge his eyes.

Jack sneers, but then playfully adds, whispering, "I saw you disappear with him yesterday. Hell, I was surprised that you managed to get him below deck with the 'worthless scum!'"

Y/N lets a giggle escape at that, kindly remembering having to physically drag the man down the rickety stairs. "I know, right?" she questions, still laughing.

"Yeah, but on a more interesting topic, what did you actually do last night?" he wiggles his eyebrows.

She blushes at the mention, wondering if she's that transparent. "I might've gotten a little lucky..." she muses with a coy smile.

"Ooohhh!" he teases.

"Jack, oh my, please stop. You'll draw attention," Y/N quickly yelps in embarrassment, some of the rich folk watching now.

"Whose attention?" he teases again.

"Oh, like you didn't have a specific someone's attention either?" Y/N fires back, smiling triumphantly at the red boy.

"Oh stop it you two, you sound like squabblin' five year olds!" Molly scolds, smirking despite her firm order.

"Yeah Jack, quit it," Y/N smiles.

"Whatever..." he clears his throat, embarrassed.

Upon a quick announcement, the party was called to attention, led in the direction of the table to seat them all. Almost growling, Y/N lifts her dress slightly at its length, walking pristinely as the rest of the women.