THE LOVE WAGER

PROLOGUE

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                                                   prologue
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In the bustling town of Mayfair , nestled amidst the bustling streets , resided two extraordinary families whose fates were interwined in ways beyond their imaginations . The Bridgertons and the Montgomerys , though seemingly seperate entities were in truth a single , interwoven tapestry .

Violet and Maryanne , the ladies of the two families had forged and unbreakable bond during their formative years at miss moss's finishing school . their friendship extended beyond the classroom walls , as their husbands , edmund and richard , became close companions during their time at oxford.
the montgomery residence stood a mere three minutes away from the bridgerton abode , fostering a physical closeness that mirrored the deep conection between the two families . together , they formed a vibrant community , were laughter , secretes and unwavering support were shared freely .

among the eight bridgerton siblings and the three mongomery children , a lively camraderie blossomed . anthony , the eldest bridgerton , found a kindred spirit in constance , the responsible and intelligent montgomery daughter . benedict and philip , both sharing a passion for sparring , often engaged themselves in hours into the game , and daphne and amelia , united by their youthfull spirits , became inseperable confidantes .

in their younger days , the boys would embark on spirited sparring matches , returning to the bridgerton residence with stained linen and muddy feet . the butler , accustomed by their antics , would promptly prepare colossal meals to satisfy their voracious apetites . meanwhile , the girls would immerse themselves in imaginative play , transforming the drawing room into a magical kingdom where eloise , with her flair for the dramatic , reigned supreme as the valiant prince . constance , being a little older , preferred the tranquility of reading byron in a secluded corner .

as the time passed , the children outgrew their childhood pasttimes . the boys shirts remained pristine as they honed their sparring skills , but their apetites still remained as insatiable as ever . the girls blossomed into elegant young women , each pursuing their own passions . eloise and constance delved into the works of romantic poets while amelia discovered her talent for dressmaking . daphne became a virtuoso in piano forte .

constance's debut into high society marked a significant milestone in the lives of both families for different reasons . yet amidst the swirling gowns and secretes , the bond between the families remained unyielding . the families continues to gather for intimate dinners , sharing stories , laughter and a proud sense of belonging .

but soon things changed . in the heart of spring , amidst the vibrant hues of blooming flowers , the bridgerton family departed for a brief visit to their family home , aubrey hall. Amelia , who had just turned sixteen then , bid them farewell along with her family .
however , upon unexpected return , a shadow had fallen over the family . edmund had succumbed to an ultimate demise , leaving and unfillable void. Anthony , the eldest son assumed the weightly title of the viscount , while hyacinth and gregory , mere toddlers were left to navigate a world without their beloved father .

violet was consumed by grief , her heart beyond repair . amelias own spirit was broken , for she shared a profound bond with edmund , her godfather , her mentor and a fatherly figure . his loss not only severed a cherished connection but also cast a pall over her bond with daphne , her best friend .
benedict too underwent a transformation . he retreated to himself , spending countless hours alone in his room . colin and philip departed for england to pursue their education , leaving a gaping hole in the family dynamic .

but time slowly heals wounds , violets smile returned , though tingd with a bittersweet memmory . benedict emerged from his isolation , rekindling his passion for painting and finding solace in the beauty of nature . anthony gradually adjusted to his new responsibilities as viscount .
yet one fatefull day , benedict made an abrubt announcement :he was leaving for eton to pursue his artistic aspirations . the news stuck amelia like a bold of lightning . even though benedict and amelia never really got along , they were always together . they would engage all their time in debates and banters with each other and fight like cats and dogs . both they both enjoyed it , it was evident . the day he left amelia realised two things that broke her heart , she had lost to benedict , for she had liked him all this time , and he had never liked her back and never will . his sudden departure without an explanation for words ignited a fire within her .
she vowed never to indulge in thoughts of benedict ever again . now she viewed him as selfish , uncaring and an utter arse .
and so , their paths continued , and amelia convinced herself to never think of him again .
 

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