the princess' viscount|| anthony bridgerton

4

ella's pov
here i stand waiting for benny to come back with drinks when i hear "ella" anthony. i turn around seeing him

i arrive at the bridgerton house and walk inside and weirdly enough anthony isn't here to receive me so we can go about our planned day as usual. maybe he got caught up in paperwork? it's happened a few times but usually he is punctual and already here waiting for me. the door man asks "should i go receive lord bridgerton for you princess?" i smile his way "it's quite alright. i'll go receive him. is he in his office?" he replies smiling softly "he should be. last i heard he had a visitor that hadn't left yet so he may be busy" a visitor here at his home? weird. he often meets people for business outside of the house. i ask "do you know who it was?" he shakes his head "i fear not princess" i nod and head up the stairs going to his office just to see it empty and two glasses of almost finished whiskey. one has a lipstick print on the rim. it's fine. it's anthony i trust him with my life. i pause seeing a pair of women's underwear on the floor. my heart speeds up and my ears start to ring at this. he wouldn't right? but why would this be here?

anthony and i have a love that goes on for years now. he's the love of my life and i am his. maybe they're a gift? no. they wouldn't be on the floor like this if it were not only that it's something i'd never wear. color and design. before i can stop myself im at his bedroom door stepping in. then i hear and see it. my heart breaking under the weight of the discovery. he's in bed with another woman. i cover my mouth hiding and swallowing my sob. i can't breathe. the ringing in my ears grow louder as his voice rings out in passion "fuck siena. gonna marry you" kissing her as he fucks her in a bed that's ours. i'm here sleeping over with him more than i am at home, and leave in the morning so society doesn't make a scandal. she moans "i love you" and the last piece of my heart goes up in flames as he looks down at her with love in his eyes "i love you" and with that nausea creeps up and i leave.

tunnel vision unable to breathe, unable to hear, clutching my heart that's hurting more than i thought was possible. "Elle" benedict calls and everything clears. stops.

i speak this memory in the forefront of my mind, acid in my voice "it's princess, lord bridgerton" he looks at me pain in his eyes blended with softness. his eyes are the most expressive part of him. which is why i know his words to his singer rang true. he did love her. he did want to marry her. also telling me his affair wasn't new. anthony isn't the type to just fall in love easily. it took me a few years for him to see what was going on between us. "if we can just speak ella" he begs and i ask "what makes you think i ever wanted to speak to you in the first place lord?" he says "we need to speak about us and-" i cut him off "what us lord bridgerton? there isn't one, you made sure of that" he says "you left me ella" i snap "because you were fucking a whore in a bed we made our own telling her you wish to marry her instead and that you love her. i only left because you pushed me to."

"ellie" benedict calls coming over and nods to anthony "brother" "benedict. if i can just have a moment with elle here" he starts. the audacity of this man. thinking he has the right to my time after everything he's done to destroy me. "you may not lord. i'd appreciate it if i do not see or hear from you." i reply coldly. he says "we're the most eligible people of this season" "and that makes you think what viscount bridgerton? do tell? oh wait let me guess. you think you're entitled to me and my time during your own search for a wife. you don't. i have my own search to do. And trust me as this seasons diamond i have many options and you are below a last resort for me viscount" i reply. grabbing a drink from a watching benedict and i down it and grab his arm "come dance benny" "elle wait!" anthony calls and i ignore him as benedict leads me into a dance.