Heart at risk

1. How long

AN: this might be a bit sad in the beginning. And you will HATE eloise hahaha oops sorry.

The air buzzed with excitement at Aubrey Hall. Francesca Bridgerton's wedding was the event of the season, drawing London's elite to the Bridgerton estate for a celebration that would be talked about for years to come. Penelope Featherington stood at the edge of the ballroom, her gaze flitting nervously across the room. The grand chandelier cast a warm glow over the gathering, but all she could see was Colin Bridgerton's stormy expression.

Colin had found out. He knew she was Lady Whistledown. He found out a week before we were wed.

Penelope's heart ached with the weight of his disapproval. She had hoped the reveal would go differently, that he might understand why she had done it, but the fury in his eyes told her that understanding was far from his mind. Eloise, her closest friend and Colin's sister, had not spoken to her for months, her coldness like a dagger through Penelope's heart.

The music played on, couples twirling elegantly on the dance floor, oblivious to the turmoil that had upended Penelope's world. She caught Colin's eye across the room. He stood near the refreshment table, looking impossibly handsome in his tailored suit, his jaw set in a hard line. His gaze met hers, and for a moment, she thought she saw a flicker of something softer, but it was quickly replaced by a mask of anger.

Penelope turned away, her stomach churning not only from anxiety but also from a persistent nausea she couldn't explain. She pressed a hand to her abdomen, willing herself to stay calm despite the rising tide of emotion and physical discomfort.

The evening dragged on. Penelope watched as Francesca, radiant in her wedding gown, danced with her new husband, the picture of marital bliss. She smiled at the sight, but the smile didn't reach her eyes. She needed to talk to Colin, to try and explain. After what felt like an eternity, the dance of the newlyweds ended, and the crowd erupted in applause. Penelope saw her chance.

She moved through the crowd, her heart pounding with each step. When she reached Colin, she gently touched his arm. He turned to face her, his eyes narrowing. 'Colin,' she said softly, trying to mask the tremor in her voice, 'it is a lovely evening, is it not?'

He stared at her, his expression inscrutable, before responding in a tone that was just a touch too polite. 'Indeed, it is.'

Penelope swallowed, trying to gather her thoughts. 'I was hoping we could talk.' Colin's eyes flickered with annoyance, and he turned slightly away, his posture rigid. 'Talk about what, Penelope?' His voice was clipped, each word a cold rebuke.

Penelope's heart sank further. 'I never meant for things to get so out of hand. I just want to explain.'

'Explain?' he scoffed, not bothering to hide his disdain. 'What is there to explain, other than your penchant for deception?' 

'I understand why you're angry. I never wanted to hurt you. I... I care about you too much for that.'

'Care about me? If you cared, you would have told me the truth.' Colin's eyes flashed with something unreadable, but his expression remained hard.

Penelope felt tears prickling at the corners of her eyes but blinked them away. 'I was going to tell you. I just had not found the right time yet.' 

'There never would have been a right time for this,' Colin said coldly. 'Every lie, every secret. You were hiding in plain sight.' Her heart twisted at his words. The pain in her abdomen grew sharper, but she pushed it aside, desperate to reach him. 'Colin...'

Penelope's voice wavered, the pain in her abdomen making it hard to focus. She took a deep breath, her hand clutching her stomach. 'Colin, can we please talk in private?'