Reflections of the choices

Chapter twelve

***

Disclamer:

Caution: This is a heart-wrenching part. It might inadvertently hurt your soul.

***

"Take it easy on my heart

Even though you don't mean to hurt me

You keep tearing me apart

Would you please have mercy, mercy on my heart?"

"Mercy" by Shawn Mendes

Colin noticed that Penelope hadn't been herself lately. At first, he thought it was just pre-wedding nerves, but his worry grew each day. In public, Penelope seemed joyful, smiling at everyone around her, but the moment they were alone, her smile would fade, replaced by sadness and contemplation. Colin tried not to show how much this troubled him, but thoughts that she didn't love him haunted him constantly.

One day, when they were alone, Colin couldn't hold back any longer. He approached Penelope slowly, trying to collect his thoughts.
"Penelope," he began softly, trying to keep his voice gentle, "I can't help but notice that you've been different lately. I'm not accusing you of anything, but... if your feelings for me have changed, I would understand." His voice trembled with anxiety, and his eyes wandered, avoiding meeting hers.

Penelope looked up at him, her heart aching painfully. She saw the pain and uncertainty in his eyes that he was trying so hard to hide. She wanted to shout that she loved him with all her heart, but she knew her love was something far deeper than he could ever imagine.

"Colin," she said quietly, stepping closer to him, "I love you. More than you could ever know. I don't know how you could ever doubt that."
Her voice quivered with tension, but her words were sincere. Colin looked at her, tears of joy shining in his eyes. Penelope wanted to tell him the truth, to confess everything, but seeing his tender expression, she knew she couldn't. She couldn't bear the thought of how much it would hurt him.

"I'm sorry, I just... I don't know," Colin said, averting his gaze, feeling guilty for his suspicions. "I didn't mean to upset you, I'm just afraid I'm forcing you into something you don't want."
Penelope struggled to hold back her tears. She reached for his hand, trying to convey all her support and love.

"Colin, I'm glad we're together," she said firmly but softly. "It's all I've ever wanted."
Colin smiled, but the unease still lingered in his heart. He couldn't understand why Penelope seemed so distant. Their conversations always ended with her declarations of love, but there was something in her eyes that worried him.

Penelope tried to find solace in the wedding preparations, but each morning she woke up with a sense of guilt and fear. Telling Colin the truth seemed an impossible task, and every time he held her or spoke of their future, her heart shattered. She loved him deeply, but she knew the truth could destroy everything they had built together.

With each passing day, Penelope realized more clearly that she had to make a choice. A few days before the wedding, she sat in the Bridgertons' drawing room, where they were discussing not only the upcoming celebration but also Benedict's news. He had been accepted into an art academy and was preparing to leave right after the wedding. Benedict was thrilled when he found out he had been accepted, but his mood changed drastically when he discovered that his success was due to a generous donation made by his brother Anthony.

Benedict was furious and hurt, feeling that his talent had been underestimated and that the academy's decision had been bought. Anthony tried to explain that his actions were driven by his belief in Benedict's talent and his desire to help his brother, who had long been searching for his place in the world. But Benedict couldn't let go of the thought that his achievements were tainted by his brother's money.