The Art of turning heart

10 |

I wandered through the gardens of the Hawthorne estate, seeking a moment of respite away from the suffocating expectations of society. The night air was cool, and the soft rustling of leaves offered a comforting lull, but my mind remained restless. I followed a path that led me to a secluded walkway near a pergola, the perfect place to gather my thoughts. Just as I was about to lose myself in the tranquility of the moment, I heard voices. Curious and not wanting to intrude, I approached quietly.

As I drew nearer, the words became clearer, and to my shock, I recognized Edward's voice. He was speaking with another man, his tone laced with a seriousness I had seldom heard from him before. I leaned closer, straining to hear, and what I heard made my heart stop.

"She was never supposed to be here. This marriage is nothing more than an obligation, a burden I must bear for the sake of my family. My feelings have never mattered in this."

The words struck me like a physical blow. I froze, my breath catching in my throat as the weight of his confession settled over me. My chest tightened, and I struggled to keep my emotions in check, but it was impossible to ignore the ache that had begun to spread within me. Why did this hurt so much? I was supposed to despise him, wasn't I?

Without a sound, I turned and fled the scene, my heart pounding in my ears, my mind racing. I had no idea where I was going, only that I needed to get away. Away from him, away from the truth of his words, away from the confusion and pain that now threatened to overwhelm me.

The ball continued, the music flowing seamlessly, but I could no longer enjoy it. I deliberately avoided Edward, refusing to let him catch my gaze. Every time I felt his eyes on me, I turned away, focusing on anything or anyone else. My heart was still heavy from what I had overheard in the garden, and I couldn't bear to meet his eyes, afraid of the emotions that might spill over.

As the evening drew to a close, all I wanted was to leave. I couldn't stand to be in that place any longer, with all the falseness and the weight of unspoken truths pressing down on me. I made my way outside, desperate for the cool night air, hoping it would calm the turmoil within me. Just as I reached my carriage, a hand grabbed my arm, halting my steps.

"Isabella, wait," Edward's voice was firm, yet tinged with concern. I ignored him, trying to pull away, but he tightened his grip, gently yet insistently.

"Let go of me," I demanded, my voice trembling with the anger and hurt I had been holding in all night.

"I can't," he replied, his voice low. "You're my wife."

I couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh, turning to face him with a scornful smile. "Your wife? Do you really think that word means anything after what I heard tonight?"

Edward's expression shifted from confusion to realization. "Isabella, what are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb with me, Edward!" I snapped, my voice rising as all the pain I had suppressed poured out. "I heard you. I heard you say that this marriage is nothing more than a burden to you. That your feelings never mattered, that I was never supposed to be here! How do you think that makes me feel?"

His eyes widened in shock, then softened with understanding. "Isabella, no... you misunderstood. What I said... it wasn't about you, not in the way you think. Please, let me explain."

But I didn't want to hear it. The hurt was too fresh, too raw. Tears began to blur my vision, and before I could stop them, they spilled down my cheeks. Edward reached out to wipe them away, but I recoiled, my voice shaking as I spoke.

"Don't touch me," I whispered, my voice filled with anguish. I looked him straight in the eyes, my heart breaking all over again at the sight of his pained expression. "Just... don't."