CHAPTER 8

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As the evening sun cast its warm glow over the estate, Jungkook's tasks seemed endless. His mind wandered, searching for a glimpse of Louisa, the one person who brought solace to his hectic days. Today, she hadn't appeared in the garden, her usual sanctuary, where they would steal moments together.

He missed their daily encounters, craving the tranquility her presence brought. Louisa's kindness and compassion set her apart from the others. In a world where social divides seemed insurmountable, she treated him with dignity, as if their differences didn't exist.

Jungkook cherished their conversations, finding solace in her warm smile. Her art book, filled with vibrant colors and life, reflected her beautiful soul. She'd share her dreams, her passions, and he'd listen, entranced.

"Why didn't she come today?" Jungkook wondered, his thoughts consumed by Louisa. Had something happened? Was she unwell? The uncertainty gnawed at him.

He sighed, leaving the garden to attend to his duties. Procrastination would invite lectures and disappointment. The estate's strict rules demanded punctuality, and Jungkook knew better than to test the limits.

As he worked, Jungkook's mind drifted back to Louisa. Their friendship, forged in secret, brought light to his world. She was his confidante, his ally, and his best friend. In her presence, he felt seen, heard, and understood.

The hours ticked by, Jungkook's tasks never-ending. Yet, his heart remained in the garden, waiting for Louisa's return.

Meanwhile,

Louisa's feet ached as she trudged alongside Edward, her smile forced and weary. They'd spent the entire day selecting engagement finery, catering, and venue decorations, each decision feeling like a weight added to her already-burdened shoulders.

The endless stream of choices – lace or satin, silver or gold, chicken or beef – swirled together in a maddening vortex, leaving her mentally drained.

Edward's enthusiasm only highlighted Louisa's disinterest, his words blending into a cacophony of indifference. "And what do you think of this fabric, my dear? Suitable for the engagement gown?" he asked, holding up a delicate lace sample.

Louisa's eyes glazed over, her mind numb, as she murmured a half-hearted assent. But lovely was a lie; the pastel hues and intricate patterns blurred together, a never-ending sea of sameness. She longed for vibrant colors, for life, for freedom.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the city, Louisa's exhaustion reached its limit. Her thoughts foggy, her body screaming for respite, she turned to Edward with a pleading gaze. "Edward, may we return home? I'm terribly fatigued." The words tumbled out, a desperate bid for escape.

Edward's brow furrowed, his expression a mixture of concern and annoyance. "We've yet to finalize the guest list," he reminded her, his tone brooking no argument. But Louisa's energy was spent; she couldn't muster the strength to care. Her plea remained unspoken: Please, just let me go home.

After an eternity, Edward relented. "Tomorrow, then?" he suggested, his voice softening.

The carriage ride home felt interminable, Louisa's thoughts drifting to Jungkook, wondering if he'd been in the garden today. Had he missed her? Did he sense her distress? The questions swirled, a comforting distraction from the prison of her arranged marriage.

As they arrived at the estate, Louisa bid Edward goodnight, eager to retreat to her chambers. "Rest well, my dear," Edward said, his kiss on her hand a cold, calculated gesture.

Louisa's heart sank. This was her future – a life of duty, not love. She fled to her room, seeking solace in the silence, her thoughts consumed by Jungkook and the freedom he represented.

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