Star-Crossed Lovers Of The 1850s (JJK ff)

CHAPTER 12

The morning sunlight streamed through the dining room windows, casting a warm glow over the opulent table settings. Louisa, resplendent in her silk gown, took her seat alongside Edward, her fiancé, and the other members of the household. The aroma of freshly baked bread and steaming coffee filled the air, enticing the senses.

As the workers began to serve breakfast, Louisa's gaze swept across the room, deliberately avoiding one familiar face. Jungkook, once her constant presence, now stood among the other servants, his eyes cast downward.

Louisa's heart skipped a beat as their gazes nearly met, but she swiftly looked away, focusing on the delicate china before her. The memory of Jungkook's rejection still lingered, a painful reminder of her unrequited love.

Edward, oblivious to Louisa's turmoil, engaged in lively conversation with the other diners, his voice booming through the room. Louisa nodded and smiled, playing the role of attentive companion, while her thoughts strayed to Jungkook.

She had requested his reassignment, unable to bear the thought of seeing him daily, witnessing his indifference, and feeling her own longing. The pain of his rejection still raw, Louisa sought to distance herself from the emotions that threatened to consume her.

As the meal progressed, Louisa's awareness of Jungkook's presence grew, her senses heightened. She felt his gaze upon her, but refused to meet his eyes, fearing the emotions that might spill forth.

The workers moved with quiet efficiency, serving and clearing dishes with precision. Jungkook, too, performed his duties with practiced calm, his face a mask of detachment.

Yet, Louisa detected a flicker of emotion in his eyes, a fleeting glance that spoke volumes.

The breakfast concluded, Louisa rose from her seat, her relief palpable. As she exited the dining room, she felt Jungkook's gaze upon her, but refused to acknowledge him.
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Days blended together as Louisa strove to erase Jungkook from her thoughts. The task proved daunting, but she persevered, determined to move forward. Every morning, she rose with newfound resolve, her heart steeling itself against the memories that lingered.

The estate's bustling activity provided a welcome distraction. Louisa immersed herself in her daily routine: horseback rides through the rolling hills, afternoons spent reading in the garden, and evenings filled with social engagements.

Edward, her fiancé, remained attentive and charming, his presence a constant reminder of the life she was building without Jungkook. Louisa forced herself to smile, to laugh, and to engage, though her heart still felt heavy.

In quiet moments, when solitude wrapped around her like a shroud, Louisa's thoughts betrayed her. Jungkook's face appeared, his piercing gaze haunting her. She recalled the gentle touch of his hand, the soft timbre of his voice.

But Louisa pushed aside these memories, refusing to succumb. She focused on the future, on the life she would build with Edward. The pain of Jungkook's rejection slowly began to recede, replaced by a sense of determination.

One evening, as Louisa prepared for a ball, Ema helped her into her gown. The maid's eyes met Louisa's in the mirror, a silent understanding passing between them.

"Milady, you look stunning," Ema said, her voice soft.

With a deep breath, Louisa pushed aside the uncertainty. Tonight, she would shine, her heart locked away, hidden from the world.

As Louisa descended the staircase, her silk gown rustling with each step, the soft candlelight danced across her face, illuminating her delicate features. The grand ballroom, filled with the cream of society, buzzed with anticipation, the air thick with the scent of perfume and polished leather.