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

CHAPTER 24

Louisa's mind raced as she searched for a plausible explanation, but Edward's piercing gaze made her words falter. She felt trapped, cornered by her own secrets.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about, don't you?" Edward's voice was laced with accusation, his eyes flashing with anger. "You think you can just disappear without a word, leaving me like I am nothing matter?"

Louisa's heart pounded, her palms growing sweaty. She knew she couldn't keep hiding, but the fear of discovery, of losing everything, kept her silent.

Edward's face twisted in contempt. "You think you're some kind of queen, don't you?" he sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "Someone I'll wait for, search for, and cater to? Newsflash, Louisa: you're not someone who will make me wait."

Edward's dark gaze pierced through Louisa, his eyes blazing with intensity. "I searched everywhere for you," he growled, his voice low and menacing.

"I asked Ema, your maid, where you were, and she told me you were in the garden. But when I went there, you were nowhere to be found. I scoured every path, every bench, every hidden corner, but there was no sign of you."

His eyes narrowed, suspicion etched on his face. "Ema then told me you were in your room, but when I went there, you were still missing. Your maid seemed just as puzzled as I was, unable to explain your disappearance."

Louisa's heart skipped a beat as Edward's words hung in the air, accusatory and demanding. She hesitated, trying not to show her feelings or nervousness, but her mind was racing with explanations.

"I-I apologize, Edward," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I was overwhelmed...too nervous and tired with all the guests. The ceremony was going on for hours, and I needed a break." Her words tumbled out in a rush, desperate to convince him.

Edward's skepticism was palpable. "You left before the engagement ceremony ended," he pointed out, his tone incredulous. "You just vanished without a word, leaving me to wonder if you'd changed your mind."

Louisa's lies flowed easily now, a desperate attempt to salvage the situation. "I informed one of the workers to tell you I was stepping out for some air," she explained. "Maybe they forgot in the chaos. I didn't mean to cause any concern."

Edward's gaze intensified, his eyes boring into hers. "Go on," he said curtly.

Louisa took a deep breath, praying her story would hold up. "I was in the garden first, alone," she continued. "I needed some solitude, some fresh air. Then I roamed around a bit, enjoying the evening. Afterwards, I went to my room to collect my thoughts. Maybe you missed me in both places."

Edward's expression remained unconvinced, his jaw clenched in frustration. The silence between them was oppressive, heavy with unspoken doubts.

Edward's gaze lingered on Louisa, his eyes searching for truth. He sighed, the sound heavy with disappointment.

"I'm sorry, Edward," Louisa said, her voice laced with remorse. "My behavior was unacceptable. I shouldn't have left without telling you."

Edward's gaze swept over Louisa, from top to bottom, as if searching for any sign of sincerity. He wanted to believe her, but her behavior and body language betrayed her words. Despite his reservations, he remained silent.

As he looking at her his gaze drifted to her hand, and his expression darkened, as if a shadow had fallen across his face. The engagement ring, once proudly displayed on her finger, was now conspicuously absent, leaving only a faint tan line as evidence of its former presence.

Louisa's nerves fluttered as she met Edward's gaze, her heart racing with anticipation. But she was caught off guard when he gently took her hand, bringing it closer for inspection, his touch sending shivers down her spine.