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

CHAPTER 33

Louisa's forced smile masked her inner turmoil as she asked Edward, "What brings you here?" Her voice was casual, but her mind raced with anxiety.

Edward's smile was brief, his expression serious. "I haven't been able to see you for days," he said, his tone low and apologetic. "As the major head, I've been consumed by the conflict with Russia. Every waking moment has been devoted to strategizing and negotiations."

Louisa's grip on the railing tightened, her knuckles white.

"I couldn't even catch you at breakfast or lunch," Edward continued, his eyes locking onto hers. "So, I decided to come to your room, hoping to find you available."

Louisa's forced smile faltered for an instant before she regained control. "I...I've been busy too," she stammered, desperate to deflect attention.

Edward's gaze lingered, his eyes searching for any sign of weakness. "I've missed you, Louisa," he said, his voice softening.

Louisa's heart sank, her nerves jangling. She knew she had to tread carefully, maintaining the facade of their complicated relationship.

"I've missed you too, Edward," she replied, her voice measured.

The silence between them was oppressive, heavy with unspoken expectations. Louisa's thoughts screamed warnings, urging her to be cautious.

Edward's steps seemed to echo through the room as he closed the distance between them, his dominant presence suffocating. His dark aura enveloped Louisa, making her skin prickle with unease. A smile spread across his face, but it didn't reach his eyes, which seemed to bore into her soul.

Louisa's heart skipped a beat as Edward's hand rose, his fingers brushing against her cheek. His touch sent shivers down her spine, but not in a good way. She felt trapped, her instincts screaming warning signals.

Edward's fingers cupped her face, his grip gentle yet firm. Louisa's eyes darted to his, searching for any sign of malice. His gaze held hers, intense and unyielding.

He leaned in, his lips brushing against her left cheek in a fleeting kiss. Louisa's skin crawled, disgust and unease swirling within her.

Forced smiles had become second nature to her, and she summoned one now, desperate to conceal her true emotions. "Thank you, Edward," she whispered.

"Take care, Louisa," Edward said, his voice low and husky. His eyes lingered on hers before he turned to leave.

As the door closed behind him, Louisa's facade crumbled. She felt dirty, violated by Edward's touch. Her hands shook as she wiped her cheek, erasing the memory of his lips.

The room seemed to spin around her, and Louisa grasped the railing to steady herself. She couldn't shake off the feeling of unease, the weight of Edward's gaze still upon her.

With a deep breath, Louisa gathered her composure. She knew she had to tread carefully, navigating the treacherous waters of her complicated relationships.
_
_
_

As the weeks blended together, Louisa and Jungkook's love continued to grow stronger with each passing day. They cherished every moment they spent together, no matter how brief or secretive.

Meanwhile, Edward's focus shifted entirely to the impending war with Russia. His duties as major head consumed him, leaving little time for personal affairs or social interactions. Meetings between Edward and Louisa became scarce, and when they did occur, they were brief and formal.

Louisa's daily routine remained unchanged, but subtle changes began to creep into her life. She started feeling unusually tired, as if her energy was draining away. Everyday tasks that once seemed effortless now felt like monumental challenges.