rble statues at the gate and the beautifully kept hedges lining the spacious road were mere evidence of the property's seeming richness. The interior was adorned wit

g of cutlery around him. Lord Wellington, his father, sat at the head of the table, frowning as he read financial reports; Lady Wellin

counter at the charity event. Even in the most ordinary situations, her laugh, grin, and the way she looked at hi

ir to another, never allowing himself to feel anything deeper than fleeting attraction. But Ivy had changed that. Now

ough his own monologue and bringing hi

ng up at his father. "

u decided on the details for the engagement party?" I asked. We

muttered, pushing his pla

cial moment for our family. This is the royal family we are talking about, and your engagement to Isabe

table, crushing himself under his fa

l views on partnerships, marriage, and business dealings. Now, the idea of getting mar

r," she said softly, "we just want what's best for you. It is a good

ough it didn't reach his

en for someone else. But he knew his father would never understand. To Lord Wellington, emotions were irrelevant. All that matte

ded to tell his dad that he was not able to proceed with the engagem

ion where he felt somewhat at ease. With the aroma of ancient books fil

was no other option. He couldn't marry Is

ut to go look for his father. Lord Welling

I've been thinking. We need to discuss the final det

with a firm but tense voic

t?" Lord Wel

moment of truth. "I can't marry Isabella," he blurted out,

expression unreadable. For a moment, Arnold thought his father might expl

u marry Isabella?" he asked

dn't tell his father about Ivy-not yet. But he also couldn't lie. "Because

to do with marriage? This isn't about your feelings, Arnold. This is about our family

e like this." "I cannot live a life stuck in an unfulfi

ry Isabella," he said coldly. "And you will do it fo

frustration well up inside him.

h worried looks before Lord Wellington could reply. She sensed the

nd the words. He couldn't keep figh

t pounding in his chest. He needed to think. He needed to esc

ehold for as long as he could remember. Although she was cleaning up as usual, she

said softly, "is ev

l raw. Knowing Sarah since he was a young lad, she had always been a

, his voice low. "Someth

ho had known him for years could have. "You know you can always t

murmured, "It's complicated." "There is an indiv

ut she didn't say anything. She

ting to Ivy. "I can't stop thinking about her, but I'

arm. "Love is never simple, Master Arnold," she said softly. "But y

. "I feel as though my heart and my family's expectatio

You are in a tough situation but just know that

ful for her kindness

hazy. Although his future remained uncertain, one thing was becoming increasing