Weren't Love Supposed to be Simple?

Tears streamed down her face as she clutched onto his hand, unwilling to let go of the relationship that was never meant to be. The Duchess was desperate to hold onto the man she loved, even though she knew it would only bring her more pain.

"But why, Edward?" Duchess Alicia implored, her voice quivering with raw emotion. Her heart felt like it was being ripped apart. "Why must we end this? I love you more than anything in this world."

The man's eyes were now glinted with both pain and anger. "How could you even ask why? You destroyed your own daughter's life! And I won't risk losing my position because of you. So, please understand, Duchess. Let me leave."

Duchess Alicia's eyes blazed with fury. How could he think about his position at a time like this? Didn't he see that she was willing to sacrifice everything for him? Was her love for him so insignificant? 

And how dare he accuse her of ruining her daughter's life when all she had ever done was love him unconditionally? Was this the depth of his love for her? 

"How can you say that?" she snarled in frustration. "I am willing to give you everything, including my title! What do you think our love is!?"

"You know as well as I do, Duchess, that we cannot continue this relationship. It was nothing but a fling," Edward sighed heavily and tried to pull his hand away from her grip, ready to leave.

"A fling, you said?!" The duchess's grip on his hand tightened until her knuckles turned white. "You are a despicable man! I will never let you go! I will even drag you to hell with me!" Her eyes blazed with madness as she tightened her hold.

Edward shook his hand harder, trying to break free from her grasp. "You're a crazy woman! Let me go!" he roared, his eyes blazing with fury as he took a step back from her.

"Don't ever talk to me again! We never knew each other, never!" With that, he stormed out of the rose garden, leaving Duchess Alicia standing alone, her heart shattered into a million pieces. 

As she gazed out at the gleaming white petals that now lay scattered on the ground, she screamed out in anguish and despair. The sound echoed through the garden as she tore at the roses, ripping them from their stems and flinging them to the ground. 

The sweet scent of the flowers mixed with the bitter taste of her tears as she collapsed onto the ground, consumed by her pain and fury. The garden, once a symbol of love and beauty, now lay in ruins.

…

Beatrice lean back on the plush cushions of her carriage, feeling the gentle sway as it made its way through the bustling streets. The rhythmic sound of hooves pounding against the cobblestones echoed in her ears, and the fresh scent of blooming flowers wafted through the air.

Beatrice had originally intended to visit Gilbert at his mansion, but she was informed by the butler that he was not available and was engrossed in work. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment, so she decided to go shopping with her maid - Sophie - instead. 

They strolled down the street, admiring the colorful storefronts and dazzling displays of jewelry and dresses in the shop windows.

However, Beatrice noticed that Sophie's uniform was looking a bit frayed and worn, and she couldn't help but feel worried. "Sophie, what happened to your uniform?" she asked gently, sensing that something was amiss.

Sophie looked hesitant at first, fidgeting with her hands nervously. "There's been a budget cut for maids, my lady," she said finally. "I'm afraid my salary has been reduced."

'It must be the Duchess doing it! She reduced the salary for my maids so they would either resign or switch positions,' she thought, gripping her own hand until the temple turned white. 'I can't believe she would stoop so low as to cut my maid's salary just to spite me.'

"I'm so sorry, Sophie," she said, taking her hand in a comforting gesture. "I had no idea. Let's go shopping for a dress right away."

Sophie looked up at her with shining eyes , her expression grateful and touched. "Lady Beatrice, you don't have to do that," she protested, but Beatrice was determined.

"It's the least I can do for you, Sophie," she said firmly. "You've been my loyal maid for years, and I consider you a dear friend. Besides," she added with a grin, "I love shopping."

Together, they made their way to a nearby boutique, where Sophie marveled at the selection of dresses and jewelry. She tried on a few, feeling the soft fabrics against her skin. Finally, she settled on a crisp, fresh dress that made her look and feel like a new woman. 

Furthermore, Beatrice bought jewelry and dresses for her other maids. At least they could sell some of the jewelry to compensate for their cut off salary.

As they left the store, Sophie turned to Beatrice, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, my lady," she said softly. "I will never forget your kindness."

Beatrice smiled warmly, feeling her heart swell with happiness. "It was my pleasure, Sophie," she said, embracing her. "Let's go home and have some tea."

As they strolled back towards the carriage, Beatrice's gaze swept over the bustling street, and suddenly her heart leapt with joy. There, emerging from one of the quaint alleys, was the man she had been hoping to see. 

His stunning features, with rich brown hair and piercing emerald eyes, left her breathless. Her senses were heightened as he drew closer, and she could feel her cheeks flush with excitement.

Beatrice felt a wave of contentment wash over her. She couldn't wait to share with him all the details of her latest novel, Countess Garnet, and the strange book she had discovered in his library. She forgot to ask him the last time they met because of her stupid brother. 

She could barely contain her excitement. Without hesitation, she rushed towards him, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. "Gilbert!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with delight.

But as he turned to face her, his reaction was not what she expected. Gilbert briefly shook her off, and she sensed a hint of discomfort in his demeanor. His frown quickly turned into a smile, but it didn't seem entirely genuine.

"Beatrice, what brings you here?" he asked. His voice was polite but tinged with unease. Despite Gilbert's reserved reaction, Beatrice was still beaming with happiness.

Without thinking, she grabbed his hands, eager to share all the news about her latest novel. But Gilbert's reaction surprised her. 

He immediately pulled his hand away, and his tone turned cold. "Please, Beatrice, not in public," he said firmly.