Page 22 of The Duke's Concealed Vow
“It will be all right, darling,” Olivia whispered in her ear, holding onto Serena for an extra minute longer.
Serena shook her head, choking back fresh tears as she looked at the people gathered to celebrate her union to a man she did not love.
“No, Liv,” she whispered back. “I do not think anything will ever be all right again.”
Throughout the meal, Olivia and Julian did their best to cheer up Serena and keep the conversation around her lively and entertaining. Imogen kept the dowager engaged in polite conversation which did not extend beyond the depths of thelatest fashion and upcoming ton events.
And yet, as everyone tried to pretend that the wedding the following day was the happiest occasion to ever occur in their two families, Serena couldn’t help withdrawing into herself, unable to stop thinking about the future that was steadily being built for her. How could she and the duke create a life together when he seemed so unwilling to work with her? He couldn’t even be bothered to show up to his own wedding celebration dinner. How could she ever expect him to show up for anything else in their marriage?
When the meal at last concluded, she remained in the grand hall just long enough to help her father and aunt bid farewell to their guests. As soon as they were gone, she hurried to her chambers, her heart heavy with dread and fear. Alone with her thoughts for the first time in days, she collapsed onto her bed, allowing her tears to flow freely. She mourned the dreams she had once held so dear, finding it surreal that she would be releasing her hopes for all of them the following day.
With a trembling breath, Serena pulled the blanket up under her chin, not bothering to summon Christine to help her undress for bed. It was energy she did not wish to muster, not when she would only toss and turn all night, anyway.
But one thing she could do was learn to face her future with grace and resilience, even as her heart ached for the love and compassion she needed so desperately. A future already set in stone could hardly be erased. What sense was there in praying for a change in something that was permanent?
