Page 112 of His Forsaken Duchess
Before she could speak, a familiar voice broke through the quiet hum of conversation. “Lilianna Winslow, you’ve left me no choice!”
Audrey’s head snapped toward the center of the ballroom, where Lord Belleville got down on one knee. Lilianna stood before him, her hands flying to her mouth, her eyes wide with shock.
“I am completely undone by you,” Belleville declared, his usual humor giving way to an earnestness that silenced the room. “And I cannot imagine another day without you. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?”
Lilianna hesitated for only a moment before nodding vigorously, her voice muffled by her hands. “Yes! Yes, of course!”
The room erupted into applause. Guests swarmed around the newly betrothed couple, their laughter and congratulations filling the air.
Cedric chuckled, leaning closer to Audrey. “Well, princess, it seems Belleville has outdone himself.”
Audrey smiled, her eyes bright with amusement. “I’m not surprised. He’s always had a flair for theatrics.”
As the crowd celebrated, a familiar figure approached Audrey hesitantly. She turned and was astonished to see her father standing before her. His expression was uncharacteristically soft, his eyes twinkling with gratitude.
“Father,” she said, her voice quieter now.
“Audrey,” he began, his voice rough but sincere. “I wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done for Lilianna—and for all of us. You’ve carried this family through trials I failed to prevent. I hope you know how proud I am of you.”
Audrey blinked rapidly, her chest tightening with emotion. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice trembling.
Before she could say more, Grace and Clarise swept in, pulling her into a tight embrace.
“You’re remarkable, Audrey,” Grace said, her voice thick with emotion. “And you’ve made us all so proud.”
Clarise nodded, her youthful exuberance adding warmth to the moment. “And you’re the best sister anyone could ask for!”
Their love surrounded her, warming a part of her heart she hadn’t realized still ached. As they pulled away, she glanced atCedric, who stood a short distance away, watching her with a smile that melted every last shard of her lingering doubt.
As the music resumed and the crowd turned their attention back to the celebration, Cedric stepped forward and extended his hand. “Shall we?”
Audrey tilted her head, a teasing smile playing on her lips. “And where are you taking me now, darling?”
“You’ll see,” he said, taking her hand and leading her through the open doors and into the gardens.
The cool evening air kissed her cheeks, carrying the faint strains of music from the ballroom. The stars above were bright, casting a silver glow over the manicured paths.
Cedric stopped beneath a grand oak tree, turning to face her. “Do you remember what I said before? That you are my future?”
Audrey nodded, her voice soft. “I do.”
“I meant it,” he said, his voice steady. “In the two years we were apart, I learned more about you than most couples do in a lifetime. The receipts, the letters—they all painted a picture of the incredible woman you are. And when I finally started courting you, that knowledge only grew.”
Her breath caught, her hand instinctively tightening around his.
Cedric stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. “Audrey, I vow to use that knowledge to make you happy every single day. I will spend the rest of my life proving how much you mean to me. And I will never be parted from you again, not for a single day.”
Her heart swelled, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her. “Cedric,” she whispered, her voice trembling.
He cupped her face gently, his thumb brushing her cheek. “I love you, my love. More than I ever thought possible.”
Tears welled up in her eyes, and she stepped closer to him, her hands resting against his chest. “I love you too,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.
Cedric smiled, his relief and joy palpable. He leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that was tender and filled with promise. The distant music swelled, blending with the sound of their laughter as they finally pulled apart.
“Shall we return to the ball?” he asked softly, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face.
“Not yet,” Audrey replied, her voice warm. “Let’s stay here a little longer.”
And so in the moonlit garden, with the sounds of love and celebration echoing through the night, they danced.
