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“I heard you weren’t coming tonight.”
“You did?” I asked with some confusion.
“You know how people gossip,” she said. “I heard you and Theo got into a big fight and you guys broke it off.”
Rumors usually had a nugget of truth. It made me nervous to think that rumor was out there. “Honestly, Clara, I don’t know. There was an argument, but I believe we’re going to be okay. I’m meeting him here tonight. Have you seen him?”
“No.” She shook her head.
“I love your dress,” I said. “You look beautiful.”
She smiled but I saw a hint of sadness in her eyes. “Is everything okay?”
She took a deep breath. “My father has agreed to break my match.”
“What do you mean?” I frowned.
“My match, Matthew, is cruel. I spent the last month crying. He’s been horrible to me. I wasn’t going to say anything, but my parents noticed how depressed I was. I told them about some of the things he’s said and done. My father was disgusted. The match was broken last week.”
“Good,” I said with a nod. “I’m so glad you’re not going to marry that asshole. He’s horrible. But if the match is broken, why are you here tonight?”
She smiled, her cheeks blushing. “Because they found another match for me.”
“Already?”
“Yes,” she said, nodding. “He and I were old friends. He’s a little older but I have always been very fond of him. His family doesn’t have great wealth or title, but he’s an agreeable match.”
“Is he here tonight?”
She shook her head. “He’s never been a part of the season, but it’s not necessary. I went through it and that’s enough. I wanted to come tonight because I refuse to let Matthew think he scared me away. I’ll be married by this time next year. I’m not sure his family can find a woman to take him. I win.”
“Yes, you do,” I said, smiling. “Good for you. I’m so happy you got rid of him. He was not good. Is he here tonight?”
“I don’t know,” she said, shrugging. “I don’t care.”
I gave her a hug. I was happy she found her voice. She deserved to be happy and he deserved all the misery he foisted on her. The man was despicable.
“I’ll see you later,” I said. “I’m looking for Theo. I need to find him.”
“Good luck,” she said.
Finally, I reached the center, and there he stood. I took a second to get my emotions under control. I told myself no matter what happened, I was going to be okay. I would go to university or on a long trip around the world if he didn’t want me. I would recover.
“Theo,” I said and gently touched his shoulder.
He spun around, his eyes searching mine. “You got my letter?” I heard the nerves in his voice. That oddly gave me some comfort.
“I did,” I replied, my own voice trembling with emotion.
As the world continued to whirl around us, Theo leaned in, his lips gently meeting mine. It was a soft, sweet kiss. In that moment, time seemed to slow, and the chaos of the ballroom faded into the background. My heart was doing somersaults. My body was humming with love and joy.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” he said.
“I would have walked through fire to be here,” I told him. “I’d leave it all behind for a life with you. I would leave the crown, the country, whatever it took. I want a life with you.”
I had never been more sure of anything in my life. With Theo, I had found the love and happiness I had always longed for. I didn’t even know I wanted love until he showed me what it was.
“I was hoping you would say that,” he said, smiling.
