Part four

He had fabricated another lie, and no matter how much we disputed it, my parents didn’t believe me.

We had gone to the gardens, him and I, but I had soon excused myself to go and get some refreshments. I had instead gone with you to a secluded room.

My father screamed at me, my mother had cried for my ruination, and my cousin Ty looked at me up and down, disgusted. Only Rose didn’t meet my eyes, and stared at the floor instead, but I knew she knew of the truth. It had happened to her too. She didn’t even try to intervene, no one would have listened.

Luckily, the man had decided he would marry me to save my family from my thoughtless actions. We were to be wed in three days. The ball was almost over, and my parents had decided that we would announce our engagement before the guests left for the night.

I looked at you one more time before leaving. I wanted to thank you, you had saved me after all, even if it was for a short while. I didn’t think you would try to do it once again.

‘The gardens.’ You mouthed. ‘Tomorrow night.’

I nodded and hurried out the door. At least we would get to say goodbye.