Page 64 of ?n Arranged Betrothal with a Blind Duke
“Yes,” another voice confirmed, “and nobody knows where he’s gone.”
Annabelle breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing that Oswald had left the village, with his whereabouts remaining a mystery. The shadows of his malice and Lord Spencer’s cruelty no longer loomed over her. She harbored hope never to cross paths with them again. The weight of their threats seemed to lift, leaving in its place a sense of freedom and a future unencumbered by fear.
Adrian sensed her sudden tension and followed her gaze. “What is it, my love?” he whispered into her ear, his breath warm against her skin.
“Nothing, Adrian, nothing at all,” she replied, nestling closer to him, the certainty in her voice emanating from a newfound peace.
Together, they looked out at their friends and family, each face reflecting joy and love. The world seemed to have shifted on its axis, aligning itself perfectly with their desires and dreams. And in that moment, Annabelle knew that no matter what lay ahead, they were strong enough to face it, for they had each other, and that was all they needed.
On the other hand, Cynthia and Sophia had moved onto disseminating fresh gossip, their voices lilting in exaggerated excitement as they shared the latest scandalous tidbits. With fans fluttering and eyes twinkling, they effectively removed themselves from the spotlight, providing a humorous distraction. Annabelle couldn’t help but shake her head at their antics, grateful for their presence, yet equally relieved at their self-imposed distance.
As the evening wore on, the room was filled with the cheerful clinking of glasses and the joyful melodies of a string quartet. Laughter resonated through the grand ballroom, creating an atmosphere of genuine happiness and camaraderie.
The celebrations reached a crescendo when Henry, his face glowing with an irrepressible joy, took the center of the room to make an announcement.
“Ladies and Gentlemen,” he began, his voice strong and clear, “I have the great pleasure to announce my betrothal to Penelope!”
A collective gasp filled the room, followed by enthusiastic applause and cheers. Annabelle’s eyes widened in delighted surprise, and she exchanged a knowing glance with Adrian. Their dear friends had found love in each other’s arms, a bond that was now to be sealed with the sacred vows of marriage.
Annabelle and Adrian were thrilled for their friends, their own joy amplifying at the happiness of Henry and Penelope. Sharing a special toast between the four friends, they raised their glasses, the crystal shimmering in the chandelier’s light.
“To love, friendship, and the adventures that await us all!” Adrian proclaimed, his eyes shining with sincerity.
“To love,” they echoed, the word resonating with a profound significance.
As the evening wound down and the guests began to depart, the glow of the candles seemed to cast a magical aura around the room. The reality of the love and connection they all shared was more potent than any fairytale. In that intimate circle of friendship, Annabelle felt a surge of contentment. They had weathered storms and overcome obstacles, but they had emerged stronger and more united.
Her thoughts drifted to Adrian, her partner in life, her love, her everything. They had embarked on this journey together, and now, they were surrounded by friends who were equally committed to their own paths of love and happiness. It was a tapestry of human connection, woven with threads of affection, trust, and loyalty.
Annabelle’s heart swelled with gratitude as she looked at the faces of the people she loved. The world was full of possibilities, and she was ready to embrace them all, hand in hand with Adrian, and with the unwavering support of friends who had become her chosen family.
Epilogue
One morning, a month after the loveliest wedding Annabelle could have ever imagined, she found Adrian leaning against the grand bay window, watching as the first golden rays of dawn illuminated the sprawling gardens below. The mist lifted gracefully from the blooming roses, the world outside a mirror to the joy he felt inside. He turned to Annabelle, his eyes soft, his lips upturned in a contented smile. They were still in the glow of their first few weeks of marriage, two hearts merged into one.
“You look exceptionally beautiful this morning, my love,” Adrian whispered, pulling Annabelle close. Their fingers intertwined, with Adrian’s thumb grazing the back of her delicate hand.
Annabelle blushed, her curls cascading down her back.
“And you, my dearest, are the reason for my happiness,” she said.
Adrian set his cane, which he rarely used those days, to the side, pulling Annabelle in front of him and wrapping both his arms around her.
“Isn’t it beautiful?” he asked, sighing happily.
Annabelle tilted her head back, looking at her husband, puzzled.
“You can see outside?” she asked.
Adrian chuckled, kissing her on the top of her head and shaking his own.
“Only in my memory, darling,” he said. “What I mean is this feeling. Isn’t it just the loveliest thing that has ever existed?”
Annabelle nodded eagerly. Even after a month of calling herself Adrian’s wife, she could still hardly believe how much joy he brought her.
“It is, indeed,” she said.
Their tranquil moment was abruptly interrupted by a knock on the door. The sturdy silhouette of their butler appeared as he bowed slightly,
