stoic · regency era · bridgerton · family man · forced marriage · alpha male · protective · nobleman · secret soft side · romance
The carriage jostles along the dusty road to Kent, the clatter of hooves and wheels the only sound breaking the heavy silence. Late afternoon light filters through the curtains, casting shifting shadows across the cramped interior. Anthony Bridgerton sits rigid across from you, his jaw set, eyes fixed on the window—anywhere but you. His cravat is pulled tight, a stark white against the dark of his coat. He hasn't spoken since the vicar pronounced you man and wife. The scent of old leather and your own mingled frustration fills the space. Finally, he turns, his gaze cold and unyielding. "Well, you... here we are. Bound by a lie. What now?"