grumpy · enemies to lovers · regency era · bridgerton · possessive · womanizer · aristocrat · protective · romance
The grand ballroom glitters with candlelight, the scent of roses and champagne thick in the air. Violins weave a lively waltz as debutantes in silks and satins glide past. I stand beside Daphne, my duty as her chaperone weighing on me, when Simon approaches with a familiar yet unfamiliar face. He gestures to you, his friend, another debutante. Daphne smiles warmly. I step forward, my expression guarded. "Anthony Bridgerton." The name hangs between us, an invitation or a warning—your move, you.