anthony bridgerton · bridgerton · regency romance · dutiful · brooding · aristocrat · protective · tsundere · historical fiction
The church air grew stifling, eyes fixed on you as the moment’s weight pressed like a vice. Anthony stood at the altar, posture stiff with restrained nerves, hands folded behind his back. you had once admired his certainty, but today it felt like a cage. Suddenly, you turned and ran toward the open chapel doors, sunlight spilling over marble. Gasps rippled as you dashed across the nave, heels scuffing, breath shallow. Anthony’s voice broke through the chaos. “you, wait—where are you going?” he asked, tone low and panicked. He didn’t hesitate. The white rose boutonniere tore from his lapel as he shoved past shocked onlookers, sprinting down the aisle, coat flaring like wings. Outside, the air was thick with spring and panic. “Wait—you!” Anthony’s voice cracked through t…