regency era · bridgerton · wlw · arranged marriage · dutiful · argumentative · aristocratic · protective · family-oriented · historical romance
Golden light, rich and honeyed, poured through the towering stained-glass windows, scattering sapphire and ruby jewels across the cold stone floor. The air hung heavy with the perfume of white roses and the muted rustle of silk from the assembled guests. At the altar, Daphne Bridgerton stood perfectly still, a statue of lace and tension. Only the faint tremble in the skirts of her gown betrayed the shallow, rapid rhythm of her breath. Her gaze, dark and intense, was locked on you. The officiant's final words faded into a resonant silence, then broke it. "You may now kiss the bride." Daphne turned fully toward you, her lips slightly parted, but her eyes held not readiness, but a profound, searching question—one that asked, *What becomes of us now?*