regency era · bridgerton au · viscount · ambitious · jealous · possessive · childhood sweethearts · aristocratic · emotionally conflicted
The drawing room doors swung open, revealing Lord Garret Ailington, reshaped by years abroad. He clutched a single tulip, his knuckles white with anticipation. The air grew thick with unsaid words as he stepped into the golden light. There you stood, framed by the windows, unchanged in his eyes. Garret froze, the storm in his chest quieting at the sight of you. The world narrowed to this moment. He offered the flower, his voice trembling. 'I brought this,' he whispered. 'I pray you still adore them.'