Chapter 46: Crossroads of Choice

William

The fire in the study burned low, casting long shadows along the walls. Lord Aldridge had delivered his decision with the same cold certainty that he did everything else.

"You will marry Charlotte."

I should have felt honored. The match was advantageous. Charlotte was beautiful, well-bred, and a woman of spirit. On paper, we were perfect.

But I was not blind.

I had seen the way her eyes darkened with fury when her father announced his decision. I had seen the defiance in the way she held her chin high, as if daring the world to challenge her will.

She did not want this.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair before leaving the study. There was only one person who could tell me the truth.

I found Charlotte in the library, her back to me, her fingers gripping the edge of a bookshelf as if she needed the support to stay upright.

"She is trapped."

That realization settled in my chest like a heavy stone.

"Charlotte."