Chapter 49: Defying Expectations

The carriage was waiting at the end of the street, its dark silhouette barely visible against the mist that rolled over the cobblestones. Julian stood beside it, his expression unreadable, his hand resting on the door as if he were ready to bolt at any moment.

My heart pounded as I stood at the threshold of Aldridge House, staring down the only life I had ever known.

"This is it, Charlotte."

I had spent years playing the perfect daughter, the perfect lady. I had smiled through dinner parties, curtsied in silk gowns, and nodded in silent agreement as my father dictated my future.

But not anymore.

Not tonight

Taking a deep breath, I stepped inside one last time.

My father was waiting in his study, seated behind the grand mahogany desk where he had orchestrated every part of my existence.

His eyes flickered up from his papers when I entered. “You’ve finally come to your senses.”

“No, Father.” My voice was steady. “I’ve come to tell you that I’m leaving.”