CHAPTER THREE

Shocking Revelation 

Laughter echoed through the grand ballroom as whispers and snickers filled the air. Ava could feel the weight of judgment upon her, the piercing gazes of the elite dissecting her every move. Mocking comments reached her ears, insinuating that her dress was nothing but a cheap imitation.

Ava's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as the mocking voices grew louder. "Look at her, pretending to be one of us. That dress is clearly a knockoff," sneered a woman with a haughty demeanor.

She wanted to strangle Victoria for the ridicule that she had put her in. She was an earl's daughter but these people were princes, princesses, duchesses and people who have connected with the higher ups. This was no place for an earl.

Amidst the ridicule, a sudden hush fell over the room as a jacket descended upon Ava's shoulders. She turned to see the source of the unexpected act of kindness, her eyes meeting the gaze of the handsome stranger who had come to her rescue.

It was him again. The man with the daughter. The man with the sharp reflexes, the one she had felt a connection with at the bakery.

Gasps of astonishment rippled through the crowd as they witnessed the gallant gesture. Whispers spread like wildfire, carrying the shocked and intrigued voices of the onlookers.

"Who is he?" murmured a woman, her curiosity piqued by the stranger's chivalrous action.

"I've never seen him before. He must be someone of importance," speculated another, eyes fixed on the enigmatic figure.

The stranger, his eyes fixed on Ava, offered her a reassuring smile. "Don't let their judgment affect you. You deserve better," he whispered, his voice filled with warmth and compassion. “But remember, it is not the fabric of a gown that defines a person's worth, but rather the strength of their character and the depth of their spirit."

Guiding her away from the prying eyes, he skillfully navigated through the ballroom, making way for their departure. People watched in awe, their initial amusement transformed into admiration for the mysterious man who had come to Ava's aid.

As they disappeared from view, the whispers grew louder, speculating about the identity and intentions of the enigmatic stranger. The unexpected encounter had ignited a spark of curiosity and intrigue, leaving the ballroom abuzz with conversation long after their departure.

As Ava and the mysterious stranger stepped out into the serene garden, a gentle breeze brushed against their faces, carrying with it the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers. The moon's soft glow illuminated the surroundings, casting a magical aura over the scene. The sound of chirping crickets provided a melodic background to their conversation.

Ava couldn't help but let out a nervous laugh, trying to ease the tension that lingered from the humiliating incident. "Guess my mother got scammed by those finest tailors, according to her," she remarked, a touch of sarcasm in her voice. She couldn't deny the disappointment that crept into her heart, knowing that her mother's efforts to provide her with a dazzling gown had ended in embarrassment.

The stranger's gaze softened, understanding the weight of the situation. His eyes glanced over her torn dress, the fabric ripped from the back downwards, exposing an unfortunate view of her underwear. But with his jacket generously draped over her, the mishap was concealed, sparing her further humiliation.

"You don't have to explain anything to me," he reassured her, his voice laced with empathy. "Appearances can be deceiving, and sometimes it's the flaws that make us truly remarkable."

The dim lights that adorned the garden path created a dreamlike ambiance as they strolled further away from the prying eyes of the ballroom. The stranger's presence provided solace, a respite from the judgmental gazes and whispers that had plagued Ava earlier.

Underneath the twinkling stars, they found a secluded spot, surrounded by blooming roses and illuminated by softly glowing lanterns. The tranquility of the garden embraced them, offering a brief respite from the chaos of the ball.

In that quiet corner of the garden, amidst the gentle rustle of leaves and the enchanting glow of the lanterns, Ava let out a weary sigh, weariness etched in the corners of her eyes. "I'm tired," she confessed, her voice tinged with frustration. "Tired of always being judged, of constantly living up to the expectations of others."

She turned towards the stranger, her eyes searching for a glimmer of understanding. "But enough about me," she continued, a hint of curiosity in her voice. "What is your name?"

Ethan hesitated for a moment, as if grappling with the decision to reveal his identity. 

“Oh come on. Not only have you helped me here, you also helped me by catching me with your quick reflexes in my bakery” 

With Ava's gentle persistence and genuine interest reassured him. After all, it was a simple exchange of names, a fleeting connection born from a customer and a shopkeeper. He finally relented, a small smile gracing his lips.

"Well, since you put it that way," he responded, his voice carrying a touch of playfulness. "My name is Ethan."

“Ethan, a nice name for a nice man,” She said. 

“Thanks” Ethan's eyes sparkled under the moonlight, the warmth in his smile. There was an undeniable magnetism between them, a magnetic pull that defied logic and reason.

The night air was filled with an electric tension as Ava and Ethan looked into each other's eyes under the stars. The weight of their shared vulnerability hung in the air, an unspoken invitation to let go of inhibitions and embrace the moment.

Unable to contain the overwhelming surge of emotions within her, Ava found herself surrendering to an impulse she had never experienced before. With a mixture of anticipation and hesitation, she closed the distance between them and pressed her lips against his.

Time seemed to stand still as their lips met, a tender and passionate connection forged in the depths of their souls. In that single, stolen moment, they forgot the world around them. The garden seemed to fade away, leaving only the warmth of their embrace and the intoxicating taste of their shared desire.

Ethan, momentarily taken aback by Ava's boldness, quickly succumbed to the undeniable chemistry that crackled between them. He reciprocated the kiss, his touch gentle yet filled with a raw hunger that mirrored Ava's own.

Their kiss spoke volumes, an unspoken language of longing and unbridled passion.

***

As the sun's gentle rays peeked through the curtains, Ava stirred from her slumber, a contented smile dancing on her lips. The memory of their passionate kiss lingered, imprinted on her heart like a cherished secret. The anticipation of what lay ahead filled her with a buoyant joy.

Her mind replayed the whispered words, his voice echoing in her ears. "Meet me at the bakery at noon. I have something to tell you," he had said, his voice laced with a mixture of excitement and tenderness.

The thought of their impending meeting sent a thrill through Ava's veins. She couldn't wait to see Ethan again, to bask in the warmth of his presence, and to unravel the mystery of what he wanted to share with her.

“I wonder…since he kissed me…meaning his daughter doesn't have a mother” She said tapping a finger on her cheek. “Well, he doesn't have to worry. I can be a great parent" She said giggling to herself. 

With a renewed sense of purpose, Ava gracefully descended the staircase, her steps light and filled with an unmistakable radiance. She couldn't contain her excitement, and her mother noticed the change in her demeanor.

"Good morning, my dear," her mother greeted, a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

"Good morning, Mother!" Ava responded, her voice tinged with glee. She couldn't help but wear her happiness on her sleeve. "Today feels like a day filled with possibilities."

Her mother raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by Ava's newfound enthusiasm. "And what has brought on this surge of excitement, my dear?"

Ava's eyes sparkled as she shared, "I met someone, Mother. Someone who makes my heart soar and my spirit dance. We have a meeting at the bakery today, and he has something important to tell me."

“That's nice, honey” There was a shift in her mother's demeanor that caught her attention. There was a hint of hesitation in her mother's eyes, a reluctance to deliver unwelcome news. Sensing something amiss, Ava insisted her mother speak, her curiosity tinged with a hint of trepidation.

Taking a deep breath, her mother spoke with a mix of sorrow and resolve. "Ava, my dear, I did not wish to be the bearer of bad news on a day that seemed so promising. And I am sorry about your short romance but our family business is facing a downturn, and your father finds himself in a precarious position."

Ava's heart skipped a beat, her joy quickly overshadowed by a cloud of uncertainty. She urged her mother to continue, her voice trembling slightly. "Please, Mother, tell me everything. I need to know."

Her mother's gaze softened, an unspoken understanding passing between them. "Your father, in his attempt to secure the future of our business, entered into a contract with the Duke family. They have requested that you marry their son, the Duke of Cambridge."

Ava's breath caught in her throat, the weight of the revelation settling heavily upon her shoulders. The freedom she cherished suddenly felt like an illusion, replaced by the weighty expectations of her family's business and the responsibility placed upon her.

She couldn't help but protest, her voice laced with a mix of defiance and desperation. "But Mother, what about love? What about the choice to marry for affection and not obligation?"

Her mother's eyes glistened with unshed tears, reflecting the pain of a difficult decision. "My dear Ava, we have always valued your freedom and happiness. But our family's future hangs in the balance. Your father saw no other way."

Ava felt her world tilt on its axis, torn between the love she had just discovered and the duty imposed upon her. The collision of her dreams and reality left her grappling with a heart-wrenching choice. 

As Ava stood there, emotions swirling within her, she realized the weight of the decision that lay before her. The echoes of her mother's words reverberated in her mind, and she knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges and sacrifices.

 With a heavy heart, she knew she had to confront Ethan and share the burden of her newfound reality, for their blossoming connection was now entangled in a web of duty and unforeseen circumstances.

As Ava walked towards her beloved bakery, her footsteps felt heavier than ever before. The weight of her impending fate pressed upon her, intertwining with the memories of her newfound love with Ethan. Their budding connection now seemed fragile, suspended in the uncertain space between duty and desire.

With each passing step, Ava's thoughts wandered to the man she was meant to marry—the Duke of Cambridge. Whispers of his reputation seeped into her consciousness, casting a foreboding shadow over her heart. Rumors swirled about his cruel nature, his dark past, and a chilling tale of his involvement in his wife's demise.

The stories painted the Duke as a figure shrouded in darkness, an enigma lurking within the grand halls of his ancestral estate. Tales of his icy demeanor and his propensity for manipulation echoed through the grapevine, leaving a trail of fear and unease in their wake.

Ava's mind danced with conflicting emotions, grappling with the prospect of aligning her destiny with a man haunted by such murky tales. The allure of love and the dreams she had nurtured collided with the whispers of caution that echoed in her ears.

As she approached her bakery, the familiar sights and sounds failed to bring solace to her troubled soul. The aroma of freshly baked goods, once a balm to her spirit, now mingled with the weight of uncertainty that hung in the air.

Ava's heart trembled with trepidation, caught in the tumultuous dance of duty, desire, and the dark tales that swirled around the Duke. She knew that to unravel the truth behind the rumors and uncover the man behind the facade, she would have to tread carefully and venture into the unknown.

Her journey to uncover the truth, both about the Duke and her own desires, lay ahead—a winding path fraught with danger, secrets, and unexpected revelations. As Ava stepped into her bakery, her determination strengthened. She would not be swayed by hearsay or the whispers of society. She would uncover the truth for herself, for the sake of her own happiness, and for the chance to find a love that transcended the shadows.

As Ava entered her bakery, determination etched across her face, she resolved to face the day head-on. She would kick start her work and later discuss with her father the urgent need to find a way out of the impending marriage contract. The mere thought of marrying the notorious Duke of Cambridge sent shivers down her spine, and she was resolute in her decision to resist such a fate.

But as fate would have it, the melodious chime of the door interrupted her train of thought, signaling the entrance of a visitor.

 Ava's heart skipped a beat when she laid eyes on the familiar figure that crossed the threshold—Ethan. However, her excitement swiftly waned as her gaze shifted to the imposing guard by his side and the stoic demeanor Ethan now wore.

What had happened? She wondered. 

The guard's voice cut through the air, uttering the words that shattered her hopes of a simple, ordinary love story. 

"Duke of Cambridge, Ethan Morgan."