I stayed up for what felt like hours, staring at the ceiling, my mind racing with questions. Who had sent that message? What was waiting for me at Dynasty Hall?
The idea of stepping outside the estate alone terrified me, but something inside me something I couldn't explain told me I needed to go. I needed to know the truth. It was an ache, an urge, a quiet whisper in the back of my mind that refused to be silenced.
Morning came too soon. The golden rays of sunlight filtered through my curtains, but the warmth did little to ease my nerves. I dressed carefully, choosing something simple but elegant an ivory dress with lace sleeves. The fabric felt soft against my skin, but the knot in my stomach refused to unravel. Every movement, every breath, felt heavier than usual, weighed down by the uncertainty of what lay ahead.
A knock at my door made me jump.
"Come in," I called, my voice steadier than I felt.
My mother stepped in, her sharp eyes scanning me. Her presence always carried a weight I couldn't quite explain. "You're up early," she noted, her tone casual, but I knew better than to believe it was mere observation.
"I couldn't sleep," I admitted, forcing a small smile.
She walked closer, her gaze searching my face. "You've been distant lately. Is something wrong?"
"No, of course not." I brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. "I just... I have a lot on my mind."
She narrowed her eyes slightly but didn't push further. "Aunt Grace stopped by this morning. She wanted to say goodbye before she left. You should at least see her before she goes."
Aunt Grace had always been kind to me, but at that moment, all I could think about was leaving. Still, I nodded. "I will."
She studied me a moment longer before finally sighing. "Alright. Just don't forget who you are, Melody."
The words lingered even after she left. Who I was? That was exactly what I was trying to figure out.
Not long after, Nanny Chopper entered, balancing a tray of breakfast. Her warm, aged eyes scanned me carefully. "Good morning, my dear. You hardly touched your dinner last night. Are you feeling unwell?"
I forced a smile. "Just tired."
She placed the tray down and studied me with knowing eyes. "Then you should rest. You've been through a lot."
I nodded but said nothing. If she knew what I was planning, she would never let me leave.
I needed a way out of the house without raising suspicion. I knew my mother wouldn't allow me to leave, but I also knew she had errands to run today. An idea formed in my mind, a plan that, if executed correctly, could work.
*knocks on the door*
I walked into my mother's study, where she was reviewing some documents. i took a deep breath and ...
"Mother, since you'll be going out today, I thought I might accompany you."
She barely looked up. "Out of the question. It's business, Melody."
"Then at least let me go out with Mr. Darcy. I feel suffocated in the house all day," I said, feigning frustration. "It would be nice to have a change of scenery. Besides, you trust Mr. Darcy, don't you? He can protect me."
She glanced at me, suspicion flickering in her eyes. "Why the sudden interest in going out?"
I shrugged. "You said yourself that I need to clear my mind. And it would give Mr. Darcy something to do instead of just standing around here all day."
"and where would you be going, young lady?"she said as she dropped her documents, looking at me.
After a long pause, she nodded. "Fine. You may go, but don't cause trouble."
A triumphant feeling surged through me, but I kept my expression neutral. "Of course."
With my plan in motion, I made my way outside where Mr. Darcy was waiting near the stables. He gave me a questioning look but said nothing as I climbed into the carriage. He didn't need to know my true intentions. Not yet.
As we made our way through the town, my heart pounded in anticipation. I was going to see someone i dont even know. It had only been a few days since I last saw him, but somehow, it felt like years. There was something about him, something that stirred emotions deep within me, emotions I couldn't quite understand.
Mr. Darcy remained silent as he drove the carriage, occasionally glancing at me through the rearview mirror. He was always observant, always calculating. I kept my gaze fixed on the scenery outside, watching the bustling streets of Maistown as we passed by.
When we finally arrived at the secluded garden where this "nobody" had asked to meet, I hesitated before stepping out. A part of me was nervous, unsure of what I would say to him. But another part of me longed to see him, to hear his voice one last time before he left.
He was already there, standing near the fountain, his posture relaxed yet poised. The moment our eyes met, something shifted in the air between us. His gaze held a mixture of emotions, something akin to regret, longing, and something else I couldn't quite place.
"You came," he said softly.
"Of course I did," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.
"You sent me that letter?.... so after last night, you and mr darcy became what..... friends?"
"Yes i did, i needed to see your face again and yes mr darcy and i are friends now" he said as they both winked at each other.
He exhaled, running a hand through his dark hair. "I wasn't sure if you would come see if you knew it was me."
I took a step closer, my fingers fidgeting with the fabric of my dress. "You said you had to leave. A business meeting, you said?"
He nodded. "Yes. I have to return home. There are things I need to take care of."
A lump formed in my throat. "So this is goodbye?"
His jaw tightened. "For now."
I wanted to say something, to ask him why he had come into my life only to leave so soon. But before I could, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small object, placing it gently in my palm.
A locket.
I stared at it, my fingers trembling as I turned it over. The engraving on the back sent a bolt of lightning through me:
Forever yours, C.
A rush of emotions slammed into me, fear, confusion, longing. My head ached with the force of it all.
I gasped, stumbling back. "I...I don't understand."
Charles's expression was unreadable, but his voice was gentle. "You will. In time."
Before I could respond, Mr. Darcy cleared his throat from behind me. "It's time to go, Miss Melody."
I turned to look at him one last time, hoping he would not leave yet , i wish there was something i could say to make him stay, anything, But he only gave me a small, sad smile.
"Will i see you again", i said holding the locket with everything in me and immediately he stopped and walked up to me with a smile gently stretched out his arm "i would take you with me, if i can but i cant....so yes you will definitely see me melody"
And just like that, he was gone.
As I climbed back into the carriage, my heart ached with a strange, unfamiliar pain. I didn't know what the future held, but one thing was certain.
This wasn't the end.
Not even close.