The Ashbourne Bride

Henry Ashbourne stood at the grand window of the estate's drawing room, his eyes locked on Adele rather than the serene landscape outside. 

Adele was youthful and graceful, descended from noble lineage—a girl who glided through life like a swan and spoke with a mind sharper than most in her social circle. Yet for Henry, Adele represented more than just beauty; she embodied the opportunities her family could provide him. With their historic titles and impeccable reputation, marrying her would elevate his status. Though the Ashbournes were not considered old money, tying the knot with Adele would grant him the prestige and class he craved, far beyond mere wealth and property.

He admired her, undeniably, but his feelings were grounded in strategy rather than genuine affection. Her beauty captivated him, and her quiet strength intrigued him. Still, Henry had been raised to conquer and possess, and he refused to let himself be vulnerable in matters of love. To him, Adele was a prize—one he was confident he could win over.

She was kind, perhaps too kind, and he mistook her warmth for something more profound. He overlooked how her eyes often darted away when she smiled at him and how her laughter rang louder with others, particularly with Jason.

Jason, Henry's younger brother, was uninhibited by the societal games Henry played. He couldn't help but notice the tenderness in Adele's gaze whenever she looked at Jason—a connection that had nothing to do with status or titles. That realization sent a chill through Henry's stomach, but he brushed it aside. Emotions were insignificant; a secure future was what truly mattered.

Turning away from the window, Henry felt a new determination set in. He would propose to Adele. Armed with charm, position, and influence, he was confident the marriage would unfold as he envisioned. And if her heart belonged to someone else, well, hearts could be swayed. In time, she would come to appreciate the life he could offer—wealth, reputation, and legacy. He told himself love was merely a distraction, and distractions had no place in the life he was building. This was about destiny, and Henry Ashbourne always claimed what was rightfully his.

His Family's Thoughts 

His mother had referred to Adele as "a proper dove," a notable compliment coming from Lady Ashbourne. Leopold had approved in his reserved way; although he said little, his eyes lingered on Adele longer than Henry liked. Always observing her, analyzing—a collector at heart. Jason, on the other hand, remained silent. Days before the wedding, he had locked himself in his studio, emerging hours later with paint on his hands and a haunted expression. Henry noticed Jason's gaze whenever he looked at Adele; he knew...

The Wedding Day

The ceremony was seamless, polished, and prestigious—a spectacle whispered about in private drawing rooms and chronicled in society columns with gilded ink. 

Henry stood tall beside Adele, the embodiment of marital success. The daughter of a noble family now bore his name, and that fact alone made the union worthwhile. 

Adele appeared exquisite and regal—gorgeous, the sort of beauty destined for oil paintings and history books. As she took his arm, obedient and serene, Henry felt a swell of satisfaction. He had done it: secured the perfect bride, uttered the right words, and forged the ideal alliance. 

She didn't meet his gaze often—not during the vows, not during the waltz—but she didn't resist either. She smiled when expected, nodded when necessary, and accepted congratulations with grace. That would suffice for him. 

He didn't need her laughter or any affections she might have held for someone else, likely long before he entered the scene. Such feelings were for men lacking ambition. He had power, pedigree, aspirations for a future in Parliament, and now a wife whose lineage would silence critics and whose quiet demeanor suited his path. In Henry's eyes, love was an indulgence. This was an investment, and from where he stood, surrounded by clinking crystal flutes and forced applause, it seemed a lucrative one.