⁞⁞‥‥•••Happy Reading•••․․․․⁞⁞

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"You know, I don't understand why we have to go through this again," complained Lady Melvina Alardice as she spoke with her best friend, Lady Pauline Maynard. They were strolling in the beautiful garden, enjoying the bright morning sun.

"Never mind, Melvina. I know it feels like a constant nightmare, but your family only wants the best for you," Pauline replied gently.

Melvina sighed. She knew Pauline was right; this match was arranged to strengthen the bond between two powerful noble families: the Alardice family and the Hogan family. Even so, Melvina's eyes filled with tears. "But why should I marry Edgar? You know we have a history..." her voice trembled as she recalled the forgotten past.

On the way to the meeting room at the Alardice residence, Lord Edgar Hogan's mind was racing. He did not like the idea of marrying for political reasons, especially if his wife would be Melvina. But for the sake of his family, he had to comply. It was still fresh in his memory how Melvina had once stolen his heart deeply.

They had felt love in the past when they were still teenagers and had yet to take over their family throne. However, an exposed illicit love scandal separated them, and they have lived in separate worlds ever since.

"Ah, I see the groom and bride are finally together," said Neil Alardice, Melvina's father in a husky, yet authoritative voice. He waved at his daughter and Edgar, asking them to sit down.

Melvina replied firmly, "Dad, don't call us that. This is a political wedding, not a real 'groom and bride' who love each other."

Edgar, who had been known for his coldness, slowly took Melvina's hand and said, "Whatever the reason, let's make the best of it, Melvina. I'm ready to try to maintain our happiness."

Behind those straightforward words, his eyes showed the depth of his feelings and longing.

After that meeting, Melvina and Edgar met more often to discuss their wedding preparations. They became more intimate, starting to open up about their respective histories, and how political trends and family pressures influenced their decisions.

One day, while walking together in the garden of the Alardice residence, Melvina decided to have a frank talk with Edgar. "You know, I still feel weird about us getting married. Even though we're trying our best, underneath all this commotion, I can't forget the feelings we once had," Melvina said, her voice soft and trembling.

Edgar stopped his steps and looked at Melvina, his eyes radiating the same feelings. "Melvina, I understand how you feel. I feel the same way. Even if we have to marry for political purposes, that doesn't mean we have to forget our past completely." She brought her face closer to Melvina's. "Perhaps we can find a way to rekindle the flame of love that once existed between us," he continued.

Melvina's mouth clamped shut, trying to silence the feelings sweeping through her heart. "Edgar, is that possible? Could we rekindle our love after everything that has happened?"

Edgar grasped Melvina's hand tightly, and he steadily replied, "I believe we can, Melvina. We just need time and opportunity to mend what has been broken."

As expected, their wedding preparations were not without obstacles. The conflicts involving the Alardice and Hogan families in the political world were heating up and their financial situation was beginning to be jeopardized. The wedding that was planned to be held in three months had to be postponed.

While Melvina and Edgar are getting closer to their wedding day, they also have to deal with a third party trying to shake up the relationship. Lord Troy Johnson, a handsome and ambitious young politician, begins to approach Melvina, trying to seduce and woo her.

At a ball attended by the nobility, Lord Johnson came up to Melvina and asked her to dance.

"I don't like to joke, Lady Melvina. Truly, your beauty has a hypnotic aura that makes men fall easily. Know this, I am capable of making you happy," Lord Johnson whispered confidently.

Melvina smiled sarcastically, refusing Johnson's offer of a dance. "Thank you for your compliments, Lord Johnson. However, I have a future husband who will soon be a part of my life and he is the one who will make me happy."

Returning to her seat, Melvina immediately sat next to Edgar, who had witnessed the conversation. She could feel Edgar's anger that he was trying to suppress.

"There's no need to worry, Edgar. I would never fall for the advances of a man like Troy," Melvina whispered with a light shrug.

Edgar smiled and looked at Melvina sincerely. "Thank you, Melvina. I know we will face many temptations, but I believe that together, we can overcome them."

Against all odds and after much preparation, Melvina and Edgar's wedding day arrived. A grand and glamorous ceremony full of lavish and beautiful decorations went off without a hitch. On that night, the feelings of love that once existed between them began to soar, creating a warmth that increasingly enveloped the room.

In the bridal chamber, Melvina and Edgar stood in front of the window, gazing at the charming garden, which was illuminated by the full moon.

"I never even imagined we'd get to this point, Edgar," Melvina whispered, still mesmerized by the beauty of the night.

"You know, Melvina, I still remember every detail from when we first met. Back then, we were young and so innocent. I never thought that we would be separated, let alone brought back this far," Edgar wiped away the tears that had been rolling down Melvina's cheeks.

Melvina looked deeply into Edgar's eyes and hugged him tightly. "I love you so much, Edgar. Despite the many obstacles we have faced, I feel more certain than ever that we are meant to be together."

"Then, do you believe that we can live this life together sincerely, rediscovering the long-buried love?"

"Of course, Edgar. I would even go against the world for us to be together like this," Melvina replied, her eyes sparkling with determination.

Edgar and Melvina's marriage not only brought peace and happiness to both of them but also had a positive impact on the political world. Despite the political pressures and differences of opinion, they remained steadfast together, trying to live the life their family and community expected of them.

One night at the Queen's birthday party, the couple met Lord Johnson who was still trying to bring down their family alliance.

"I knew your happiness was temporary," Lord Johnson taunted.

Edgar grabbed his wife's hand tightly. "No matter what people say about us, we will be together and prove that our love is stronger than all of it."

Melvina smiled proudly at her husband. "You'd better seek your fortune elsewhere, Lord Johnson, for our love will continue to protect us from all harm."

Lord Johnson bowed in defeat and disappeared into the crowd.

Moments later, Pauline came to speak with Melvina. "I always knew your virtue and trust would bring you back together. Thank you for proving that true love does exist, despite all odds," she said fondly.

As the years passed, Melvina and Edgar weathered the storms of their lives, continuing to love each other sincerely. Their courage in entering into a political marriage and facing obstacles proved that beyond the rigid Victorian shadow, love can liberate a constrained soul.

They were blessed with children who grew up surrounded by both powerful families. Together, they built a better future for generations to come and taught them about the indomitable power of love.

One afternoon, as the family gathered at the Alardice residence to celebrate their eldest child's birthday, Melvina and Edgar gazed lovingly at their children playing.

"I never thought our lives would be like this, Edgar. Our children are growing up big, strong, and happy," Melvina said as she wiped away tears of joy.

Edgar grasped his wife's hand tightly. "Neither do I, Melvina. But I believe that our struggles have made us stronger and shown the world that true love does exist."

Melvina smiled at him. "I am so proud to be part of this family, Edgar. We have proven that love can overcome all obstacles."

Melvina and Edgar kissed each other on the forehead, then joined their families in celebration. Laughter and joy filled the room, creating a warmth they would remember for a lifetime.

As time passed, Edgar and Melvina's struggle became a legend among the Victorian nobility. Their timeless love story continues to be told for generations, how they rekindled the flame of love that was once extinguished and proved that true love can overcome the greatest obstacles.

At the end of their lives, Melvina whispered to Edgar as they both lay in bed, "Do you regret marrying me, despite our dark past?"

Edgar smiled gently, "Never, Melvina. Because our struggles together led us to great love, and I would do it all over again if it meant being by your side."

Melvina hugged her husband tightly; feeling very grateful for all the sacrifices and love they had shared. "I love you, Edgar. Forever."

"Our love will rekindle the extinguished flame, bringing us closer to eternal happiness. Melvina, I love you too, more than words can express."

Thus, they spent their days in bliss with the family they loved, enjoying the fruits of their labor and a spirit that never faded. The story of Forbidden Love in the Victorian Era lives on in history, as an example that true love can overcome all odds and unite hearts that were once separated.

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⁞⁞‥‥•••THE END•••․․․․⁞⁞