Sophia and Colette sat across from Lord Alton in the Brighton's living room. To say the silence lay uncomfortably thick in the room would be an insufficient describer.

Lord Alton was trying to keep his eyes trained on Colette, his to-be wife as that what was proper but when he thought she wasn't looking, they darted to Sophia. Sophia was looking everywhere but at him, resolute to not meet his gaze. Yet, Colette could see that too, despite how much she tried, she couldn't help cutting in some glances at Lord Alton.

They were so sickeningly in love yet neither of them would dare accept it.

When the silence finally became much too unbearable, Colette cleared her throat. "Sophia, don't we have something to announce to Lord Alton? It is why we summoned him here."

Sophia seemed almost startled at her voice and she blinked up at Colette, her eyes still blank. Finally, they filled with understanding and she too cleared her throat. She entwined her hands and placed them in her lap, her head still bowed to avoid the Marquess' gaze.

"My lord. Lady Colette has decided to forgive our indiscretion and continue with the engagement."

Sophia finally tilted her head up to meet Lord Alton's stoic expression.

Colette groaned internally. Could he not pretend to be a little more overjoyed? They had to convince Sophia they were the joyous couple, excited to marry each other.

Finally, he turned to Colette and smiled, although the grin barely reached his eyes. So much for genuineness.

"My lady. You have a forgiving heart and I am thankful you have chosen to not end our engagement on this. I am not deserving of such kindness and understanding. I promise such actions will never occur again and that I am committed to our wedding/"

His face may have done a fine job of appearing overjoyed but his tone was as dead as the bodies in the town grave. Colette glanced at Sophia to see if she were convinced by the terrible show Lord Alton was putting on.

Sophia barely seemed to care and just gave a sharp nod to Lord Alton. "My sister has indeed been much too kind. I believe it is time we honor her by announcing the engagement."

"Indeed. Tonight, my Uncle Edward and his wife is hosting a ball and has graciously allowed us to publicly announced the engagement there, now that our family knows. My mother, even from the countryside, managed to inform our entire family. However, she will not be able to make it tonight. My grandfather has ailed further and she wishes to be beside him. But once she returns, she wishes to meet you, Lady Colette. She is very happy about your engagement." Blake directed at Colette, although his eyes kept swerving to Sophia's.

"I, too, have informed all family members of the relevance of this engagement. As they all know my father, they were not surprised to not get an invitation for a dinner party to announce such an important thing as custom would normally dictate. Therefore, it is appropriate to publicly proceed. Please send my regards to your uncle and my good wishes to your mother. Hope your grandfather recovers from his ailments." Sophia's tone was unnaturally proper and stiff—as stiff has her back that she had kept stick straight.

"We'll see you tonight then, Lord Cavendish?" Sophia continued, her voice getting unnaturally high-pitched.

"Yes, but before I take my leave, I would like to speak with Lady Colette." This was the first time he actually looked at her.

Sophia glanced between Colette and Lord Alton, regarding the request for several moments before finally nodding. "I'll be in the next room."

The minute she was gone, Lord Alton exploded with unreleased energy.

"Lady Colette, I must admit you are far better actress than me, playing your part much more fruitfully than me in this elaborate scheme. If the air was not so tense and Sophia's mind so far away, she would have noticed my rather unenthusiastic response to what you agreed to." The words tumbled out of him like ana ocean.

"Indeed. But the tension in the air can certainly be held accountable to some things. I am glad you chose to adhere to my proposal that you so valiantly opposed at first." Colette smirked up at him and Lord Alton's eyes glinted dangerously at her.

He pulled his mouth into a feral snarl. "What happened two nights ago was never meant to happen. I did not want to seduce her. It just happened. I was not adhering to anything you proposed but rather acting on my desire at that moment."

"No need to get angry, my lord. I understand." Colette barely hid her smile that threatened to bubble up. Of course, he had acted on the idea she planted in his head. That was the plan after all.

The word plan made Colette's stomach turn as she immediately thought of her father and Darius and how they were puppeteering her.

"I asked her to marry me." With his head bowed, Lord Alton's words were indistinct and Colette was not sure if she heard right.

"You what?"

He looked up at her with intense, smoldering green eyes. "I asked her to marry me. I nearly told her about the plan as well but I didn't. I wanted to consult you first."

"I will admit I am annoyed a trifle bit that Sophia failed to mention this proposal but I suppose that information would have been of little help when was trying to convince me to continue the engagement." Colette murmured to herself and then spoke aloud. "Consult me on what, my lord?"

He rubbed his eyebrows together, massaging his temples. "If we should even go with this plan. It seems absurd now and playing this façade is tiring. What if I told Sophia how I feel, convinced her to marry me by conveying how I feel? She said no once, saying that it wasn't right. I could feel that her heart was not in it though."

Colette froze. No, he couldn't give up now! He could probably convince Sophia to marry him. Ever since their night together, they seemed all the more in love. It would not take much to convince her and Colette reckoned Sophia would not try very hard to go against it.

Yet, everything had to go according to plan. She had to think of Jeanne. How should she convince him?

"I understand. But you must. Sophia probably would not want to see us married, given your...experience together. It is what she even said. Yet, even then she convinced herself and you that the right thing was to do was you and I getting married. She will sacrifice her happiness for me. Only a situation where she cannot be selfless like the day of the wedding when she has to choose for herself and then others, will she truly understand that you and she are inevitable. Only then will she realize that she cannot escape from the situation she has to face her own heart." Colette knew she was being a little overdramatic but it was true. It just wasn't necessarily said with the bests of intentions.

Lord Alton pressed his lips together as he pondered over what she said. Finally, he nodded. "You are right. Sophia may find a way to not marry me even if she wants to if I ask her now. We will continue with what we originally planned."

"That's good to hear, my lord. Now, we have an important night ahead and the ball is in a few hours, so I must get ready." Colette got up and curtsied and Lord Alton bowed.

He grabbed her hand and kissed it. "Farewell, my lady. We shall see one another at the ball tonight."

"That we shall."

It had all turned out well. Colette had decided to forgive Sophia and Lord Alton and even proceed with the marriage. The public announcement of the engagement was tonight.

Then why did Sophia feel as if her chest was to explode? Why did she want to scream into an abyss and cry until her eyes could not possibly give out any more tears?

They were to leave in another twenty business and as usual, Colette had put off dressing up the last minute. Usually, Sophia would have chided her sister, but her heart wasn't in it tonight.

What if we got married instead?

Blake's...no she had to think of him as Lord Cavendish-words still rang in her head. As much as she tried to deny it, her heart screamed for her to say yes to what he asked her.

Sophia knew she shouldn't and couldn't. That night in Blake's home had been a testament to the lack of willpower she possessed around him. She couldn't let her body and heart rule over her again for the sake of Colette.

Sophia glanced down at her leg. With the continued cold compress, her leg had recovered completely, save for the occasional dart of pain if she put too much pressure on it. She hadn't needed to bandage it for more than a day. Yet, every time she looked at it, all she could think of was Blake's gentle touch as his fingers gingerly wrapped the bandage around her leg. How every time even he slightly touched her bare skin it made her skin come alive. She was surprised that his hand alone had not left a brand on her skin, burning hot.

Sophia shut her eyes and gritted her teeth. No. She had to stop thinking of that.

"Sophia, shall we leave?"

Colette's voice emerged from the door and Sophia's eyes flashed open. She gasped.

"Oh, Colette you look beautiful." Sophia got up and clasped her hands together.

Colette wore a large soft-pink gown that cinched at her waist and billowed out into a large skirt. The skirt had dark pink sharp wave-like stripes that cut through the frills. At the tip where two lines joined, small blue flowers were embroidered. These matched the few flowers that Colette had inserted into the coiffeur Sophia had done for Colette. Some of Colette's curls framed her long neck and face, a beautiful cloud of gold. The chain of garnets Sophia had chosen from Lord Cavendish's chest adorned her neck, complimenting the dress well. Her makeup, as always was flawless- rouge on her cheeks, gloss on her lips, and dark-rimmed eyes. She had always had a penchant for it, more than Sophia.

"Thank you, Sophia. It is the best gown that Alessandra had made for me. It seemed appropriate for the occasion tonight."

The engagement. Just thinking about it caused an uncomfortable sensation to spear through Sophia again.

"Of course. It is well suited." Sophia smiled at her younger sister, biting her lips to ensure her tears would not fall. "I cannot believe it. My little sister is going to get married."

Noticing the tears in Sophia's eyes, Colette came forward and hugged Sophia. "I cannot either. Do you remember that picnic we had all those years ago when you said you'll let me have some wine? Isn't it odd I am the one who gets to decide that for you? I get to decide if you will have an adult drink at my wedding." Colette pulled away and smiled up at Sophia cheekily.

Sophia swatted at Colette's arm and gasped. "You insolent child. You may be the one getting married and the guest of honor but you are still younger to me. You will not dictate what I do."

"Yet, when I get married, I admittedly will have a higher status and more power than you. I could definitely dictate what you can do." Colette pressed her lips together cheekily.

"Very humorous, Colette. Don't you even dare try to order your older sister around! Now shall we leave? We don't want to be late."

Linked arm in arm, they made their way to the carriage. Sophia, preoccupied in her own thoughts did not see Colette's grin momentarily fall and a deep, thick sadness overshadow Colette's face. If she had and found out the reason why such raw fear and hopelessness were etched into every inch of Colette's face, a lot of things could have been stopped. But she didn't and that was perhaps the way it was all supposed to be.

Sophia smoothed down her pale lilac gown although no visible wrinkles could be seen. It had been nearly an hour since they had arrived and at any moment, the Marquess would announce the engagement.

Although he had assured her no one would know what had transpired between them, Sophia still felt alarmingly anxious when she and Colette had stepped into the lavish ballroom. Sophia waited for several breaths for everyone to turn towards them and point and whisper. Contrary to that, barely anyone seemed to mind.

After introducing herself and Colette to the Marquess's aunt and uncle, Sophia had sat down at the chaises around the dance floor while Colette had, as usual, been whisked away by several gentlemen to dance. Watching the various couples twirling about in the room, Sophia had the sudden urge to join them, although it had been years since she last danced and her rhythm completely off. Yet, Sophia wanted to release some of the tension that had been building up inside her all night that had her jiggling her leg and picking at her hair until some of the curls bounced out of her bun angrily.

As if the universe heard her wishes, a gentleman suddenly appeared before her with his hand outstretched.

"Lady Sophia, would you honor me with a dance?"

Sophia grasped his hand and pulled herself up to meet large golden-honey colored eyes and a wicked smile that looked oddly familiar.

"Have me met, my lord?" Sophia asked as he pulled them onto the dance floor.

That oddly seemed to make his grin wider. "Lord James Addington, the Duke of Buckhaven. We met at your debutante ball all those years ago, admittedly under different circumstances. You were looking to marry and now you are marrying your sister off. Blake told me about the engagement. I supposed I must give in my congrats and well wishes to your family."

Yes, the Duke of Buckhaven. Sophia remembered now. He had been quite charming then and it seemed over the years it had not changed.

The next song started to play and they moved with the other couples onto the dance floor. Sophia's dancing skills were quite rustic but thankfully, Lord Buckhaven seemed a well enough dancer to balance her clumsy moves and keep the dance fluid.

Yet, he would never compare to Blake.

Sophia shut her eyes. This was supposed to help her get her mind off of him and reduce her anxiety, not make it worse.

When Sophia came close to Lord Addington again, he gave her a wolfish smile and tilted his head downwards to whisper in her ears. "Lady Sophia. I must admit, you have gotten all the more beautiful over the years. I must admit, I am lacking a mistress now. Any chance you'd wish to accompany me home tonight and for more nights?"

Sophia gaped at him as he twirled her out and then back in. Placing their palms together they walked in a circle together.

"Excuse me, my lord?"

He gave a low chuckle. "Well, you are an unmarried lady. I, a married man in a not flavorful marriage. We both are lonely in our situations but we can perhaps keep one another company. We could have a bit of fun together."

"That is a preposterous request!" Sophia fumed, although a part of her hesitated from screaming a no. Could she really be a courtesan? Keep men company? She was quite lonely at home, and with Colette to be gone soon, Sophia would feel all the more dreary. She had already lost her virtue so it wasn't as if she had much to protect.

Sophia slapped herself internally. What was she thinking? She'd gone mad with all the stress, that was all.

"It would provide quite advantageous for both of us." Lord Buckhaven bit his lips.

"I am afraid I must decline, my lord, however tempting you make it seem." Sophia rolled her eyes.

He smirked. "I knew you would. I just wanted to," he nodded towards the Marquess of Alton who was a few feet away from and was practically smoldering holes into the Duke's back with his eyes, "to spite him."

"Why?"

"I enjoy poking fun of him. He is amusing to watch when he gets jealous." Lord Buckhaven gave out a low laugh.

Sophia looked at the Marquess who was giving the death stare to the Duke and who's fists were curled tightly, leaving them bloodless. Then she turned back to the Duke. She whispered, "Why...why should he be jealous?"

Lord Buckhaven's flirty charade fell away and he gave her a small smile as he spun her again. "I think you know why. Anyone would be jealous of another man dancing with the woman they are in love with."

Before she could ask him to elaborate, the song ended. He bowed and walked away from her, disappearing in a wink.

Was Blake in love with her?

No that was not the question she should worry about now. She first had to figure out what she felt. Did she love him?

Yes, a voice in her head said, almost exasperatedly. Finally, you've realized and accepted it. About time.

Oh God, she had fallen in love with the damn man. She didn't know when it had happened but it had. Denying her feelings all those years ago and the past few weeks hadn't stopped anything except make her heart just want him all the more.

What should she do? He was marrying her sister, goddammit. She could not just go confess all this expect something to come out of it. And not to mention, she didn't know how he felt. He had asked to marry her but that could just be because they had more of connection than he and Colette. Their marriage would possibly be more invigorating to his soul than his marriage to Colette. That didn't mean he was in love...was it?

The air around her was stifling and hot. Sophia needed some air. Spying a balcony door, she headed towards it and pushed it open. The cool night air greeted her, washing over her skin. A gentle breeze swirled through the air, it's feather-light touch a welcome guest.

Sophia leaned against the railing, pressing her elbows onto the bar. She cradled her head in her hands, massaging her temples as a headache slowly throbbed in her skull. Making Lord Alton her one-time lover and loving him were two different things. Colette would be mad to possibly marry the man her sister was in love with. That was complicated on so many levels.

Hence, Sophia would just have to keep quiet about what she felt. Think of Colette. She had to think of her sister although all she wished was to run to Lord Cavendish and tell him how she felt.

Someone stepped onto the terrace next to her and Sophia turned to look at... Lord Alton. Of course.

"Are you alright, Lady Sophia? You rushed out to the balcony looking quite unwell. Did Lord Buckhaven say anything?" His jaw pulsed as he grit and grounded his teeth.

"I am, my lord. Thank you." Sophia looked upwards, letting the moonlight bathe her skin.

"All right, my lady. I shall take my leave then." He nodded yet made no move to walk away.

Sophia turned to look at him. He looked as if he was debating something.

"Was there something you wanted to say, my lord?"

"Just that this night feels surreal. I've gone through marriage customs and such before, but this time...it feels unreal somehow." He too leaned against the railing and rubbed his beard.

The moonlight and shadows of the night made his profile even sharper and his eyes glow ethereally. He was always a vision but now, he made her heart practically stop.

"I understand. I never thought this day would and it has. I am surprised nothing went wrong with Colette's chances of marriage like mine. The Brighton curse of scandal ruining the name thankfully seems to have escaped her."

He chuckled. "I would not say nothing went wrong." Tilting his face sideways, he met her gaze.

The air crackled with energy between them and his smile slowly faded as their stare deepened. Sophia's skin flushed.

"Nothing that upheaved anything," Sophia choked out, wringing her hands in front of her. "There is something that could."

Why did she say that?

Blake raised his eyebrows. "What?"

That I love you, Sophia wanted to scream. That I wish you were not marrying Colette. That I wish I was marrying you instead.

Of course, she could not say that though it was at the tip of her tongue, just waiting to burst out. She quelled the temptation.

"If you died, it would cause things to go for a turn," Sophia said and shrugged, plastering on a fake smile.

Blake's mouth fell open and he gazed at her in amused shock. Moments later he was bellowing with laughter and he shook his head. This caused some curls to go askew and he ran his fingers through it and pushed it back. "I suppose that would be unfortunate."

Sophia laughed with him although all she could imagine was pushing those chocolate curls back herself and feeling those silky tips again.

"It certainly would. But let's not be so morbid now. We have an engagement to announce, my lord."

Blake's laughter died, although his lips were still tilted upwards in a large grin. "Shall we?"

Together they moved back inside to do what the proper thing was, even if it was in no way the right one.

A/N: SO MUCH ANGSTTTT hehe. Sister angst, romantic angst. What do you think guys, fo Sophia's overdue realization? 

Readers! Thank you for taking the time to read this chapter! Be sure to vote, comment, and share it with others! Every single thing means the world to me! I love you all!