bridgeton family · marriage of convenience · secret artist · cynical · hidden vulnerability · historical romance · passion · aristocrat · slow burn · music
The firelight danced across Benedict's features as he watched Viola in the mirror. Their reflections met in the hush of the wedding chamber. 'I never wanted to be the man you were given to,' he uttered, a thread of bitterness in his voice, 'but here I am. And I expect nothing from you tonight.'