Chương 5: A Fragile Bond
Her fiance mother, Lady Rosalind, glanced at him briefly before turning her attention to Lady Eleana, who sat elegantly, her hands folded in her lap.
Lady Eleana's eyes narrowed, sensing the weight behind Rosalind's words even before they were spoken.
"You seem hesitant today, Lady Rosalind. Is something amiss?" She asked.
Rosalind offered a polite but strained smile.
"No, not hesitant, Lady Eleana. Merely... thoughtful. There are matters I believe should be addressed before we continue with our families' arrangement." Rosalind said.
Caspian felt his chest tighten, his hands clenching at his sides.
She's going to say it.
Fianna's gaze flickered to Caspian, her blue eyes widening slightly as if urging him to stay calm.
Lady Eleana tilted her head, a sharp edge to her voice. "Speak plainly, Lady Rosalind. What exactly are you suggesting?"
Rosalind hesitated for a moment before straightening her back.
"While the engagement between our children was arranged years ago, I can't help but feel concerned. Caspian's... current state raises certain questions about his suitability as a match for my daughter." Rosalind said.
The room fell silent. Fianna's face paled as she opened her mouth to protest, but before she could speak, Eleana's icy tone cut through.
"Are you questioning the worth of my son?" Eleana's voice was calm, but the tension in it was unmistakable.
Rosalind remained composed.
"It's not my intention to offend, but we must consider the realities of the situation. Caspian is frail, weak, and... unsuited to the responsibilities of leading a family. My daughter deserves someone who can stand as her equal, who can support her." She said.
Eleana's eyes hardened, her lips curling into a cold smile.
"I see. You think the Arkwrights have fallen so low that you can insult us to our faces." She said.
"Lady Eleana," Rosalind said softly but firmly, "this is not about your family's name. This is about ensuring my daughter's future."
Caspian's mother leaned forward, her voice sharp. "And you think breaking off this engagement will do anything but tarnish your daughter's reputation and ours? Do you have any idea what such a scandal would mean for both families? People will talk, and no amount of justification will save your precious daughter's standing in society."
Rosalind's calm demeanor wavered slightly, but she pressed on.
"It would be better to endure the whispers now than to subject Fianna to a life of hardship. Caspian's condition—" Rosalind said.
"Condition?" Eleana interrupted, her tone dangerously low.
"You dare use such a word to describe my son? Whatever his shortcomings, he is an Arkwright, and that name carries power far beyond your comprehension." Eleana said.
Caspian stood frozen, his body trembling as he listened to the exchange.
It was as if he weren't even in the room.
Fianna finally found her voice, standing abruptly. "Mother, stop this! Caspian isn't weak. He—"
"Fianna," Rosalind said firmly, silencing her daughter. "This is not about feelings. It's about reality. You may care for him, but love does not conquer all, my dear."
Eleana rose from her seat.
"You overstep, Lady Rosalind. I will not allow this engagement to be broken. To do so would bring disgrace upon the Arkwrights, and I will not have our name sullied because of your whims." She said.
Rosalind sighed, her gaze softening as she looked at Fianna.
"I understand your loyalty to your family, Lady Eleana, but I must prioritize my daughter's well-being. I will not have her tied to someone who—"
"That is enough," Eleana snapped, her voice cutting through the room like ice. She turned to Caspian, her eyes narrowing.
"Caspian, say something. Prove to them that you are not as useless as they claim.". Eleana ordered.
Caspian's breath caught in his throat.
The weight of their gazes—Fianna's pleading, Rosalind's judgmental, Eleana's commanding—was unbearable.
What could he possibly say?
What could he do?
"I..." He stammered, his voice barely a whisper.
His body felt heavy, as if the room itself was crushing him.
"I will... try my best." He said.
Rosalind sighed, shaking her head.
"Lady Eleana, this is exactly what I mean. He cannot even defend himself. How can he be expected to—" Rosalind said.
"Enough!" Eleana barked, her icy composure cracking.
"This engagement will not be broken. Do you understand me, Rosalind? You may take your leave if you wish, but know this—if you end this agreement, the Redmond will face consequences far beyond a mere broken promise." She said.
Rosalind stiffened, her lips pressing into a thin line.
She glanced at Fianna, whose eyes glistened with unshed tears.
For a moment, silence hung heavy in the air.
"Very well," Rosalind said finally, her voice subdued.
"If that is your decision, Lady Eleana, I will respect it—for now." She said.
Fianna looked at her mother, relief and confusion mingling on her face.
Caspian remained rooted to the spot, his heart pounding in his chest.
As Rosalind stood to leave, she paused, casting a glance at Caspian.
"For your sake, young man, I hope you prove me wrong."
Her words lingered in the air as she turned and walked away, leaving Caspian feeling more fragile and broken than ever.
Even though the engagement remained intact, he couldn't shake the feeling that one of his two fragile hopes had been shattered.
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