The ballroom of Thorne Estate glittered with the light of a thousand candles, their flickering flames casting a warm glow on the opulent surroundings. Gilded mirrors and rich tapestries adorned the walls, reflecting the wealth and status of the Thorne family. The sound of a string quartet filled the air, mingling with the hum of conversation and the occasional peal of laughter.
Lady Emily Thorne stood at the edge of the dance floor, her emerald eyes scanning the room. She was a vision in a gown of deep blue silk, her auburn hair piled elegantly atop her head. Yet, despite her outward calm, her heart was a storm of emotions. This night was supposed to be one of celebration, a grand ball in honour of her sister Isabelle's marriage. But for Emily, it felt more like a gilded cage.
Her gaze fell upon her sister, Lady Isabelle Thorne, standing beside her husband, Lord Frederick. Isabelle's smile was forced, her eyes devoid of the sparkle that once defined her. Their marriage, a union of convenience rather than love, had drained the life from her vibrant spirit. Emily's heart ached for her sister, knowing that Isabelle's fate was one she could easily share if she didn't find a way to forge her own path.
Across the room, Lord William Hawthorne observed the scene with a brooding intensity. Clad in a dark tailcoat that matched his midnight eyes, he cut a striking figure. Whispers of his tragic past followed him like a shadow, tales of a lost love and a heart hardened by grief. Emily had heard the rumours, but she saw something more in his eyes—a flicker of vulnerability, a longing for something beyond the confines of his own sorrow.
