♔亞緣腐宅窩♔

Star-Crossed Lovers（Louis）

Happening 03/10 10:00 am
Until 03/21 10:00 am

Your love with him is forbidden...
Whether it's your family, his family, or your social status keeping you apart,
the one thing they can't take from you is your love for each other.
In this world, love overcomes all.
◆ Choose from Alyn, Louis, Giles, and Leo ◆

Prologue：

Once upon a time, a young woman in a fair city far,
far away knew the bittersweet sadness of forbidden love...

（I know they said this was to promote goodwill in the townspeople,）
（but still... wow! It's so extravagant!）

The luxury and splendor of the party venue left me awed.
That evening, a party was being held in the town I lived in.
It was a party that anyone could attend, regardless of their social status.

（But I just don't know if I can find him in a crowd like this!）

My boyfriend and I had made a promise to meet up at the party.
I scanned the room again and again, feeling an edge of nervousness.
???：What's the matter?

（Oh!）

I heard a voice speak from behind me, and I turned in surprise.
It was Lord Byron, one of the nobles who ruled over the neighboring town.
With him was Lord Nico, another noble who lived in that town.
Jily：My lords. I didn't realize you were both here too.
Byron：Yes.
Nico：We were sent an invitation,
Nico：so we thought we'd come and see what it was like.

（It's been ages since I saw either of you.）

Some time ago the two of them had rescued me when I'd been set upon by bandits in the forest.
It was easy for us to become good friends after an experience like that.
Nico：Are you looking for someone?
Byron：You keep scanning the crowds.

（Oops, I didn't realize I was being so obvious!）

I blushed faintly, dropping my gaze for a moment.
Jily：No, it's just that there's more people here than I expected.
Jily：I'm feeling a little overwhelmed.

（I can hardly tell them I'm looking out for a certain someone, can I?）

Nico：Ahh, I get it.
Nico：It's a bit of a shock to have so many people in one place!
Nico smiled cheerfully, his expression as friendly as it ever was.
Then he seemed to remember something, and his eyes lit up.
Nico：That reminds me! I heard there's a nice quiet garden outside.
Jily：Really?
Byron：If you get tired, it might be a good place to rest.

（Aww, you're concerned because of what I said.）
（You're both always so kind to me.）

Jily：Thank you, both of you.
I smiled brightly up at them, curtseying politely.

＊＊＊

The party raged on into the night.

（I wonder if he's out in the garden?）

It felt like I'd searched the whole room without catching so much as a glimpse of him.
So I'd decided to head out to the garden that I'd been told about.

（Hang on—）

I spotted a figure heading into a room next to the ballroom.

（Was that—）

I saw someone that looked like him, so I stepped into the quiet room.
The room seemed empty, but then I noticed a single letter sitting atop the table.
I crossed towards it and picked it up curiously.

（Wait... this is addressed to me?）

I stared down at my name, scrawled across the front of the envelope.
At that very moment, someone suddenly grabbed me by the hand.

（Oh!）

◆ Select a Suitor ◆
Who will you choose?
Choose and your story will start.

＞＞＞Choose Louis

Louis, Chapter 1：

Suddenly someone grabbed me by the hand, and I jumped.

（Oh!）

I turned in surprise to see Louis Howard standing there.
He was the eldest son of the Howard family, one of the most influential noble families in town.
Louis：Jily...
Louis seemed surprised to see me, but soon he was smiling brightly.
Louis：I was going to send you a message requesting that you visit this room.
Louis：I'm glad you found your own way here.
Jily：I just happened to see you walk in here as I was going past.
Jily：But what are you doing in here?
I studied him curiously, and his expression turned mournful.
Louis：I can't even so much as talk to you in a crowded place like that.
My family and Louis's family disagreed over whether we should merge with the neighboring town, and had been feuding for years.
But a few years earlier, Louis and I had happened to meet at a party.
He'd helped me when I was feeling very ill, and somewhere along the way we'd become friends and then fallen in love.

（But we've always made sure to meet in places where no one will see us together.
（We've made a point of never meeting at parties like this.）

I gazed up at Louis, wondering again why he'd wanted to meet today,
and found him staring at the letter in my hand.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis gazed down at the letter in my hand, his voice soft as he said,
Louis：And also... I wanted to give you that letter.
Louis：Today is a very special day.

（A special day? Wait a minute—）

Jily：You mean—
Louis：Yes. Today is the anniversary of the day we became a couple.
Louis：I wanted to do something for it.
Louis：Read it when you're alone.
Louis smiled gently at me, and I felt all warm and fuzzy inside.

（I'm so happy you remembered!）

The letter was suddenly precious to me,
and I clutched it tightly as I smiled happily up at him.
Jily：I will. Thank you so much.
Louis looked faintly startled by my reaction, and I blinked up at him.
Then I saw the faint red flush creeping up his cheeks, and I fought down the urge to giggle.

（You're blushing, aren't you?
（You're so adorable, Louis!）

As we'd grown closer, I'd come to see more and more sides to him, and each of them just made me love him more.
Jily：But Louis, I didn't get anything for you.
Louis：You don't need to.
Jily：Are you sure?
I looked up at him fretfully, but he only smiled sweetly at me.
Louis：I'll accept a gift from you right now.
Louis slid his arms around me, pulling me closer.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis slid his arms around me, pressing a feather-light kiss against my lips.
Jily：Louis—
I laughed happily, blushing up at him, and he grinned down at me.
Louis：You were being so cute, I just couldn't help myself.
Jily：Sure, sure.
We both laughed again, and the happiness of the moment filled me up inside.

（And yet—）

In spite of the happiness I felt, I couldn't ignore the sadness buried deep inside.
It was the constant ache of the knowledge that we always had to hide our relationship from everyone.
Jily：I'm sorry I can't dance with you at the party.
Louis：You don't need to apologize for that.
Louis：The problem lies between our families. There's nothing we can do about that.
Jily：I know.

（Right now neither of our families is prepared to make any sort of compromise, but—）

Jily：I wonder if they'll ever accept our relationship.

（Oh, man.）

The words came out more mournful than I'd intended, and I felt bad for ruining the mood.
Jily：I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be such a downer.
I shook my head quickly, trying to smile again, but Louis tightened his grip on me, pulling me closer.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis tightened his grip on me, pulling me closer.
Louis：I know things will work out for us.
His voice was gentle, and he reached up to stroke my hair.

（It's strange, but when you say it I almost feel like I could believe it.）

For a while I simply gave myself over to his warm embrace, taking strength from it.

＊＊＊

At last Louis relaxed his embrace, and I stepped back a little.
He took me by the hand and led me closer to the window.
Louis：I might be able to grant at least one of your wishes.

（What does that mean?）

Louis opened the window, and the faint sounds of music drifted in from the party.
Louis turned back to face me, and went down on one knee, lifting my hand in his.
Louis：May I have this dance?
He looked like a prince from a fairytale, and my heart was suddenly racing.

（This is because I apologized for not being able to dance with you, isn't it?）

Surprise and happiness filled me up inside, leaving me speechless for a moment.
Louis's expression gentled into a lovely smile.
Louis：I know we can't dance openly with everyone else at the party.
Louis：But in here it's just you and me.

（Aww, you always know how to make me happy.）

Jily：I'd be delighted.
I squeezed his hand, and he stood up, pulling me into his arms.

（The letter alone already meant so much to me.
（But this, too? I never expected so many wonderful gifts for our anniversary!）

Louis took the lead, and we began to dance in time to the faint music.
I felt as if I were floating, and Louis leaned close to murmur in my ear.
Louis：Do you remember about tomorrow?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis：Do you remember about tomorrow?
Louis whispered in my ear, his voice breathy and secretive.
Jily：Of course.

（I've spent the last few days just wishing tomorrow would hurry up and come!）

Louis and I had made plans to go on a date away from the town itself.
Jily：I'm already looking forward to it.
Louis：So am I.

（And I hope that maybe one day we'll be able to go on normal dates, like a normal couple.）

I held onto that wistful hope as we gazed into each other's eyes, both our smiles bright with happiness.

＊＊＊

Louis and I didn't want to part, but we knew we had to.
I returned to the party, filled with a mix of joy and sadness.
Almost as soon as I stepped into the room, a voice hailed me gruffly.
???：Where have you been?
Jily：Oh!
I jumped, turning around to see my father standing there, a frown on his face.
Jily：I'm sorry. I just needed some fresh air.
Father：You shouldn't go wandering off like that.
Jily：Okay.

（Well, at least you're just mad at me for wandering off, which means you don't know I was off meeting with Louis.）

I breathed a sigh of relief to myself as I gave my father a suitably apologetic smile.
Across the room, I noticed Louis returning via a different entrance.

（I wish we could've spent a little more time together.）

I watched with longing eyes as he moved through the crowds.
Then I noticed him stop as someone began to talk to him.

Louis, Chapter 2：

I saw Louis stop as someone began to speak with him.

（Hang on—is that Lord Byron?）

Lord Byron was a noble who presided over the neighboring town.
He was also the only person who knew about my relationship with Louis.
Father：I see Lord Wagner is here as well.
My father frowned as he stared across the room at Byron.
Byron was head of the Wagner family, which had long been close friends with the Howard family.
It was the main reason the Howard family had promoted the idea of our towns merging.
Father：I won't let them have their way with this merging business.
Father：This town does just fine on its own—we don't need to rely on them.
My father muttered to himself, his gaze sweeping the room again.
Father：Ah, I must go and speak with that person. You will come with me.
Jily：Okay.
Before I followed him, I glanced over in Louis's direction again.
Our eyes happened to meet across the room, and he smiled faintly at me.
I couldn't help but smile back at him, just for a moment.
His smile was enough to ease the ache of loneliness inside me.

（I know it was probably just random chance, but it still feels like he's trying to cheer me up.）

The thought buoyed me as I hurried after my father.

＊＊＊

At last the party ended, and it was time to head home.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

We returned home from the party, and I headed straight to my room.
I sank down on the bed, thinking about my father's attitude at the party.

（I've always known this wouldn't be an easy thing to deal with.）

My father's anger had reminded me all over again just how difficult it would be to fix things between our families.

（And yet, Louis said things will work out for us.）

I opened the letter he'd given me, and his sweet, loving words filled me with warmth.

（I want to find a way to make them accept our relationship.）

I hugged the letter to my heart and closed my eyes, picturing a future where our families came together at last.

＊＊＊

The next day—
Louis and I met as promised and made our way to a field outside town to have a date.

（I wonder if Louis will be surprised.）

I sat on a blanket amidst the flowers, weaving a flower crown for Louis.
Louis：Jily.
Louis returned, somewhat out of breath after chasing my hat, which had blown off in the wind.
Louis：Here you go.
Jily：Thank you!
I smiled as I took my hat from him, and he sat down and peered over at what I was making.
Louis：What are you doing?
Jily：I'm making this for you because I thought it would suit you.
The flower crown wasn't finished yet, but I showed it to him anyway.
Louis looked startled for a moment.
Louis：For me?
He looked down at the half-finished crown again, and then took it from me.
Jily：Louis, wait—
Louis：But I think it would suit you better.
Louis reached out and gently placed the crown on my head.
Louis：Yep. You look adorable. Like an angel.
Jily：Like an angel? C'mon, Louis!

（Aww, Louis, you're too much sometimes!）

I giggled helplessly, feeling flattered all the same, and Louis smiled back at me.
Louis：Jily, come here.

（Oh!）

Louis suddenly pulled me towards him, the flowers falling from my hair.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

（Oh!）

Louis suddenly pulled me towards him, the flowers falling from my hair.
He kissed me gently, his lips warm and pliant against mine.
Louis：Jily, I love you.
He whispered the words against my lips, and my heart set off at a gallop.
He kissed me again, deeper this time, and I closed my eyes, giving myself over to the moment.
He pushed me back down against the blanket, his kisses growing rougher.
Jily：Louis?
It wasn't like him, and I pulled back a little, looking up in surprise.
There was something sorrowful lurking in his gaze.

（I wonder what happened?）

I reached up, hesitantly caressing his cheek.
After a moment he placed his hand over mine, his expression changing slowly.
Louis：The other members of my family were talking this morning.
Louis：The Howard family is determined to move forward with the idea of merging the towns.

（No. That means—）

Louis：And even though your family opposes it, they said that means nothing.
Louis：I think the feud between our families is about to get a lot worse.
I stared up at him, seeing my own pain and loneliness echoed in his taut expression.

（If things get any worse,）
（we may not even be able to meet in secret like this.
（But—）

I smiled up at Louis, trying to look as reassuring as I could.
Jily：I believe that things will change, so long as we don't give up.
I spoke with all the resolve I'd gained from believing his words.
He leaned his cheek against my hand, his expression relaxing somewhat.
Louis：You're so strong, Jily.
Anxiety was still lurking in his gaze, but I smiled gently up at him.
Jily：Only because I have you.
Louis's expression turned startled at my words.
Then at last he smiled, the pain fading from his eyes.
Louis：You're right. We have to stay together.
His voice was husky, his words a sure promise.
He leaned towards me again, just as a sudden gust of wind blew past.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis leaned towards me again, just as a sudden gust of wind blew past.
He lifted his head, and for a moment he looked startled.
His gaze seemed focused on something distant, and I studied him with concern.
Jily：What is it?
Louis blinked for a moment, his expression shifting.
Then he looked down at me again, and gave me a small smile.
Louis：It's nothing.
His voice was soft as he leaned close again, burying his face in my shoulder.

（It doesn't seem like nothing.）

A tiny thread of fear worked its way into my heart,
but then Louis lifted his face again, his voice normal as he said,
Louis：Can you we meet again tomorrow?

（You really don't want to talk about it, do you?
（Fine. Maybe I'll ask you tomorrow then.）

Jily：Okay. Why don't we meet on that hill just outside of town?
Louis smiled at me, responding with another sweet kiss.

＊＊＊

After I returned home that day, my father summoned me to the drawing room.

（I wonder what he wants to discuss?）

The sudden summons had me nervous,
but I made my way to the drawing room and pushed open the door.

（Wait, what?!）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I pushed open the door to the drawing room and stepped inside.

（Wait, what?!）

My father wasn't alone—several of my closest relatives were gathered there as well.
Jily：Daddy, you wanted to see me?
My father sat on the far side of the room, and I crossed over to stand in front of him.
Father：You've been meeting with that Howard boy.
Jily：Wha—

（But—how did you know?!）

I was so stunned by the sudden accusation that I was completely lost for words.
Before I could think up some sort of excuse, my father went on.
Father：There's no point trying to hide it.
Father：One of our servants saw you today, outside of town.
I suddenly remembered that moment during our date earlier.
Louis：Oh—
Jily：What is it?

（Is that why you looked so startled, Louis?
（Did you see the servant watching us?）

Father：How long has this been going on?

（Well, now that the truth's out, I might as well be completely honest.）

Jily：For quite some time.
I stood up a little straighter as I spoke, and my relatives began to mutter amongst themselves.
Father：I will forgive you for meeting in secret.

（You will?）

It wasn't the response I'd expected, but before I could get my hopes up, he went on, his voice cold.
Father：However, you will do exactly as I tell you.
I stared at my father in complete disbelief as he went on.

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Louis, Chapter 3-Sweet Ending：

I stared at my father in complete disbelief as he went on.
Father：Tomorrow at dawn you will leave this town.

（Leave here? What, forever?）

I stared at my father, absolutely aghast at the idea.
I couldn't believe that he would punish me so harshly just for seeing Louis.
Jily：Is this my punishment for meeting him in secret?
Anger and sorrow welled up inside me as I imagined Louis's sweet, smiling face.

（If I leave here, I'll never see him again!）

I stared at my father, and he met my gaze, his voice even colder as he went on.
Father：It is partly that. But the official statement will be that you have been murdered.

（Murdered? What in the world?!）

Father：And the one who murdered you is that Howard boy.
For a moment I couldn't even believe what I was hearing.

（You've got to be kidding me!）

I realized then that my father intended to use the situation to crush the Howard family.
Jily：You won't get away with it! Someone will figure out the truth!
Father：I doubt it. After all, you'll never be coming back to this town again.
Jily：Daddy, please—!
Father：Take her away.
I tried calling out to him again, but my words fell on deaf ears.
Two servants led me away from the room, crying and struggling all the way.

＊＊＊

Early the next morning—
It was barely light, and the streets of the town were empty as I walked with two servants at my back.

（I wonder if this will work?）

The night before, I'd been locked in my room with no way to escape.
But after a lot of thinking, I'd finally come up with an idea.
I was trembling a little, but then I closed my eyes for a moment, picturing Louis's face.

（I'm scared, but—I have to let Louis know what's happening.）

My heart was racing as I turned to look at the servants walking just behind me.
Jily：Before we leave the town, I have a request.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：Before we leave the town, I have a request.
Jily：May I please visit the hill nearby, the one that overlooks the town? Just for a little while?
Servant 1：The master stated that we must get you out of town as soon as possible.
Jily：Oh, please—this is the last time I'll see this town ever again. I just want one last look.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I spoke in earnest, and the servants slowed their steps, glancing at each other.
Servant 2：...Very well.

＊＊＊

And so I made my way up to the top of the hill where Louis and I had promised to meet that day.

（Oh, thank goodness. Now if I just leave this letter here...）

I'd realized the night before that all I had to do was write down what was happening in a letter to Louis.

（I'm sure when I don't turn up he'll look around and find it.）

The servants were waiting for me at the bottom of the hill, and I did my best to look natural as I headed for our favorite tree.
All of the moments I'd shared with Louis seemed to flash through my mind as I walked.
Louis：I know things will work out for us.
Louis：You look adorable. Like an angel.

（Oh Louis, I want to see you so badly—）

A lonely tear trickled down my cheek, my steps faltering.
Suddenly I heard the faint sound of footsteps approaching from the far side of the hill.
Jily：Oh—
I turned in fear, worried that the servants had seen me place the letter.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I turned in fear, worried that the servants had seen me place the letter.
Louis：Jily.
But it was Louis who stood there, his expression clouded with worry.

（Oh—I'm not dreaming, am I?!）

Jily：Louis!!
I ran straight towards him, throwing myself into his arms.
He hugged me tightly against him, his voice whispering in my ear.
Louis：Keep your voice down.
I remembered the servants then, and hurried to lower my voice.
Jily：But what are you doing here?
Louis：Yesterday when we were on our date in the field,
Louis：I saw a servant from your household passing by.

（So you DID see him!）

Louis：I didn't want to worry you, so I didn't say anything.
Louis：But I had a bad feeling about things.
Louis went on to explain that he'd gone into town to gather more information the night before.
Sure enough, the servant from our house had gotten drunk in a bar and spilled the whole story to eager listeners.

（So that's why you came.）

Louis：I'm so glad I made it here in time.
Louis's voice was gentle yet resolute, and it eased the tension that had gripped me all night long.
Jily：I thought I'd never see you again...
I whispered the words against his chest, clinging to his reassuring warmth.
Louis stroked my back for a moment, and then took me by the hand.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis：Let's go and talk to your father together.
Jily：What?!
I could still clearly remember my father's cold anger from the night before, and I was in no mood to face it again.
But Louis met my gaze, clear resolve in his eyes.
Louis：We should have done it sooner.
Louis：We'll make him understand about us.

（Daddy wouldn't listen to a single word I said last night.）
（But... maybe it will be easier if we face him together.）
（If he sees with his own eyes how we feel about each other.）

Jily：Okay.
Louis's determination gave me courage, and I straightened up, nodding firmly.
We held each other's hands as we made our way back down the hill, being careful to avoid the waiting servants.
We hurried through the hushed streets and back to my home.

＊＊＊

Louis and I stood together before my father in the library.
Father：Why have you returned? And with the Howard boy, no less!
My father sat in his favorite chair, glaring directly at Louis.
Louis：We've come to talk to you. I want you to hear me out.
Father：We have nothing to talk about!
My father turned his face away, refusing to look at either of us.
Louis lifted his chin, his voice crisp as he went on.
Louis：Both our families need to discuss the merger further. I came here to tell you that.
Father：What?
My father looked back at last, studying Louis with suspicion.
But after a moment he inclined his head slightly, indicating that Louis should continue.
Louis：It was wrong of the Howard family to move things forward without listening properly to your side of things.
Louis：I want to prepare a neutral location where we can all formally discuss the issue.
Louis bowed to my father, his whole manner apologetic.
Father：A Howard is bowing to me?
Louis：It's not just that.
Louis stood up straight again, his gaze intense as he focused on my father.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis stood up straight again, his gaze intense as he focused on my father.
Louis：This is also a personal request from me myself.
The room seemed unnaturally silent as my father stared at Louis.
Louis：I love Jily with all my heart.
Louis：And I don't ever want to do anything that would hurt her, or make her sad.
My father stiffened at the words, his expression flat with disbelief.
Louis：Besides, if this goes on the way it has been, it won't be good for the town.
Louis looked so courageous as he stood there, proud and tall, facing off against my father.
It filled my heart with joy, and gave me a courage all my own.

（Thank you, Louis.）

Jily：Please, Daddy. I'm begging you to listen.
Jily：Both you and the Howard family care about what's best for the town.
Jily：If you sit down and talk it out, I know you can come to understand each other.

（The same way Louis and I came to understand each other.）

My father fell silent, his face impassive as he studied us both.
Louis：I know the rift between our families is great, and it will be difficult to mend it quickly.
Louis lowered his voice as he went on, and I jumped in quickly, trying to appeal to my father.
Jily：But if that's the case, then use us and our relationship—take advantage of this opportunity to mend the rift.

（Please, please, hear what we're saying—）

I curtseyed to my father, and I saw Louis bowing again beside me.
The room was unnaturally silent, and I lifted my head, peeking hopefully up at my father.
As our eyes met, he gave a long, drawn-out sigh, and then looked away thoughtfully.

＊＊＊

Time seemed to rush by after that.
My father had been swayed by our fervent requests.
Eventually both our families had come together to actively discuss the merger.
Louis and I had also been allowed to take part in the discussions.
Father：As we discussed previously, this town is...
I watched quietly as my father went on to explain the current situation in the town.
Louis：I'm so glad they're listening to each other.
Jily：Me too.

（I'm glad for both our families, and for us, too.）

Our relationship hadn't yet been fully endorsed by either of our families.
But they were at least allowing us to see each other, without having to sneak around.
Louis：It will take some time, but... I know things will work out for us.
Jily：You're right. We just have to work together.
We smiled at each other, quietly linking our fingers together under the table.

（Right now this is more than enough to make me happy.
（I know there's a future where we can be together forever, and I know it's not that far away.）

Hope burned bright in my heart as I imagined my future with Louis...

fin.

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Louis, Chapter 3-Premium Ending：

I stared at my father in complete disbelief as he went on.
Father：Tomorrow, you will meet with the Howard boy.
Jily：What?

（But why would you just let me do that?）

I studied my father suspiciously, and he went on in a cold voice.
Father：And then tomorrow...

＊＊＊

The next day—
Louis and I met on the hill outside of town, just as we'd promised the day before.
Louis：Was everything okay after you went home last night?
Jily：What? Oh! Um, yes.
Louis：That's good.
I gave Louis an awkward smile, trying my best to stay calm.
But the more we talked, the heavier my heart felt.

（What do I do?）

My father's command the day before had been to make Louis drink poison.
I'd refused over and over, but he'd put the poison in my bag anyway, and told me I'd have no home to come back to if I didn't.

（How do I tell you, Louis? What should I do? What can we do?）

Louis and I were walking slowly side by side, but suddenly he stopped.
Jily：Louis?
Louis：I hope I'm just overthinking things, but—
Louis looked up at me, worry trembling in his gaze.
Louis：Did something happen yesterday?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis：Did something happen yesterday?
I caught my breath as his words struck home.
But all my words were caught in my throat, and I didn't know what to say.
Jily：How...
Louis：I didn't want to worry you, so I didn't say anything yesterday.
Louis：But I saw a servant from your house walking past the field while we were there.
Louis reached out and caught hold of my hand,
concern in his voice as he went on.
Louis：Tell me everything.
Louis：You don't have to deal with this on your own.

（You always know when I'm feeling worried or scared.
（You're so sweet and kind.）

Relief rushed through me, making me gasp.
I told Louis everything that my father had said,
the words tumbling out in a rush.
Jily：But I can't do that to you. You know I can't.

（But my father won't listen, either.）
（And if I don't, I've got nowhere to call home anymore.）

I bit down on my lip, overwhelmed with frustration and fear.
Louis reached out at once, pulling me into his warm embrace.
Louis：Thank you for telling me.
His words were a soothing balm in my ear,
and I sighed as I buried my face in his chest.

（We can't talk to them or make them listen.
（And if our families are just going to go on hating each other—）

Jily：I wish we could just run away together. Somewhere far, far away...
I pressed my cheek against his chest, the words a soft, wistful murmur.
Louis reached out, his fingers gently cupping my face.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis reached out, his fingers gently cupping my face.
Louis：Then let's run away. If that's what you want.
I caught my breath, looking up at Louis in disbelief.
His gaze was as gentle as his smile, and I felt oddly reassured.

（You know as well as I do that this isn't the best option.
（But even so, you'd choose to be with me? You'd give up everything you have, for me?）

Jily：But can we really do that?
Louis：We can. Don't worry.
Louis stroked my back reassuringly as he began to explain his plan.

＊＊＊

Some time later—
Jily's father paid a visit to the Howard residence.
Father：My daughter ran off somewhere with your son!
His voice was trembling with barely suppressed rage and indignation.
Father：I've waited and waited and she hasn't come home.
Father：What have you people done with my daughter?!
Jily's father glared across the room at Louis's father.
But before either of them could say another word, a knock at the door interrupted them.
Servant：Lord Byron Wagner is here.
Byron stepped into the room before the servant had even finished announcing him.
Jily's father scowled even deeper at the sight of him.
Father：We're having an important discussion. Can't it wait?
Byron turned his gaze on Jily's father, his expression cool.
Byron：Is that discussion more important than the well-being of your own daughter?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Byron：Is that discussion more important than the well-being of your own daughter?
Both men caught their breath at Byron's cold words.
Father：What do you mean—is my daughter—
Byron：I have been informed that she has met with an unfortunate accident. She and the Howard boy both.
Byron：They were forced to hide from prying eyes and meet in secret.
Byron：I suppose that's why they risked themselves and went deep into the forest, in spite of the danger.
Both men turned their faces away at Byron's pointed words.
Byron：Both your families must discuss this issue together.
Byron：This pointless feud needs to end.
And without another word, Byron turned and left the room again.

＊＊＊

We'd entrusted Byron with our plans and ideas before leaving.
We'd found our way to a church deep in the woods, far from the town, where we decided to rest for a while.
Louis：It's Byron... I'm sure things will be fine.
Louis took me by the hand and led me into the empty church.
We sat down on one of the pews together, snuggling up close to each other.
Jily：Is this really okay?
Louis：Yes. So long as you're happy.
His words seemed to lodge in my heart, and without thinking I asked,
Jily：Louis... are you happy?

（I'm happy, but if you're not—）

Louis looked surprised by my question, and I chewed my lower lip.
But then he smiled gently at me.
Louis：I am. Because you're here with me.
There was such tenderness in his gaze that I found myself smiling back at him.

（I'd be lying if I said I had no regrets.
（But if I can be with you forever—）

Jily：I feel the same. No matter where I am, if I have you with me, then I'm happy.
We smiled at each other, taking strength from what we felt.
Suddenly Louis stood up, and crossed over to the piano, removing the white cloth shrouding it.
Jily：Louis?
He came back to where I sat, and gently draped the cloth over my head.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis came back to where I sat, and gently draped the white cloth over my head.
Louis：Jily—since we're here, let's take our vows.
Louis：Let's have our own wedding ceremony, just the two of us.

（Aww, a wedding—）

As soon as he said that, the white cloth on my head became a veil to me.
I reached up to clutch the soft fabric, staring at Louis as he smiled at me.
Louis：I swear that I will always be with you, and that I will never leave you.
Louis：Will you stay by my side, and be my one and only Jily?
Louis's gaze was intense and determined, his expression bright with love.
Warmth and joy bubbled up inside of me, leaving me speechless for a moment.

（It's like a dream come true.）

I nodded wordlessly up at him, and he leaned close to kiss me.
The kiss quickly grew deeper, and I closed my eyes, wanting the moment to last forever.
Louis：Jily, I love you.
He murmured the words against my lips, his voice light and breathy.
He kissed me again, and I felt as if I could swallow those words whole and lock them deep in my heart.
I moaned helplessly, responding with need to the passion in his kisses.
I closed my eyes again, reaching up to wrap my arms around him.
I felt him sliding his arms around me, his fingers twining in the ribbon ties of my dress.
Jily：Louis—
His name burst out of me as our lips parted, and I looked up at him with wide eyes.
Louis gave a soft laugh, reaching up to stroke my cheek.
Louis：I'm sure nobody minds what we do on a day like today.
He looked so incredibly happy, and I knew my expression must be just the same.
I smiled back at him, lifting my head as our lips came together in another steamy kiss.

（If I can be with you, I don't need anything else.
（After all, I'm already so very, very happy.）

Bright moonlight shone in through the stained glass windows, painting us a myriad of different colors.
It felt as if even the moon and the stars were celebrating our happiness...

fin.

After Episode

Find out what happens afterwards in a sexy After Episode...

You've chosen a life with Louis, and now a sweet gift awaits you.
A sensual night with Louis that will leave you light-headed with desire...
Louis：I kind of like the idea of being the only one to see you looking a certain way.
Louis：Do you mind if I monopolize the rest of your evening?
Louis whispers sensually in your ear, pushing you back against the wall.
Louis：Open your mouth.
Louis's embrace is warm, his fingers teasing as they stroke your bare skin.
His passion will fulfill your every want and need...