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Nestled among the trees stood a charming gazebo, its white-painted wood gleaming in the golden afternoon light.

Climbing roses wove around its pillars, their petals fluttering in the breeze.

But it was the view beyond that stole her breath—a vast expanse of rolling hills, lush forests, and the glimmering ribbon of a distant river, all bathed in the honeyed glow of the sinking sun.

Griffith led her up the gazebo’s steps, his hand warm and steady in hers. As they reached the center, he turned to face her, his expression tender, his gaze filled with a vulnerability that made her heart ache with love.

“Lilian,” he began, “standing here with you, looking out at this land… I can’t help but imagine a future where we share this view, this life, together.

” He hesitated, gathering his courage before continuing.

“Lilian, will you stay with me? Not as a guest, but as a partner, a companion—the woman I want to build a life with? Marry me, Lilian.”

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she looked up at him, at the man who had become her anchor, her dearest confidant, her love. In that moment, she knew with unwavering certainty—there was nowhere else she would rather be, no one else she would rather share her days with.

“Yes,” she whispered, trembling. “Yes, Griffith. I want nothing more than to share in your life, in your joys and your burdens, for as long as you’ll have me.”

A radiant smile broke across Griffith’s face, his eyes shining with unspoken emotion. Without hesitation, he pulled her into his arms, holding her as if he never intended to let go. They clung to each other, bound by the promise of a future entwined.

When they finally pulled back, Griffith cupped Lilian’s face with infinite tenderness, his thumb brushing over her cheek as if to commit every detail to memory. “I love you,” he murmured. “I think I have from the moment I first saw you.”

Lilian leaned into his touch, her hand covering his. “And I love you,” she whispered, the words a vow. “With every beat of my heart, with every breath I take… I am yours, Griffith. Now and always.”

Slowly, reverently, he lowered his head, capturing her lips in a kiss that was both tender and filled with promise—a vow spoken without words, sealed in the gentle press of their lips.

Her heartbeat quickened, the world around them dissolving until nothing remained but the intoxicating feel of his embrace.

They poured everything into that single moment—their love, their dreams, their unspoken devotion—sealing the bond that had grown between them.

As the day deepened, they remained in the gazebo, wrapped in the warmth of each other’s presence. They had found their sanctuary—not in a place, but in each other. And nothing could change that.

As the sun dipped lower, Griffith and Lilian made their way back to the manor, their hearts light with the joy of their newfound commitment.

As they stepped inside, the warmth of the great hall enveloped them, the flickering glow of candlelight casting golden hues over the stone walls and rich tapestries.

Emiline was the first to spot them, her sharp eyes taking in their linked hands and the unmistakable happiness radiating from them. She hurried over, her face alight with excitement. “Well, well,” she teased. “What have we here? Two lovebirds, by the looks of it.”

Lilian laughed, her cheeks flushed with happiness as she squeezed Griffith’s hand. “Oh, Emiline,” she cried, “We have the most wonderful news.”

Emiline’s knowing smile widened as she took in her friend’s radiant joy. “I can see that,” she said warmly. “And I couldn’t be happier for you both.”

She drew Lilian into a tight embrace, whispering, “I’ve never seen you glow like this. It’s as if you’ve found the missing piece of your heart.”

Lilian held her dear friend close, tears of happiness stinging her eyes. “I have, Emiline. I truly have.”

As they parted, Leonard stepped forward, his expression alight with genuine warmth. “Your Grace,” he said, nodding respectfully to Griffith. “You are a fortunate man. Lady Lilian is a treasure beyond compare.”

Griffith smiled, his gaze never leaving Lilian’s face. “I am well aware of that, Lord Morton. And I intend to spend the rest of my days cherishing her.”

The sincerity in his words rippled through the room, drawing the attention of the other guests. Juliana and Sebastian approached, their faces reflecting relief and happiness.

“Brother,” Juliana gasped, her eyes shining, “I am so very happy for you both. This is more than a union of two hearts—it is a mending, a healing, and a promise of brighter days ahead.”

Sebastian nodded, his arm around his wife. “Indeed. The love you and Lady Lilian share is a testament to the power of resilience and hope. It reminds us that past wounds need not dictate the future.”

Griffith looked at his sister and brother-in-law, gratitude evident in his features. “Thank you. Your support means more than you know.”

The great hall buzzed with murmurs of approval, a collective acknowledgment that this was no ordinary romance.

It was a love forged in trials, strengthened by understanding, and destined to endure.

The glow of the candles seemed to shine even brighter, as if bearing witness to the momentousness of the occasion.

Laughter and celebration filled the manor as Griffith gently guided Lilian away from the revelry, leading her to a quiet alcove where they could be alone.

“Lilian,” Griffith murmured, cupping her face with infinite tenderness. “I want you to know that no matter what comes, my love for you will never waver.”

Lilian leaned into his touch, resting her hands against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her fingertips. “I know,” she whispered steadily. “And I will stand by your side, always.”

His gaze softened with admiration. “I adore you, Lilian. More than you know. Your courage, your resilience… you inspire me.”

Tears pricked at her eyes. “Because of you, Griffith. You have given me the strength to believe in love again. To believe in us.”

She thought of the woman she had been upon arriving at Exitor Manor—guarded, uncertain, haunted by her past. But now, standing in Griffith’s arms, she barely recognized that person.

In his love, she had found the courage to cast off the armor she had worn for so long.

She had found not just love, but a home, a place where she belonged.

Her gaze drifted to the window, where the first stars had appeared against the velvety night sky. His arms tightened around her, his lips pressing a feather-light kiss against her temple. “I love you,” he whispered—a vow, a promise, a prayer.

Lilian turned in his embrace, her gaze locking with his once more. “I love you,” she echoed, her voice filled with unwavering conviction.

Their lips met in a kiss that was both passionate and filled with the promise of a lifetime. It was a moment that spoke of forever. When they parted, Lilian’s gaze drifted back to the window, to the vast expanse of the estate bathed in moonlight. She felt Griffith’s hand find hers.

“Forever.” The word lingered in the quiet of the night, a testament to the love they had found, the trials they had overcome, and the beautiful future they would build, side by side, for the rest of their days.