"—To the opera at the Royal Albert Hall."

Oh! Opera? Kate wondered who was Daphne pertaining to . Who's going? She wanted to go.

"—Dinner at the Queen's Palace."

That would cost a fortune, she thought, cringing inwardly . Kate's only been once, a few years ago.

One of the staff motioned for her to walk towards the red curtains. She followed blindly , but not before stumbling over the uneven spot on the floor. She laughed and steadied her feet. Daphne was on her side immediately, holding her up while talking to the crowd.

But everyone's looking at her.

No, that can't be right.

No, they were looking at Daphne.

They couldn't possibly be looking at her.

Because nobody ever looks at her.

She has a tendency to blend in, forgotten in the background. Which more than suited her. She was content with being on the sidelines, a spectator of life. A life— Mary had warned her— that was facile and not full-lived but untroubled all the same.

And Kate, for all her stubbornness and unyielding sense of control wouldn't have questioned it .

If it weren't for that look on Anthony's brown eyes.

She caught him sitting at the far end of the room, his smoldering gaze heavy on her. A look, which had, more than once, made her reevaluate everything she had ever told herself. They locked eyes, his voice resounding on the hall, they were the only things she could focus on.

Kate couldn't get hold of what he was saying, but she could clearly see that he's annoyed. The tip of his ears turned crimson as a scowl etched his face. Kate smiled, endeared. Whoever was irking him, was doing a mighty and splendid job.

The famous crease between his eyebrows were more noticeable in this light. His upper and lower lip a half inch apart. There's a wayward curl falling over his forehead. He brushed his fingers over it, but it fell right again.

She wanted to kiss it.

Kiss him.

Does he know how much she'd thought of kissing him only to shut him up?

Holy shit.

She sobered at the candor of her thoughts.

"Alright!" Daphne's voice echoed.

"Um? What's happening?" Kate threw her a questioning look, which Daphne returned. Though, hers was more pleased above everything else. She waved the gavel at her and Kate suddenly became aware of where she was and what had been happening.

The gavel she was holding hit the sounding block with a firm knock. The sound was loud enough for her intoxicated haze (Oh, she's gonna kill Benedict and Colin for this ) to finally ebb.

Her eyes widened on Daphne before it narrowed on Anthony's again.

Anthony's lips quirked up into a blinding smile and Kate was torn between wanting to slap it off or lick it off him. It could not necessarily be in that order, but it'd be done all the same.

The Royal Albert Hall was closed off for a special, limited performance tonight. Thus explaining the attendance of a finely-dressed London crowd.

Kate had been standing at the center of the lobby. Alone and somewhat feeling like an imposter amongst the assemblage of the excessively rich and famous . A few people, some she didn't know, had greeted her and had asked the welfare of her family and the gallery. She had indulged them in a quick small talk before making up a pathetic excuse to leave.

She retreated to the adjacent corridor where various paintings and sculptures were on display . Kate welcomed the quiet moment of respite. Heaven knows she needed it.

Ever since that night of the auction, Kate had been restless. She told herself it was more because of losing the Rousseau than anything else. And not at all, of her impending and somewhat obligatory date with him.

And as predicted, her anxiousness made itself known through a tirade of profanity and sweet old, revenge .

"You!" Kate accused once she saw her sitting in the middle of her and Simon's living room. The Nerf water blaster Kate specifically brought for this occasion pointed towards her friend . Daphne stood up from her piano in alarm. A teasing, mischievous glint in her smile that reminded Kate of Hyacinth's.

"Daphne! You tricked me!"

"Now, now Kate. Let's be rational about this." Daphne held her palms up in what was a pacifying gesture. "Right, Simon?"

"Yes, my love." Simon agreed inattentively , reading the newspaper not even bothering to look up.

Kate rolled her eyes at them. "Were you on it too, Simon?"

"Heavens, no." He flipped his paper to the next page. "I don't have a death wish."

Daphne glared at him. "You are no help." She turned to her. "Besides, Edwina said you'll be okay with it."

Kate groaned, mentally adding her sister's name on her death note.

"Let's be adults about this." Daphne tried again, backing up as Kate advanced on her.

"Too late." Kate poised her weapon and pulled the handle. The water not only doused Daphne's dress, but also the Moroccan carpet Kate helped them pick out.

Simon barked out a laugh. And when Kate looked at him, he had abandoned his paper and his phone was up, recording everything. When Daphne's drenched enough to her liking, Kate disengaged. She blew on the nuzzle and slung it over her shoulder. A smug, satisfied smirk on her face. "That is how you do it."

"God—" Daphne shrieked, shaking her arms, her hair plastered on her neck and forehead. "You're just like Anthony!"

Kate frowned, redirecting the nozzle at her. This time, aiming Daphne square on the face.

And then her sister was next. Kate barged in their mum's kitchen a few hours after.

"You should have said something! Dragged me away from that stage!"

"Now, didi." Edwina started, chuckling inching towards where Mary was standing.

"That was humiliating!"

"You looked like you were having fun!" Edwina shrugged with an innocent smile. "Everyone knows you need it."

"I don't need—" she scowled.

"Yes, you do!"

"Yes, you do." Mary echoed between mixing her vegetables.

"Mama!"

Edwina appeared pleased with herself. Too pleased. "See?"

She groaned, promising herself that she'd never get high with Benedict and Colin ever again.

"You little—" Kate took the nearest object on her disposal— a ladle— and hovered it with much threat, in the air.

"It's for the children, Didi! For the children!" Edwina screeched with a loud laugh before hiding behind Mary.

Kate dawdled for a while at the small gallery, a few people milling out and about. They nodded at her in recognition but left her alone.

As the show was gonna start soon, the steward was calling everyone to enter the hall. The crowd bustled about as they enter the main arches of the concert hall. Kate swallowed, feeling cold all of a sudden. There's a familiar, sickening roll in her gut. Seeing as how history seemed to repeat itself, she got the feeling that she's getting stood up. Again.

Kate took out her phone to check for new messages, but only got the one he sent twenty minutes before.

I'll see you there. - Anthony

Anthony was many obnoxious things, but he was a man of his word. And she trusted him implicitly .

Still, whether he shows up or not, Kate decided that she would enjoy herself. But not before giving him an earful. And he would endure plenty. Him and Daphne. And Kate figured, Edwina as well who went out of her way to dress her up tonight.

It was common knowledge that she and the viscount don't always see eye to eye. Anthony, being an absolute child and Kate allowing herself to be impelled to retaliate . Ever since she met him, the compulsion to win and prove him wrong at every turn was crucial. And as hectic as her list of priorities was, Kate still found it in herself to include: "Besting Anthony Bridgerton" on her top ten .

Kate secretly enjoyed their spar. (Not that she was looking for it whenever they meet.) She could always expect that the man would always find something rubbish to bicker about. And when they do, he always seemed to hang on to her every word, just so he could fire back with the same, if not, more, ardor.

It was invigorating.

Fascinating.

Confusing.

Yet, it made her want to be selfish for once.

Take.

Possess .

Own.

And hedonistically —for the first time in her life— want.

Also, she wanted him never to take his eyes off her.

That was why, when her sister arrived at her doorstep. Carrying a dress hidden in a garment cover, and fussed over her, Kate allowed it.

It was all a terrible, bloody nuisance.

Because why in the world would she care about what Anthony Bridgerton thinks of her?

The halls were empty now, and still, there was no sign of him. A steward smiled at her, a pitying smile. He opened the doors to the private Bridgerton salon, to what she was assuming was also an empty Bridgerton box .

Kate braced herself, taking a deep breath, only for it to be stolen seconds later.

Anthony paced the room, his shoes wearing down the carpet. He chanced at his phone, rereading his text, the one she left unanswered.

Is she even here?

What if she decided to change her mind the last minute?

It had taken him almost four hours to get ready. With his family hovering around, making him more nervous than he already was. They had taken it upon themselves to invade his town home and pester him about his imminent date.

He had been contemplating his wardrobe choices when the doorbell rang. Colin squeezed himself in as soon as he opened the door. And everyone followed, but not before everyone offering their unsolicited opinions.

"What the? What are you all doing here?" Cornered against the door, his mother and siblings entered the threshold.

Sometimes he felt like his parents had way too many children.

"Don't wanna be anywhere but here, bro." Colin proclaimed, not even bothering to take off his coat. "Do you still have some of that bagel from last week?" He went straight to the kitchen. The parasite.

"Hello Ant!" Hyacinth jumped, kissing his cheek. Gregory gave him a dimpled smile.

"You're not wearing that, are you?" Benedict then asked with an uncharacteristic, sober lilt.

"What?" Anthony looked down at himself, appalled. "Why? What's wrong with what I'm wearing?"

"Oh, don't listen to him. You look decent." Eloise reassured behind Benedict's back, shoving him further into the house. Benedict's face interrupted into a teasing smile. Anthony extended a hand to cup the back of his head. Benedict, in turn, snickered. "You always make it too easy, Anthony."

Francesca hung her coat and commenting. "More than decent. You look nice, brother."

Daphne followed, face brightening. "Oh! Blimey, Anthony! You should see Kate! She looks gorgeous!"

"You've seen her?" He felt a swooping motion in his stomach.

"Edwina sent a picture." Was her fading reply as she disappeared with the rest of her siblings.

Throughout the end of the charade, Benedict and Colin were not subtle at being dimwits. Daphne was capricious, making him more angsty. He had expected the empty threats from Eloise. But certainly not from the sophisticated and reserved Francesca.

"Ant, I love you, but if you screw this up, I'll drop my pianoforte over your head. Otherwise, have fun!" And she had smiled sweetly at him. He had gaped at her threat, too astonished to speak. At least Hyacinth and Gregory were helpful. He let Hyacinth pick out his tie while Gregory suggested, "You should give her flowers, Ant."

But his mother was another story. She had pulled him aside and gave him a medium-sized velvet box. "Kate would look lovely in this."

Inside was one of her most prized jewels, a diamond choker necklace. Anthony gawked, remembering that it was the same necklace he had bought for his mother. His first biggest splurge. Ever. It was for his mum's birthday and he wanted to buy something for her. With the money he earned from every short-term job he had, Anthony and his father drove all the way to Kent, to the Bridgerton family jeweler to commission this . He still came up short by a few pounds but the rest of the balance was acquitted by his father. And Anthony remembered, with a fond heart, that it was the best drive of his life.

"Thank you, mum." He gave her a kiss on the cheek.

Violet beamed at him, a gentle expression on her face that reminded him of when he was a little boy. "Have a great date, my dear."

Although the circumstances were unorthodox, it still was, very much so, a date.

His first date with Kate.

And that had been enough to almost sent him into a frenzy on the days and nights leading up to it.

The concert was gonna start soon and Anthony's was almost certain, he's so close at pulling his own hair out. He's tempted to call and blame Daphne for this farce when the doors suddenly opened.

And Anthony, for all his commanding bravado and demeanor, couldn't find it in himself to think. Let alone, breathe when she walked in.

She halted in her tracks when she noticed him. And Anthony could swear they both utter a sigh of relief. He stood his ground as her eyes bore into his. His gaze lowered, appreciating the elegance of her neck, shoulders and arms, left exposed by the gown . Her long, ebony hair was wavy, ethereal, swaying behind her back. Anthony itched to reach out and feel them between his fingers, his chest, his face. She took a step forward and Anthony had to steel himself even more because the slit of her dress exposed a smooth expanse of her thigh . Anthony squirmed, swallowing a moan.

For a brief moment, he closed his eyes, trying to calm the fluttering butterflies in his chest. But that scent, Good god, closed in on him, suffocating him to the point of madness.

She stood in front of him and he must be imagining it because her eyes flickered to his mouth. Her breathing as heavy as his. He gripped the velvet box in his hand, thinking it would placate the primal side of him. The side that wanted to take liberties with her, hear her shout his name until it was the only thing she know. He wanted, nay, needed, now more than ever, to fall down to his knees before her. Right here, right now. In the Bridgerton parlor where they had entertained dignitaries and even royalty, twice.

Where have you been?

Where have you been all my life? He wanted to ask.

The familiar, endearing frown contorted her face. Her eyes squinted at him and Anthony realized he must've spoken his question out loud.

"I was admiring the paintings in the gallery while waiting for you." The last words were accusatory, yet Anthony couldn't help grinning like a school boy.

"I apologize." He chuckled despite the hoarseness in his voice. "Though, if you only responded to my message, I'd know. I thought you weren't coming."

Something glinted her eyes, some sort of recognition and apology, alighting them.

He cleared his throat, hearing the reasonable voices of his siblings inside his head.

"Whatever you do, don't freeze. You always freeze whenever you see her." Ben gibed.

Be a gentleman. Fran reminded him.

Tell her she looks beautiful. Hy chimed.

No, tell her she's brilliant. That's much better.El rebutted.

The flowers, Ant. Greg demanded.

Don't bungle this up. Col suggested.

Just be yourself. Daff assuaged.

But damn it, that floral scent was distracting him. If he's not careful, his remaining sanity would be out the window before they could even take their seats.

"Uh, here." Anthony fumbled, grabbing the bouquet of lilies he promised Greg to give her.

Kate smiled, the first genuine smile on her face and accepted, burying her nose in them. "Thank you. My soap is actually lily-scented."

I know. And it's driving me against the bloody wall. Every stinking time.

"And my mother wanted you to wear this."

Kate's gaze finally fell on the box in his hands. He watched, fascinated as she reached and raised the lid. "It's beautiful." Her fingers traced the jewels before she retracted her hand back, as if burnt.

"But, no, no, I shouldn't." She shook her head.

"You should."

"I shouldn't."

"You should."

"No. I couldn't possibly —"

Stubborn, maddening, beautiful woman.

"You would hurt my mother's feelings if you don't."

Her lips straightened into a thin line. But even he could see the crack in her composure.

She gave him a curt nod and turned, her back to his chest. Kate swept her hair to the side, and threw him look over her shoulder.

Oh, fuck my life.

Obviously , he didn't think this through.

The charge in the room was back, more palpable and deteriorating than the last. There was a thundering applause emanating from the curtain as the Conductor entered the stage. But he couldn't find it in himself to care.

With slightly quivering fingers, he lifted the jewelry off its carrier and circled his arms over hers .

With everything in him, Anthony reigned in his basic urges. She was so ravenously, dangerously close he couldn't see straight. He lined up both ends of the latch, dallying, not yet ready to stop touching her just yet.

Anthony could smell that diabolical scent at her jaw where it was strongest. He bit his tongue to keep from moaning, well aware of keeping a safe distance between them. Lest she felt what she was making him feel.

But Kate, complexing woman that she was, uttered the quietest of whimper. Goosebumps lining her skin. And his train of thought, his breathing simply, rudely just… stopped.

Anthony's hands found her shoulders. Kate inclined her head to the side, enticing him the full view of her neck.

And he obliged, inhaling her until his lungs burnt. "Kate."

She moaned, eyes closed, her chest rising and falling. Anthony's hand slid down her arms, the goosebumps following its wake.

He placed a soft, lingering kiss on her ear, giving her ample time to protest. "Kate."

She only hummed, "You… You annoy me. So much."

"Ditto." He smiled at that, placing another kiss on her luscious hair.

"Anthony." She breathed.

"Yes?" His lips hovered behind her ear, nose buried in her hair. Kate turned in his arms, and then all he could feel was her hot breath on his lips. Her long and thick eyelashes fluttering on his cheeks, her scent engulfing him. Anthony reached for a wayward strand, curling it behind her ear. Her eyes were half closed already, her head tilted to the side, following him.

Anthony was certain that if she allowed it, he'll take her then and there. Or he'll let her take him. Whatever she want, and needed. Either way, what bliss.

His hands cradled her jaw, his thumb following the impressive line. Up close, she was divinely perfect, not that he had ever doubted it. She was a goddess, the devil, beauty and sin itself, temptation incarnate. Her mouth parted, and he could almost taste heaven.

"—Our honorary guest, the distinguished Anthony Bridgerton! A round of applause everyone!"

An ear-splitting applause erupted behind the walls, knocking them both out of their heady trance . Her huge, brown eyes snapped open, but didn't pull away.

"Anthony—" she sounded calm and composed the complete opposite of what he was feeling. "They're calling you." Her eyes were twinkling with amusement and delight.

He still kept her close, his nose bumping against hers, their foreheads touching.

"No, no. You misheard. They're talking about another Bridgerton. Maybe Benedict is here. Or Colin. Or Uncle Ernie. Definitely "

Her body vibrated as she let out a small chuckle. She reminded him, "Anthony, Ernie is in Ireland."

"We don't know that. Maybe he decided to visit."

"That's unlikely." Kate snickered, squeezing his biceps. And Anthony, for all his lascivious thoughts towards her, couldn't help but feel awestricken that she really knew his family . After having enough of London and its bustling, over-crowded streets, his extended family had retired to Leinster . Anthony didn't know how she knew about it, but he was glad that she did.

"Lord Anthony Bridgerton?" The master of ceremony called again, the applause behind them was waning. "Are you there?"

He groaned.

"You must go."

"Must I?"

"Yes." She said with finality, pressing a restraining hand on the middle of his chest. "Your duties await, my lord."

"I could have other duties, my lady." And wiggled his eyebrows at her.

Kate laughed openly , and it might have been the best sound he had ever heard.

" Maybe later. We'll see."

"Why does that sound like a challenge?"

Kate was pushing him towards the curtain. Towards the box, where everyone was waiting down below. "Does it?"

"Christ. You will be the death of me, woman."

She jutted her chin out, one groomed eyebrow raised, her smile like the devil. It was more than enough to drive the frustration and scowl off his face when he greeted the crowd.

The concert was magnificent. Or so it appeared as everybody was up on their feet after the hour-long performance. Anthony couldn't find it in himself to care, again, as his gaze almost never left her throughout the evening.

Anthony seriously needed to stop gawking at her at some point. But how could he? When she glowed like that at every aria, tears sparkling her eyes. When she almost fell to the gallery below from leaning forward too much. When she mouthed some of the lyrics she knew to herself. It was impossible, irrational, mental to even think about looking away.

The anticipation that they would be alone again soon was eating him. As soon as the curtains closed on stage, he took her hand and led her back to the parlor. Before he could as so much as stand in front of her, a steward announced that the baron of Bradford and Howe were here. His deep and irritated snarl made Kate crow with laughter again.

The universe must be punishing him for smiling too much tonight, because everyone seemed to take his easy demeanor as an invitation to converse . Kate mingled as well, and he couldn't help but revel in her effortless beauty and uncommon kindness. Anthony figured he could get her alone in the car en route to their dinner. But then, Hyacinth called him, crying because she got a 4 in her maths.

"- And, I've disappointed you." She sobbed and it gutted him.

"Hyacinth Bridgerton." He said, his voice stern. "There's nothing in the world that you could do to make that even remotely possible."

" Really ?" She sniffed and he could almost picture her small, face blotched with tears.

" Really , really ."

"Okay." She sounded a lot better now. "I love you, Ant!"

"Love you too, Hy. Stop crying now, yeah?"

"I will."

"I'll tell you what, I'll treat you and your friends to Gunther's this weekend."

"Without Gregory and Colin? They always weirded out my friends whenever he orders that ghastly ice cream combination ." Anthony could see the adorable disgusted scrunch on her face, he laughed.

"Yes, without Greg and Col. But you have to explain why we didn't invite them."

"Okay! We'll take them some other time. Thank you, Anthony!"

"You're most welcome."

"I'm gonna go now, love you! Give Kate a kiss from me!"

The line got cut off before as he slowed down the car the red light.

Oh believe me, I'm working on it.

Anthony glanced at the passenger seat to see Kate staring at him.

"You also spoil them too much." She remarked, her pitch soft and warm.

Anthony scoffed jokingly . "And you're not the same with Edwina?"

"Touché." She concurred, biting her lower lip. She was silent for a few seconds before, she said. "You are a good man, Anthony. They're lucky to have you."

"Careful, Miss Sharma. That almost sounded like a compliment." He sneered but couldn't help but feel his heart and soul soar at her sincere praise.

"Don't get used to it, my lord." Her features, dark, seductive and inviting.

And he almost ravaged her then and there but the cars behind them honked at him.

They arrived at the Queen's Palace without any incident. But their flirtatious, playful attitude with each other continued. Anthony couldn't take his eyes off her. And from the bold gander she kept sending his way, neither could she. It was like a dance, a challenge, a test of their internal fortitude in the most archaic way. Anthony basked in the rightness of it. Of her, with no one else but him.

Seeing as this was the first night they've hang out without their siblings, Anthony wanted to imprint a good impression . It was surprising given that he didn't remember the last time he had (or had he ever) expended too much of his effort to get someone's approval . But here he was, acting like the honorable gentleman his parents raised him to be when he wanted to be anything but.

Their fingers brushed whenever they walk. She was deliberately standing scandalously close to him without the benefits of touching. It was sadistic torture. Anthony wasn't proud to admit that he conceded first. And he couldn't help but be awed at how surprisingly uplifting it felt when he did. (Anthony considered that he could let her win some more —some, not all— if it meant being the reason for the spark in her smile .) Anthony placed a hand on her back, the tips of her glorious mane tickling his signet ring. He delighted hearing Kate's sudden intake of breath.

The maître d'hotel—a comely-looking chap— welcomed and assisted them to their seats. Anthony waved him off before he could even try pulling Kate's chair out. "Pardon me."

Kate gave a sly shake of her head, a smile hinting her lips.

By necessity, Kate has to be headstrong, resolute and independent.

After her father died, she took it upon herself to carry on his loving legacy— as the artistic man and the family man. So, she endured this duty — gravely imperative but fulfilling just the same. But the words Edwina departed her with rung through her head, louder than any of her words to her that night.

They were still in the car, a few steps away from the opera house. Kate had been fidgeting with the strap of her pouch when Edwina killed the engine.

"You look lovely, Kate."

Kate chuckled, her anxiousness fading for but a moment. "You're my sister, you're supposed to say that."

"That doesn't make it less true."

Not used to the flattery after flattery, Kate blushed. "Thank you, Eddie."

"I could tell you're nervous about this. But Kate, just be the sister I know you to be. Be funny and brave and feeling."

"Bon," she had admonished but starstruck all the same. Edwina had never been the serious type, not unless she could help it. "It's only a night at the opera and then dinner. Don't make a big deal out of this." And the she added to placate herself. "Besides, it's for the kids."

"Yes, it is for the kids. "She repeated, sounding bored. "But I still stand by what everything I said. You deserve this."

"Thank you, Bon. But it's truly unnecessary. And…" she paused. "Wait, I am funny!" She defended, veering from the weighty turn in their conversation.

Edwina rolled her eyes, not oblivious to her redirection; she knew her too well.

"I should've brought my own car. I'll just take the tube to go ho—

"You won't need a car or the tube." Edwina berated in a light tone. "Anthony will drive you home."

"Are we even certain he'll show up?" Kate tried to keep the anxiousness in her tone. To which Edwina countered,

"He will."

"Or if he decided to be an arse, which I'm fairly certain–"

"He's not. He won't be."

" Honestly , whose side are you on?"

Edwina scoffed, rolling her eyes again and didn't answer her.

"You're on mine, right?" Kate reiterated.

Edwina chose that excruciating time to study her nails.

"EDWINA SHARMA!"

"Yes! Yes! For heaven's sake!"

"Smashing." She simpered.

"Although, honestly ? If tonight turned out the way we've all wanted it to be... Maybe you will finally realize that you and Anthony have both been on the same team all this time."

"You take that back!" She gasped in horror. "And who's 'we'?"

Edwina chortled, ignoring her and reaching over to open Kate's door. "Have fun, kids."

"I will not."

"You will." She pushed her. "Now, shoo! Get out of my car."

"I will not."

"You will." Edwina singsonged before driving away.

"I will not—!"

But she did.

Bugger.

The night was quickly turning out to be one of the most enjoyable nights of her life. And that was really saying something.

The resident sommelier offered them the finest selection of their wine. As expected, the two of them debated over which wine to take. She wanted the reasonably priced, aromatic Merlot. Whereas Anthony wanted the 1978 Hermitage La Chapelle Magnum.

"But it costs over three thousand pounds!" she scolded beneath her breath, eyes glowering at him.

"Your point?"

The sommelier was sweating when they made their decision.

"Just give us the two bottles, mate." Anthony gritted out, his adamant eyes still glued on hers. His lips, pursed and rigid.

Kate had never fixated on someone's lips before than she did.

Nevertheless , to refute each other's claims, they tried each other's wine. If Anthony saw her refill her glass for the second time. or if she saw him fighting off an affirming nod on the first sip… Well, they both knew better than to say anything. But when they caught each other's gaze again, their resolve cracked. And they doubled over with mirth, garnering curious looks from the nearby tables.

Before they started their entrée, Anthony had dragged his chair closer to hers. His fingers resided on his lips. No doubt, resisting another braying laugh as she told him of her and Edwina's childhood. He, in turn, told his as well. She had tears in her eyes at the story of Daphne wanting to have a penis because his brothers have it.

"She was two years old at the time. She comes up to me and our dad, and I kid you not…" Anthony then made a poor imitation of a Daphne's toddler's voice. 'Daddy! I want what my brothers have!' And our dad was like 'What do you mean, sweetheart?'

Kate was clutching her stomach.

"—And Daphne goes, 'You know, the thing between their legs.' And you know of course, my father paled but I… I just lost it. Our dad said, 'Oh, a… a penis?' And Daff goes, 'Yes! I want one!'

"How did she—" Kate asked over fits of laughter.

"Colin had a nasty habit of flashing and peeing over trees when he was… Until he was six. He thought he was a dog."

Midway through the red velvet cake they've been sharing, Anthony slung his arm over the back of her chair. He was narrating his experience when he accompanied Benedict in Austria. Specifically , Kunsthistorisches museum and the how it became his favorite museum. He was rambling about Bruegel the Elder's collection. But all she could focus on was the frosting on the corner of his mouth.

"—What fascinates me about his works was, they're all teeming with these little figures…" He had trailed of before taking another forkful . "Who have their own little chores. Each face is different. How brilliant is that?! It's bursting with a thousand stories. You would think that a large and complex composition such as that wouldn't have—"

"—Harmony?" Her words came like a bolt out the blue.

"Yeah. Harmony. Exactly." His gaze dropped on her lips, Back to her eyes and back to her lips again. She felt herself leaning forward, allowing herself to be pulled into his orbit.

"Anthony?"

They sprung apart. At least she did. When she looked where the voice came from, Kate saw an attractive brunette watching their table . After a beat, Anthony followed her line of sight and—

"Siena?"

"Anthony!" The woman— Siena— chuffed, now striding with determined steps towards their table. "I thought that was you!"

She was attractive, regal and graceful. Her black sleeveless velvet gown highlighted her lean physique. Her wavy brown hair, styled like those movie actresses. Her smile was radiant. Her gait agile and delicate, her confidence resolved and undeniable. To sum it up, she was everything Kate promised herself she wouldn't envy.

"Siena!" And Anthony all but bolted right out of his seat.

And like a car crash waiting to happen, Kate couldn't look away.

Siena wiped off the icing on Anthony's mouth. It was done with such familiarity and easiness that nearly made Kate combust… and cry. Kate reached for her wine, willing the alcohol to eradicate the the foreign, bilious emotion settling in her stomach . A cold, wet blanket draped over her as Siena kissed both his cheeks. A thousand hot needles continued pricking her skin as she heard Anthony laugh at whatever Siena had just said .

The buzzing between her ears got louder and louder, like a trains screeching to a stop. Her gaze landed and stayed on Siena's hands, which was clutching Anthony's forearm. She almost didn't hear him when he introduced her. "—And this is Kate."

Siena glanced at her before raising a knowing eyebrow at Anthony. A look which probably was harmless but at the moment- with how Kate was feeling— felt condescending and judgmental .

Kate managed to fake a small smile and stood up, wobbly knees and all. "A pleasure."

"Likewise." Siena nodded and Kate thought that it wasn't fair that her articulation sounded agreeable too . She faced Anthony again.

"So, I heard you were looking for me, Anthony? Is this about last week?"

Kate felt something pulling down her stomach, bitterness residing on her tongue. Anthony's head snapped towards her in what looked like concern and embarrassment.

"Would you excuse us for a second, Kate?"

No. Also-fucking-lutely no. But she nodded, nonetheless.

Kate took her seat and tried to look anywhere but them. Instead, she busied herself with the remaining half of the dessert.

Once she finished, she risked a glance up and saw them at the far and dark corner of the restaurant. Anthony's attention held firmly by Siena.

The cold, wet blanket now felt like a continuous pitter patter of heavy rain on her person, inundating her with misery from her own wishful thinking . The pitying looks and hushed whispers from the other tables only added to her affliction. Kate took a few minutes sitting by herself. She didn't want anyone to even insinuate that Anthony's slight dismissal was affecting her. Kate pretended to take call, even going as far as placing the phone on her ear. She preceded to walk along the barely lit hallways until she found the door to a balcony.

The scenery before her was grand; A plethora of diamond-shaped stars adorned the navy blue sky. The tall and trimmed hedges of maze gardens down below were visible from where she stood. The glittering flicker of the lamp posts lit the pitch black darkness of the landscape. It was idyllic, a perfect subject for a painting. It was almost criminal that Kate couldn't appreciate it.

Kate squeezed her eyes shut, holding the complexing emotions that's been threatening to burst . She grasped the intricate railings, and took a deep, calming breath.

"Kate? Are you alright?"

At the sound of her name, she whipped around. A man stood in the open doorway. His countenance, amiable and effusive under the current circumstances.

"Tom." She said, out of instinct. She quickly realized her cheeks were wet and nudged the traitorous tears away. Hopefully , he didn't notice it. "What ah… What are you doing here?"

But he did, given that he had raised an eyebrow at him at her obvious deflection. But Tom, being the well-mannered and sensitive man that he was, decided to humor her. "I was around. My brother's having his engagement party." He entered the balcony, and strode towards her left.

That perked her up. Though, Kate hadn't met Tom's sibling, she deemed it right to congratulate him. "Oh, he is? Felicitations!"

"Thank you."

Both were silence for a few minutes. Tom regarded her, somewhat cautiously .

"Since I answered yours, care to answer mine?"

"What?" she scrunched her eyebrows, confused.

"Are you alright, Kate?"

"Oh! I'm fine. Fine, fine, fine. Just needed to get away for some fresh air." She inhaled, forcing a smile.

Tom only looked at her and rested his elbows on the railings, his weight on one leg as he leaned over. "Bridgerton can be a little exacting."

"What makes you think it was him I needed to get away from?" She could taste the lie from her tongue.

Tom raised a good eyebrow at her, amused. "Well, isn't he?"

Kate only pursed her lips and try to enjoy the scene before her. And not think about anything else.

"Did you know I studied with him?" Tom started, his tone thoughtful yet held the same careful cadence.

She suffered a long sigh. "Yes." She kept her reply curt and strained, willing her good friend be the reticent one he always seemed to be.

But, since when did Kate get what she wanted?

"There's a famous story about him back at uni. I remember cause I was there. It was during finals week. Anthony received an urgent call from home. One of her brothers, I think it was the third one, got back from a recent trip abroad and suffered food poisoning. He's rushed to the hospital. In the middle of the exam, Anthony dropped everything and ran. But not before arguing with the professor in the hallways. It was not pretty. He had to take the subject again."

Kate, for all her hostility towards the man, had to smile. "Sounds like Anthony."

"Sounds like you." Tom pointed out, now turning to her. "Don't think that I wasn't there when you all but harassed every single one of my nurse when Edwina had appendicitis."

Kate remembered that. She almost got thrown out if it wasn't for Tom. That's when she met him.

They were silent for more than three minutes before he spoke again.

"Whoever came up with the idea that being with someone who is your complete opposite is trailblazing . The bloke who thought that being with someone who is your exact mirror and replica? He must really be into something else."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying, my dearest friend, that it's a beautiful thing to know someone who deeply understands you. Someone who experienced the same hardships as you and conquered them. It's unique and rare, that feeling. Something worth pondering about."

Kate fought off a self-deprecating laugh. "I don't know what I'm feeling."

"I reckon you know. You're just not ready to admit it yet." He said with a knowing chuckle.

A commotion came from inside. Impatient, disembodied voices ringing aloud in what was an empty hallway. On instinct, Kate glanced at the doors, towards the ruckus and then back at Tom again who was looking at his feet, shaking his head… Smiling .

"Kate, I'm gonna help you chaps out. Trust me on this, okay?"

"What? Help who out?"

Tom leaned towards her and gave her a swift kiss on the cheek. Kind of like the ones Benedict always give her. She pulled away, smiling at the welcoming gesture.

"Thank you, for keeping me company"

"No need to thank me, just think about what I said— Ah! Bridgerton!" Tom turned towards the door and Kate felt the churning in her stomach again.

There, under the archway, illuminated by the wall sconces and handsome architecture, was Anthony . Looking murderous and apoplectic.

"Dorset."

"I was just leaving. Good night, Kate." Tom headed towards the door, obviously keeping a wide berth between him and Anthony.

Kate threw him a confusing glare but her friend only winked at her in return.