Sometimes the truth is bitter to admit, but no matter how much you want to deny it, one cannot do anything but accept it.

So with the deepest pain in his heart, Anthony informed his siblings. "Kate is leaving for India."

His siblings had various reactions, from shock to sadness, but only Hyacinth looked confused as she asked. "Going to India? But for how long will she be gone?"

The older siblings stared at him sympathetically as he explained to their younger sister. "Hyacinth, Kate is leaving with her family to live in India forever."

"But we are her family!" The young girl still looks confused and distressed by this news.

Anthony sighed as Newton wined and licked Hyacinth's hand to comfort her.

"India is her home, Hyacinth; it is the only place she finds her happiness."

"But I thought we all made her feel at home too." Gregory exclaimed, and Anthony turned away because, despite all his siblings combined efforts, he still failed his family once again.

He was trying to hold his own emotions inside his heart when a hand squeezed his shoulder as Daphne began to speak. "Anthony, you cannot let her leave; forget about other issues, but you both cannot deny that you are married to each other in the eyes of God and the law. Even the crown would not allow this separation."

"I would not keep her chained to this unwanted marriage because the law and crown demand it. All I want is my wife's happiness, and if her happiness lies in India, then I will let her go. Besides, it's not uncommon for married couples to live separately."

"And if she finds someone there, someone who could make her happy, then what will you do?"

Anthony almost chocked as he and Simon stared at each other. Simon's question raised another heartbreaking possibility in front of him.

His brothers seemed to think the same thing as them, as Benedict reminded them. "The law will never let you break this marriage, even if you live apart."

Colin nods his head in agreement as he pleads with his brother. "Anthony, you cannot let her go because if she finds someone else, then her pain will only increase."

Anthony shakes that possible picture they painted. A picture of a faraway land where his wife was smiling in joy, her eyes filled with love as they stared at another man's face, while he was fated to be the biggest hurdle between her wife and her happiness.

"No!" He suddenly shouts before trying to calm his emotions. "I do not care about anything or anyone; if Kate truly finds someone, someone she can live a happier life with, then I will find a way to give her this happiness. It's the least I can do after causing her so much pain."

For a while, no one said anything as Anthony tried to keep pain at bay—until.

"I was wrong about you, brother. Today you proved me wrong that all men are selfish because even after having all this power in your marriage, if you can let Kate go, then I will proudly tell everyone that my brother is the greatest man of all."

To his surprise, Eloise embraced him, and under her praise, he let his tears spill as pain burst out of his heart.

Kate got clearance from her doctor in time for Edwina's wedding, and she was happy because now she can oversee the left-over preparations.

Not that there is much for her to do as everything was completed under Queen's supervision. 'You just look after your health, my child, and leave everything to us because this wedding will be remembered for ages."

Kate bowed to the Queen as she and her mama left to prepare for the Haldi ceremony.

"Will you and other girls join us?" She asked her mother-in-law.

"We would love it too if that's what you want." She replied, although there was sadness in her eyes.

It was not just her. Recently, Kate noticed a gloomy mood inside Bridgerton House. Even Newton looked sad because suddenly Gregory and Hyacinth were too busy to play with him.

At first, Kate thought that it was because of her accident, but when she finally asked Daphne about it, she gave them a sad smile as she told her. "We recently found out our dearest friend, whom we thought was our sister, was leaving London to go far away."

Kate felt saddened by her sadness. "I am sorry to hear that. Is she someone I know?"

For a while, Daphne seemed to say something, but then they were interrupted by a voice. "Daff, can I have a word with you?"

Kate watched as something passed between her husband and his sister as Daphne sighed and stood up to follow Anthony out of the room.

Intrigued Kate followed them and found them in Anthony's study as raised voices reached her ears.

"Why would you do this, Daphne? I told you all explicitly about my decision."

"Your decision is wrong! If only you explain yourself to Kate, I am sure she will understand."

Kate frowned as she wondered what she had to do with the brother-sister argument.

She leans closer to the closed door to hear her husband's sad voice. "I have been too selfish my entire life, but I cannot be selfish with Kate's happiness. As her husband, it's my utmost priority to keep her happy."

"Even if it comes at the cost of your happiness!" Daphne exclaimed, and Kate flinched when she heard so much pain in Daphne's voice. "Anthony, we all want Kate happiness, but you deserve happiness too, and you can never be happy if you let her go."

Kate flinched when she heard her husband's snapping voice. "It's decided, Daphne, and if you truly care about me, you will let this matter go."

Kate moved away when she heard approaching footsteps.

She barely managed to hide behind the nearest curtains as the study door opened, and Daphne walked away, clearly devastated by this argument.

It was not only her; Kate peered towards the now open door of study and saw her husband sitting on the desk. His face is hidden behind his hand, and Kate's heart breaks when she realises he is crying.

For the entire day, Kate was in a trance as she wondered whom they were talking about and what she had to do with this.

It was two days later that she found out. While walking towards her room to get ready for Edwina's Haldi ceremony, she came across her mother-in-law and Francesca, who were just returning from outside.

"Kate, dear, what are you still doing here? I thought you must have left for Danbury House for the ceremony."

"I was just heading to get dressed now."

Violet smiled as she held her hand. "Then give me time to change my gown so we can all leave together."

Kate nods her head as Violet leaves to get dressed. Once she was gone, Kate turned to stare at Francesca. "Where are you both coming from?"

Francesca seems to hesitate at first, but then she tells her. "We went to visit Fortuna House; my mother wants to meet Lady Isabella before she departs for Spain."

Kate's eyes widen in surprise. "Lady Isabella is leaving? When?"

"In a few days time."

Kate excused herself after that, her mind spinning as she finally realised whose departure was hurting her husband so much.

For the entire night, Kate tried to smile for everyone's sake.

As they performed Edwina's Haldi ceremony, Kate laughed and enjoyed herself for the sake of others, but slowly she was breaking inside, and once again, no one noticed her inner turmoil.

It was only when she went to clean Haldi paste from her face that her mother found her. "Beti, please tell me what is the matter? I can feel something is disturbing you."

She does not know why, but the moment her mother asks this, she breaks down in tears. "He does not love me! I fear we are only together because he is honourably bound in this relationship."

"Oh beti!" Mary pulls her into her embrace as she tries to comfort her daughter. "Kate, I know you do not want to listen to me, but I think you should consider returning home; nothing will come of this relationship if it is only giving you pain."

Kate tearfully nodded her head as she told her mother. "I will think about it."

Edwina Sharma and Matthew Bagwell's wedding will be remembered for ages.

Queen herself threw a grand celebration befitting her Diamond, who chose to follow her heart, something that Queen favours above anything else.

But it was not just the bride and groom who stole attention from the guests, because no matter how much one tries, they cannot ignore how intensely Viscount and Viscountess gaze at each other throughout the ceremony.

"I wish someday to find a husband like your brother; I never thought Lord Bridgerton could be this besotted to his wife." Penelope sighed as they watched Anthony's eyes fixate on his wife.

Eloise smiled at her friend as she stared at her brother and, for the first time, understood him completely. "I never thought I would admit this, but lately, after watching my brother, I realised that maybe not all men are unworthy of marriage. I believe if you find the right man, marriage can be a beautiful thing for a woman."

Penelope gasped in shock, but her reaction soon drowned out as the bride and groom said I do.

The celebration was held in Palace Garden, and Queen's Diamond today was shining like a star.

Edwina beamed as people congratulated her on her wedding, but still, among all this joy, she was able to see sadness in her Didi's eyes.

It was not just Edwina who noticed something was wrong. Simon found his oldest friend standing in the corner, staring at his wife, who was now joined by her sister.

"For someone who is claiming to set her free, it seems like she has caged you instead."

Anthony's eyes left his wife to stare at his friend. "She is leaving Simon, so let me capture these last precious moments in my mind so I can remember them when I am unable to see her any more."

Simon sighed, feeling completely lost, and tried to help his friend out of his misery. His best friend, who forced his hand to marry Daphne who is the love of his life, and deep down, Simon will always be grateful to him for that push he never would have made on his own.

Anthony watched like last time Simon's face was lit again. "No, no, I am not listening to you."

"Then at least make your wife listen! Go to her and confess your feelings to her."

Anthony watched him as if he had lost his mind. "Are you out of your mind? What good will come of confessing my love now that she is this close to achieving her freedom? I cannot; I will not tell her how I feel about her."

"And why is that? If you are right and Kate is set to return to India, then what more is there for you to lose? At least she will know you love her; it's her right, and I think this will give you closure too because you have confessed your love, and even if you stay apart, she will be aware of your feelings."

Anthony seemed to be in deep thought as he watched Kate leave her sister's side.

Simon patted his friend as he told him. "Think about it, mate. Do you really want her to leave without knowing how much you love her?"

In reply, Anthony left as Simon watched him run after his wife.

"Where is he going?"

Simon embraces his wife as he answers her. "He is going to take a chance on the biggest gamble of his life, so pray for your brother's victory."

( Flashback few moments ago)

"Be brave, Didi, the same Didi who used to climb high on coconut trees, the one who was funny and smart. I am sorry that life has been unkind to you. That mama and I are too late to realise your struggle, but Didi, you need to believe that you deserve happiness. No one is more worthy than you, and if Jeju is your true love, then go and tell him how you feel. Trust yourself, Didi, because I can see what you cannot see, and that is how immensely your husband loves you."

Kate shakes her head as she tries to make her sister understand. "He does not love me; you have no idea, but Anthony's heart yearns for another. He is just honoured bound to stay with me."

Edwina sighed as she embraced her sister. "I do not say anything about his feelings, but Kate, you need to confess your feelings. Love is a leap of faith, and if you do not take that leap, then you will always be stuck in this unknown limbo."

Kate stared at her husband, who was in conversation with Simon.

Her sister must have seen longing in her eyes as she squeezed her hand. "Be brave, Didi; I have faith that you will find your happiness just like I have found mine."

( End of Flashback)

Kate was standing alone in this deserted garden while everyone enjoyed her sister's wedding celebrations.

She ponders over her sister's advice to be brave and confess her love when she is certain it will be rejected. Suddenly, instead of feeling courageous, she feels like a fool.

"Kate? Why did you come here?"

Kate turned and saw her husband walking towards her through bushes of roses.

He looked so handsome today, and with ache, it reminds Kate of her wedding day.

To her, it seems like Anthony is struggling to say something but is unable to find the courage to do so.

Taking a deep breath, she tried to muster up her courage for the inevitable heartbreak.

"I overheard yours and Daphne's conversation that day in your study."

Whatever he was going to say must be related to this, as his eyes widened in shock. "Kate, I am so sorry, but you must believe I have no intention of..."

Kate shook her head and held her hand to silence him. "I wanted to inform you that nothing has changed as far as our relationship concerns, so if you are holding yourself back, then do not do it on my account."

In that moment, she noticed her husband's face crumble in pain. "It was never my intention to hurt you, and yet I admit my mistakes that caused you pain, but I never thought you would be cruel enough to discard my feelings like this."

Kate stared at him, mouth agape, as she heard this outrageous accusation. "Discard your feelings! My Lord, are you blind? All I ever did was make you happy, but I was never enough for you! Am I?!"

She watched as his eyes widened in horror as he stepped closer to her. "Kate, I am sorry; you have no idea how much I regret everything you forced yourself to change to make me happy."

Kate's eyes filled with tears as he gently placed his hand on her cheek. "But believe me, all I ever wanted was for you to be yourself, and now your happiness is my greatest wish."

Kate moved away because she could not let him make this sacrifice. "My happiness is not your concern."

"Kate." He tried to say something, but she could not be the reason for his pain, so she decided to give him away.

"I am leaving for India; I will live the rest of my life with my family, and you can do whatever you want."

There was silence for a while, and then he spoke again. His voice cracked.

"You really want that?"

She wanted to nod her head, but Kate is tired of enduring this pain. "I think this is what is best for both of us; I will be surrounded by people who love me."

She looked up and saw tears in Anthony's eyes as she gave him a way out of this burdensome bond. "And once you find a way to annul this marriage, you will be free to pursue your one true love."

With that, Kate was ready to head back home, but once again, her husband blocked her path. His sad face now turned into confusion as he asked. "My one true love? Kate, what are you talking about?"

And he dared to call her cruel. Kate pushed him away, as she reminded her husband. "The one you were so distressed about because she was leaving you and you could do nothing because you wanted my happiness! Well, Lord Bridgerton, you are free to go after Lady Isabella! I wish you both all the happiness in the world, and do not concern yourself with my happiness because I will find it when I return home."

She was done with this farce! She was done with this country, and she was so done with love.

Kate was once again ready to leave, ignoring her husband's shocked face. She wondered when that shock wears off and he will be delighted to be with Isabella, although it broke her heart because she knew what that woman was interested in.

"Goodbye, my Lord. I wish you and Lady Isabella a happy life."

As she turned to leave, a hand reached out, and before Kate realised it, she was pinned into her husband's arms, who, for some reason, was glaring at her. "Anthony."

"You insufferable woman! Can you once in your life stop jumping to nonsense theories and just hear me out?"

"I beg your pardon?!" Now it was her turn to glare at him as she tried to push him off her, but apparently her husband was holding her like a vice.

"What nonsense assumption are you talking about? Were you not going to confess your past feelings that resurfaced when you saw Lady Isabella again at that ball?"

"To hell with Isabella! I never had any feelings for her, not in the past and definitely not in the present, because I am madly in love with someone whose name is definitely not Isabella.

She could not bear another woman's name on her husband's lips as she burst into tears. "Please let me go! I do not care who you love! But please let me go!"

She struggled hard, but her husband was not letting her go, and he cried too. "I can never let you go. I thought I was strong enough, but now I cannot be apart from you."

"Why?" She asked brokenly.

"Because I love you?"

Kate felt herself freeze at these words. Her body went in shock; even tears stopped spilling as she stared at her husband in disbelief.

"What did you just say?"

At that, he released her from the cage of his arms but instead held her hand as he put it on his chest.

"It is you. It was always you. I love you, I love you from the first moment we raced each other in that park. I loved you when we were together, and I loved you when we were apart."

She still could not believe her ears, but how could she not? when Anthony decided to pour his heart out.

"I love you in each dance, in each walk. I love you most for how much you loved your family and then mine, but mostly I love that fiery, strong, outspoken Kate who never hesitated to put me in my place."

In that moment, her heart was mended piece by piece until it was beating wildly, filled with immense love and joy.

"I know, after what I did to you, all the pain I caused you. I am undeserving of your love, but Kate, you must know that it is only you in my heart, even if you never accept my love."

She shakes her head as she tries to make him understand. "Anthony."

"Not that I am forcing you. I swear, Kate, I will never force you to do anything again! I will die before being the reason for your pain again."

"Anthony, please listen." She cried when he mentioned dying.

"No, Kate, stop sacrificing yourself for my or anyone else's happiness. That's why I stopped Daphne that day, because I do not want you to change your decision for my sake. I don't know why I listen to Hastings idiotic advice again. Please forget all about my confession and just choose your happiness once.

"Will you please be quiet?!"She all but screamed in frustration.

This time it was Kate who pulled him into her arms as she put her palm on this insufferable man's mouth.

"Now! I will talk, and you will listen to me. Do not dare disturb me."

She slowly moved her palms away but still held him in her arms so he could not escape.

"I can never forget your love confession, and I hope you never forget the confession I am going to make."

She could see fear in Anthony's eyes, so she smiled and gently held his face as she confessed.

"I love you too."