Brooke woke up from a very restful night. It had indeed been a long time since she had slept so well. She searched for the reason, and as the memories of that night's nightmares returned to her, a much more pleasant thought came to her. Azure blue eyes, a warmth she had never experienced before... Lucas Scott had spent the night with her. It was shamefully scandalous, and Brooke felt her cheeks flush just thinking about it. She now distinctly remembered what had happened, yet last night, she hadn't been conscious enough of what she was saying. This was the second time she had found herself in a compromising situation with the young man. Only, even if embarrassment lodged somewhere in her mind, a gentler warmth also filled her heart. He had stayed with her when she needed him.
Maybe he could do it? On a daily basis? The thought was so pleasant that Brooke lost herself in it for a moment. A quiet life, a family with Lucas Scott. But then reality hit her again. No. His plans were much more important and secure for him. She shook her head to clear the thoughts that would always remain only dreams and got up. So she quickly got ready and left to join the guests for breakfast. She could have stayed in her room to avoid another catastrophe with Lucas, but she had never spent a birthday alone, and she didn't want to start today.
She met up with Peyton and Anna, with whom she spent a very pleasant day. The two girls kept her company very pleasant and had made it their mission to make her laugh as much as possible to celebrate. And finally, as they were about to leave to get ready for the evening ball, Peyton handed her a pretty package containing a book she particularly liked. Brooke was very touched and hugged her to thank her.
She leafed through the novel as her maid prepared her for the Ball of Flowers and Love. Brooke had chosen a magnificent lilac dress embroidered with blue and pink flowers. For the first time, she pulled her hair up into a tight bun topped with a pearl tiara. She put on gloves and her jewelry and was finally ready. So she followed the music through the corridors and stopped at the meeting point Peyton and Anna had arranged to enter the ballroom together. Once inside, Brooke could only be amazed. Everything was magnificent. The bouquets were the most opulent she had ever seen, the candles shone brightly in every corner of the room. She looked around with wide eyes, thinking that she should enjoy the moment like she never had before.
Debie : You look like a child in awe, my dear...
Brooke : Oh, good evening, Auntie... Is that a problem?
Debie : No, it's simply adorable... And I think I'm not the only one who thinks so...
She nodded to a corner of the room. Brooke turned and saw Lord Morello staring at her with a smile, which she returned. He then approached her, and they bowed respectfully.
Owen : Miss Davis, may I ask you to dance?
Brooke : My pleasure, Lord Morello...
She grabbed his hand and went to waltz.
Lucas hadn't missed a beat of the scene. He'd arrived among the first so as not to miss Brooke's entrance. So, ready to see her arrive, he hadn't expected to be surprised. Yet, as soon as she stepped through the door, he'd been breathless. She was more beautiful every day. Her dress showed her off perfectly, her hair up gave her a very elegant, sophisticated look, and her childlike gaze, combined with the room's decor, made her irresistible. Lucas felt his heart pound, just looking at her. He made a gesture in her direction, but Lady Lee beat him to it. They were chatting, and suddenly, Brooke turned around, and Lord Morello walked toward her. A rumble rumbled from his chest when he saw her give him a flirtatious smile even though he was still far away. He held out his hand to invite her to dance, she placed hers in it, and he walked with her onto the dance floor. Lucas blushed as he watched them twirl. She laughed with him, he placed his hands on hers, and it was way too much for him. He tightened his jacket, trying to hide his anger, but he couldn't.
Anna : Miss Davis is a charming young woman.
He turned and saw Anna looking at him, smiling.
Lucas : Indeed...
Anna : But jealousy doesn't suit you, Lucas.
He didn't say anything else to that because he knew she was right. And it was Anna, they were close enough friends not to deny the obvious in front of her.
Lucas : I can't help it.
Anna : I see it. And I understand it. Did you feel that way when you saw Lindsay dancing with others last year?
Lucas thought for only a second before answering because it didn't take him any longer to confess the honest truth. With Anna, it seemed much easier than with his family.
Lucas : No. Everything's different with Brooke.
Anna : How is it different?
Lucas : I love her.
The words came out naturally. He was surprised himself. But verbalizing it to someone was surprisingly pleasant. He smiled with satisfaction.
Anna : I thought you loved Lindsay?
Lucas : I thought so too. But I was wrong.
Anna : Maybe you're also wrong with Miss Davis?
Lucas watched her blush, and it struck him. She was in love with him. Now there was no longer any doubt about it. He had never noticed it before, perhaps because he didn't pay her enough attention. Yet, now that he knew those loving looks, those hopeful words, that unbridled tension, he saw them in Anna. And it broke his heart to have to break his own. Because he wasn't the one who would fulfill her. She deserved reciprocal love. In reality, he had never considered anything with Miss Tagaro. Not because she didn't have a special place in the world or because she only wore clothes that didn't flatter her. But because he had only ever seen in her a wonderful friend, a sister, but without the mockery. Would she ever be able to see him that way? When she realized he could never give her what she desired?
Lucas : I know you don't, Anna. When you feel what I feel, there's no doubt about it. I know you understand me. Love can't be controlled. And there's nothing crueler than experiencing it alone. Hope warms the heart and causes terribly painful pain at the same time. And when the person who makes our heart beat doesn't share our feelings, the world seems to collapse. Yet, nothing disappears. Only dashed hope and time will do the trick.
Lucas saw Anna freeze as she looked at him. She knew he understood, it was obvious, and she was petrified.
Anna : Lucas...
Lucas : Anna, you are a remarkable woman. You are intelligent, far more so than almost all the women on earth; you are funny, kind, and delightful. I know that the world, and I too, sometimes don't see it enough. But I can promise you that one day, the world will wake up and open its eyes to what a wonderful young woman you are. And I will be the first to rejoice. One day, a gentleman will see this and be brave enough to have a woman like you on his arm.
Anna : Brave?
Lucas : To dare to admit to the world that he has the most brilliant woman for a wife...
She relaxed a little and smiled shyly at him.
Lucas : Anna, you are my friend. And I hope that when a man makes your heart beat faster and enters your life, we can always remain so. Because I believe you are too important a part of my existence for me to lose you. But you must embark on this adventure. I've danced with you enough to know that you belong at the center of this dance floor. You must discover yourself, launch yourself! All that's left is to spread your wings. The world must see what a beautiful flower you are, then open your corollas. No gentleman can deny reality. It is rarely the first flowers to bloom that are the most beautiful. So when that happens, a man will open his eyes and won't be able to stop himself from coming to you. And he will be as good as you. I will see to that.
Anna : Lucas, I...
She paused for a moment. Normally, she always knew what to say in his presence, but for the first time, the words wouldn't come out. Her eyes were moist, so she looked at her feet and whispered a tender thank you.
Lucas : Would you dance with me?
Anna : With pleasure...
And for the first time, Lucas danced with his friend and enjoyed the moment with her like never before. When the last notes ended, they curtsied slightly. She fixed her gaze on his, and he saw warmth and unwavering determination. She smiled at him and quietly left the dance floor.
Lucas went to the bar to get a glass of champagne, blowing out a sigh of relief. He had lost sight of Brooke. He was frantically searching for her when a pain shot through his ribs.
Lucas : Ouch!
It was Lady Lee who had landed a powerful blow in his sides.
Debie : She's on the terrace...
Lucas : Hello, Lady Lee...
Debie : You're stupid enough to let her dance with someone else.
Lucas : She's not my property.
Debie : Good heavens, no! I just notice someone else is gaining ground. Did you see each other the other morning?
Lucas : Yes...
He thought back to their pastry moment, which had turned more heated afterward.
Debie : And...
Lucas : We haven't had the chance to discuss her life.
Debie : Well, it would be interesting to do so.
He nodded to her and headed out onto the terrace.
