Their conversation drifted to lighter topics as they finished their breakfast, the tension from before slowly dissipating into an air of cautious camaraderie. Penelope was relieved that Raven was kind enough to make their first day as husband and wife as smooth as possible, grateful for his efforts to ease the awkwardness between them. She couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope that their marriage might not be as strained as she had feared.
"I know this is all new to you. You were thrown into a situation for which you weren't prepared, but I'm glad it was you whom I married, Penelope. I heard your sister, Melody, is dating Oscar Milliani. I would hate to be the bad person who tore the couple apart." Raven said with an amused smile, while Penelope could only release a dejected sigh.
Her thoughts drifted to her sister, Melody, and the news of her dating Oscar Milliani. Penelope couldn't help but feel a pang of worry for her sister's well-being.
"I hope Melody knows what she's getting herself into with Oscar," she murmured, her brow furrowing slightly. "He has a reputation for breaking hearts."
"Your sisters aren't that young anymore, Penelope, and although I understand your concern for them, you can't expect your sisters to always listen to you. Melody has made the choice, and whatever happens between her and Oscar, she will have to face the consequences of her actions." Raven reminded Penelope.
As much as Penelope tried to heed Raven's advice about letting her sisters make their own decisions, she couldn't shake off the feeling of protectiveness that enveloped her. Melody had always been impulsive, easily swept away by the thrill of something new, and Oscar Milliani's charms were known far and wide.
Penelope knew her husband was right. Everyone had to make their own decisions and face the outcomes, no matter how difficult they may be. She found herself appreciating Raven's understanding of nature more with each passing moment, grateful for his wisdom and perspective in their circumstances.
In the end, Penelope nodded pensively, realizing the truth in Raven's words. She knew she couldn't shield her sisters from every mistake or heartbreak, as much as she wanted to protect them. Despite their differences, Penelope cared deeply for Melody and wanted nothing but happiness for her sister.
"I know this marriage was not what either of us expected," Raven began, his voice gentle. "But I hope we can find a way to make it work together. I never wanted you to feel trapped or burdened by our arrangement."
Penelope's hold on her silverware tightened as she glanced at her husband.
"You… you aren't going to divorce me?" she asked cautiously, making Raven raise a slender brow at her.
"Do you want to divorce?" He asked in return. "Is there a reason why you want to divorce me?"
Penelope bit her lip, uncertain how to respond. Despite her initial reservations about the arranged marriage, a part of her was beginning to see beyond the circumstances that had brought them together.
Penelope hesitated, her gaze meeting Raven's inquisitive eyes. She knew she had to be honest, no matter how difficult it was. Taking a deep breath, she finally met his gaze squarely. She would be lying if she said she wasn't attracted to the man before her.
"No, I don't want a divorce," she finally confessed, meeting his gaze with newfound resolve. "I believe we can find a way to make this marriage meaningful, despite how it began."
A flicker of surprise crossed Raven's features before a soft smile curled his lips.
"I'm glad to hear that, Penelope," he replied, his eyes holding a warmth she hadn't seen before. "Let's take this one day at a time and see where this leads us."
As they sat there, bathed in the morning light filtering through the windows, Penelope felt a glimmer of hope blossoming within her chest. Perhaps their marriage wasn't doomed from the start. She wanted to take this slow and knew her husband shared the same sentiment. It was a small seed of optimism, but it was enough to keep her going and give their relationship a chance to grow into something more than a contractual obligation.
Her impression of Raven gradually improved. Penelope thought that even if they were just married in papers, she would very much like to be his friend.
After breakfast, Raven excused himself to attend to some business matters, leaving Penelope with a wave of mixed emotions. Alone in the spacious yet unfamiliar manor, she wandered through the halls, her footsteps echoing softly against the polished floors. The morning light streamed through the grand windows, casting a warm glow over everything it touched.
When she saw the garden behind the manor, Penelope felt a tug of curiosity pulling her towards the vibrant blooms and lush greenery. Stepping outside, she was greeted by a symphony of colors and scents that transported her to a world far removed from the worries of her new life. As she strolled along the winding paths, she couldn't help but feel a sense of peace settling over her.
With her family's massive debt finally dealt with, Penelope felt a massive burden on her shoulders lifted. She allowed herself a moment to breathe and revel in the beauty of the garden surrounding her. The delicate petals of the flowers swayed in the gentle breeze, the leaves rustling softly as if whispering secrets only they knew. Penelope found herself drawn to a secluded corner of the garden, where a solitary bench sat beneath the shade of a blossoming cherry tree.
She settled onto the bench, closing her eyes and letting the tranquility of the garden wash over her. For the first time since her father's death, she felt a sense of peace settles deep within her soul. Her worries and doubts appeared to vanish in the dappled light and give way to a fresh sense of hope.