Chapter Text

Colin wasn’t sure what he was thinking.

After a ten-year career, one would think he had learnt to say no to Anthony. And yet.

And yet, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Or at least that’s what he told himself every time fear set in at the prospect of working with his brother.

“Okay, I’m gonna need you to read page 32 again,” the casting director ordered.

Taking a deep breath, Colin quickly scanned the pages until he located the correct one. It wasn’t as if it was going to work anyway. He then took a furtive look at Cressida Cowper before shifting his gaze back to the text before him, swiftly recognising the words from an old romantic comedy of the 90s. Their eyes met the casting director’s, who silently signalled them to carry on with a nod of his head.

“I fear not recovering if I was once again ... cast aside, as I would absolutely expect to be,” Colin said, staring intensely at Cressida, summoning all his acting skills. “There are too many pictures of you everywhere, too many films. You’d go, and I’d be... well, buggered, basically.”

Cressida surprisingly didn’t lift her chin or nose in her typical arrogant attitude. Instead, she tilted her head and looked at him with semi-helpless eyes. “That really is a real no, isn’t it?” She let out a forced laugh, as if her heart were breaking.

“I live in Notting Hill. You live in Beverly Hills. Everyone in the world knows who you are,” Colin explained, slightly embarrassed, as he placed his hand on his waist. “My mother has trouble remembering my name.”

Cressida’s eyes narrowed in their typical fashion, making Colin fight back a laugh and stay in character. The truth was, she had remarkable acting skills and excelled in almost any role, except for those that required her to be silly or vulnerable. And that was precisely why she struggled to land romantic parts.

“Fine. Fine. Good decision,” she responded firmly. “The fame thing isn’t really real, you know.” She placed her hands on her hips and lifted her nose in the air. “Do not forget—I'm also just a girl. Standing in front of a boy. Asking him to love her.”

“Okay, that’s enough,” the casting director declared, and Colin felt a wave of relief wash over him as his tense shoulders relaxed. If he hadn’t asked them to stop, he would have had to endure the burden of Cressida kissing his cheek, along with the eternal trauma it would bring.

Thrilled, Colin snapped his script closed, thinking that the chemistry test’s brevity meant he wouldn’t be chosen to play Cressida’s love interest in that production.

“Great work,” he muttered insincerely as he casually slung his bag over his shoulder without even glancing at her.

“Always,” she purred, her voice filled with condescension, and then she added, “You too,” while giving him a seductive once-over, as she always did.

Or at least, as she always did with any actor who could potentially improve her image. It had been quite a scene at the last BAFTAs when Armitage Cho had to quickly escape to avoid getting soaked by a glass of Veuve Clicquot after showing interest in the blonde.

“Right,” Colin said, for the lack of a better reply. With an awkward wave, he said his goodbyes, stating, “I’m going now,” before following the casting director and his assistants out of the room.

And had Cressida spooked him less, he would have opted for the second and more discreet exit, where he wouldn’t be greeted by rows and rows of aspiring actors and actresses, all of whom were now staring at him.

“We’re taking a twenty-minute break!” One assistant declared to them, eliciting a few groans of disapproval in response.

Temporarily disregarding the inquisitive glances, Colin fixed his gaze on the crowd and contemplated how he truly didn’t miss the times when he had to queue for just one opportunity to be selected. His professional success had grown so much in the last couple of years that he no longer had to put in any effort to land roles—casting directors would actively seek him out. Admittedly, his professional journey was still progressing, but judging by the multitude of eyes and whispers that followed him as he navigated the room, it was clear that he had transformed into more than just an average actor. He was now recognised as the Colin Bridgerton.

And the Colin Bridgerton was exhausted and desperately in need of rest.

“Colin!”

The sound of a sweet, high-pitched voice interrupted his thoughts. Abruptly, he turned at the familiar sound, recognising it instantly. And then he saw her—a little redhead standing out in the sea of ​​actresses.

“Pen?” he asked, a smile involuntarily forming on his face.

Ignoring the curious onlookers, he walked towards her, and she responded with a similar grin.

“What are you doing here?” She asked.

“Chemistry test,” he said, gesturing toward the room he had just left.

“Really?” she asked. “Who are you playing?”

When he looked at her, he hesitated momentarily, as if suddenly remembering the confidential nature of his involvement in the project.

“Never…nevermind,” Penelope stuttered. “You don’t have to tell me yet.”

Shaking his head, Colin chuckled, allowing another smile to grace his lips. “It’s alright, Pen. I know you wouldn’t say anything. Besides...” He straightened his back and surveyed the people surrounding them. “I’m sure word will get out soon.”

She nodded, and he glanced at her once more. “I’m going to be Leonidas,” he revealed.

“Are you serious?” Penelope asked, her voice betraying her interest in her friend’s response. That was a funny twist.

“Why? Who are you auditioning for?” He asked, noticing her intrigued expression.

 “Um, I’m...” she anxiously gestured towards the actresses standing beside her and then nervously clasped her hands together. “I’m auditioning for the role of Nora.”

His eyebrows raised. “Really? Friends both on and off screen, then?”

A nervous laugh escaped her lips as she replied, “Maybe.” Her hand instinctively reached up to scratch the back of her head. “If I get the part,” she added.

After facing countless rejections from auditions, Penelope had developed a realistic understanding of the process. She knew there were numerous young, attractive, and probably more talented actresses vying for this role, and any of them could easily be Nora.

But though Penelope was old enough to know better, the persistent, foolish dream still held a powerful grip on her heart. However, with each closed door and passing year, she slowly realised the mistake she had made in choosing her desired career instead of the safer one. The upcoming audition was her way of fulfilling a promise she had made to herself - to try one more time before being rational and returning to her previous profession.

“You will,” Colin said, ever the optimist, or forever oblivious to Penelope’s struggles. She wasn’t sure which. “I am sure. If I wasn’t, I would bribe my bro—” he quickly caught himself, wincing at his slip-up.

“Your brother?” Penelope interrupted, moving closer to the man who was still recoiling, and whispered, “Colin, is this an Anthony movie?”

Anthony Bridgerton was known for many things—his quick temper, dominating personality, micromanagement skills, and devotion to his family. Interestingly, these very traits proved to be incredibly advantageous in his unexpected career as a director, despite his initial reluctance. Truthfully, Anthony had intended to run the family entertainment business solely from a bureaucratic standpoint. However, after his father’s passing, Anthony discovered a new side of himself as he carried on Edmund Bridgerton’s legacy in the field of film directing.

Surprisingly, this became the aspect for which the eldest Bridgerton sibling became renowned. His films were not only loved but eagerly anticipated. It was common knowledge that regardless of the plot, any movie directed by Anthony was bound to be a masterpiece. He was hailed as the next Scorsese, and perhaps even the next Spielberg.

And he despised every bit of it. All Anthony wanted was to create his films in peace, while desperately trying to maintain his sanity and assist his mother in running Bridgerton Industries. That was why, every time he embarked on a new project, he did so with the utmost secrecy, simply to delay everyone’s pestering for as long as possible.

“Don’t tell anyone,” Colin begged. “Unless you want me to get kicked out from home.”

Even though she was surprised, she couldn’t help but laugh at his theatrics. “You don’t even live with them anymore.”

“Yes, but would you want to be banned from the Bridgerton holidays?” he cried, his eyes wide with horror. “What if I never get to taste Mum’s cookies again?”

Typically, seeing the old and silly version of Colin would make her burst into laughter. However, it was not a typical day, and it hadn’t been in a long time.

Colin noticed the deterioration in Penelope’s mood and immediately understood the reason behind it.

“How are things between you and Eloise?” he asked.

Penelope pursed her lips and shrugged weakly, her voice barely above a whisper as she replied, “Pretty much the same.”

The truth was, she had firsthand experience of being excluded from the Bridgerton’s holiday celebrations, as Eloise had made sure of that.

“I’m sure she will come around,” Colin said, his optimism shining through his words once again.

But the redhead only shook her head. “I’m not as certain.”

“Pen,” he said, his voice gentle as he clasped her hand, trying to capture her attention, “The friendship between the two of you has remained steadfast throughout the years. I know my sister. And if she knows you as well as I do, she will eventually come around, I know it.”

His unwavering gaze, with deep, dark blue eyes, bore into her as he said all of those things. Unfortunately, it reminded her of all the reasons she had foolishly and misguidedly fallen for Colin Bridgerton.

Kind, understanding, appeasing. Colin was the kind of guy who noticed everyone and extended his warmth to even the most unworthy individuals. It was truly incredible how not even fame could change this aspect of his personality.

Of course, even she couldn’t ignore the impenetrable facade he’d built over the years, shielding himself from the world and projecting a confident, irresistible alpha male image that his fans craved. In the entertainment world, he was whatever he needed to be, but still, in moments like these, he was who she needed him to be. Himself.

And sometimes she wished that wasn’t the case. She wished he wasn’t the genuine, kind person he always was, or maybe that their paths hadn’t crossed before his rise to fame and all the masks that came along with it. Maybe then she would never have loved him. There wouldn’t be a single glimmer of hope in her heart to say that he noticed her—and that one day, perhaps, he might see her as more than a friend.

As if on cue, his phone started ringing. He quickly glanced at it, then promptly declined the call.

“I really need to go, Pen. Tracy’s waiting for me,” he said.

She forced a fake smile, her lips curving upward in a tense gesture, and nodded.

Of course. Tracy. The runway model of the month. Or, unfortunately, as it turned out, the year. Pen often deluded herself, believing that the girls Colin dated were blind to his true self and uninterested in the man beneath the celebrity facade. However, she couldn’t deny that these relationships always lasted, forcing her to admit that her jealousy and delusion occasionally crossed the line.

So she bid him goodbye with a wave and joined the back of the line, where she seemingly belonged. Waiting for one more opportunity to be noticed, to feel relevant, to be cast in an Anthony Bridgerton movie, which was quite laughable.

And if not laughable, problematic at the very least. Because Penelope was certain that if she worked on a project with both Anthony and Colin, Eloise would have solid evidence to support her suspicions that her former best friend had only befriended her with the secret and twisted intention of using her well-connected family to rise to fame.

But, oh well, Penelope reasoned to herself, she had nothing to worry about. It wasn’t like she had the slightest chance of being chosen anyway.

“Should we wait for Charlotte?”

“She’s currently at Paris Fashion Week and has explicitly stated that she wishes to be contacted only in case of utmost urgency,” Agatha explained, raising an eyebrow as if silently judging Charlotte’s priorities. “Besides, she assured me that she trusts my judgement, whatever it may be, so she shouldn’t dare to complain,” she added, pursing her lips as if anticipating Charlotte’s future objections.

Anthony nodded in agreement, though he found it difficult to believe that Charlotte had no input on the casting for her book adaptation. However, he wisely chose not to interfere in the complex dynamics of the friendship and power play between the two women.

“Alright, so tell me. What do you think?” Anthony asked.

Agatha glanced at the assortment of pictures spread across the table in front of them. “In my opinion, it would be best to consider a combination of fresh talent and familiar faces for the lead roles.” With a discerning gaze, she pointed to one of the photos and asked, “What about her?”

Anthony picked up the photo and studied the actress depicted in it. She was undeniably stunning—a quality that immediately caught his attention. However.

“Isn’t she too old?” He asked.

Agatha only raised her eyebrows at him. “And how old are you, may I ask?”

He glared at her and her antics. Having known him since he was a toddler, she was keenly aware that he was turning forty that year.

“I’m the director and not the main actress in an adventure romance movie, aren’t I?” he replied. Faced with Agatha’s fixed gaze and unwavering silence, he continued, "Aren't you a producer? Shouldn’t you be well informed about the audience profile?”

“Yes,” she replied sharply, snatching the photo from his hands. “I’m a producer. And that’s exactly why I’m letting you know she’s the right choice. She is new, has the perfect look, and is a splendid actress. Or do you happen to believe she is not sufficiently attractive for your film?”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Anthony snapped, his voice full of frustration. “I’m simply approaching it from an advertising perspective. You know that perfectly well.”

“Good,” she replied, placing the photo back on the table as she gave him a sidelong glance. “I’d hate to think that the boy I once saw in nappies now chooses his cast with the same criteria he applies to choosing his girlfriends. The younger the better?”

Anthony rolled his eyes, feeling a slight heat rise to his cheeks as she openly mentioned his nappies in front of the casting director and the other crew members present. Among all the women he had ever known, Agatha Danbury stood out as the most insufferable and overbearing.

Instead of adding fuel to her caustic remarks, he turned to one of his assistants and said, “Call Kate Sharma. Tell her to meet us in my office tomorrow at 9 a.m.”

Agatha smiled contentedly and said, “Now that we’ve taken care of that, who else is left to make a decision about?”

“I’m determined to have Thomas Dorset as the protagonist. We just need him and Kate to take a chemistry test,” he said, and Agatha nodded. “And as we’ve already discussed, Colin will be Leonidas.”

“Yes, I agree, it suits him,” she observed, her gaze fixed on the photographs on the table. “And Catherine?” She asked, as selecting Leonidas’ romantic interest was equally significant.

Anthony nodded, understanding her concerns. “Bert mentioned he had a good chemistry read with Cressida Cowper,” he commented, gesturing toward the casting director, who appeased Agatha’s inquisitive gaze with a nod.

“Cressida Cowper?” She looked back at Anthony. “In a romantic role? Are you sure?”

The director tilted his head. “It’s definitely innovative, but if Bert says it worked, I trust him.”

“Okay,” Agatha reluctantly admitted. In his experience, Bert Fife was clueless most of the time, but for some strange reason, Anthony seemed to trust him. And although she could help choose the cast, she was absent during the chemistry tests and could offer no better option than Cressida.

“Ah, I need your help with this,” Anthony said, sliding photos of a dozen actresses into the centre of the table. “Nora,” he explained, “I have to admit that when I read the book, the character didn’t catch my attention. But she must now, if we are to have a successful film. If we find the perfect person, it will make a world of difference for me. What do you think?”

Agatha’s eyes were fixed on the multitude of faces captured in the photos; her lower lip caught between her teeth in a contemplative manner. In that pile, she saw a broad mix of outstanding actresses, but Nora’s position required more than simply skill.

Of course, she was a secondary character at best. Initially naïve, consigned as Leonidas’ closest friend and sidekick, she would need to cultivate a domineering air over time. She was the kind of character that could make or break a film, as a story and its main characters are only as powerful as its supporting cast.

Then, Agatha’s gaze focused on someone in particular.

“Her,” she said, pointing to the photo.

Anthony directed his gaze to where her finger was pointing, raising an eyebrow. “Are you sure?”

With a satisfied smile, she confidently declared, “I am. She is absolutely perfect for the role and has a face that is not widely recognised because she is quite new to the industry, and we are well aware of her acting skills. Also, if my memory serves me right, she already knows your brother, doesn’t she?" She asked.

He had to admit she had a valid argument. To be honest, he didn’t have many objections at all. He had quite liked the idea from the start, but he simply didn’t want to show any favouritism, given her connection to his family. But if Agatha Danbury herself chose the girl, it was undoubtedly the correct course of action.

So, turning to the same assistant as before, he instructed, “Call Penelope Featherington. Inform her she has been chosen to play the role of Nora Cloke.”

Chapter Text

Penelope Featherington had always led a tranquil life.

Or maybe that was the description she preferred since dull, out of place, and invisible felt harsh.

Since she was young, she was taught that security was the utmost priority in her life. Being a mother of three, Portia Featherington always instilled in her children the belief that in their world, every Featherington woman had to rely on herself. So forget about relying on someone, or worse, harbouring a hopeless fantasy. Become a physician, lawyer, or engineer. Make money. Everything else would take care of itself.

And for an embarrassingly long time, Penelope held onto her belief. Even if begrudgingly.

That might be the reason why she and Eloise Bridgerton remained friends for such a long time. She appeared as imprisoned in her family’s expectations as Penelope was. Except, maybe Eloise agreed with Penelope’s mother, if only partially; she detested the Bridgertons’ power in the entrainment world, where, as Eloise would say, “Everything is fake and women are sold like cheap, dim-witted cattle to the highest bidder.”

But, from Penelope’s point of view, she had never seen it like that. She loved the make-believe. More than that, she cherished the concept of being able to be anybody she wanted, to express anything she needed, even if it was hidden behind a tale, a song, or a performance.

If she were honest, she loved it all. She had always loved the pretty dresses and ridiculous makeup, the dramatic scenes and memorable performances, and the Barbies who dressed fancy and shone brighter than the entire world.

(Barbies that her mother promptly confiscated, but details.)

As Penelope finally went to university, the weight of pretending became increasingly difficult to bear. Caught in an unending cycle of abhorrent textbooks and peers who looked down on her, she couldn’t help but reflect on why she had ever thought law school was a good decision. And then, when everything was threatening to suffocate her, she turned to the arts for comfort.

More specifically, the drama classes she attended as an exotic, non-serious, optional class.

Except it became serious.

And the problem was that she excelled at it. On stage, she was someone else. No longer the short, plain-looking child pushed about by her mother. No longer the twenty-something never kissed girl no one wanted. No longer the voiceless, tasteless, and irrelevant Penelope Featherington.

She was anyone she wanted to be, and, oh, she shone brightly. Brighter than the entire world.

Soon, she found herself attending auditions in the middle of the exam seasons. Waiting for the phone was more stressful than waiting for any of her grades. By the time she graduated from a prestigious university in a profession she despised, she had received her first casting call.

And that was when her life changed, both for the better and, unfortunately, for the worse. For the better since she learned, after hearing the opposite for almost her whole life, that sometimes her wishes did come true.

And for the worse, because she had nobody to tell. Let alone someone to seek advice from. Her mother would kill her, her sisters would mock her, and Eloise… Eloise would be furious.

Which left her with only one option.

“Pen?”

Her eyes scanned his messy hair, perplexed eyes, and the way his white t-shirt seemed to mold perfectly to his body. She honestly didn’t know what she was thinking. But her first table read was only in a few days, and the anxiety was slowly eating away at her mind.

“I didn’t know you were at the house,” Colin said, closing the door behind him and joining her on his porch.

Since his university days, Colin had been living in the house at the end of the street, close to the Bridgerton residence. He wasn’t always home, but it was summer, and Violet made her kids spend time together for a few days. Penelope knew that meant Colin was probably around.

“Um. Yeah, I’ve been here since graduation,” she said, fidgeting with her hands. “Eloise swears this is the last time we’ll spend so much time together. It’s as if we’re going to die instead of tackling the professional market.”

Colin laughed, which made her feel ridiculously pleased.

With a smile still playing on his lips, he absentmindedly scratched the back of his head, revealing his well-defined tricep. “Did you… did you need anything?” he asked.

Right. The reason she was there was to bother him in the first place.

As she glanced down at her feet, a frown appeared on her face. “I need advice,” she said.

“Advice?“ He asked, his forehead scrunching up in bewilderment. Colin Bridgerton was renowned for various attributes, but having the wisdom of the ages was certainly not one of them.

“Yes, I...” she cleared her throat, bracing herself for the mind-blowing information she was about to share with him. She glanced between him and his expensive rustic tiles, her eyes lingering on the intricate patterns, before saying, “I have landed a role in a short TV series and—”

“What?” he immediately interrupted her, his voice faltering as it rapidly escalated. His tone immediately grabbed her attention, and when she glanced at him, the unmistakable sparkle in his blue eyes was clear. There’s no doubt that he was completely shocked. But much to her relief, instead of anger, he seemed to be filled with delight.

“Yes,” she said, her throat tight. “I’ve been going to auditions and—”

“Pen, since when?” He interrupted her again, stepping closer until she had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze.

Fidgeting with her hands, she hesitated for a moment before finally admitting, “Sometime during university I...” Inhaling deeply, she made up her mind to tackle the situation with unwavering honesty. “I was unhappy with my major and I tried… I looked for something to make me feel better. So I tried many different things, including drama class, and I liked it. I really liked it.”

She paused, her eyes fixed on him, waiting for his reaction. All she received was a smile of pure amazement.

“Why have you never said anything?” he asked.

She shrugged. “I don’t know... I…” She felt as if her dreams were meaningless, foolish delusions that would never take her anywhere. Not to mention that she was not prepared for Eloise to find out. “I don’t know,” she repeated.

Despite not fully understanding, Colin nodded in agreement. He could sense from Pen’s expression that she was reluctant to delve into the topic.

“But what happens now? Is this something you want to pursue?” he asked, leaning on the pillar next to him and patiently awaiting her answer.

Her eyes shifted to her hands, fingers slightly trembling, before she gave a deliberate nod. “I think so.”

Even though she couldn’t see him, he raised his eyebrows in surprise. And as she lifted her head to meet his eyes once again, her response was delivered with a stronger sense of certainty.

“Yes,” she said.

“No more office hours? No more endless stacks of papers?” he asked.

She shook her head, as if to signify that her existence as a law student was over. Or of a lawyer. And it made his grin bigger and brighter than the sun.

“I don’t think I can continue,” she said. “Living life like that. It is as if I am not meant to. I tried, Colin, I really did, but I—”

“I know exactly what you mean,” he added. And when Penelope noticed his expression, all she saw was pure understanding.

Naturally, Colin would be the person who understands her better than anyone else in the world.

Scratching the back of his head, he then said, “I know it may seem like it was an easy choice for me, but I—”

“It doesn’t,” she said, shaking her head vigorously, as if trying to dismiss that idea. However, he raised his hand, as if to assure her that everything was alright.

“It’s okay, everyone assumes things because of my family, even my own family,” he remarked with a soft chuckle, perhaps thinking about Eloise in particular. “But I know how it feels; sometimes the stage seems like the only place in the world for us.”

That…that was exactly it. Penelope was positive that her recognition flashed through her face as she nodded, for he seemed to beam back at her.

“So...” she choked out, unable to meet his eyes as her face turned red. “That’s why I’m here—you’re the only one who can help me. I’ve never been cast in anything before, obviously.”

As his hand suddenly grasped hers, a tingling sensation ran up her arm, leaving her with goosebumps. She glanced up at him, only to find him on the verge of laughter, seemingly unaffected by their contact, as usual.

“Do not worry, Pen. I remember how it was at first,” he remarked, then took his hand away from hers, crossed his arms, and continued, “The first thing you have to realise is that it doesn’t matter if you are new to this; if you are in, you deserve to be there.”

She blinked. Penelope anticipated receiving practical advice on working on a set from him, but instead, he immediately touched upon one of her insecurities. It turned out that they weren’t as rare as she had thought.

“So don’t keep your head down and don’t allow anybody to tell you that you are less than you are. Do you hear me?” He inquired, lifting his eyebrows as if he meant it.

She could only nod, enthralled by him like the idiot she was.

“Second thing is don’t give any ledger for anyone to say you don’t deserve to be there, which may seem contradictory with what I just said but—” He adjusted his position on the pillar and gestured towards her, emphasising his point. “You're quite skilled at your work, so don't get cocky. Demonstrate your true abilities and make a lasting impression. I'm not suggesting that you should work yourself to exhaustion; rather, carry out your duties with efficiency and silence any envious comments from others.”

With a slight furrow in her eyebrows, she gave another nod. That part was more difficult. She couldn’t picture herself ever being able to silence someone, even if she really, really wanted to. Not to mention, she had no idea how he could be so certain of her abilities when she was not herself.

“How do you know if I’m good at what I do?” she questioned, raising an eyebrow. “You didn’t even know I was acting, Colin.”

His lips curled up into a small, mischievous smirk. “You’re Pen. How could you be bad at it? I have known you my entire life, and I have yet to find something you are bad at.”

At that, she scoffed. “Really? Not even my social skills? You had me, but now I completely mistrust your teachings.”

With narrowed eyes, he pointed accusingly at her. “Not even your social skills. I swear, you don’t give yourself nearly enough credit.”

Giving up on winning any sort of argument against Colin Bridgerton, she let out a loud huff and waved her hands around in defeat. “Fine, what else, my dear professor?”

He straightened his back again, crossed his arms for the umpteenth time, and brought his hand up to his mouth, deep in thought. “Alright, so since it’s a short TV series, the first time you’ll see most of the cast will be at the first table read, just like in any other show or movie.”

“Okay…” she answered, unsure of his intended meaning.

“Take advantage of it to discover who you’re working with, who’s friendly, who’s not, who you can rely on, and all that. Like I said earlier, don’t hide in your shell, hold your head up, say hi to everyone. Having a network is crucial in our line of work.”

Our line of work. In a strange way, it both scared and thrilled her at the same time. She wondered if anyone in her life would take her as seriously as Colin did right now, who so readily considered her one of his own. It wasn’t unexpected, given who Colin had always been. Generous, nonjudgmental, and kind.

“Alright,” she said, feeling her cheeks flush again. Then, as if to shift her focus away from her own emotions towards the men in front of her, she gestured towards him and remarked, “Do not think I didn’t notice you said I can’t be in my shell, so you do admit my social skills are lacking.”

Rolling his eyes affectionately, he leaned towards her and said, “I know you have excellent socials skills when you want to. Without a doubt, our first meeting was the most memorable one I’ve ever had.”

As her face warmed, she nearly squeaked, "We were children!"

“Exactly,” he grinned with an infuriating smile. “Just be as carefree as you were children, and everything will be fine.”

Not being able to hide her exasperation, she rolled her eyes at him, finding it hard to stay irritated when he kept complimenting her. Sometimes, Colin had that power over her, and it was incredibly inconvenient. The kind that made her believe in herself, or even more dangerously, made her think he saw her as someone other than the shy girl who befriended his sister.

“Okay?” he said, lifting his brow to ensure she would listen to him.

With a huff, she glanced at him shyly, her face flushing and her eyes sparkling, before uttering, “Fine.”

“Colin?”

Penelope closed her eyes, suppressing the urge to let out a deep sigh. Because, of course.

Colin shifted his attention to the girl next to the door, who was small and had brunette hair. She was wearing a familiar striped shirt that appeared oversized on her.

“What is going on?” she asked, squinting at the sunshine since Penelope had arrived at Colin’s door pretty early.

“I’m just helping a friend, Ash.” He said, “I’ll be back in a bit.”

As his girl nodded and retreated to the house, Colin turned back to Penelope. And in that moment, she felt an overwhelming urge to run and leave everything behind. She couldn’t fathom why she repeatedly deluded herself, without ever learning from her mistakes. In Colin’s eyes, she was forever confined to the role of the vulnerable, shy childhood friend.

“Don’t worry about it, Colin,” she said, waving her hand and forcing a smile. “You already gave me so much advice, I don’t even know what to do with it.”

“Are you sure?” He asked, skeptically raising an eyebrow to confirm.

Her nod was accompanied by a subtle, tense tightening of her lips. “Really. Thank you. For everything.”

Despite his lingering uncertainty, he nodded back in response. He then went back inside, and Penelope turned around and left without looking back.

And that would be it, if Penelope hadn’t run into Eloise as soon as she rounded the corner.

Resting against the small wall that divided Colin’s property from his neighbor’s, her friend appeared lost in thought, her gaze fixed downward, her forehead displaying a deep frown. In that fleeting moment, the redhead’s fears momentarily subsided, as she convinced herself that her friend’s presence was purely coincidental. However, as Eloise raised her head to meet Penelope’s gaze, her expression spoke volumes of betrayal, ultimately crushing any hope the aspiring actress had.

“Eloise, it’s not—“

“Oh, spare me, Penelope,” she interrupted, her eyes growing suspiciously moist. “Do you have any idea how many times I’ve seen this?”

As Penelope opened her mouth, preparing to defend herself, Eloise swiftly interrupted her by raising her hand.

“Oh wait, you do know because you’ve been my friend my whole life,” she exclaimed, her voice rising in anger as she closed the distance between them, her fists clenched. “You know how often this has happened, how many times I’ve come to you in tears because a friend was only using me to get close to my family.”

“This is not what this is. I swear, Eloise, this is not,” Penelope replied, her voice failing, heart pounding with stress.

“...and I foolishly believed it would be different this time. That things would be different with you,” Eloise kept accusing her, not paying any attention to what Penelope said.

“They are! I don’t know what you heard but—”

Eloise sneered as a tear ran down her face. “Oh! Are they? Haven’t you been lying to me for months, maybe years?”

The more Eloise refused to listen, the stronger Penelope’s frustration became, churning in her stomach. “I didn’t tell you exactly because I knew you would react like this.”

“Is this the justification for all of this lying, then? For sneaking off to secret auditions and then talking to Colin behind my back.”

As her hands balled into fists and tears formed, Penelope said, “I didn’t go to him behind your back. He’s my friend and I needed his advice.”

“It’s 7:00 AM, Penelope. Do you know how scared I was when I got up and went to your room and saw no one there? Then I looked for you, foolishly fearing something was wrong, but you were going to my brother behind my back to beg for a favour.”

At that moment, Penelope questioned if she should even continue defending herself. If her friend of many years could think so poorly of her in just a few minutes, how true was their friendship to begin with?

Worst of all, Colin was also a good friend of hers. While she wasn’t as intimate with him as Eloise, she had known him for just as long, if not slightly longer. However, the way Eloise stared at her and accused her somehow made all her memories seem disjointed. There was now a nagging suspicion that her friend’s trust was never as solid as it seemed. And it felt as though her friendship with Colin was never as significant as Penelope had imagined.

Penelope suddenly realised that she had no clue how much of their talk Eloise had heard, but she was beyond caring.

Keeping those thoughts in mind, she gently wiped her tears away with her thumbs, directed her gaze towards her former friend, and nodded. “Fine, Eloise. If that is how you want to be.”

And that day, when Penelope packed her belongings and left the Bridgerton estate, never to return, marked the end of the week that altered her life.

She just never thought that a week that would transform her life in the same way would arrive five years later.

"Lilo mentioned you turned down the Graham Norton Show. Again."

With a weary sigh, Colin reached for his Persol sunglasses before rushing to the car, eager to shield himself from the prying eyes of the paparazzi. He didn't look up as his manager climbed in, the vehicle dipping as his burly frame settled into the passenger seat.

“You know I hate talk shows,” the actor said, glancing out the window.

“You hate talk shows, magazine interviews, and podcasts. You also dislike photoshoots and detest journalists,” his manager snapped, turning around in his seat to give him a piercing glare. “The only thing you seem to enjoy is being a pain in my arse.”

Colin just scowled at him in response, which should have been ineffective given that he was wearing sunglasses, but his expressive eyebrows made it work.

“Wanna know the worst part?” Lowering his own sunglasses, the other man locked eyes with Colin, his voice filled with accusation, “When I met you, you sold me this idea of how it would all be so easy. You didn’t need to rely on your family influence or money. All you needed was to captivate the public with your charm. I wonder where that man is now.”

“When you met me, I was a clueless and naïve boy who knew nothing about the world, let alone the sneaky, lying snakes in the press,” he added, his voice sharp as a knife.

As the car rolled down the street, his manager turned around and gazed ahead, scanning the cityscape. Given his extensive knowledge of Colin’s complicated relationship with the media, he found it difficult to contradict him. Still, stubborn as ever, he let out a frustrated sigh and muttered, “If you were going to be like this, you shouldn’t have convinced me to leave the bar.”

As Colin stared at the back of his dramatic friend, he couldn’t help but mention, “Will, you’re making ten times more than you did at the bar.”

Will tilted his head slightly and remarked, “That is true, and ten times the stress too.” He glanced in the rearview mirror and saw Colin shaking his head in exasperation. “You will go to the Graham Norton Show.”

“Fine,” Colin replied, his breath escaping in a frustrated sigh as he glanced out the window once more.

“And where is the script for the table read today?” Will asked.

Colin jerked his head sharply, peering incredulously into the review mirror. “When did you turn into my mother?”

Will chuckled ironically and said, “If only I could have become such an incredible woman. Now, where is it?”

“Anthony has it!” He snapped back. “Don’t you know my brother at all?”

There was no chance on that earth Anthony would risk having a script of his movie leaked, not even by the hands of his own family.

As the car pulled into the parking garage, engulfing them in darkness, Will turned to him and said, “I only know the directors you’ve worked with in the past. That’s how dedicated I am to your ungrateful arse.”

Colin took off his sunglasses and gave him an eye roll, his hand instinctively reaching for the door handle as the car pulled over.

“We will be back by the end of the afternoon,” Will said sheepishly. “Sorry, I can't stick around. Alice will have my head if I don't help Nicky pick up his wedding tux.”

Even though they were always arguing, Colin grinned. “It’s all good. Say hi to them for me,” he said as he opened the door and stepped outside.

“Enjoy yourself!” Will shouted as his friend headed for the lift.

Without even glancing behind him, Colin raised his hand to show that he had heard him. As he walked towards the lift, he caught a glimpse of his assistant rushing to join him out of his peripheral vision.

“Morning,” Colin said, a small smirk playing at the corner of his mouth.

His assistant, still panting, struggled to juggle papers and folders in his arms. Despite his recent hiring, he had a chronic problem of being late. However, his intentions were noble, and he didn’t seem to have any ulterior motives or engage in gossip, which, according to Colin, set him apart from 90% of his colleagues.

Not that Colin would ease his current situation much. Having worked in the industry for years, he learned the importance of remaining vigilant and not being too trusting.

“I apologise, Mr Bridgerton,” he said between gasps for breath. “I’m still not used to the traffic in London.”

With a ding, the lift doors glided open, and John instinctively reached out to keep them from shutting on Colin, who was about to step inside.

“Just call me Colin, John,” he said, frustrated with his assistant’s constant formality despite having reminded him countless times. John, in turn, also hurriedly entered the lift, his hand darting to press the button for their floor, despite Colin being perfectly capable of doing it himself.

“Has Anthony sent you the script?” Colin asked just to be certain, since he was sure he already knew the answer.

Still completely oblivious to the ways of the Bridgertons, John whipped his head towards the man, his eyes widening. “No. Why? Was I supposed to collect it?”

The lift dinged again, signalling their arrival, and Colin merely peered at him from the corner of his eye. With a sigh, he replied with a confusing, “No.”

And then, with another deep breath, he walked down the hallway as he mentally braced himself for another first table read. If he were to be honest, Colin found joy in almost every step of the acting process, even the ones that frustrated him. Because they were all aspects of a process directly tied to his work, not incessant interviews focused on prying into his personal life and dismantling what little remained of it.

However, in recent times, the first table reads had become increasingly difficult to navigate. Having gained expertise in the field, he had a natural aptitude for seeing things right from the beginning. Such as poorly written scripts that had the potential to result in awful movies, or even worse, colleagues who had the potential to make his life unbearable.

He wasn’t always this sceptical. First reads used to fill him with a sense of joy and curiosity, much like everything else in his life. But life had a way of hardening people’s hearts. Especially after a few exposés, one or two backstabbings, and the like. But then he reminded himself that Anthony, at the very least, would never accept a lousy script. That at least gave him some comfort.

With that slightly more optimistic thought, he opened the door to the conference room. And as he walked in, the room fell silent, and all eyes turned to him, including some familiar faces in the crowd.

Thomas Dorset, with whom he had previously worked on a questionable sitcom, now appeared to have a career as secure as Colin's. Agatha Dunbury, the producer, one of his mother’s oldest friends and one of the most painfully sharp people he had ever met. Dolores Stowell, an up-and-coming actress, rose to prominence following her outstanding performance in a dark horse winner of the Cannes Golden Palm for Best Short Film.

And, well, Cressida Cowper.

The most annoying, conceited, self-serving, and untalented actress he had ever encountered. A woman with whom Colin was certain he would never be paired romantically in a million years since they could never have any chemistry. With that in mind, he looked around and noticed the last person he recognised in the crowd: his brother.

“Finally,” Anthony said, his eyes scanning Colin from head to toe as he smoothed out his own shirt. All the while ignoring Colin's frantic and inquisitive eyes, which had to know right away that Cressida was only there to play a minor role as a character whose death would occur within the first ten minutes of the film.

“Everyone.” Anthony turned around to address everyone sitting around the table, while Colin continued to glare at the side of his head. “I don’t suppose introductions are required, but this is Colin Bridgerton.” He gestured towards the man. “He’ll be taking on the role of Leonidas, as some of you may already be aware. He is also my brother, but don’t blame me for that,” he added, eliciting a few chuckles from the cast and crew. Then he turned to his sibling and suggested, “You should take a seat beside Cressida.”

“And why is that?” Colin snarled, almost murderously.

Anthony wrinkled his brow in confusion at his brother’s response. Then, without paying him any mind, he glanced past the man’s shoulders and at his assistant. “Ah, John! Perfect. I need to have a chat with you about script confidentiality,” he said as he walked towards him, leaving Colin to reluctantly make his way towards the vacant chair next to Cressida.

Thankfully, no one dared to strike up a conversation with him on his way, sensing his darkening mood and knowing his notorious temper. Which was ironic given his upbringing as the always eager to please Bridgerton's mama's boy.

“It seems we’ll be partners after all,” Cressida said.

Colin’s eyebrows twitched up ever so slightly as he pulled the chair, the metallic creaking filling the air with each movement.

“So it seems,” he replied curtly.

“I’ll be Catherine, by the way,” she said, leaning towards him despite the fact that he was looking at the other side of the room.

Colin almost let out a humourless chuckle, but then he remembered he needed to maintain his composure. He just wished Anthony would stop chattering with John, and Agatha would end her phone conversation, so they could finally dive into the scripts.

“I had a hunch,” he mumbled, still fixated on the wall instead of looking at her.

Thomas was sitting across from him at the table, near the wall Colin was focused on. Amused, he arched an eyebrow at the interaction unfolding before him. Although he wasn’t as acquainted with Colin as he was with Anthony, he, like the rest of the country and the industry, knew about the charming actor’s reputation for having a temper.

Many people reckoned this was because of his fame, which made sense, because when Thomas met him, he seemed like a friendly, though unassuming, bloke. Or maybe life had moulded him that way, just as it had done to everyone else. In any case, he couldn’t help but find it hilarious to watch Cressida Cowper’s struggle. The beautiful actress seemed to have the world at her fingertips, with lucrative advertising contracts, prominent roles in the latest blockbusters, and a dating life that made others envious. It was a shame that her personality made it impossible for anyone who actually knew her to root for her. So maybe being cast in a movie with Colin Bridgerton, of all people, was just what she deserved.

While contemplating those matters, he couldn’t ignore the fact that his colleagues were also watching the new member with great interest. And then, an unexpectedly bizarre event unfolded.

Colin Bridgerton smiled.

“Pen?" he said, rising up abruptly.

Confusion filled the air as everyone around the table exchanged perplexed glances, trying to make sense of the situation. Then they saw a short woman with red hair walk into the room and look around while her cheeks turned pink. Upon catching sight of him, her eyes widened slightly, and she greeted him with a small wave.

“Hi, Colin,” she said.

The actor in question then practically sprinted towards her, bearing an uncanny resemblance to the man Thomas had met years prior.

“What are you doing here?” he asked, his hands instinctively reaching out to grab both of hers, a smile slowly spreading across his face. Even though he asked her, he had a very good feeling about why she was at that table read.

Despite biting her lip, her eyes glowed with happiness. “I was cast as Nora?” she said, recoiling just a little as she anticipated what he would say next.

As if injected with a surge of joy, Colin’s eyes widened and his mouth fell open slightly, his face lighting up with delight. “And you didn’t tell me?” he asked.

“I know, I know,” she conceded, withdrawing her hands from his and briefly covering her eyes. “I was just so shocked,” she exclaimed, now gesturing enthusiastically with her hands. “It didn’t feel real until...” she hesitated and looked up at him. “Until I was right here, really.”

Colin, having been her friend for years, could easily spot the unmistakable glimmer of happiness in Penelope’s eyes. If this was an incredible opportunity for him, who was already an established actor, it held even greater significance for her.

“Pen,” he said, his voice full of pride and a huge grin on his face. She grinned back at him, as if she knew precisely what was on his mind without him having to say it.

As he pulled her into a tight hug, she felt her feet leave the floor, twirling through the air as her laughter filled the surroundings. And that wasn’t anything new, truly, as Colin had embraced her like that on several occasions throughout their friendship.

Except that virtually all the other individuals in the room were unaware of this information.

And if they were already perplexed earlier, now they were certainly gaping in at the duo. Cressida’s face was so distorted from astonishment and indignation that she would most likely need a few Botox injections to correct it. The younger members of the cast whispered among themselves, amazed to discover that Colin Bridgerton had a secret relationship. And Thomas raised his eyebrows skyward, contemplating the possibility of sharing Botox sessions with Cressida.

Meanwhile, as Colin gently placed Penelope back on the ground, Anthony bid his goodbyes to John and made his way over to the pair. Agatha stood nearby, her smile never wavering, seemingly unperturbed by the unfolding spectacle. The oldest Bridgerton brother was just about to crack a silly joke about not needing to introduce them, but his plans were quickly thwarted by the arrival of yet another newcomer.

“Who’s this?” Standing by the door, Charlotte Mecklenburg-Strelitz couldn’t help but cast a discerning gaze upon Penelope. Her eyes carefully assessed Penelope’s appearance, before shifting to Colin, whose arms were still wrapped around her.

“Um." Anthony coughed politely as Colin and Penelope distanced themselves from each other, "Penelope Featherington, Charlotte." He stood next to the actress and in front of the writer, seemingly shielding the former from the latter's well-known fiery nature, saying, "She's our Nora."

Charlotte gave him a puzzled look, then glanced at Penelope, Colin, and finally Cressida. Looking back at Penelope, she responded with a casual, "Oh. Good.” Her mood appeared to have brightened upon receiving the information, for some unknown reason. She then made her way over to sit next to Agatha and asked, “Have you already begun? Is everyone present?”

When Charlotte finally turned her attention elsewhere, Penelope and Colin exchanged silent wide looks, as if they were back in their teens, caught breaking his mother’s century-old jar while trying to steal Christmas cookies. Colin then moved quietly back to his seat, knowing Penelope would follow. As they walked, Penelope made a point to maintain eye contact with everyone she passed, greeting them with a friendly “Hi” and quietly introducing herself as Penelope Featherington, a habit she had formed years ago based on Colin’s advice.

Noticing her slow pace, Colin furrowed his eyebrows and reached for her hand again, whispering, “Come on, Pen,” as he pulled her towards the end of the table where his seat awaited.

And, unfortunately, Cressida Cowper’s.

Penelope halted in her tracks when she saw her, her heart racing with disbelief at the unexpected encounter. Despite her long-standing friendship with a well-known actor and her own acting career, she couldn’t help but feel a bit star-struck when meeting the most famous faces in real life.

“Hi,” Penelope said softly, her voice barely audible as she struggled to maintain eye contact. “I’m... Penelope Featherington.”

Cressida’s sharp blue eyes locked onto her, carefully assessing her appearance from head to toe, lingering momentarily on Colin’s hand intertwined with hers. With a sneer forming on her mouth, she sarcastically uttered, “Charmed.”

The red-head furrowed her brow, taken aback by the actress’ hostility. However, before she could respond, Colin shot Cressida a sharp look and promptly sat down, tugging Penelope’s hand as if silently urging her to join him in the vacant chair to his right.

Meanwhile, Anthony, still frozen in place, turned to Charlotte and said, “No... not yet. Seems like we’re still missing our main actress,” he grumbled, glancing at his watch with irritation

Pursing her lips and narrowing her gaze in contemplation, Charlotte asked, “What was her name again?”

Agatha saw how the cast looked at her nervously. So she turned to her friend, a wide smile stretching across her face as she tried her best to appear unaffected. “Kate Sharma.”

The name didn’t seem to ring any bells as Charlotte furrowed her brow in momentary confusion.

Anthony then strode confidently towards his chair, positioned at the head of the table and next to Charlotte. “Perhaps we should begin without her, as we wouldn’t want to keep everyone waiting,” he grumbled, frustrated by his main actress’ apparent indifference towards the project.

“Without the leading lady?” Agatha arched an eyebrow at him, expressing the thoughts that were on the minds of nearly everyone in the room.

“She is late, isn’t she?” While Charlotte spoke, her fingers rummaged through her purse, searching for her lipstick, as if her own lateness didn’t matter. As she finally found her favourite burgundy shade, she grabbed a small pocket mirror and nonchalantly applied it. “If we aren’t important to her, I don’t see why we shouldn’t return the favour.”

The room seemed to quieten at that, as it was Charlotte’s usual effect on people, even the most prepotent of them. It wasn’t just that she was a famous author, a business woman, owner of clothes and perfume brands, and every bit an A class celebrity — It was the fact she commanded any room she was in as easily as breathing.

And that would typically clash with Anthony’s assertive demeanour, but this time his annoyance outweighed his usual stubbornness. Penelope had the decency to send a message ahead of time explaining her traffic delay, but Kate remained completely silent, leaving everyone waiting.

"Alright, let us start on page five," he said casually, gesturing to the group seated across from him: Colin, Penelope, and Cressida. However, he seemed to have overlooked the fact that they hadn’t received the script beforehand, leaving them completely clueless about his reference.

Colin furrowed his eyebrows at his brother, then shifted his gaze to the thick stack of papers on the wooden table in front of him. The sound of pages fluttering on both sides reached his ears as Penelope and Cressida joined him in silently reading the script.

INT. CASTLE ON THE SOUTH/THRONE ROOM- NIGHT

LEONIDAS BLACKWELL (28)’s legs come into view, gradually fading as the camera pans upwards. Positioned with his back towards us, our only view is of him taking a sip from a cup made of gold, wearing a crown that is both golden and rusty, askew on his head.

And then, suddenly, the door swung open with a loud bang.

“Ah, Miss Sharma, glad you could join us,” Agatha said, her face lighting up with her usual appeasing smile.

Kate, on the other hand, appeared far from glad to be joining them. With her nose and chin raised up in the air, she simply answered with a nonchalant “I suppose,” before swiftly making her way towards the vacant seat next to Thomas.

The room fell into an eerie silence, broken only by the exchange of glances. Agatha’s concealed surprise and Anthony’s pure annoyance were palpable.

Penelope’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she glanced at Colin, silently asking him whether this was a regular situation or if her unfamiliarity with high-profile table reads was to blame. The man in question met her gaze, shaking his head and shrugging in confusion.

“I’m sorry for being late,” Kate stated to the room as she adjusted her chair. “You know us old-aged actresses. Sometimes we can get confused.”

And then the silence was broken by hushed whispers, as she managed to confuse everyone else instead. Except for Anthony, whose anger had mysteriously disappeared and was now replaced with a pale, expressionless face.

“But oh well,” Kate continued, hastily grabbing the script and noisily flipping through the pages. “I suppose us women do not need to be all that clever, as long as we keep on being attractive and pleasing to the eyes of the audience.” With pointedly raised eyebrows, she continued to stare at the screenplay, as if it had personally insulted her.

At this point, Agatha’s face contorted with confusion. “Wha—” she was about to ask Anthony until she looked at him and saw his expression. Having known the man for nearly four decades, she could easily recognise the familiar look of shame and guilt on his face. With a hiss, Agatha’s voice became low and menacing as she asked, “What have you done?”

From across the room, the other person who had known Anthony for decades could also easily discern his familiar expression. Colin, still confused but slightly less so, put his hand over his mouth and muffled a chuckle.

“What is happening?” Penelope whispered to him, her eyes darting between the amused man and the chaotic scene unfolding in front of them.

With a shake of his head and a slight smile on his lips, Colin couldn’t help but stifle a laugh as he said, “I don’t know.”

But when he laid eyes on Anthony, he concluded that whatever had happened, it was clearly Anthony’s fault.

“Did he used to date her or something like that?” she asked, her voice lowering even more.

As he watched his big shot of a brother shrink on his chair, he bit his top lip, his eyes shining with amusement as he glanced at Penelope. “I haven’t got a clue,” he said.

Penelope looked back at him, suppressing a laugh herself as the Bridgerton’s shenanigans continued to be as ridiculous as ever.

They didn’t even realise when Cressida caught onto their interaction, giving the friendly pair a suspicious look. Nor did they notice when Anthony redirected his focus towards them.

“Anyway, page five?” He asked, his voice suddenly becoming high-pitched and awkwardly adolescent. “Let’s continue and then we will go back.”

The unexpected attention startled Colin and Penelope, causing them to nearly lose their grip on the scripts. Shuffling in their chairs, they quickly regained their focus and returned their attention to the pages. Cressida continued to eye them with suspicion before turning her attention to her lines, while Thomas observed them all with amusement.

Anthony then turned to Agatha, his subtle nod indicating for her to begin reading the descriptions before they reached the actual lines. Understanding his intention to ease the tension in the room, she swiftly grabbed her script and raised her reading glasses to her eyes, ready to start reading.

“Leonidas Blackwell’s legs come into view, gradually fading as the camera pans upwards. Positioned with his back towards us, our only view is of him taking a sip from a cup made of gold, wearing a crown that is both golden and rusty, askew on his head.” She paused.

A brief silence filled the room, and Colin nudged Penelope, who appeared completely lost in her thoughts and oblivious to her cue.

She widened her eyes and shifted in her seat before blurting out, “Right,” then proceeding to read the words on the script. “Have you gone mad?” she asked, sounding quite robotic.

“And then Leonidas finally turns to us,” Agatha kept reading the description. “Young, roguish, and attractive, he’s the type of guy who would have every single heart in the kingdom at his disposal, if he so wished. His attention is drawn to the voice of his best friend, Nora Cloke, who is clad in frayed, male clothing, which looks quite intriguing on her small physique, resembling that of an adolescent boy.”

“Whatever do you mean?” Colin swiftly delivered his line, fully engaged and effortlessly adding a touch of sarcasm to it, even though he had never laid eyes on the script before.

“Please.” Penelope effortlessly mirrored Colin’s tone and replied, “When you said I could seek refuge in your palace, I didn’t expect it to result in me being executed alongside you.”

As commanded by the script, Colin let out a chuckle. “And I didn’t anticipate such a theatrical display from you. Did you happen to spend some time with our steward?”

When it came to rolling her eyes at that particular part, Penelope was supposed to do it, and she nearly found herself doing it instinctively, given how smoothly she could read her lines with the man by her side. “I loathe you. Have I mentioned that today?” she said.

“Removing his slightly tilted crown, Leonidas gingerly placed it on the weathered wooden table next to the throne, alongside his ornate golden cup. With a leisurely pace, he approached Nora, a mischievous grin adorning his face, while the girl maintained her usual air of exasperation," Agatha described.

“No, not today,” Colin spoke, his lips curled into a gentle smile. “But there’s still plenty of time.”

"Well, I'll take that into consideration," Penelope replied, her tone mocking. “Now, can we please leave your brother’s throne untouched until he arrives?”

“Nora, Nora,” Colin exclaimed, shaking his head with great theatricality, his arm itching to drape over Penelope’s shoulder, just as it was described in the pages. “I’ve mentioned numerous times that I would absolutely detest losing my closest companion to a bout of anxiety. You know what they say about women and their hysteria.”

“Disregard my previous statement,” Penelope said with a sharp tone. “I believe I shall take it upon myself to carry out your execution.”

With a grin playing on her lips as a few in the room chuckled, Agatha carried on, “The two friends keep on arguing as the camera subtly moved to the side. Out of nowhere, a stunningly attractive blonde woman enters the room. Leonidas and Nora look at her, both perplexed by the newcomer. Catherine Urbino is donning a pristine, otherworldly gown, appearing rather out of place in this dimly lit chamber. However, despite the peculiarity of this visitor, Leonidas is undeniably captivated by her upon their initial encounter.”

“Forgive me,” Cressida said her line, her voice sounding oddly innocent and doe-eyed, completely at odds with her aristocratic facade. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“You didn’t interrupt in the slightest,” Colin said, trying to replicate his familiar, silly, love-struck tone that Penelope recognised instantly.

“Who are you?” Penelope inquired with a sharp tone, possibly even more than what was required.

“Nora feels Leonidas’ gaze piercing through her, his sudden head movement indicating a familiar look that she could sense without locking eyes with him. 'Can you stop being so... well, you,' his eyes would say," The producer continued.

“No one of significance,” Cressida replied sharply, not even close to what the script required. “I seem to have taken a wrong turn and found myself a bit disoriented.”

“Right. So, you happened to stumble upon the throne room, did you?” Penelope inquired, with a perfectly dry and sardonic inflection.

“I am not sure what you are implying,” Cressida said, turning a few pages around the room as she ad-libbed.

Agatha looked at her and coughed lightly before saying, “Surprised by the stranger’s sudden hostility, Catherine could only blink at her. Just as the woman was about to leave the room, Leonidas burst into a fake laugh and grabbed Nora by the shoulders, as if silently signalling her to stop.”

“No need for concern regarding my friend; sh— he is excessively protective of the palace’s possessions.” Colin said, gracefully pretending to stutter as he traded the ‘she’ for the ‘he’ as Nora was in disguise, and her friendship with Leonidas was highly unconventional considering the book’s society and supposed time period.

“Oh. I see,” Cressida responded, more harshly than her role as a meek, terrified woman required. “He has a really high-pitched voice, doesn’t he? For a moment, I assumed it was an ugly girl dressed in servant’s clothing.”

Their confusion evident, Colin and Penelope exchanged puzzled glances when Cressida unexpectedly inserted a derogatory comment about Nora’s looks, a line that was not part of their planned dialogue. Neither was her condescending tone.

With a furrowed brow, the redhead returned her attention to the text, trying to convince herself that it was all in her head. However, Colin knew Cressida so well that he couldn’t dismiss it as a mere coincidence.

So, with a deep inhale, he firmly clutched the script, his unwavering concentration locked on the words he was reciting. “No, of course not,” he answered with a serious tone, despite the fact that the script said he was meant to be nervously chuckling and dismissing her concerns. “It must be the light; these candles are of poor quality. So are your eyes.”

More pages started turning, and the sound of rustling paper filling the room, as they failed to read Colin’s final phrase on their own script. Cressida received a satisfied smirk from him, while Penelope looked back and forth between them, her expression filled with confusion. With a fierce gaze, the blonde locked eyes with him, then adjusted her posture and lifted her papers higher.

“Naturally, that must be the explanation,” she said with an air of superiority, even when the paper instructed her to pretend not to know. “I must be completely daft to think that thing is a lady; please pardon my mistake.”

“What in the world is she reading?” Charlotte murmured to Agatha after re-reading the screenplay she had written and discovering, I must have misinterpreted it for a moment, please pardon my mistake, instead of whatever Cressida had just said.

The room buzzed with hushed conversations, but Colin remained unperturbed, resolute in his determination to press on, even if it meant traversing the ends of the earth.

“It is alright. Intellect is a precious gift that only a select few have. It can be quite distracting,” he commented, causing Penelope to give him a surprised look, aware that he should have followed up with It is alright. Seeing me is a precious gift that only a select few have. It can be quite distracting.

“Stop!” Anthony yelled, his face turning red as he buried it in his hands. “Just to clarify, this is a table read and not a session for improvisation, is that clear to everyone?”

He took his fingers away from his eyes and gave Colin a silent, knowing glare, fully aware that Colin had done it deliberately. His younger brother, however, only shrugged at him as if he didn’t have a care in the world. And that was an anticipated reaction; the worst part was Cressida Cowper staring back at him as if she were the director and he had wrecked her scene, rather than the other way around.

“Perhaps… we should go back to page one?” Agatha inquired nervously, once again attempting to defuse a metaphorical bomb.

“It’s not nearly far enough from page five,” he muttered to her, knowing they’d be back to whatever had just transpired in just four pages if they followed her plan. And, while reading the script in order is standard procedure for any table read, they were far from normal at the time.

Then he looked at Kate, her eyes darting away from everyone, her expression filled with anger and hostility. It was clear that page one was definitely not a good idea at the moment.

“Let’s just go to page twenty then,” he muttered, the most random number his fatigued brain could think of at the time.“What is on page twenty again?”

The producer furrowed her brow as she tried to recall, “The street fair?”

“Oh, splendid,” Anthony remarked. A scene that had absolutely nothing to do with Kate, or Cressida, or Colin, or Penelope. “Page twenty then,” he gestured towards Thomas and Dolores, who glanced at him with a hint of astonishment before swiftly flipping through the pages until they located the correct one.

And just as Agatha opened her lips to read the description again, Dolores lifted her index finger in the air.

The director and producer exchanged a puzzled glance before Anthony returned his focus to the woman.

“Yes?” he asked.

“Will this scene take place in a real street, adorned with an abundance of flowers?” she inquired, expressing her doubts about the description of the forthcoming scene. “Because I have an allergy to pollen.”

Agatha opened and closed her lips, wondering how to properly respond with what little patience she had left.

While Anthony could only keep from hitting his head on the table and wonder: if their first table read was this unbearable, how would the remainder of the production be?

Chapter Text

Anthony thought Starbucks was a safe space. It should be, shouldn’t it? It should be as safe and easy as grabbing coffee and chatting with a friend, without worrying about anyone eavesdropping.

“Bridgerton!”

Anthony turned swiftly, unconcerned about spilling his coffee since, unlike most of the heathens around him, he only drank espresso. Double.

“Fife!” he exclaimed, his face lighting up with a wide smile at the sight of his friend. “What brings you to this part of town?”

“Well, you know…” he trailed off, his voice barely audible over the sound of the coffee machine. “Fourth Wing movie auditions.”

“Oh,” Anthony said, frowning. “So they’re really going ahead with that adaptation, are they?”

“Seems like it,” Fife shrugged casually, his gaze fixed on the counter as he waited for his name to be called.

Nodding as he sipped his coffee, Anthony frowned, staring into his cup, lost in thought.

“But I’m sure it won’t be as good as yours, obviously,” Fife remarked, immediately picking up on Anthony’s quiet frustration. If both of these big book adaptations were to be released simultaneously, it could undoubtedly present a challenge down the line.

Anthony blinked, attempting to hide any trace of concern that might have slipped through. With a casual chuckle, he reassured, “That’s not something I’m concerned about.” He shook his head, the steam from his cup of coffee rising as he raised it to his lips for a casual sip. “I’m just worried about... marketing and advertising and whatnot. It’s already concerning as it is.”

With a quizzical look and an arched brow, Fife questioned, “Shouldn’t your highly paid marketing team be handling that for you?”

Coughing lightly, Anthony replied as he casually readjusted the strap of his leather bag on his shoulder, “Yes, but I don’t expect them to work miracles.”

The blond barista finally called Fife’s name, and as he raised his hand to pick up his Americano, he glanced at Anthony with a questioning look. “Why? Did something already happen? I thought production had just begun.” His hiring to assist with the casting calls had occurred not too long ago.

With his lips touching the rim of his cup, the director shook his head, silently conveying that nothing had taken place. But then, he tilted his head slightly, a look of contemplation crossing his face as he paused.

“Our main actress is too old,” he finally said.

Fife paused, his brow furrowing as he turned his attention to his steaming drink. He blew gently at the rising fumes before inquiring, “How old?”

“Thirty-seven,” he said, judging her age while casting a reproachful look at his friend’s drink, because Anthony Bridgerton was nothing if not a multitasker.

With a shrill scoff, the casting director took a sip of his Americano and nodded, “Yeah that’s old. But is she attractive enough?”

Again, Anthony paused mid sip, his head tilting in thought, before finally giving a nod. “Yes,” he cleared his throat, his voice slightly husky as he lowered his cup, “I suppose she is.”

“Then that’s all you need, mate.” Fife gave him a friendly pat on the back, and they headed toward the exit together. “You know how it is, age is a number, and it doesn’t matter as much if—”

“If the public has a pretty face to look at,” Anthony sighed, his voice full of resignation, as he opened the glass door for his friend to pass through. “I suppose you’re right.”

Fife then shrugged with a sense of pride, before confidently stating, “I always am.” And with a casual air, he put on his shades and glanced at Anthony, asking, “Shall we catch up on Friday?”

With a hint of uncertainty in his expression, the director replied, “Perhaps.”

The other man just shook his head at him and said, “See you later, Bridgerton.”

“See you,” Anthony replied, keeping an eye on Fife as he strolled down the street before continuing on his own path. With less than an hour left until the first table read, he made sure to be punctual, not wanting to risk being late.

However, what he didn’t expect was that the main actress from his movie also had a strict policy against being late.

In fact, she even thought about treating herself to a hot drink a few minutes before the table read. So she got in line at the Starbucks around the corner, where she could hear the offensive opinions of the director of the film she had just been cast in.

When Anthony asked Kate to have a private discussion before she left the meeting room, she knew she should have immediately run for the door. But she was a stubborn person and, worse, she was proud of it.

Now the sun was setting, and the room was about to be enveloped in darkness. Because they were apparently too stubborn to even move to turn on the lights. And the only thing that occupied her mind was how lucky Anthony Bridgerton should consider himself that she had already finished her disgusting Starbucks chai, or else he would be wearing it on her insufferable face.

“I hope you understand that the only reason I am here is because I refuse to breach contract,” she stated firmly, standing resolutely behind her seat, with the meeting table separating them. “Have not done it once in the long thirty-seven years of my life,” she said, with a sarcastic emphasis on the word ‘long’, her face appearing sharper than usual in the half-light. “And here I thought that collaborating with the esteemed Anthony Bridgerton would bring some value to those extensive years, but alas, I was sorely mistaken. Now, if you and everyone involved in this production have a shred of decency, you should terminate this contract on your end.”

Anthony just stood there with his mouth wide open. “Shred of—”

He had just made a stupid comment in a coffee shop. Was that woman completely bonkers? Or simply ignorant?

“You do realise that you signed the contract with Mrs Dunbury, not me, correct?” He asked in a patronising tone simply because he felt like it.

Kate scoffed. “So you admit you would terminate it if you could.”

At that moment, all he could do was stare at her incredulously. When he requested a private conversation with the woman, he had hoped to offer a sincere apology for potentially bruising her pride, and then move on. But why, oh why, was she making it so hard to feel sorry at all?

“Everyone in the industry and beyond knows about your family connection to Agatha Danbury,” Kate continued, her voice condescending as she lifted her nose in the air. “Just let me know where to sign and I’ll be out of this production.”

And in that moment, Anthony realised that the upcoming eight months of his life were going to be a complete nightmare. It was highly probable that it would last even longer, considering the fact that there were three books in the series. If the first movie turned out to be successful, he would undoubtedly direct the remaining two as well. And it would do well, even if it was the last thing he did.

So there was no other explanation for what came out of his mouth next. He could only be completely insane to want to endure such prolonged torture. But it was as if something eerie washed over him, like a shadow going through his head and turning off all of the reason switches simultaneously.

“I will not do such thing,” he said.

Kate’s eyes widened, which gave him such profound delight that he couldn’t even begin to express.

Drunk on his power to annoy her, he continued, “You were selected as the lead actress for this project, and you have indeed agreed to it, along with everyone involved, whether you like it or not. Should you change your mind, you can breach the contract if you want, but I, for one, will not.”

With a look of disbelief, she opened her mouth and then promptly shut it, making her way around the table to stand eye to eye with him. “You just said today that my involvement in this project is detrimental to it,” she continued, pointing to the floor as if to emphasise the current day.

She had a valid point and perhaps her presence was increasingly harmful to the project, but his pride took precedence over everything else.

With an open mouth and a raised eyebrow, he was ready to fire back, but she didn’t give him the chance.

“That I am an old actress, even though I am younger than you, might I add,” she said, narrowing her eyes and looking him up and down as if he were an old raisin about to vanish into ashes from old age.

Finally deciding on what he should reply, he defiantly motioned with his hand towards her and eloquently replied, “Well, I didn’t say it to your face!”

Tipping her head back, her face contorted into a grimace of indignation. “Like that’s supposed to be better?”

With his face turning red from the stress, he could only mutter, “It’s better than making a big scene on your first day because you snooped on a private conversation.”

“Oh, please,” Kate scoffed, her eyes rolling. “As if you and your chauvinistic friends wouldn’t relish the opportunity to have your absurd ideas broadcasted to the entire world. Do you honestly believe you’re the first director to make inappropriate remarks about me? Let me assure you, you are not special.”

After taking a deep breath, Anthony took a decisive step towards her, firmly concluding that she was completely mad. “Have you considered that perhaps the remarks they made had everything to do with your insufferable personality and nothing to do with your looks, let alone your age?”

Her warm brown eyes glimmered with a dangerous glint as she let out a sarcastic laugh at him, saying, “Finally. Just tell me what you’re thinking to my face, not behind my back.”

Looking at her, he closed the distance between them, making her tilt her head up to meet his gaze, a challenging task given their similar stature.

“Perfect. Then I can tell you that you are, without a doubt, the most arrogant, ill-tempered, and irrational actress I have ever had the displeasure of working with,” he whispered sharply, and she nodded defiantly, her gaze scanning his face from top to bottom. “But because I am a professional, I keep my word. If you decide to break the contract, it’s on you, not me. Whether you like it or not, my movie will happen.”

Looking at him, Kate realised she was at an impasse. All she wanted was to escape that insufferable man’s project. At the same time, there was no way she was going to let him win.

Inhaling sharply from her nose, she simply raised her chin, her eyes meeting his with a determined gaze as she uttered, “See you on Monday.”

And with that, she walked to the door before seeing the smirk form on his lips.

“Miss Sharma?” He called as he turned to face her.

Pausing by the opened door, she turned to glance at him, the faint yellow lights of the hallway seeping into the darkness of the room.

“Let’s always stay this honest with each other,” he said, a sarcastic smile playing on his lips.

With her jaw clenched tightly, she replied, “Absolutely,” before turning on her heels and walking away.

“I know I haven’t been in many big productions, but is that normal?”

Colin winced as he heard his brother’s voice getting louder and louder from the meeting room.

Fortunately, almost everyone in the cast had left, but Colin decided to stay out of pure curiosity and a desire to gossip later with the family, as Anthony had asked Kate Sharma to wait after the table read was over.

A decision that Colin was now bitterly, bitterly regretting.

“Not very normal, no,” Colin replied, his eyes now fixed on the door as Kate’s voice grew louder. He turned to Pen, who had stayed behind with him, and shrugged nonchalantly. “But maybe that’s normal for Anthony. I wouldn’t put it past him.”

Then, after waiting for hours outside the conference room and a few more minutes for his boss and the little redhead to talk in the hallway to the sound of Anthony Bridgerton screaming, John discovered his opportunity to do something useful.

“Um. Mr— Colin,” he stumbled over his words as Colin shot him a sharp look, quickly correcting himself. “Do you want me to order your dinner?”

Abruptly, Penelope turned around, finally becoming aware of the assistant’s presence. Colin, in contrast, raised his eyebrows thoughtfully in response to John’s question. He then turned to his friend and asked, “What do you want for dinner?”

“What?” Penelope was taken aback, nearly leaping in surprise. Since when did he start ordering dinner for her?

“Come on, Pen,” he pleaded with a slight pout, “let’s have dinner together today. It’s been ages since we had a proper talk.”

She let out a frustrated sigh as she looked at him. That was the thing she hated most about Colin. He had a way of making her feel important, like he really cared if she was there or not. And sometimes she hated the false optimism it brought to her heart, which was precisely one of the reasons they hadn’t had a proper conversation in ages.

That, combined with her fight with Eloise and all the comments she had made.

“Fine,” she agreed anyway, because she could outgrow many things, but apparently not being a fool for Colin Bridgerton.

His brilliant smile was met with the sudden noise of a door opening, followed by the sound of Kate and Anthony arguing before everything fell silent once more.

Ignoring his brother’s antics, he continued, “Alright, so where do you want to eat?” He then turned to John and said, “Do I have any restaurant reservations for today?”

John scratched his head in consideration before grabbing his business phone to check, as Penelope looked at the actor with wide eyes.

“Are you out of your mind? I’m not going to any posh restaurants tonight,” she said. Colin might have money, but she definitely did not.

He twisted his face into a sheepish expression, his hands folded in front of him, as he confessed, “I can’t really go to a normal restaurant anymore, Pen.”

Well, he could, but if he wanted to steer clear of countless photos taken by both the paparazzi and anyone with a mobile, then perhaps not.

John witnessed the exchange between the two as Penelope fixed her eyes on Colin with a look of complete disbelief, and he meekly met her gaze. Throughout his time working with Colin Bridgerton, he had never witnessed him behave so… normally, except for the occasional moments when he was around his family. Granted, John had only been working for the actor for a few months, but he couldn’t deny the uncanny power possessed by the tiny red-haired woman.

“What’s the topic of conversation, you two?” Anthony’s voice echoed down the hallway as he made his way towards them. “The press shouldn’t catch you going out together.”

The younger Bridgerton then glanced at his brother with a perplexed expression. “Anthony, it’s just dinner.”

The director crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. “Just dinner? Colin, are you new to acting? Do you want me to give you the play-by-play?”

Penelope and John’s eyes darted between the two siblings, their gaze shifting back and forth like a lively ping-pong match. Penelope’s mind raced, trying to decipher Anthony’s insinuations, while John simply wanted to know if he should call for dinner reservations.

“It’s Pen, we’ve had thousands of dinners,” Colin exclaimed, gesturing towards her.

Anthony closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Not when you were so well-known that the media was snapping pictures of your toilet to check the colour of your piss.”

With a forceful scoff, Colin tilted his head back and directed his gaze towards the ceiling.

Meanwhile, the girl’s forehead creased in confusion as she asked, “Why is it such a problem if the press sees us?”

They could not possibly be implying that people would believe she and Colin were in a relationship, could they? Because that was totally ridiculous, right? Outside the depths of her delusional mind, this was not a normal thought. Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton? That was, at best, laughable.

Opening his eyes, Anthony then pointed at Colin in accusation. “They’ll know you two are working on something together.”

Oh. Tilting her head back, Penelope’s face lit up with understanding. Of course, of course.

Colin, on the other hand, looked at him with his hands on his hips, showing an uncanny resemblance to his older brother. “You’re absolutely psychotic, do you realise that?”

He would never understand why Anthony acted as if everything related to his films was a state-level secret.

Rolling his eyes, the other man dismissed him, saying, “You can talk when you’ve directed a successful movie. Until then, listen to me—”

With a scoff, Colin said, “Me, listen to you?” He extended his hand in a mocking gesture, as if offering it for a handshake. “Hi, Colin Bridgerton, have we just met?”

Anthony blatantly slapped his brother’s hand away while Penelope covered her eyes tiredly.

“Forget about dinner, then!” She exclaimed, raising her hands in the air as she was finally done with the Bridgerton drama. “I’ll go to my house,” she said, pointing to herself, and then gestured towards Colin, “You’ll go to yours, and poor John here can finally go to his as well.”

John, who up until then was watching the scene unfold in a mix of shock and amusement, sharply turned to her, his eyebrows raised in surprise at the fact that this woman he had just met already remembered his name.

“As always, that seems like a sensible idea, Penelope,” Anthony smiled at her, while Colin couldn’t help but roll his eyes at him.

“No, it doesn’t, but I’ve got another idea,” Colin remarked, casually grabbing Penelope’s hand and drawing her closer. He then gestured towards Anthony and said, “You head on over to your place. While you and I,” he turned to Pen and playfully used their linked hands to gesture between the two of them, “we head over to my place and have dinner.”

Penelope could only respond with a blank expression. “Your place.”

“Yes, of course.” Colin smiled at her, not noticing anything amiss, while Anthony continued to roll his eyes, clearly used to this type of interaction between the two.

Meanwhile, John appeared just as bewildered as Penelope, which was certainly peculiar.

Undeterred, the actor started pulling his friend with him as he walked. “The paparazzis don’t usually take pictures of my piss there,” he said sarcastically before sending a mock salute to Anthony on his way.

And then he headed for the lift, casually leading Penelope by the hand while John hurriedly followed behind.

“I can’t believe you’ve never seen my flat.”

If Penelope were honest, neither could she.

Once upon a time, every aspect of their lives was completely intertwined. Thanks to Eloise, she would often visit his family’s home, both in London and in Hampshire. They spent countless nights playing cards and watching movies, and during the summer, they engaged in intense games of polo and volleyball with the rest of the Bridgertons. They were a fiercely competitive family, constantly looking for new ways to outperform one another.

She was also one of the first people to visit the first house he ever purchased.

But things had been different in the past five years. Typically, one would attribute this to the demands of adulthood, the pressures of an acting career, and a variety of other factors that made maintaining friendships in adulthood difficult.

But none of those reasons were true in this case.

The sight of Colin’s numerous awards displayed above the fireplace was a poignant reminder of the years Penelope spent actively attempting to move on from her past. If she wasn’t at every Bridgerton party, or constantly calling Colin, or sharing every detail and concern about her acting roles, it wasn’t because she had a packed schedule. It was because she needed the distance.

“Pretentious, isn’t it?” he asked from his kitchen island when he noticed the girl eyeing his collection of awards. When she turned to him, she saw him meticulously cleaning his fine crystal wine glasses, a dishcloth casually draped over his strong shoulder—a domestic scene that filled Penelope with a longing sigh.

“Mum went ahead and sorted them out without me knowing when she helped with the move. She thinks I should be just as proud of my achievements as Francesca and Benedict.” Walking towards the dining table, he shook his head and took his time arranging the glasses, making sure they were perfectly aligned. “I don’t see the need but—”

“Always your mother’s boy,” Penelope finished for him.

Colin paused his actions to observe her, noticing her raised eyebrow and the charming smile forming on her lips.

“Something like that,” he confessed with a hint of embarrassment, as if he would only admit it to her.

With a nod, she averted her eyes to her feet, concealing the blossoming infatuation that had transformed her smile. She bit her lip and glanced up once more, observing Colin as he continued to move about his kitchen, seemingly on the hunt for a corkscrew.

“Need a hand with anything?” she inquired, mentally scolding herself for absentmindedly exploring his flat instead of assisting him with their meal.

Colin glanced at her as he struggled to open the wine, nodding toward the pizza box on the kitchen counter. “Grab a slice for yourself and one for me, and I’ll join you in a moment.”

Penelope chuckled, heading to his kitchen and teasingly said, “You know, for someone who promised me a fancy dinner today, this is a bit disappointing.”

“I beg your pardon?” He looked at her with mock offence, his eyebrows furrowing and his jaw dropping as he pointed to the bottle in his hands, saying, “I’m bringing you some wine, you know. A rather pricey one, I must say.”

Her mouth formed a perfect “oh” shape as her eyebrows rose. “I’m sorry, I should have felt honoured sooner.”

He shook his head, a triumphant grin spreading across his face as the stubborn cork finally came loose. Meanwhile, she obediently grabbed two slices as requested and gracefully placed one on each plate before taking her seat at the table.

As Colin approached her, she had a brief moment to notice that he had prepared a beautifully arranged table, despite the fact that they were simply having pizza. First, there were plates, then, of course, the wine, and he even lit a candle in the centre of the table. If she hadn’t known Colin for decades, she might even suspect this to be a date.

However, she knew him well enough to know that was probably the last thing on his mind.

So, after clearing her throat and mind, she returned to the previous topic: “So, how are they? Franny and Ben, I mean.”

Inhaling deeply, he placed a hand on his hip and nonchalantly said, “They’re alright, I suppose,” while standing beside her seat, pouring the wine into her glass with the finesse of a professional server. He then took his own seat, poured wine for himself with far less decorum. “Fran is in Germany, as you know,” he lifted his glass and took a large drink. “Rehearsing so hard that the Philharmonic might need to raise a bust in her honour.”

“Well, it seems like there haven’t been any updates on her end,” Penelope quipped, and Colin nodded in agreement.

Francesca developed a strong love for her piano lessons from a young age. While others were preoccupied with schools and colleges, she dedicated her days to playing and composing music. Penelope thought she had never encountered someone quite as unique and gifted. It came as no surprise when the Berlin Philharmonic extended an invitation for her to perform with them.

As she brought the pizza slice to her mouth and took a bite, she inquired, “And what about Ben?”

Colin nonchalantly placed his glass back on the table and said, “Has an exhibition lined up at the MoMA.”

The slice slipped from Penelope’s hands and fell back onto the plate, her eyes widening in disbelief. “You’re kidding,” she exclaimed.

“No,” Colin exclaimed, shaking his head with flair as he grabbed his own pizza, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. “He’s been unbearable for weeks.”

“Colin, that’s incredible!” she said, unable to contain her excitement as she reached out and gave his arm a friendly squeeze. “I can hardly believe it.”

It was almost like a member of her own family had achieved something remarkable. As she grew older and entered adulthood, she recalled the challenges that Benedict faced when he made the decision to pursue a career as a painter. It’s true that his family’s wealth and connections gave him a head start, but being as determined as any Bridgerton, he faced challenges in establishing himself as an artist and showcasing his talent independent of his family’s reputation. And it seems he had managed to pull it off. Just like all Bridgertons did, eventually.

Penelope reclined in her chair, shaking her head with a glimmer of amusement in her bright blue eyes.“That Bridgerton blood is seriously lucky.”

Holding a slice of pizza in his hand, Colin stared at her, his eyes narrowing as he spoke, “So is the Featherington blood.”

With a scoff, Penelope reached for her wine once more, her fingers grasping the cool glass. “Sure, lucky in making countless unsuccessful red-haired women perhaps.”

“Pen.” He leaned in closer to the table, as if sharing a significant secret with her. “You were cast in the same movie as me,” he said, implying that they both achieved similar levels of success.

Which was not true, but it was a nice sentiment nonetheless.

“Yes, we were, weren’t we,” she trailed off, lost in thought as she contemplated the sheer insanity of that simple fact.

Colin displayed his agreement with a nod, settling back in his chair before reaching for his glass once more. However, after he took a sip and gently returned the glass to the table, his eyes remained fixated on it, deep in thought, his fingers rhythmically tapping against the stem.

“What is it?“ she whispered, her voice barely a breath as she quickly noticed his contemplative stance.

He pursed his lips and took a deep breath before saying, “I need to be honest with you. There’s a specific reason why I wanted us to have this dinner. A rather significant one.”

Penelope’s breath caught in her throat. She had never seen Colin so jittery, and it made her feel on edge too. Once again, she couldn’t help but notice that if this had happened a few years ago, that dinner and his demeanour would have made her wonder if he was about to confess his feelings for her. However, she was older now and had given up on fairytales, with only anxiety remaining about his attitude.

“I’m... worried,” he said, finally meeting her gaze with his piercing blue eyes. “About the movie.”

She blinked. That was unexpected. Colin had been acting in major productions for years; he was even being invited to the Oscar ceremony now, for crying out loud. She was the one who exclusively appeared in indie films, mini series, and questionable sitcoms — the one who seemed completely out of place in a movie like that. But him? What could possibly make him nervous?

“Listen, Pen,” he said, shifting in his chair and looking at his plate with a worried expression. “You’ve never been on a production like this, and I have to say, it can be quite brutal. Not the production itself, but everything else.”

“Everything else?” she inquired, and he lifted his gaze to meet hers, the soft glow of the candlelight illuminating his features.

He raised his eyebrows as he gave a simple answer. “The press. The fans.”

“Oh.” Penelope replied, reclining in her chair and reaching for her glass, only to discover it was already drained. Despite what Anthony had said before, it wasn’t until that precise moment that she suddenly realised she would also soon become a subject of the media’s attention.

“Well, there’s definitely the pressure to do a good job, and working with Anthony might turn out to be a complete nightmare,” Colin remarked, casually reaching for the wine bottle next to him and gesturing for Penelope to pass him her glass. As she obliged, he poured it for her and went on, “But you’ll be in the spotlight like never before, and let me tell you, that’s the worst part.”

She swiftly snatched her glass from his hands, contemplating whether to down its contents all at once before uttering, “Okay...”

“I don’t doubt your ability to handle this, Pen, that’s not what I’m saying.” He quickly waved his hands before she got the wrong idea, to which she silently shook her head as if to reassure him he didn’t need to fret. “Honestly, even the most experienced people struggle with this. How we are seen, that is. Everything we say, do, or how we look is always being watched by the public, and sometimes we can’t change what a journalist or even a fan says, no matter how hard we try.”

Finally, she downed her drink in one gulp, feeling the astringent, tannic taste linger on her tongue as she placed the glass back on the table. “So basically,” she swallowed, her throat still tingling from the wine, “there is nothing I can do, is what you’re saying.”

“Yes and no,” he said, raising his index finger, making Penelope clench her fists in frustration. “Knowing Agatha, she’ll force everyone to go through media training—at least everyone who hasn’t before,” he said, looking away quickly, knowing for sure that Penelope would be one of them. “But what really matters is having the right mindset. Sometimes it’s better to accept that there’s nothing we can do and it’s not our fault, rather than thinking we can change the way this works.”

Raising an eyebrow, she gave a slight nod. Colin seemed to be hinting at some kind of impending catastrophe while also offering vague suggestions on how to deal with it. However, she was not entirely oblivious to the workings of the public eye, having made a few mistakes and being compelled to publicly apologise for one foolish comment or another. Nevertheless, it seemed that the standards she would be judged by were about to become enormous.

“So, I just wanted to give you a heads up, before... you know, everything,” he said, his gaze fixed on her eyes. “And I want you to know that I’ll be there to look out for you.”

“Colin,” she murmured, closing her eyes and letting out a weary sigh, knowing deep down that making such promises was unnecessary. Especially considering what they did to her heart.

Feeling his warm hand in hers, she slowly opened her eyes and looked at him once more.

“I will always protect you,” he squeezed her hand, making sure she knew he was serious. In that moment, with his piercing gaze locked on her, she couldn’t help but believe him.

He smiled when he saw that she had heard him. Letting go of her, he raised his own hand into the air, his pinky finger outstretched.

“Promise me,” he said, “that whatever happens, we won’t let it affect our friendship.”

Incredulously, Penelope opened her mouth and fought back laughter as she watched a thirty-three-year-old man request a pinky swear, of all things.

“Colin, we haven’t done that since we were ten.” He then tilted his head, a mischievous smile forming on his lips because he always loved reminding her that he was older. “Since I was seven and you were ten,” she corrected herself.

Undaunted by her scepticism, he merely held his pinky finger closer to her. “Trust me,” he said, his sincerity evident in his voice, “only the power of this pinky swear can conquer the fanwars awaiting us.”

His words made her burst into laughter, throwing her head back.

When she looked back at him, he was smiling again, his eyes crinkling with warmth. “I’m serious,” he said. “Before the madness starts, Pen. Let’s promise each other here and now that we won’t let it affect our friendship.”

Recognising what this meant to him, she nodded, intertwining her delicate pinky finger with his.

“I promise,” she said, with a slight smile at the corners of her mouth.

Blind Item #13

This member of a well-known British family has recently entered into a relationship with someone from another prominent British family.

Chapter Text

Family business? Colin Bridgerton to join ‘The Sword and the Heart’ Movie

By Sita Malhotra

Mere weeks before the shooting of the most-awaited book adaptation of the decade begins, “The Sword and the Heart: The East Dynasty” has just unveiled its official cast, leaving fans in awe of the unexpected choices made by the production team.

Featuring the acting prowess of Thomas Dorset, Kate Sharma, Colin Bridgerton, Cressida Cowper, and more, the trilogy will immerse viewers in the captivating tale of a war between two nations and the illicit love affair between a king and a queen who has been exiled.

Dorset (“The Mando”) will headline as Dorieus, the heavily laden young king of the South Nation. Joining him is Sharma (“Love Education”) who will play Marjorie, the rightful heir to the throne of the East Nation but now living in exile due to the power struggles within the ruling factions.

One of the most unexpected choices was the selection of director Anthony Bridgerton's brother Colin Bridgerton( “An Englishman in Italy”,“War of Thrones”) to play the fan-favourite Leonidas, Dorieus’ incorrigible yet charming brother. After years of individual success in the industry, the two brothers have finally joined forces for their first-ever collaboration. Colin will be joined by Cowper (“Poor Unfortunate Strolls”), who will portray Catherine, the mysterious and ethereal maiden who captures Leonidas’ affections.

New additions to the cast of “The Sword and the Heart: The East Dynasty” also include Dolores Stowell, Penelope Featherington, Edward Hall, and Emma Kenworthy.

Amy @mrscolinbrigertonn

Penelope Featherington isn’t that the girl that used to hang out w Eloise

    | Jade ✨ @englishmansbiceps

     @mrscolinbrigertonn They were best friends I think. I can’t find any recent pictures tho you know how Eloise is

          | Ro is waiting for Sword and the Heart @roroswift

           @mrscolinbrigertonn @englishmansbiceps she was in that picture of Colin’s 25th bday they know each other for sure

Hyacinth: Anthony?? Colin????

Daphne: ?

Daphne: wrong gc?

Gregory: as if they share another one

Benedict: lemme get this straight

Benedict: u let me speak for days abt NYC

Benedict: while the 2 were hiding this from us

Daphne: Will someone explain what is going on

Gregory: Daph check the news

Daphne: what news??

Francesca: what is going on what are all of these messages

Anthony: hiding what? we were working, stop being so dramatic

Hyacinth: dramatic? I had to hear from lily my own brothers r working together

Anthony: who is lily

Hyacinth is currently typing…

Daphne: working together doing what

Gregory: DAPH JUST OPEN THE BLOODY INTERNET

Daphne: not if you r going to be like that

Hyacinth: my friend

Gregory: her influencer friend

Hyacinth: they r doing a movie together daph where r u under a rock?

Daphne: im busy

Gregory: in the middle of the desert?

Daphne: movie? what movie?

Francesca: k i’m rehearsing i can’t check all these messages

Benedict: the mediaeval one

Anthony: it’s not mediaeval, it’s fantasy

Benedict: set in mediaeval times

Anthony: a fictional time period similar to the mediaeval times

Anthony is currently typing…

Daphne: i don’t know what you are talking abt

Gregory: seriously r u in the middle of the desert right now

Hyacinth: and is colin w u

Colin: no im here

Hyacinth: FINALLY

Hyacinth is currently typing….

Colin: idk what any of u r talking abt

Colin: *staring at Anthony’s lawyers*

Anthony: youre hilarious

Hyacinth: WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL US

Colin: bc it’s not a big deal it’s work

Colin: do u want updates on my colab with calvin klein too or

Gregory: ew

Hyacinth: don’t play dumb you two AND PEN in the same movie is huge

Gregory: what

Daphne: what

Benedict: wHAT

Hyacinth: was i the only one who read the entire article??????

Gregory is currently typing…

Benedict is currently typing…

Colin is currently typing…

Eloise: what

Colin is currently typing…

Benedict is currently typing…

Daphne is currently typing…

Anthony is currently typing…

Hyacinth is currently typing…

Gregory: look who decided to show up

Benedict: hi el how has your YEAR been

Eloise: haha.

Hyacinth: if I knew all i needed to do was mention pen id have done it sooner

Daphne: wait anthony colin and penelope are all in the same movie?

Gregory: 3 THOUSAND yrs later…

Anthony: It’s just work and i’m actually busy so

Hyacinth: no don’t give me that this calls for a family reunion

Colin: ???????

Colin: why am i related only to psychopaths

Anthony: sure we can schedule it 8 months from now

Benedict: ??

Anthony: we do need to shoot the movie first it’s how this works in case u didn’t know

Hyacinth: they said the filming was only starting in a few weeks

Anthony: that they know of

Benedict: and in actuality?

Anthony: we’re leaving tomorrow

Colin: like i said im related to psychopaths

Daphne: leave me out of that im the most normal outta all of u

Benedict: leaving???

Colin: sure daph

Anthony: it’s called filming in location

Benedict: …

Hyacinth: so the two of you are leaving just like that

Hyacinth: mom is going to kill you

Colin: it will be fine

Benedict: and you can’t come back in 8 months? where on earth are u going to be? mars???

Anthony is currently typing…

Colin knew Anthony would be a nightmare to work with even before filming started.

To begin with, his brother had a strong conviction to film in New Zealand, following the footsteps of the Lord of the Rings, and he was determined to use authentic, realistic settings instead of relying on a green screen. And Colin did not blame him for that. It was a pleasant change to stay in location for an extended period, being able to act in a dynamic environment instead of being confined to a studio.

So New Zealand was not the problem. The problem was Anthony’s insistence on starting rehearsals immediately, despite their exhaustion from a twenty-four-hour flight and a few extra hours of driving to the filming location.

As the costume designer made adjustments to his outfit, Colin let out his fifth yawn. Even though they had made some initial adjustments to his attire while in London, there was still a substantial amount of work to be done in the following months.

“For now, it’s as good as it gets,” she remarked as she adjusted the blue doublet on his body. “Please be careful not to make sudden movements yet, as there are still some pins in it. I will do the final sewing after your rehearsal.”

Exhausted, he nodded and made his way towards the door, muttering softly, “As soon as Anthony allows me to rest.”

She could not help but smile, fully understanding the actor's sentiment but trying not to laugh at the director, who happened to be his brother.

Colin glanced back once more before leaving, saying, “Thank you, Genevieve.”

Following Anthony’s instructions, he made his way to the designated spot where they would begin filming the next day. With the day still in its early hours, the sky wore a mesmerising blend of dark blue and soft pink, as the sun slowly emerged on the horizon. When he spotted Anthony, he could see him engaged in a conversation with a couple of men from the crew. They were busy lighting up torches and strategically placing them in the open field.

Catching his eye to the right was a medieval cart, packed to the brim with hay, and as he took in the impressive prop, he soon noticed a pair of legs partially hidden behind one of the wheels. Curiosity getting the better of him, he crouched down to get a clearer view of the person hiding behind the cart. The mysterious figure eventually walked around it, their features becoming visible in the warm glow of the torches and the dawning sun.

Then Colin started laughing.

“It isn’t funny,” Penelope said, her voice filled with frustration as she crossed her arms tightly over her chest, script clutched in her other hand. She wore a sepia toned hooded doublet with a shirt underneath that was clearly still too big for her. It looked as though she had a wig on, since her usual long, curly hair had been replaced with a shorter, straight style that was still red, along with an asymmetrical bang across her forehead.

“I’m sorry, Pen,” he responded, trying to regain his composure while his eyes continued to twinkle with amusement, “I wasn’t prepared.”

With a glare she considered his amused demeanour and said, “I think you are too prepared, it looks like you are in character even,” referring to Leonidas’ known mocking attitude.

Sensing the underlying anxiety behind her annoyed stance, he immediately adjusted his posture. Drawing nearer to her, he straightened out her outfit with his hands, taking another look. She briefly followed his fingers as they traced the edge of her shirt, then shifted her attention to his face, captivated by the gentle smile on his lips. Then he looked at her again, catching her gaze, but he didn’t seem bothered by it, and for a moment, Penelope blushed as they locked eyes.

“I don’t know, Pen, there’s a certain charm to it,” he said, referring to her outfit.

Rolling her eyes half-heartedly, she then directed her attention towards his hands, which were still tightly holding onto the edge of her shirt. She had the strange urge to intertwine her fingers with his, unable to comprehend why Colin always stayed so close, but resigned to the fact that this was their dynamic sometimes.

“There you are,” Anthony said, catching their attention at once.

Sporting a satisfied grin, the director made his way towards them, hands rubbing together. Colin looked at him with a hint of irritation, while Penelope took a moment to steady her racing heart before also turning to Anthony. The older Bridgerton brother then briefly examined their attire, his smile fading.

“This isn’t the final version, is it?” he asked.

Colin gave him a stern look, fully aware of his brother’s perfectionist tendencies, as Penelope anxiously inspected her outfit yet again. Apparently, production had only just begun, and already it was a disaster.

“No,” Colin answered, “Genevieve mentioned she will complete the final adjustments by tomorrow.”

Anthony nodded, satisfied with the response. With his back turned to the cart, he surveyed the vibrant scenery surrounding them—the colourful sky at dawn, the dimmed torchlights—and remarked, “This time of year provides us with the ideal lighting that the DP and I need for the scene where Nora escapes from the East Nation.” As he nodded towards the torches, he said, “But when we shoot, it’ll be a tad darker, while it’s still night but just on the brink of dawn.”

“So.” He turned back to them, clasping his hands together in a business-like manner. “We’ll kick off with that scene tomorrow while the weather and lighting are still in our favour.” Leaning on the cart, he specifically addressed Penelope. “Nora will be wandering aimlessly in the bustling streets, unsure of what lies ahead. The throne was taken by force, and because she served as a lady-in-waiting to Kate’s character, she had to find a way to disguise herself to avoid being persecuted, arrested, or worse," he mentioned without providing further information, but it was sufficient to send shivers down Penelope’s spine.

“Now, Pen,” he said, gazing into her eyes as she widened hers in response. Having known Anthony for years and being aware of his reputation, she anticipated him being more formal when speaking to her at work. “This scene is complicated because it’s a mix of despair and humour. You and I both need to find the right balance of each to engage the audience."

As he explained attentively, she nodded. It was becoming increasingly clear why the director was so good at his job. His attention to detail and unwavering dedication set him apart from everyone she had ever worked with.

“So you’ll be filled with fear and hopelessness as you walk the streets, until Leonidas emerges from under this mound of hay,” he commented, his hand resting on it. “Then we lighten up the scene.”

"Colin." Anthony shifted his attention to his brother, who was completely focused. “You will also need to maintain a similar balance in this scene, but not to the same extent as Penelope. What sets Leonidas apart is his excessive confidence and unwavering optimism, which stands in stark contrast to Nora." He briefly touched Penelope’s arm and continued, “However, you’ll need to handle the nuances carefully. The task at hand is to show that behind his carefree facade, he truly cares about his friend, going so far as to go undercover in enemy territory to save her.”

The actor nodded, having already deduced this while reading the script, but he was relieved that he and Anthony were in agreement.

“Today, let’s just go through the lines and organise them in the scene, no need to worry about the acting, just remember these things for tomorrow,” the director instructed. And with a nod, the trio stood there for over an hour, diligently rehearsing the lines until Colin and Penelope had everything in order.

“Alright, that is perfect,” Anthony said when he felt they had practiced sufficiently. “Now make sure you get some rest, because we’re all getting up early. Also, remember to return the costumes to Genevieve.” He took a deep breath and put his hand on his hip before saying, “Actually, I need to have a chat with her.” And off he went, carrying on with his day.

While shaking his head, Colin observed his brother and was about to make a playful remark about feeling sorry for the costume designer. However, his expression changed when he glanced at Penelope. The girl held the script tightly in her hands, her gaze fixed upon it, her grip so strong it seemed as if she might crush it.

“Pen?” he called. “Are you okay?”

She nervously bit her lip as she looked up at him, her eyes squinting a little due to the sun being higher in the sky. “Did I get it right? Are we on the first scene they’re shooting in the film?”

A small frown appeared on his face as he tried to understand what the problem was. “Seems like it,” he answered.

With a slight grimace, Penelope nodded in agreement as Colin simply observed her.

“Are you nervous?” he asked.

Her frown intensified as she uttered, “A little?” As she fiddled with her fingers, she added, “It’s a bit of a responsibility, isn’t it?”

Her expectation was that Kate and Thomas would be the ones starring in the first scene of the movie, not her and Colin. Being suddenly thrust into the spotlight, especially during the inaugural shoot of the film, caught her off guard and made everything seem frighteningly real.

“I guess,” Colin replied, never really considering it like that before. He always believed that the final shooting of a movie held more significance, personally finding the first one to be rather stress-free. However, as he continued to watch Penelope, he came to the realisation that she did not share the same belief.

“Pen,” he said, his hand resting on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, you did brilliantly just now, you’ve got all the lines down pat.”

She gave him a lacklustre smile and nodded, accustomed to his never-ending optimism. Colin was no stranger to acting in large productions, but her experience had been limited to small studios and low budgets. There, in a more relaxed setting, she could easily conceal her lack of skill. However, with a production of their magnitude, her acting skills would stand out significantly lower compared to the others.

Seeing the concern etched on her face, he gently grasped her shoulder and suggested, “We could go through the lines a few more times today, if you want.” And when she glanced at him with curiosity, he couldn’t help but flash a playful grin and carry on. “We can go through them until we’re practically reciting them in our sleep.”

“Colin, you don’t have to—”

“Would that make you feel better?” He asked with sincerity, causing Penelope to nervously bite her lip and glance down at her feet. “Then I have to,” he said.

“Are you sure?” she asked, her blue eyes turning both doe-eyed and hesitant.

“I am,” he motioned with his head towards their trailers, “Just promise me we’ll have a restful night, or we’ll end up looking ashen tomorrow. Trust me, I strongly advise against that.”

Penelope chuckled as they leisurely walked back, all the while reflecting on how fortunate she was to have someone like Colin in her life.

On the following day, just before dawn, when Penelope and Colin returned to the same location where they had rehearsed, Penelope was noticeably more self-assured. However, her confidence quickly waned when she saw the overwhelming crowd gathered there.

The first thing that caught her attention was the abundance of torches, their flames dancing in the night, twice as many as the previous day. Furthermore, there were dozens of extras, all adorned in medieval-style garments in different shades of brown. Then there were the assistants, the camera operators, the gaffer, the boom operator, the cable holders, the makeup artists and even Genevieve. Anthony was discussing something with her while gesturing towards all the extras. She nodded with little enthusiasm, pausing to give Penelope a playful wink as a form of greeting. Penelope’s eyes then widened slightly when she spotted Charlotte as well, who insisted on being present during the movie production, as well as Agatha, the two of them sitting by the camera and talking among each other and observing around. Although the cast knew that the two of them wouldn’t always be present, Penelope suspected that since this was the first scene to be shot, they wanted to be there to watch it firsthand.

“Ready?” Colin asked from beside her.

She took in the scenery around them, inhaling deeply before answering, “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

Colin glanced at her dishevelled appearance, a smirk playing on his lips as he remarked, “I hate to admit it, but Anthony was right - your outfit is much improved today.”

Finally giving him a sharp look, fully aware that she closely resembled the character Nora as described in the script: once an aristocratic lady, now wearing tattered, dirty clothes that made her resemble a sweaty teenage boy with an unfortunate haircut.

“Oh yes, I beheld my magnificent beauty in the mirror before I made my way here,” she replied sarcastically.

And while he was having a good chuckle at that comment, Anthony was making his way towards them. With a swift command, he told Colin to hop into the cart and hide under the stack of hay, while he and Penelope would begin the scene on the other side of the wide field. He then strolled alongside her until they arrived at the desired location, gently placing his hands on her shoulders to ensure she was positioned correctly.

“Alright,” Anthony began, causing Penelope’s heart to leap into her throat with anxiety. He gestured towards the camera in front of them and she tried her best to pay attention to his every movement and word, rather than letting her nerves get the best of her.

“The camera will follow you as we start this scene. Just as we discussed yesterday, Nora had been on the run for days ever since the kingdom was seized. All the security she once had was gone - the money, the connections, the friends, the family. Even your entire beauty was taken away when you decided to let go of all your possessions and chop off your hair. All that’s left is to run away.”

She nodded, having already contemplated the mindset she needed to be in while getting ready for that scene. It was effortless for her to convey her overwhelming sense of hopelessness. When acting, she chose optimistic characters that allowed her to escape a monotonous reality. Nevertheless, if she needed to tap into that sense of desperation to enhance her performance, she could easily do it. Or so she hoped.

Upon determining that Penelope was prepared, Anthony made his way back to his chair near the camera, while the actress followed the script and put on her hood. She listened as he gave the order for the cameras and sound to start rolling, while the second camera assistant positioned the clapboard in front of the camera and announced, “The East Dynasty, Scene 31, Take one, Mark,” before closing it with a loud clack.

Next, she heard Anthony instruct the extras, saying “action background,” before finally shouting “Action!”

And the moment he uttered that word, a wave of transformation washed over Penelope, exchanging her anxiety for Nora’s gripping fear and desperation. It was curious, truly, how acting had this fascinating ability to detach her from reality, which was one reason why she fell in love with it.

She then found herself immersed in the bustle of the fictional street market as the vendors set up their dirty beige stalls. With her head lowered, she adjusted her hood, attempting to conceal her identity. Taking a cautious peek behind her to ensure she was undetected, she swiftly refocused her gaze forward. However, she came to an immediate stop in her tracks to sidestep a passerby, following the script’s instructions to the letter.

Wide-eyed, she stared at the dishevelled man, who let out a moody grunt before resuming his journey. While she continued on her way, she found herself unable to look away from a vendor, debating whether or not to purchase food for the journey ahead—wherever that journey would take her since she no longer had a kingdom to call home.

“Psst”

With a frown on her face, Penelope shifted her attention towards the sound, and it repeated itself. Just then, Colin’s head unexpectedly appeared from the stack of hay on the cart, nearly giving her a heart attack, even though she was well aware that it was part of the planned scene.

“What on earth are you doing here?” she whispered, quickly scanning her surroundings, worried that someone might have caught sight of him.

Frowning his eyebrows, Colin said as easily as if he was indeed Leonidas, “What does it look like I’m doing here? Saving you, obviously.”

She stared at him in astonishment before taking a few steps towards the cart, “Have you lost your mind?” she whispered, terror injected in her tone despite her exasperation. “You cannot be here. If someone sees you—”

“If you just hurry up, no one’s gonna see me,” he replied, his blue eyes gazing at her affectionately while a smirk played on his lips.

Her jaw literally dropped at his absurdity. “Hurry up, where?” she gestured around, as if there wasn’t a single place for her to go.

He gave her a cheeky look and said, “Where do you reckon?”

And that’s precisely what Nora was dreading.

“I cannot,” she responded, and as he persistently replied, “Yes, you can,” she reiterated more firmly, “Leo, I cannot. I’m a dead woman there as much as I am here.”

“Nora, listen to me,” he said, raising himself slightly so that she could see him more clearly. He quickly surveyed his surroundings before locking his gaze on her with unwavering determination. “I will not let that happen, alright?”

As Nora shook her head slightly, and Penelope was taken aback by the sudden welling of tears in her eyes. It was a sudden, instinctual reaction that instantly brought to mind all the times Colin had promised to keep her safe. In addition to the overwhelming sense of relief that comes from having someone by her side, and a touch of disbelief that it could actually be true.

“My brother would never harm anyone who is important to me, regardless of the war between our kingdoms. But if you don’t trust him, I will figure something out. We can give you a fake identity as a servant, an undercook, a jester, or even pretend that you’re my secret lover. Whatever it takes to keep everyone out of your business.”

At that, she turned to him with wide eyes and a murderous expression. True to form, he remained completely undeterred and simply laughed in return.

Irritated, she replied, “I think I’ll stay here,” with a pointed raise of her eyebrows.

He gave her a disapproving look, creasing his forehead, “Quit the theatrics and join me. It wasn’t easy to infiltrate your kingdom, you know? I’m sticking my neck out for you. Quite literally.”

With a continued glare, she retorted, “Right now, that might be my preferred outcome.”

With a hint of exasperation, he shifted his tone to a slightly more earnest one as he said, “Come on, you can be my esquire, then. You can be whatever you fancy. What you can’t be is dead, because I assure you I won’t let that happen to my closest friend, and you don’t actually want to make the war even worse with a prince’s death on your hands, do you?”

With a raised eyebrow, she continued to stare at him until she finally gave in to his puppy dog eyes. He easily recognised the expression, and relief washed over his face in response.

Walking around the cart, she found a spot in the hay and dove in beside him. He wore an annoyingly victorious expression as he watched her. With her crouched beside him, struggling to breathe amidst the pile of fodder, he directed the cart driver to go.

“I can’t be your squire since you’re not even a knight,” she murmured quietly, looking away as they started to move.

He responded with a frown, saying simply, “I’m a prince, who cares?”

Glancing at him with exasperation, she redirected her gaze forward and sarcastically remarked, “You’re not even a proper heir to the throne. I highly doubt your death would make any political crisis worse."

“Please,” he scoffed. “As if Dorieus is ever going to get married. No one can stand him for that long.”

“It’s hard to believe that anyone could tolerate you for that long either, especially if your only focus is on pursuing relationships with royal mistresses,” she remarked, fully aware that was his meaning when he mentioned a secret lover earlier.

Her jab made him laugh, and he felt even more at ease as they moved further away from the market, ensuring his friend’s safety. “Don’t worry, Nora,” he said with his irritatingly overconfident tone, annoying her even more by placing a hand on her shoulder, as he always did. “I was only joking. You know that if it ever comes to it, I’ll make an honest woman out of you.”

Her lips curled up in amusement, despite the utter ridiculousness of the exchange.

“I detest you,” she replied.

He let out a heavy sigh, gazing up at the sky with exaggerated drama. “Someday, you’ll appreciate all the sacrifices I’m making for you,” he said, as the cart continued on its path.

“And cut!” Anthony’s booming voice startled them back to reality, and the area erupted in applause.

Turning to Colin, Penelope’s eyebrows furrowed in a mix of confusion and realisation, as if it had just occurred to her that they had already gone through the entire scene.

“Is that all?” she asked, and just as Colin was about to respond, Anthony appeared next to them at the cart.

“Do we need to go again?” she asked him.

“No, that was perfect,” he replied, flashing an okay sign with his fingers, which filled her with a swell of pride and relief. “Great start, you both,” he said, before settling back into his familiar seat.

She looked at Colin with a big smile, and he smiled back at her, shrugging as he reminded her, “I told you yesterday that you would do great.”

On the set of “The Sword and the Heart” book one, something truly extraordinary was happening to Colin: he felt completely at ease.

It wasn’t that he had lost his joy for acting, but things had been different for quite some time. The pressure to deliver a flawless performance, the fear of being judged for any rookie mistakes, and the cynical outlook he had developed from dealing with countless self-serving individuals in his line of work—all of these factors had made his job burdensome.

But suddenly he was feeling lighter. Acting was becoming enjoyable again. Being alongside Penelope had always been effortless, but he had never truly realised just how easy it was. She was his friend purely for his own sake, without any hidden motives or secret gossip. And she had unwavering faith in him, believing he always knew what was best, even when he felt lost himself. Penelope had always been that way; her steadfast belief in him was something he couldn't quite wrap his head around. Truth was, she was different from anyone else in his life.

And these were things he already knew about her, but having her so close to him made everything so obvious. It served as a constant reminder that she was not like everyone else in his field of work, which was a good thing.

“Cut!” Anthony yelled for what seemed like the tenth time in a row.

With a pinch on the bridge of his nose, Colin attempted to suppress his own Bridgerton temper. For the first time, he couldn’t hold his brother responsible for his frustration. Unfortunately, Anthony couldn’t be blamed for Colin’s struggle to act alongside Cressida, who, in turn, had her own difficulties with acting in general.

Although it was ultimately his decision to cast the two of them as romantic partners, perhaps a portion of this was entirely Anthony’s fault, putting the world back on its axis.

“Okay,” Anthony uttered as he strode towards them, his jaw tightly clenched and his hands firmly planted on his hips. And it amused Colin to discover that he reprimanded the actors during his directing in nearly the same way he used to scold his siblings as children. “Just to make a recap of what we previously discussed,” he added sharply. “This is the first time Catherine and Leonidas are connecting after their first meeting, when they fell in love instantly. So yes, you’re both talking about the horses,” he motioned to the scenario they were in, as well as the black, brown and white magnificent horses around them, “but it’s an excuse to look at each other, to interact, to slowly step in closer and look deeply into each other’s eyes.”

Colin and Cressida both nodded obediently. The man was acutely conscious of his lacklustre performance in showing his affection for the woman facing him. In fact, while they were pretending to discuss horses, he found the horses to be indeed the most fascinating element of the scene. He even caught himself contemplating how they had found such impressive ones and what their cost might be.

“Roll camera,” Anthony’s voice cut through his distractions, bringing him back to the present moment and the task at hand. “Roll sound,” his brother carried on, and Colin took a moment to compose himself. He reminded himself that he was an experienced professional who had previously acted as if he were in love with dozens of people. There was no reason to believe he wouldn’t be able to do it again this time.

“Action,” his brother finally said.

With a casual gesture, Colin affectionately stroked the horse next to him, savouring the sensation of its velvety hair between his fingers. The gentle rays of the sun seeped through the door, enveloping the horse’s brown coat in a radiant, golden hue. As Colin turned his eyes towards Cressida, he couldn’t help but be mesmerised by the way the sunlight illuminated her long, blonde hair, creating an ethereal aura around her. It was as if she had descended from heaven in her delicate, white dress. If only her true character aligned with that sentiment.

“He is beautiful,” she commented softly, eying the horse and then him, as she took a few delicate steps towards the duo. “Is he yours?”

Colin nodded, looking at the horse with a smile before saying, “Steadfast.” Then, returning his gaze to her before the conversation once again turned about horses, he continued with a self depreciating smile, “Ridiculous name, isn’t it?”

“I like it,” she replied, her gaze shifting towards the horse as she reached out to pet it. “It exudes a powerful presence,” she commented, her voice betraying a hint of overconfidence that was uncharacteristic for her character.

He replied, "I suppose," keeping his gaze fixed on her as she caressed the animal.

“You know…” she trailed off before fixing him with a predatory stare that made tense chills rise on his spine. “They say a horse is often similar to its owner,” she added seductively, when it should have been a lighthearted, charming line.

Truth be told, Catherine was a gentle, fragile character, unlike the fierce and cunning lioness that Cressida had become accustomed to, both on and off the screen. From the start, Colin could tell that this role was completely unsuitable for her, and he despised being proven right over and over again. Still, his acting should be unaffected by her; he should be able to perform even with a flat door if required.

His lips curled into a wry smile as he admitted, “If only it were that simple,” a sharp contrast to his typically self-assured demeanour.

“Why is it not simple?” she asked.

With a sigh, he averted his eyes, focusing on Steadfast as he answered, “Dorieus was born to be a king, unlike me. And he better survive this mission to the east, because I assure you, I am not fit to become the ruler in his place.”

“He will,” she replied, and he turned his gaze towards her.

Getting in close, her breath tickled his face while she tightly grasped his arm, her enthusiasm slightly overwhelming. “But I’m sure that you would make a great king if the situation ever arises,” she remarked.

Colin felt his jaw tense, but he then let out a lighthearted chuckle, “How can you be so sure? You barely know me."

Responding with a smirk, she boldly stated, “No one can match my intuition,” her eyes locked onto his lips hungrily.

“Cut!” Anthony yelled, and Colin’s shoulders sagged in relief, even if Cressida still haven’t released his arm. The elder Bridgerton sibling then rubbed his forehead and said, “That is… better. Take a break, you two.”

Knowing Anthony his whole life, Colin could easily see he wasn’t entirely satisfied with how the scene had turned out, but accepted it was the best they were going to get at the moment. He knew that because he for sure shared that feeling.

Without saying another word, Colin jerked his arm out of the blonde’s grip and headed towards his chair, rummaging through his things in search of his phone.

Colin: Tell me you didn’t have lunch yet

It was a long shot, considering Penelope and he had conflicting schedules that day. However, a persistent and nagging feeling compelled him to see her, seeking solace from the stress that relentlessly gripped him.

Penelope: I haven’t had lunch yet

Colin's eyebrows rose at her unexpectedly quick reply.

Penelope: I’m free now, are you done with your scene?

He smiled.

The makeshift dining area turned out to be surprisingly good, even for Colin, who had an insatiable appetite and a constant desire for a diverse range of dishes. Penelope let out a chuckle as he expressed his satisfaction with the lunch of the day.

“I never thought I’d see the day when Colin Bridgerton’s hunger was satisfied,” she remarked as she sliced into one of the rosemary roasted potatoes on her plate.

With his mouth full, he raised his fork in the air to emphasise his point and replied, “I never claimed to be satisfied. I said that the catering service was decent.”

With a fondly exasperated expression, she shook her head and jabbed her fork into her grilled steak.

“So, how was your day?” Changing the subject, he casually popped a potato into his mouth.

With a slight grimace and tilt of her head she said, “Okay, I guess? I have never really shot an action scene, or just the beginning of one, until my stuntwoman took over.” Then pausing as if she suddenly realised something, she added, “I never had a stuntwoman period.”

Colin chuckled at her astonishment over having a stuntwoman. “Does she look like you at least?” he asked.

“Not really?” She replied, and a playful smile crossed his face. “Maybe just her height.”

The comment elicited a boisterous laugh from Colin, while she responded with a fierce glare.

“You know, I didn’t agree to have lunch with you just so you could make fun of my height,” she stated.

“I’m sorry, Pen,” he said, his eyes still filled with affection. “I promise I’m not making fun of you. I just find it cute.”

As soon as he spoke those words, her face turned red and she found it difficult to reply in a friendly and playful way. However, her embarrassment was quickly averted when his phone rang, preventing her from making a fool of herself.

“Hey, Trace,” he said as he held the phone to his ear, causing Penelope’s stomach to sink.

The amount of time they spent together without him mentioning his girlfriend was so extensive that she ended up stupidly forgetting about her existence. And it was quite absurd on her part, considering that Colin was only spending that much time with her because of their work obligations, most likely wishing he was free to be with his girlfriend instead.

After getting that healthy taste of truth straight in the face, she propped her chin on her palm and gazed forlornly at her plate, absentmindedly pushing her food around. Minutes seemed to stretch on as Colin chatted away with Tracy, his laughter echoing in the room. Feeling left out, Penelope dug into her pocket, hoping to find solace in her phone.

For about five minutes, she mindlessly scrolled through social media until she stumbled upon a news story that left her eyes wide open in astonishment. Now completely absorbed, she clicked on article after article, oblivious to the fact that Colin had stopped speaking and had resumed eating.

“Pen?” he called, puzzled by the way she seemed fixated on her phone.

Her head snapped up to him, quickly gauging that his phone call had ended. Without missing a beat, she asked, “Did you check the news today?”

As his eyebrows furrowed, fear crept over him, wondering what had caused her to react that way. “No,” he answered, “why?”

Her nonverbal response came as she turned her phone to him so he could read what was written on its screen. He looked at her confusedly for a moment before focusing on what she was showing him.

Certifiably Royal: Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset officially dating

“What?!” Colin’s yelp echoed through the room as he read the title, swiftly snatching the phone from Penelope to read the rest of the text.

Certifiably Royal: Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset officially dating

Page Six was the first to break the news, which was later confirmed by the respective agencies.

by Freddie Stroma

Exciting dating news has taken the internet by storm, thanks to the notorious celebrity news outlet, Page Six. In a recent publication, it was disclosed that Daphne Bridgerton, a well-known beauty influencer, is currently in a relationship with Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings. The couple’s representatives later confirmed the information, releasing a joint statement stating that the two are currently in the process of getting to know each other. It’s not every day that dating rumours involving public figures get confirmed so quickly and nonchalantly and the news sparked a range of reactions online, with many expressing joy for the new celebrity duo and commenting they were a good-looking couple.

In fact, rumours of a potential romance between Basset and Bridgerton have been swirling since the start of the week, causing quite a stir on the popular social media platform, Twitter. The speculation gained even more traction when candid photos of the pair enjoying a lunch together emerged online. But it seems that the jokes made by online users about the possibility of the Bridgerton family princess becoming a real princess were not as far-fetched as they seemed.

“Anthony is going to have a seizure,” Colin said, his gaze locked on the news, his hands gripping Penelope’s phone with an intensity that threatened to shatter it.

“And how about you?” she asked, seeing he was about to have a fit himself.

He took a deep breath and gave her back the phone, saying, “I’m okay, but I’m worried things won’t stay that way.”

Placing her phone back into her pocket, she gave him a puzzled expression.

He raised an eyebrow and explained, “We’ve got an ensemble scene to shoot? This afternoon?”

Staring at him, Penelope sat frozen, her mind racing to process the sinking feeling of the information.

“Oh no.”

Anthony: DAPHNE??????????????????????????????

Hyacinth: now you show up here early

Gregory: hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

Benedict: well hi brother how is your day going?

Anthony: you truly approve of this benedict?

Benedict:approve? what’s there to approve it’s daph’s life not mine

Colin: please everyone just agree with anthony im begging

Hyacinth is currently typing…

Benedict is currently typing…

Gregory: well that was more shocking than page six

Anthony: it is her life but we are her family

Anthony: we can’t just sit here and do nothing when she makes a mistake

Anthony: you know how hastings is

Hyacinth: he’s one of your best friends you wacko!!!!

Colin: I for one think anthony is right

Hyacinth:🙄

Benedict: weren’t emojis too millenial for u?

Hyacinth: im trying to speak in a language anthony and colin understand

Daphne: hi

Gregory is currently typing…

Anthony is currently typing…

Hyacinth is currently typing…

Daphne: yes its true no im not changing my mind anthony

Gregory: so /that’s y u were so busy

Daphne:🙄

Hyacinth: who cares abt anthony since when is this going on

Hyacinth: why do I have to find out everything from this family on the internet?

Colin: are u new here?

Hyacinth: we’re not the golden globes, no award for trying to be funny.

Anthony: he has dated half of london daphne

Anthony: and since when has this been going behind my back?

Anthony: I stopped bringing him to family events because of you just so you know

Daphne: it was ONE disagreement ONE time

Gregory: I think simon’s shirt disagreed

Hyacinth: u’re not funny no one in this family is funny

Benedict: Hey

Francesca: why are there so many messages? You guys talk too much

Daphne: we reconnected

Daphne: it happens

Hyacinth: pls everyone knew u liked each other

Anthony: since when???

Hyacinth: honest question are u blind

Benedict: yes

Gregory: yes

Francesca: I can’t scroll up that much I’ll check with you guys later

Colin: for the record i agree with anthony

When Anthony’s day started off with Colin and Cressida’s insufferable scene at the stables, he should have known it was off to a bad start. However, even he couldn’t predict how everything would go downhill and turn into a total disaster.

To begin with, his sister made the choice to date one of his closest friends, whom he loved but also happened to be a notorious womaniser. The same friend with whom she had a heated argument at one of Anthony’s birthdays, resulting in Simon’s Ermenegildo Zegna beige shirt getting soaked in wine, and a vow to never attend another Bridgerton family gathering.

Then, to make matters worse, he had to tackle one of the most complicated scenes of the movie, starring the one person who refused to make his life easier.

“I have experience riding horses since I was a child, I know how to do this.”

With a huff, Anthony felt the dampness of the drizzle causing his hair to cling to his forehead.

“Fantastic for you,” he said with a piercing look, “but that doesn’t mean it will look good on camera.”

Kate crossed her arms over her chest defiantly, giving a dismissive scoff. She could feel the gentle rain on her long brown cape, which was protecting her and her ash yellow dress.

“Oh, is that the problem, or are you just unable to admit to one tiny mistake?” she asked.

“Admit to one tiny—” he pressed his lips together in an indignant grimace, waving his hands around because his patience was wearing thin. “I am the director. I’m telling you how I want this sequence to be performed."

Instead of showing compliance, Kate’s reaction was to sarcastically widen her brown eyes. “Really? Is that the defence you plan to use when the scene ends up being completely absurd?”

“Why are those two idiots yelling near the horse?” the animal trainer, Kendrick Nectar, asked from afar. He watched with growing unease as the director and main actress engaged in a heated argument, causing the poor animal to tremble in fear.

Then, realising that the director’s brother was seated right next to him, he promptly added, “No offense.”

“None taken,” Colin grumbled tiredly in response, his arms crossed over his chest as he slouched on his chair, observing the scene in front of them unfold.

Tired of waiting endlessly for their turn to shoot the scene, he and Penelope decided it was time to take a break and give their legs a rest. In fact, even the actors involved in the present scene had chosen to take a break and distance themselves from the escalating argument between Anthony and Kate. Dolores, for one, headed straight for the snack table, enjoying some Anzac biscuits while she sipped her tea.

Colin’s stomach rumbled, making him briefly consider joining her.

Beside him, Penelope yawned and adjusted her raincoat before attempting to find a comfortable position on her chair.

“Do you reckon he’ll notice if I sneak off to nap in my trailer,” Colin joked, feeling fatigued himself.

She mustered a tired smile, her lips peeking out from beneath the hood that partially concealed her face. "Unfortunately, I believe your brother inherited your mother's omniscient powers and is always aware of where each of the actors in his care are," she said.

“If only he possessed the same intuitive power to discern the murderous thoughts we harbour silently for him,” he replied.

While focusing on the quarrelling duo in the midst of the open field, Penelope couldn’t help but chuckle. “I think your brother is such a good director,” she said, having rarely harboured murderous thoughts about him.

“I suppose he is,” he reluctantly agreed. “But you’re definitely way too good, Pen,” he added, knowing that Penelope was the one person who would never use Anthony’s temper against him.

She let out another yawn and shook her head at him, before settling back into her chair, attempting once more to find a comfortable position. Colin moved his chair nearer to Penelope as he observed her struggling again, gently drawing her closer so that she could rest her head on his shoulder.

With a soft thank you, she nestled closer, burying her head on his shoulder, and surrendering to the comforting gesture, too weary to resist. Anthony and Kate’s shouts, although initially irritating, took on a persistent rhythm that almost lulled Colin to sleep in his tired state. As Penelope pressed against him, her warmth seeped into his bones, offering respite from the hours of being drenched in the chilly drizzle. Before he knew it, he could feel his own eyelids growing heavy.

In the meantime, while Dolores, the rest of the cast, and even Kendrick were enjoying their snacks, their attention was immediately drawn to a piercing neigh. In an instant, the poor horse between Anthony and Kate bolted without direction, causing them to exchange shocked glances as they watched it gallop away.

“I knew this was going to happen,” the animal trainer exclaimed, his small plate clattering as he hastily abandoned it on the table and sprinted off in pursuit of the runaway animal.

“If he knew, why wasn’t he doing anything about it earlier?” Thomas questioned, observing the frantic trainer sprinting in despair, as he nonchalantly grabbed three mini croissants and added them to his plate.

Dolores paid no attention to him, her eyes widening as she observed the scene unfolding before them. “What are they doing?” she shouted, causing Thomas to quickly redirect his gaze towards the open field, where he witnessed Anthony and Kate chasing after the horse too.

“Oh, this is going to be great,” Thomas exclaimed, eagerly grabbing his phone, his excitement standing out amidst the shocked expressions of everyone else. Thomas, a self-proclaimed social media addict, couldn’t afford to let that gem slip away without saving it for later.

Kate, Anthony, Kendrick, and the horse vanished after crossing a small hill, yet Thomas persisted in pointing his camera in the direction they had headed, anticipating the comedic calamity they would unleash upon their return.

“Can you actually do that?” questioned Margaret Goring, a newer actress who was still inexperienced and overwhelmed by the confidentiality rules they were expected to adhere to.

He replied nonchalantly, “As long as I don’t reveal anything too important about the movie, or maybe if I get permission. Moreover, I can save this and later share it as a humorous behind the scenes moment once the movie is released.”

After a quick glance at her, he asked, “Why? Aren’t you taking pictures at all?”

Pursing her lips, she confessed, “A few…”

He leaned in, keeping one eye on the girl and the other on his phone, and advised, “Look, the key is to enjoy yourself. You need some material to post on social media. Trust me, it’s great for publicity.”

Kendrick then made his long-awaited return, accompanied by the horse. Kate and Anthony, covered in mud, were not far behind, capturing everyone’s attention - some amused, others shocked. Thomas found the situation incredibly hilarious and burst into laughter while filming a video. But while Dolores assured Thomas that Anthony would never approve the video’s release, Margaret’s attention had shifted elsewhere. A scene that seemed to go unnoticed by everyone else caught her attention.

Sitting a few meters to the right, there was Colin Bridgerton, peacefully resting his head on Penelope Featherington’s, both of them cuddled up together and looking absolutely adorable as they slept peacefully in their raincoats.

Little did she know, when she innocently snapped that photo and later added it to her Instagram carousel, the domino effect it would unleash.

Chapter Text

Colin had been in the entertainment industry long enough to recognise all of the signs that something was definitely happening.

It all starts with the phone buzzing—an Instagram comment, a Twitter notification, a message from a friend, and then another, and maybe even messages from your family. The buzzing sound grows louder and louder as more notifications pour in, transitioning from gossip website articles to explanatory TikTok videos, until your manager interrupts with a phone call.

The exact sequence of events may not occur every time, but the key details remain consistent. That is why, when his phone began vibrating strangely as he returned to his trailer after a long day of shooting, he knew right away.

The first thing that came to mind when he opened Instagram (and he was fortunate to find the source of the problem right away that time) was how much he liked that picture. Penelope looked adorable, almost drooling on his shoulder, and he suppressed the near-adolescent need to save the photo. And then it dawned on him that he was supposed to be investigating whether that was the source of the constant buzzing. When he read the comments, he quickly confirmed that it was, of course.

Oh, so this is how Colin looks when he is in love? The comment with the most likes said, and he raised an eyebrow at how strange it all was. Despite the various forms their close relationship had taken over the years, nobody around Colin and Penelope saw them as anything more than friends. The mere hint of a romantic relationship between them was so foreign that it almost caused him to chuckle.

As he scrolled down, he noticed that people clearly did not feel the same way, which seemed strange and exaggerated, especially given that it was only one picture. And then he realised that might be the problem. Those who were not part of their family were unaware of the dynamics between Penelope and him; all they had was a single static picture to base their knowledge on. Once they saw them together, it would become clear to them, just like it had to everyone else in their lives, that their friendship was clearly and unquestionably platonic.

However, in the meantime, the internet would continue to excel at gathering minimal evidence and promoting the most ludicrous theories based on it. So, with a sigh, he scrolled through his contact list in search of Will’s number, and then pressed the call button.

But not before saving the picture.

𝔠𝔞𝔯𝔩𝔬𝔰 @carlosbton

WHAT IS GOING ON???????

     | Dee @warofthorns

     @carlosbton shes a family friend calm down

           | 🌸Hilly🌸 @hilllaryss

           @carlosbton @warofthorns LOL yes sure a FRIEND

               | Dee @warofthorns

               @carlosbton @hilllaryss hes got a gf you weirdo??

                    |🌸Hilly🌸 @hilllaryss

                    @carlosbton @warofthorns do we even know if they’re still together? he hasn’t posted anything about her in ages

                         | Dee @warofthorns

                         @carlosbton @hilllaryss hes been filming in NZ for months ofc we havent seen them together but he liked her ig post yesterday

                              | 𝔠𝔞𝔯𝔩𝔬𝔰 @carlosbton

                              @warofthorns @hilllaryss oh i didn’t know i just thought they looked cute on the pic i had never seen colin like that

                                   | 🌸Hilly🌸 @hilllaryss

                                   @carlosbton @warofthorns its because he’s never been like that

                                        | Dee @warofthorns

                                        @carlosbton @hilllaryss yes… he has. Yall are new on the fandom but colin used to be really touchyfeely with everyone but ppl started shipping him with everyone and he got pissed off so

                                            | 🌸Hilly🌸 @hilllaryss

                                            @carlosbton @warofthorns lol im not new but whatever we’ll see

Anthony believed that the most unfortunate moment of his week occurred when he and Kate, amidst their quarrel, decided to race each other to see who could catch the horse first. Unfortunately, their competitive efforts ended in a messy outcome as both of them slipped and fell into a pool of black mud, while Kendrick Nectar smoothly secured the horse.

But he was wrong; it was amazing how he was always wrong.

“I’m fine, I can keep shooting,” Kate grumbled with impatience as they made their way back to the set. Her nerves were fraying as Anthony continued to glance in her direction.

“Well, I can’t continue shooting,” he said, his eyes widening as he gestured to his completely dirty attire.

For some unknown reason, his tone made Kate burst into laughter. She was aware that this would likely lead to a bigger fight, but seeing Anthony Bridgerton looking like a mess and the comical way he said it was too funny for her to control herself. However, the unthinkable occurred, and Anthony also burst into laughter. They stopped walking and bent over in fits of laughter. Kate couldn’t help but think it was ironic that the only time they would ever see eye to eye was when they were both a complete mess.

“Listen...” Anthony said, his arms propped on his thighs after his bout of laughter, “I know you can’t stand me, but can we agree that this movie is more significant than our feelings towards each other? Bigger than our fights, our disagreements.”

Despite Kate’s usual stubbornness, she stopped and gazed at him as if, for once in their turbulent relationship, she was actually paying attention.

“I’m not saying we have to be best mates, but can we at least come to a truce?” As he stared at her, his forehead furrowed in a pleading grimace. “We can’t continue like this if we want to make any progress. Believe me, we don’t have enough money to keep wasting shooting days.”

With a slight tilt of her head, she retorted, “Well, you should have listened to me earlier, then.” As he gave her a weary glare, Kate defiantly lifted her chin and added, “But I suppose you’re right. We have both decided to do this, haven’t we?”

As he straightened his back, the sound of his wet and muddy clothes filled the air, making a squelching noise. Anthony extended his hand, gesturing for her to shake it as if they were sealing a deal. Kate gazed at it briefly before accepting it. Anthony then nodded and they resumed walking back to the set they had left, acknowledging that their agreement didn’t imply newfound fondness, but rather a commitment to prioritise their work over personal animosity.

And at long last, he started to believe that he could have a peaceful work environment, devoid of unnecessary conflicts and distractions.

However, as he finally reached his trailer at the end of the day, eagerly anticipating a soothing bath that he had been yearning for, he soon discovered that peace was a luxury he couldn’t find in his life.

As his phone started buzzing relentlessly, he knew from experience that it signalled a problem. Nevertheless, Anthony chose to ignore the persistent vibrations, determined to enjoy his tranquil shower without allowing them to bother him. He was granted ten minutes of silence, right?

As he stepped out of the shower and glanced at his mobile screen, he immediately sensed that the answer was negative.

“Anthony Bridgerton,” he said, even though he knew who was calling.

“Let me advise you not to lose your temper,” Agatha cautioned, her tone laced with concern, which only heightened his suspicions. “There were no leaks and everything is being handled.”

That was certainly an unexpected way to greet someone, especially someone who had a long, tiring day, and was running out of patience. Tossing the towel he was using to dry his hair onto the floor, he knew immediately that something had gone wrong.

“What got leaked?“ He asked with a sharp and alarmed tone.

“Like I said,” she stated calmly, “nothing.”

Agatha’s insistence on reassuring him felt anything but calming, and her ambiguous answers were bound to cause a heart attack in a forty-year-old man. “What is happening?” he asked.

“Check your phone, will you?” She said, and Anthony had no clue how she knew he hadn’t checked, but he had given up trying to comprehend Agatha’s (and his mother’s) uncanny ability to know everything at all times. “And remember what I told you: do not lose your temper. She is new.”

Ending the call abruptly, she nearly hindered her own request for him to check it, as he was close to throwing the device at the wall. However, he tightly gripped it and tried to go through his messages and emails one by one.

Thomas Dorset: i swear it wasn’t my fault

Thomas Dorset: please don’t recast me

Thomas Dorset: no seriously i know all your secrets from college don’t you dare recast me

Thomas Dorset: please?

To: Anthony Bridgerton

From: Sita Malhotra

Subject: Interview for New Projects

Dear Mr. Bridgerton,

I’m reaching out on behalf of the Hollywood Reporter to enquire about the most suitable time for scheduling the interview.

Best regards,

Sita Malhotra

🔔Instagram: heartSSwordSS mentioned you in a comment

🔔Instagram: colinbrigggthon mentioned you in their story

🔔Instagram: nadiada mentioned you in their story

🔔Instagram: loralover mentioned you in a comment

🔔Instagram: anthoniete__obsessed__3456 mentioned you in a comment

“What in the world is this?” he wondered aloud, perplexed by the unexpected notifications that led him to a deleted post page. Letting out a sigh, he disregarded the numerous Instagram notifications and carried on with checking his messages.

Mom: Good morning dear, i hope you are having a wonderful time you know how proud i am of you

Mom: Or is it good night? I keep forgetting you are on the other side of the globe

Mom: Is your brother by any chance with you?

Mom: He is not answering his telephone

Anthony furrowed his eyebrows, brother? What was her sudden urgency to speak with Colin at this particular moment? And when did he become Colin’s nanny? He then shifted his focus to the next batch of messages flooding in from the sibling family group chat.

Hyacinth: Colin

Hyacinth: …

Hyacinth: Are you and Pen dating

Gregory: please don’t joke abt that

Benedict: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Colin: haha

Anthony furrowed his brows in confusion, completely unaware of the context of the conversation. On the verge of giving up, he let out a sigh until, finally, a notification from a sketchy celebrity website appeared on his phone.

“Cuddling on set?” - A Look at 30 Co-Stars Who Sparked Dating Rumours

Whether it’s Friends or The Sword and The Heart, all of these sets share a common thread.

The Sword and The Heart? They hadn’t even finished filming, and already their names were plastered on a questionable gossip article. And then, as Anthony read the text, he eventually stumbled upon the image that ended up wasting 10 valuable minutes of his life.

“That is it?” he wondered aloud, gazing at a photograph of Colin and Penelope peacefully napping on set—a familiar scene he had witnessed countless times as they both grew up. Did Agatha Danbury really just call him and almost give him a few extra wrinkles over a silly picture? People were making it a point to get on his nerves that day.

Which was why he chose to go to Colin’s trailer rather than send him a message, since if he spent another minute on that idiotic mobile device, he was going to lose his sanity sooner rather than later. When he arrived at his destination, he was greeted by an open trailer door, which revealed Colin issuing instructions to a stressed-out John, who was taking notes, while Will argued with them both through the speaker phone.

“Absolutely not, I won’t answer PopSugar for crying out loud. Just issue one statement to the press,” Colin said, his hands on his hips, giving John a stern look. “Are you paying attention?”

“Y...yes,” John stammered, his hand trembling as he struggled to grip the pen.

As he gestured with his right hand, he started dictating, “Penelope Featherington and I have been friends for more than two decades. Despite our affection for each other, it is strictly platonic.”

“It is quite something how you managed to mess things up while in New Zealand, of all places,” Will said, echoing from Colin’s phone on the table.

Colin turned his head and gave his phone a stern look, as if it was Will himself. “I’m doing your job at the moment, you know,” he said.

“Mine? You mean your publicist, who you explicitly said you didn't want to go to New Zealand with you—”

“And I didn’t mess anything up, I was sleeping!”

“With a woman!”

Colin gestured with his hands, as if his manager could actually see him, and exclaimed, “It’s Penelope, not a woman!”

Anthony cleared his throat, causing the two men in the room to quickly turn their heads towards him and the phone to fall silent. While John was clearly mortified, Colin’s response was to roll his eyes.

“Don’t start,” he cautioned, going back to his assistant to double-check what he had written.

The older Bridgerton nonchalantly shrugged and remarked, “I didn’t say anything. I was just about to ask which one of you two idiots posted it.”

Colin gave him a piercing look while his hand hovered over the pen, as he worked on fixing John’s notes. “None of us, obviously,” he said.

Right on cue, Penelope rushed into the trailer, her hands fidgeting nervously. “I just talked to Mrs Varley, and she doesn’t think it’s a big deal. She actually thinks it might make things worse if I bring attention to it.”

As she looked up and saw Anthony standing there, she nearly startled back, instinctively placing a hand on her chest while gazing at him.

“Just so you know, I agree with her,” Anthony said nonchalantly. “There must be loads of pictures of you two like that over the years.”

“Well, you clearly haven’t had the pleasure of dealing with these people,” Colin retorted, before addressing Penelope, “Mrs Varley? But why did you go to her for advice?” It was, without a doubt, peculiar that Penelope sought advice from Portia Featherington’s housekeeper, slash best friend, on a matter that was well beyond her expertise.

She shrugged and replied, “Because she’s my manager.”

The two Bridgertons then looked at her as if she had gone completely mad.

“How in the world did she end up being your manager, Pen?” Colin asked incredulously.

Staring back at him with frustration, she widened her eyes and responded, “She’s got a degree in business management,” before trailing off and adding, “And I couldn’t afford to hire anyone else.”

Rubbing his tired eyes with his fingers, Colin added, while dismissively waving at his phone, “You know what, maybe you can have Will.”

"Oi," the manager in question complained from miles away.

“Alright,” Colin said, inhaling deeply and adjusting his posture. “If we really don’t want any dating rumours to follow us forever, we need to deal with this right away. Otherwise, they’ll keep saying ‘see, they didn’t deny it’ for months. Trust me.”

Penelope nodded, her heart sinking as she watched Colin vehemently deny any romantic connection between them. Which she knew was unfair, as he was in a committed relationship and her interactions with Colin had always been strictly platonic.

“Lilo pretty much said the same thing,” Will's voice chimed in from the phone, forever speaking for Colin's publicist, who had long learnt to manage the actor's shenanigans from afar. “I agree with him.”

“Alright,” Penelope sighed. “So, what’s the plan, then?”

“Take a look at this and let me know what you think.” He gestured towards the paper that John held, who approached her to give her the draft. “Then just have your assistant send Mrs Varley’s number to Will, and our teams will handle it.”

“I don’t have an assistant,” Penelope replied, briefly lifting her gaze from the text to meet his eyes.

Colin took a brief moment to process the information, blinking as he tried to adjust. He was so accustomed to seeing everyone around him with multiple assistants that he didn’t even realise that Penelope never had one. However, it made sense, considering she had just mentioned that she could barely afford her manager.

Scratching the back of his head, he said, “John, could you please send Mrs Varley’s number to Will, then?”

John nodded, and then Penelope carried on reading. After he handed her the pen, she jotted down her manager’s cell phone number, finding it hard to believe she had to do something like that. Honestly, during her brief acting career, she hardly ever needed to reach out to her manager for any emergencies. And now she was giving out her number all because of a silly photo? She wasn’t crazy, was she? Just like Anthony mentioned, there was nothing extraordinary about that picture.

“Pen, everything will be fine,” Colin reassured her, and she glanced at him, taken aback by his ability to perceive her distress. ”Don’t worry, we’re just trying to handle the situation before it gets blown out of proportion.”

Penelope gave a nod as John approached Colin’s mobile phone to take it off speaker and have a direct conversation with Will. With his hands firmly planted on his hips, Anthony continued to stare at them.

“Alright, now that’s settled, who do I need to let go?”

Penelope froze on the spot, half expecting Colin to respond with his usual mix of kindness and exasperation, while Anthony’s temper flared. However, his response was a sharp huff, accompanied by an irritated tone, as he uttered, “It was Margaret, and she went ahead and posted it without asking us.”

The sight of Colin ratting out a colleague caught the redhead off guard, her jaw dropping in disbelief. “Colin!” she exclaimed before she could control herself. When he gave her a questioning look, she hurriedly explained, “She was simply enthusiastic about sharing her experiences on set. She didn’t mean any harm. It’s clear that she’s new.”

Anthony was on the verge of barking who cares about intent, it’s on her contract. However, he abruptly halted when he recalled that this was Penelope. He would rather die than let his family kill him in retaliation for snapping at her.

“Pen...” Colin closed his eyes and let out a sigh, his anger visibly dissipating.

“As am I, by the way,” she added, her indignation now surpassing that of both men, still shocked that they were reacting so strongly to such a silly photo. The kind and understanding Colin Bridgerton she thought she knew would never have acted in such a way. It left her feeling unsure about how well she truly knew him. “Or would you also advocate for my termination if I were to make a similar mistake?”

“You wouldn’t,” he immediately replied.

“But if I did—”

He shot her an exasperated glance, fully aware that the argument was already lost. “Obviously I wouldn’t,” he replied, a tinge of red colouring his cheeks.

Anthony, with a hand on his forehead, said, “I understand that you might empathise, but we need to maintain order on this set. Earlier, Agatha called me and advised me to hold off on taking any action,” he edited her statement and continued,“ but it’s likely that she doesn’t have complete knowledge of all the details.”

“No, Pen is right, Anthony,” Colin interjected, leaving Anthony completely stunned.

John couldn’t help but stifle a chuckle, which made him realise in that moment that he truly liked Penelope. He had this weird thought that those movies should last forever so he could keep enjoying these moments.

“We all make stupid mistakes when we’re new,” he said with a sigh, recalling his own early years. He glanced at an annoyed Penelope, who had crossed her arms in front of her chest, and added, “And she likely didn’t mean any harm.”

“To be honest, when I first saw the picture, I didn’t think anything of it,” Penelope added, shrugging. “If we were just ordinary people, it wouldn’t matter at all.”

Anthony then raised his hand, signalling for them to stop. “Fine,” he replied, letting out a frustrated huff. “I couldn’t care less as long as she doesn’t spill any details about the movie.”

Colin mustered a tired nod as Penelope beamed at them both with a triumphant smile. The director then fixed a stern gaze on his two actors, his hand firmly planted on his hip as he warned them, “And you two, no more chaos on my set.”

Colin finally rolled his eyes at him, replying, “That’s ironic coming from you.”

Anthony shot him a fierce glare, ready to fire back with a sharp retort. But just before Penelope could get caught in the crossfire of a typical Bridgerton squabble, she simply raised her hands and announced, “Alright, I’m going back to my trailer,” before they resumed their argument.

And then, at last, when she was far away enough that she couldn’t hear their bickering voices but only the sound of crickets and the gentle breeze of the early night, Penelope took a deep breath and let her placating smile fade away.

Her footsteps were slow and deliberate as she made her way to her trailer, the stillness and emptiness within contrasting starkly with the loud and chaotic scene she had just experienced. On top of her dinette table, her buzzing mobile sat in the exact spot where she had left it after talking with Mrs Varley and scrolling through her social media feeds.

As she strolled towards it, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror out of the corner of her eye. Without thinking, she turned around to get a better look, like an idiot. Her red hair was a tangle of frizz, lacking any shape or form, as usual. The dark circles under her eyes were deep and almost black, and her skin was oily and glistening with sweat. Was she really looking that bad when she came out to speak with Colin?

Letting out a sigh, she disregarded her reflection, something she had done repeatedly for years, and finally grabbed her phone. In the darkness, the glow from the screen illuminated her face as she stared at the frozen image on it, the page she had left before going to Colin’s trailer.

Kath @bridgertonsthird

I can’t believe you guys are seriously considering this have you looked at her

     | fi is tired @fifigrande

     @bridgertonsthird lmao right

          | Kath @bridgertonsthird

          @fifigrande homeboy goes on dates with Burberry & Victoria Secret models then the swamp goblin to keep it democratic

               | Ana Carolina @sw0rdh3rt

               @bridgertonsthird @fifigrande whats wrong with you ppl she’s gorgeous

                    | Kath @bridgertonsthird

                    @fifigrande @sw0rdh3rt and is the gorgeous in the room with us?

Penelope’s eyes were all blurry by the time she checked the last reply, which had a picture attached. It was a still from the last sitcom she had appeared in. She was pulling a funny face, scrunching up her nose and hiding her face in her neck, resulting in a rather unflattering double chin.

She couldn’t really blame them because, truth be told, she did resemble a swamp goblin. And it was completely absurd, because who in their right mind would have expected Colin Bridgerton to look at her differently? The very notion that he thought he had to explain their relationship was ridiculous. Decades of friendship and no one around them thought they were dating; why would it be different now?

The sound of her phone buzzing became even more frenetic than before, suggesting that Will had already come through and released their statements. She then updated her timeline to confirm her suspicions.

Dee @warofthorns

lol I knew it

     | fi is tired @fifigrande

     @warofthorns well that was fast

         | Dee @warofthorns

         @fifigrande ofc why would he want to be associated with her

             | fi is tired @fifigrande

             @warofthorns our boy BOLTED

⋆˚✿˖° it’s always rainy in delulutown⋆˚✿˖° @loranator

oomf is pretending they didn’t ship ***** and ********

     |Cinthy❤️‍🔥🐉⚔️ @Cy3452n

     @loranator LMAO shut up

         |⋆˚✿˖° it’s always rainy in delulutown⋆˚✿˖° @loranator

         @Cy3452n loser queens in and off screen sis

Re @XcolinxXbr1

lora shippers are sick in the head

______________________________________________________

⋆˚✿˖° it’s always rainy in delulutown⋆˚✿˖° @loranator

@Cy3452n loser queens in and off screen sis

_______________________________________________________

     |Maria Gomes ⚔️ @englishmansw1fe

     @XcolinxXbr1 anyway, trust mom to brighten our day

As the last user shared Tracy’s latest Instagram post, Penelope couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh. The post featured a snapshot from Tracy’s recent Victoria Secret’s fashion show, capturing her in a lacy black lingerie set with scintillating silver wings on her back.

With a loud exhale, Penelope frustratedly locked her phone screen and dropped it onto the table with a thud. She then went for a much-needed shower, feeling as if the world had finally returned to its proper axis.

The following day should have gone better.

Penelope should have felt rejuvenated after a nice, warm shower, a good night’s sleep, and the calming sensation of resolving any uncertainty online. However, when she approached the shooting location, an overpowering sensation of humiliation flooded her stomach. It was absurd because nobody even knew that she loved Colin, but it was still painful to hear the world echoing what she had always believed: that there was absolutely no chance of it happening, not even in a million years.

It was even worse that the first person she saw from the cast upon arrival was the one who reminded her the most of that undeniable fact.

“Isn’t your outfit lovely for today?” Cressida said with a forced smile, her eyes disdainfully examining her squire attire. “It matches your eyes.”

The other girl was pretty sure nothing in her outfit highlighted the colour of her blue eyes—not her beige shirt, brown leather vest, or matching pants—but she smiled and nodded. Not everyone had the luxury of being a pretty princess like Cressida, and as time passed, it became clear that she was overly aware of that.

“Can you believe how much noise there was yesterday? The internet will believe anything, won’t it?” The blonde continued, shedding her grey cloak and revealing her angelic white dress that shimmered in the light. Her gaze, sharp and unyielding, was fixed once again on Penelope. “You and Colin imagine that,” she chuckled. “Can you just picture their reaction when they see a photo of me and him? It’s going to be madness.”

Penelope gave her a half-hearted smile, not nearly as entertained as Cressida appeared to be. And indeed, she was probably right, people really would cling to anything to see imaginary romances everywhere. Once the promotional photos or the actual film were made public, everything would become clear. Unfortunately, the idea of Colin and Cressida being shipped together was so repulsive to Penelope that she had to suppress a shiver.

“Is that a rip in your dress?” Another voice suddenly joined in.

Cressida’s eyes widened as she exclaimed, “Where?” She quickly glanced down at her outfit, frantically searching for any imperfections.

Kate’s attention was only partially on her as she concentrated on unbuttoning her coat over her cloak. “I think there was a stain on the hem,” she offhandedly noted.

Then the other woman found the dreadful tear and almost snarled with anger. Frustrated, she crumpled the hem of her dress and muttered, "I am going to kill that woman," as she walked towards Genevieve.

Penelope couldn’t resist smiling at the scene, and when she glanced at Kate, she found Kate already looking back at her.

“That was an interesting way to start the day,” Kate remarked with a raised eyebrow and a slight, amused smile forming on her lips.

“Outfit mishaps can be tricky,” Penelope commented, her tone neutral as she tried to grasp the main actress’ intended meaning.

The truth was, Penelope and Kate were practically strangers. Although their characters were closely connected in the story, it wasn’t until the end of the first movie that they began filming scenes together. And despite generally having pleasant encounters with her, Penelope remained cautious when interacting with anyone on set.

Like Colin once mentioned, she had to carefully observe people and assess their trustworthiness, and Kate remained an enigma to her.

“No, I was talking about the morning harassment and whatnot,” Kate responded, nodding in the direction Cressida had gone.

Penelope looked at her with wide eyes, a shocked expression that the other woman couldn’t help but notice. Kate swiftly gave her a dismissive wave while she bent down to fix her shoes, saying, “I apologise. I sometimes have trouble holding my tongue.”

Hearing Penelope’s laughter, she turned to the shorter girl, who reassured her, “It’s alright, I was just a little surprised. It’s not easy to come across someone so honest here.”

Kate then grinned and adjusted her posture, also observing Penelope’s attire but with a more serious demeanour. “I do not like your outfit,” she said, causing Penelope to chuckle once more. Kate looked up into her eyes and said, "But I believe that eyes like yours can match anything. I’m envious, to be honest.”

Penelope’s chest was filled with a comforting warmth as she listened to the sincerity in Kate’s words, causing her to truly appreciate the kindness being shown. Despite not being particularly close, Penelope couldn’t imagine Kate being the type to fabricate something like this. Lost in thought, Penelope found herself gazing at the mesmerising woman standing before her, contemplating the possibility that Kate might just be a little bit crazy for saying such things. Regardless of her brown cloak, her height and athleticism were unmistakable, along with her captivating warm brown eyes and brows that had the power to incite wars.

“I don’t believe you should be,” Penelope replied, smiling and returning the compliment.

Kate grinned in response, then clasped her hands together as if ready to get down to business. “Shall we get going?” With a sly glance at their director, she quipped, “I’d sooner die than let Anthony blame me for wasting another shooting day.”

Penelope agreed with a nod, and together they began walking towards Colin, who was already in position to film their scene. “How are you, by the way? After...” she trailed off, the memory of Kate and Anthony’s horse incident still fresh in her mind.

“I’m well,” Kate replied in a composed manner, her gaze fixed on her feet as they strolled. “Luckily, we managed to avoid any injuries.”

“That’s good,” Penelope replied, feeling the awkward silence settle in and realising they were running out of things to talk about.

However, Kate’s focus shifted to Colin, who stood ahead, and she asked, “What about you?” Penelope looked puzzled, but before she could enquire further, Kate went on, “Thomas mentioned at dinner that there was a bit of a stir online about a photo Margaret shared. I honestly didn’t see it. I tend to steer clear of social media when I’m working on a project.”

Penelope could instantly relate to that feeling and wondered if she should start living the same way. Regardless, she was grateful that, despite being a virtual stranger, Kate was checking in to see how she was doing rather than asking what was true and what wasn’t.

“I’m alright,” Penelope replied. “It wasn’t anything serious.” Gazing at Colin, she realised that although a few people were giving them curious looks, it was nothing extraordinary, and the situation was already settling down.

Colin then greeted Kate with formality and smiled at Penelope, appearing more tense than usual, possibly due to the crew's inquisitive looks. Anthony quickly joined them, and Cressida followed suit, her white and dainty gown now flawless.

“We haven’t got much time or we’ll miss the golden hour,” was Anthony’s way of saying hello, which, by that point after months of filming, was pretty standard. He gestured towards Colin, Penelope, and Cressida and said, “So you three will begin here, as we discussed earlier this week.” He then turned to Kate, who, for once, did not raise an eyebrow at him. “You’ll come onto the scene from over there with your hood on," he said, gesturing towards the edge of the forest to their left. “Does anyone have any questions? Speak now or forever hold your peace.”

Then Kate arched an eyebrow at his overdramatic ways, prompting him to respond with a tired look before dismissively waving his hands for them to take their places while he made his way to his own chair, which wasn’t solitary for that particular shooting.

Cressida wasted no time and positioned herself uncomfortably close to Colin, who squirmed under her gaze, while Penelope desperately tried to distract herself from the awkwardness.

“Strange, aren’t they?” Charlotte asked as soon as Anthony settled down next to Agatha and her. While the other two exchanged puzzled looks with the writer, she maintained a sharp gaze on the trio. “Those three,” she continued, offering no further clarification.

Agatha then shifted her focus towards the individuals in question. Before the shooting even began, her friend’s observant eyes had detected something unusual in them. And although Agatha had to concede that there was a strange atmosphere around them, she would not have been able to detect it without Charlotte’s observation. However, after knowing the woman for years, she had learnt not to dismiss her sharp intuition. “I suppose,” she replied.

Once Anthony realised that the conversation between the two women was not of any real importance, he immediately started barking orders to roll the cameras and sound.

“The East Dynasty, Scene 65, Take one, Mark,” the second assistant quickly announced, closing the clapboard, and Anthony called out “Action.”

Cressida, Colin, and Penelope then started walking, with Cressida firmly grasping Colin’s arms.

“Are you absolutely certain this is the most appropriate route?” The blonde asked with a firm tone.

“If I understood my brother correctly, yes,” Colin replied with a hint of irritation. However, he couldn’t hide his discomfort, as Cressida was only supposed to lean on him lightly, not hold his arm so tightly that her nails almost pierced his skin.

“I think we should turn back,” she said, her sharp tone almost expressing annoyance.

From the production side of the scene, Charlotte furrowed her eyebrows. Glancing at the script in her lap, she double-checked to make sure she wasn’t misremembering that scene. Because the interaction in front of her was not what she had expected or remembered.

However, as she read the pages, it became apparent that while the lines were accurate, the characters themselves felt off. Catherine, who was supposed to be timid and frightened, came across as headstrong and controlling, and Leonidas, who should have been comforting and brave, appeared exasperated and distant. So the problem could only be in the direction.

Looking at Anthony, who appeared oddly calm despite the disaster unfolding in front of them, Charlotte realised she might have made a mistake by agreeing to this project. While the scenes between Kate and Thomas—the ones she had watched the most—seemed to go flawlessly, she remained oblivious to the chaos unfolding among the supporting cast.

She glanced at Agatha, hoping to see the same confusion in her eyes. However, the producer was too engrossed in observing the scene with raised eyebrows to notice her friend’s gaze.

“For once, I might actually agree with her,” Penelope remarked, her eyes darting anxiously in search of any signs of an impending attack.

Colin scoffed and absentmindedly dragged Cressida along as he walked, remarking, “It figures that you would choose now, out of all times.”

“Naturally,” Penelope replied, her chin held high and her tone dripping with confidence. “My utmost priority is to disagree with you before anything else.”

“That is precisely why you are currently without a home and on the run,” Colin replied, unabashed, while confidently pointing his index finger in the air. “Perhaps if you had made wiser decisions, your circumstances wouldn’t be so dire.”

Penelope then narrowed her eyes at him. “You are currently without a home and on the run,” she replied.

“Only because I am an excellent friend,” he quickly replied, never missing a beat. “I would give my life before abandoning you.”

As Penelope rolled her eyes, a tender smile tugged at the corners of her lips. From Nora’s point of view, Leonidas could be insufferable and condescending part time, but her loyal and caring best friend all of the time.

“I saw that,” Colin exclaimed, making it clear he was referring to her smile.

Nora’s grin then transformed into a mockingly annoyed expression as she took a few steps closer to him. “I was just experiencing a facial spasm,” she retorted, causing Colin to laugh.

Agatha and Charlotte cocked their heads simultaneously, growing increasingly perplexed by the unexpected dynamics unfolding before them. Once again, it felt like the words being spoken were spot on, but the scene was completely different. Nora and Leonidas were steadfast and very platonic best friends... why were they feeling a bit...flirty?

Then, their attention turned to Anthony, who once again calmly observed his actors without interfering. He was so calm that one would think it was a regular occurrence on the set. Scheduling issues meant that neither the producer nor the writer had been present in numerous sequences for the supporting actors, so they wouldn’t know.

“This is the spot,” Colin declared with a flourish, pointing to a random patch of grass. “We are meant to wait here.”

“Here?” Cressida asked, her voice filled with surprise and a hint of disbelief.

Penelope ignored their comments and instead directed their attention to something moving in the bushes in the woods, asking, “Am I the only one who sees a potentially deadly animal approaching us?” Without realising it, she stood near Colin and reached out to touch his arm, asking, “Where did you place your sword?”

He stared at the same point in the woods, swallowing hard before uttering, “I refuse to engage in a battle with a wild bear,” and then shifting his gaze towards her. She gave him a stern look, and they stared at each other until Kate finally emerged from her hiding place.

“Wait,” Cressida exclaimed.“It’s not an animal, it’s—” Her words trailed off as she directed everyone’s attention to the newcomer.

“A friend,” Kate declared, lowering her hood and allowing the colours of the sunset to give her hair and skin a golden glow. Her calming smile perfectly matched her regal features as she looked at them.

During that part of the story, Leonidas’ kingdom remained her adversary, but the ruling factions that dethroned her revealed themselves to be oppressively tyrannical. And because of Kate’s character prolonged time on the run, people assumed she was dead. Therefore, seeing her alive and well was a welcome sight, even in hostile territory.

“Marjorie,” Penelope said, with Nora being the one who used to serve as her lady-in-waiting. Slowly, she approached the woman, as if she couldn’t believe her own eyes. “Are you the person Dorieus had been in contact with?”

Kate nodded. “Even if he wishes it wasn’t so,” she replied cryptically. Although, for two royals in enemy territories, her answer shouldn’t be difficult to comprehend. She reached out and held Penelope’s hand, their fingers intertwining. As they stood there, Penelope’s eyes mirrored the vibrant hues of the pink and orange sky, filled with pure joy.

“I’m glad you are well, my old friend,” the former queen stated.

“I have no desire to be predictable, but..." Colin interjected, stepping slightly forward as if prepared to protect Penelope’s Nora if necessary. “We need proof that you’re not the person responsible for the attacks along the northern border.”

“Leo,” Penelope turned to him, her voice filled with conviction, “it’s not her.”

“Nor,” he said, locking eyes with her, conveying his meaning without speaking. He wasn’t willing to gamble with their safety, especially hers, without solid evidence. By all accounts, Nora had abandoned her kingdom to become an ally of the South Nation, which would not be a problem if no one recognised her, but Marjorie clearly did.

However, before that impasse could be resolved, a sharp, zipping sound pierced the air, and the ground around them became a sea of flaming arrows.

“Run!” Colin shouted, and the four of them quickly fled the scene as more arrows descended upon them.

“Cut!” Anthony called out, and a few assistants swiftly appeared to extinguish the flames. He then stood up to speak to the four actors, unaware of the pair of eyes watching him.

Charlotte observed them with a furrowed brow, taking a deep breath before asking, “Am I imagining things or—”

“I don’t think you are,” Agatha replied immediately, her attention divided between the actors and the director. “She seems a bit rigid, don’t you think? Cressida Cowper, I mean.”

“I thought she was a famous one,” Charlotte remarked with a hint of indignation, as if she had been deceived into purchasing a faulty product. “Was she supposed to sound like that?”

“I don’t know,” Agatha replied. They both remained silent for a while, observing the fumes from the extinguished fire wafting in the air. Meanwhile, Anthony conversed with Cressida, Kate, Colin, and Penelope, the latter two standing so close that it appeared they were nearly leaning on one another. With a hesitant pause, Agatha opened her mouth and said, “Was it me or—”

“It wasn’t just you,” Charlotte replied, her lips pursed tightly as she observed the duo’s interaction. “The first time I met them, they were frolicking at the table read, after all,” she said, her eyes judging them from afar. “Are they romantically involved?”

“No,” Agatha responded promptly, as if by reflex. But then she paused. Typically, that would be an absurd question for someone like her. Having known Colin and Penelope for quite a while, their interactions had always appeared perfectly normal to her. At that moment, however, seeing them as other people and then back as themselves, she had to admit her wheels were turning. “I don’t think,” she added.

“Interesting,” Charlotte commented as she crossed her arms. “I thought their managers said they weren’t.”

Agatha turned to her, taken aback that she had somehow caught wind of such frivolous gossip. The writer raised an eyebrow at her old friend, a questioning look in her eyes as she asked, “What? I am aware of everything that is taking place on this set. How about you?”

Knowing Charlotte’s tendency to assert her power, the producer chose not to dignify the question with an answer, as they had a history of engaging in such behaviour as a pastime. Agatha simply took a deep breath and returned her attention to the topic at hand. “Should we ask Anthony to redo the scene?” she said.

Charlotte maintained her crossed arms, fixating her gaze on the same spot as Agatha while pursing her lips. “No. Let us see where this goes, shall we? I’m finally not bored.”

Chapter Text

When Anthony Bridgerton was eighteen, his father took him to a film set.

This was not a new occurrence, as the boy had accompanied him numerous times throughout his childhood. What made that day different was Edmund’s excitement as he brought his son to witness the filming of an action scene. The scene would showcase him driving a racing car in one of the intricate sequences typical of a James Bond-esque film.

Anthony never grasped why his father found such joy in acting, as he favoured the directing side of filmmaking far more. Still, Edmund began his career as an actor before transitioning to directing, so Anthony assumed that some passions simply stayed with a person.

“I’m not going to wreck your property,” Edmund chuckled, chatting away on his mobile, one of those chunky black and white ones that only the early 2000s could pull off. “I’ve done plenty of these stunts, Agatha. You’re worrying over nothing.”

Strolling alongside him, Anthony let out a chuckle. Back then, Agatha was nothing more than a bossy and excessively concerned friend of the family. The occasionally grumpy producer who fretted a bit too much whenever she teamed up with his father on a project.

“No, this isn’t a midlife crisis,” his father carried on, a charming yet slightly weary grin on his face. “You know what the media’s like, right? They’re already claiming our film’s too American, or too superficial, and it hasn’t even hit the screens yet. Let’s show them a bit of authenticity. I promise it’ll all wrap up in just one afternoon, and your Lamborghini will be just fine for the last scene.”

The rest of the conversation was inaudible to Anthony, but his father responded with another smile, switched off his cellphone, and stashed it in his pocket before exhaling deeply.

“One day you’ll have to show me how to do that,” Anthony said with a cheeky smile and his dad shot him a curious glance. “Beating Agatha Danbury in a discussion. I reckon the future of our family business could be a right mess if I’m left to handle it all on my own against her."

With a chuckle, Edmund’s gaze shifted to something a few meters away. “Son, the first thing you need to understand is that if you don’t speak with confidence, you’ll be devoured on this field, whether it’s by Agatha Danbury or anyone else. And the second," he squinted, still staring at the crowd gathered near the set they were approaching. “Stay steadfast in your beliefs, regardless of whatever Agatha may throw your way.”

That last piece perplexed Anthony, and he wrinkled his brow until he followed his father’s gaze, observing someone moving away from the swarm of film crew members and going in their direction to meet them halfway. Suddenly, everything fell into place.

Before the discussion even began, the head of the Bridgerton family let out a heavy sigh, his voice filled with pleading as he started his case with a single word, “Love—”

“Don’t start, Edmund,” Violet warned, her index finger raised in the air as her face flushed with anger before she regained her composure. “With all the stuntmen you have, why aren’t you allowing them to perform their own tasks?” Placing his hands gently on her shoulders, he looked into her eyes, trying to reassure her, “It’s just a twenty-second scene, it will be fine. In fact, I find it even more concerning to see my heavily pregnant wife anxiously waiting for me under the scorching sun.”

“I can assure you,” Violet replied immediately, “that the sun is a walk in the park compared to the stress of watching your husband in a high-speed car.” 

"Your husband had been in burning buildings, on fast motorcycles, and even once took a dozen rubber bullets to the head. It will be alright,” he said. “And Agatha should have known that.”

Violet shot him an exasperated glare, fully aware that he must have realised Agatha was the one who had sent her to the set that day. “She’s worried about you too,” she said.

He waved her off dismissively, as if Agatha’s worries were unfounded. Then, he gestured for his assistant to approach and gave him instructions. “Please guide Mrs Bridgerton to my trailer so she can rest in the shade during the shoot,” he said.

“I’ll be fine, Edmund,” Violet protested half-heartedly, but he simply stared at her, making it clear that resting was not up for discussion. Taking a deep breath, she reluctantly agreed. “Okay, if you assure me it will be a brief scene.”

“It’ll be over in no time,” he reassured her, leaning in for a brief kiss on the lips before she headed off with his assistant.

The two men departed, exchanging another glance. Anthony tilted his head, as if silently acknowledging that he truly needed to learn from his father how to outmanoeuvre Agatha Danbury and her 4D chess. In response, Edmund merely shrugged and gestured towards the filming set ahead, eager to film that blasted scene at last.

Following his father’s lead, Anthony found a seat to the right of the director’s chair. Witnessing the magic on set from the first row, he marvelled at how his father’s voice breathed life into every scene, making it feel like a seamless extension of his imagination. And he gathered that if he were to truly inherit his family’s business, this was definitely what he would choose to do.

Unbeknownst to him, nearly an hour later, he would also find himself with a front-row seat to a stuntman’s loss of control of a black Jaguar E-Type, resulting in a direct collision with his father’s (or more accurately, Agatha’s) car, causing it to flip over.

And if someone asked Anthony today, he would say he wished it wasn’t true, but the memories from that moment flooded back to him with excruciating clarity. Like how it did not appear real at first, as if it were a part of the scene in some way. And as the filming came to a halt, all he could think about was how common accidents were on set. But then everyone on the crew began running, and the sounds of sirens in the distance became unsettlingly loud. Then he realised it was real, that it was happening.

Summoning his strength, he rose to his feet and dashed through the smoke and overpowering smell of gasoline, ignoring the distant pleas for him to stay away. Urgently, he made his way to his father, who lay on the ground, only his head and upper body visible after being forcefully ejected from the window. His father’s face, once full of life and joy, now showed no emotion.

“Dad?” Anthony leaned in close, quickly kneeling beside him and tightly gripping his hand. “Let’s get you out of there.”

“I-” Edmund gasped, struggling to hold onto his son’s hand.

Anthony’s blood turned to ice, and he jerked his head upwards, letting out a desperate scream for help, oblivious to the fact that the set’s ambulance was already en route, alerted by the crew who had recognised the seriousness of the accident long before he did. Still, it felt as though if he screamed with enough urgency, or with enough volume, someone would suddenly appear and restore everything to normal.

“Edmund?” Violet’s voice cut through the noise, drowning out the pounding in Anthony’s ears. And he wished it wasn’t so, because the desperation in her tone was far worse than the chaos. “Edmund!” She shouted again, crouching beside them, clutching her husband’s arm as if she could single-handedly lift him from the wreckage, nine months pregnant and all.

But his body was heavy and unyielding, leaving him trapped in the car wreckage, gasping for air.

“You need to breathe, Edmund,” Violet pleaded, gently stroking his face as tears streamed down her cheeks. “Just take a breath.”

And as his father went limp and the ambulance arrived, Anthony’s mind was filled with a million thoughts all at once. Many of them he wished were poetic and wise, anything other than a constant loop of No’s and Why’s. Some of them were simply absurd for a moment like that, but they would stay with him for the rest of his life.

I never want to step foot on another film set again as long as I live.

“Cut!”

“What’s the problem now?” Kate grumbled, breaking character and placing a hand on her hip.

Anthony, without glancing up from his clipboard, uttered in a bored tone, “Your delivery was too strong.”

Kate scowled at him, despite the fact that he was wearing dark sunglasses and gazing downwards. “You weren’t even paying attention.”

Thomas immediately flinched. “Don’t—” he pleaded, his warning barely escaping his lips, as Anthony slipped the sunglasses down to the tip of his nose, fixing Kate with a look.

“I would have to be in a soundproof box with my eyes shut tight to not notice your incorrect tone on those lines.” He then threw the clipboard onto the vacant chair beside him and crossed his arms before saying, "Also, there’s a bit of hair sticking out on your forehead that’s distracting for the shot. I know this, because, you see, I tend to notice things.”

Kate gave him a fierce look while he simply cocked his head and smirked, causing Thomas to roll his eyes and desperately long for an escape from the agony of filming any scene with the two of them. After fixing the stray strand of hair and adjusting her posture, she stood tall and locked eyes with Thomas.

“I’m ready,” she declared.

“Remember, a gentler tone,” Anthony said, clearly just to wind her up.

Without looking at him, she clenched her hand into a tight fist and muttered through clenched teeth, “I know. I said I’m ready.”

Wearing a victorious grin, Anthony signalled the cameras and sound crew to resume filming, capturing one of the last moments shared by Kate and Thomas in the movie. It also marked Thomas’ final scene for that first film, to his utter joy.

Following Thomas’ departure to his trailer, Anthony approached Kate to get ready for her last scene, which would also be the final one they would film for the movie. By that time, the majority of the cast and crew had either already gone back to London or were in the process of doing so. Frankly speaking, Anthony could hardly believe that they had successfully made it through several months without any significant issues. That was why Kate could throw all the barbs she wanted at him, and he would still respond with a carefree smile.

“So, keep in mind, this is one of the first scenes in the film. You’re running away from your home and your people, with usurpers chasing after you,” he explained, as the hair and make-up team came closer, making sure the blush on her cheeks was just right and letting her hair fall loosely with a slight wave for a slightly dishevelled look. “At that moment, your pride takes a hit as you realise you’ve always considered yourself to be one step ahead, only to be completely betrayed.”

Kate gave a subtle nod, limited by the ongoing adjustment of her makeup. The scene was intended to be short, serving as a catalyst for an action sequence. Since it needed to take place in the same location as an important conversation between her character and Thomas, it made logical sense to film it on the same day.

Genevieve quickly approached them, offering a brown cloak to Kate so she could cover her purple dress, which was the costume her character wore for most of the movie. Kate hurriedly dressed it while Kendrick Nectar approached them, leading a stunning brown horse.

Eyeing the two carefully, he asked, “Everything okay here?”

Anthony only glared at him, silently holding out his hand for Nectar to hand him the horse’s reins. The animal trainer did as asked, begrudgingly walking away from the horse to sit along with the rest of the crew.

“Now,” Anthony said, adjusting the reins on his hands before focusing back on Kate. “You will walk from that point,” he motioned towards what would be the edge of their cinematographic fief. “To here, remembering what I just told you.” He then placed a hand over the horse and continued, “You will mount the horse and the scene will end; Riley will take it from there so we can shoot the horse-chasing scene.”

Kate then furrowed her eyebrows. She was aware that they should move the horse slowly from that spot to a few meters away before the action scene began, so it didn’t make sense to ask her stuntwoman to replace her so early in that scene.

“Anthony, I can ride a horse,” she answered, despite being fully aware that he knew this already, as their most explosive fight to date had originated from this very fact.

“I know that,” he simply responded, without showing any understanding of why she had said that.

Her brows furrowed even more, and she gestured in the general direction where the other set was being prepared. “I can take the horse to the right spot before the action scene, there’s no need for Riley to do that.”

Despite the simple and calm reply, Anthony, being familiar with Kate, realised that this argument could cause problems. So he paused, staring at her for a moment before attempting to reason with one of the most unreasonable people he had ever met.

“Horses are unpredictable creatures and you are well aware of that,” he remarked, emphasising her claim of having been around such animals since childhood. "And, while this one may be trained, it is not yours. When it really comes down to it, you might not be able to control it. Riley is a trained stuntwoman, so if something goes wrong, she is better prepared to handle it."

“First off, it’s a she, not an it,” she said, gesturing to the horse, and Anthony just rolled his eyes. “And it’s a fifty metre ride from here to there, are you really telling me I can’t manage to ride a horse for half a block?”

With a deep breath, he raised his hand in a calming gesture and clarified, “I’m not implying that you can’t do it; I’m saying it’s unwise. There’s a difference. And there’s really no need to take this risk.”

“Of course there is,” she answered, her voice getting slightly louder, and Anthony glanced at the horse, concerned about a recurrence of their previous altercation in the mud. “If you’re planning to edit the scene to swap out the actress and have her riding a bit slower up to that point, you won’t be able to capture my face properly. It could end up looking a bit odd or obvious that it’s a stunt double.”

She made a valid point, and Anthony had also taken that into account a few weeks ago. However, he had also taken into account that it was a brief scene and any problems could be addressed in post-production.

“The scene lasts only five seconds at most, and I’d much prefer to keep my actors safe rather than put them at risk for that,” he said.

Kate blinked, her confusion growing as she tried to comprehend Anthony’s excessive worrying tendencies. Which were unnecessary truly, as she had explained to him many times by that point. “It’s not a risk, it’s less than a walk in the park, Anthony,” she said, pointing to the nearby set. “I understand that you’re not a fan of it, but can’t you trust my professional judgment after working together for months?”

Anthony resisted the urge to massage his temples and instead kept his focus solely on her. They found themselves at a standstill: for one, it was clear that Kate had a personal issue with those who questioned her capabilities. After months of collaboration with the woman, that was evident. But Anthony prioritised safety on set above all else, particularly when it involved actors performing their own stunts.

“This isn’t a matter of doubting your skills; it’s about adhering to safety protocols,” he stated, striving to keep his composure.

“But you do understand this is how I will see it if you won’t allow me to ride a horse for mere 50 metres,” she replied immediately, raising her eyebrows and crossing her arms in her unmistakable gesture of readiness for a confrontation.

Anthony then looked at the animal in question, already realising that if they initiated a full-blown fight near another horse, it would inevitably lead to disaster. Having a stressed horse was even more dangerous than Kate getting her way.

With a sigh, he said, “Fine,” and as Kate beamed with triumph, he pointed at her and added, “But if you feel there’s anything, anything off, you let me know straight away and I’ll stop the scene, understand?”

The actress grinned, and the director made his way to his chair, letting out a deep breath before sinking into it.

In all honesty, it appeared that Anthony was excessively concerned. Because the scene flowed seamlessly, with the crew working diligently and precisely, and Kate fully immersing herself in her character. The filming process was not even disrupted by any annoying bird noises, which had been a frequent problem during the months of filming. Kate mounted the horse precisely as she desired, and they proceeded with filming as she started riding towards the location where the action scene would be filmed.

However, that was the day Anthony realised he had been spending an excessive amount of time with Agatha Danbury. Just before Kate could reach the ‘half a block’ distance, her horse came to a sudden stop. Anthony blinked and observed Kate as she pulled on the reins, talking with the horse while gently stroking its mane.

“Cut,” he said weakly, standing as his eyes kept focusing on the scene, attempting to understand what was happening. He looked around for Kendrick, who was already approaching Kate. Despite what seemed like a minor issue, the director felt his heart pounding uncomfortably in his chest. Anthony couldn’t help but feel foolish, recognising that not every minor setback on a set was an accident, and not every accident would lead to the same fate as his father’s. But then the horse suddenly took off at full speed, and all sense of reason flew out the window.

“Kate!” His voice rose to a piercing screech as he frantically pursued the horse, as if he could possibly catch up to it.

From a distance, he could faintly hear a chorus of exclamations, questioning his actions. However, their voices were quickly overshadowed by the suffocating weight of despair that washed over him. It didn’t matter to him whether he was being reasonable or not. He did not care if people thought he was overly dramatic.

What he did care about was never being late to save anyone in his life again.

With his incredible speed, he managed to catch a glimpse of Kate screaming unintelligibly, her upper body leaning back as she struggled to bring the animal to a stop. The horse let out a loud neigh, coming to a stop once more as it raised its front legs, lifting them into the air. With his voice caught in his throat, Anthony sprinted towards the scene, as if his mere presence could avert the impending disaster. Despite everything, Kate tumbled headlong onto the ground, and the horse galloped away, its hoofbeats fading into the distance.

Anthony’s legs instinctively moved him towards Kate, the world around him merging into a cacophony of colors and sounds until he finally reached her. She stood perfectly still, her eyes closed, as memories flooded back to him, almost causing him to vomit.

With trembling hands, he reached for her face. “Kate?” he asked with uncertainty, “Kate, please open your eyes.”

And then, almost like magic, and probably for the first time in their relationship, she actually did what she was told.

“What are you doing?” was the first thing that slipped out of her mouth, as blunt as ever.

However, when she glanced at him, he didn’t respond with annoyance. Instead, his eyes widened in fear, and he continued to hold her cheeks with his hands.

He anxiously scanned her face and asked, “How are you feeling? Are you alright?”

Noticing the significance of her answer, she furrowed her brows and said, “I am,” placing her hands on top of his and giving them a comforting squeeze. “Anthony, I’m alright.”

“Are you sure?“ He asked, gasping for breath, then glanced down at her body to assess any injuries.

Slowly, Kate sat up, despite Anthony’s persistent protests urging her to remain still.

“Yes, I’m sure,” she reassured, her attention drawn to the man who appeared to be gasping for breath. “Anthony, I’m sure,” she stammered, her eyes desperately searching for his, only to find a look of overwhelming despair staring back at her.

Although she may not have much prior experience, it was clear to her when someone was having a panic attack. His gaze appeared unfocused on her, his chest heaving violently as he trembled, and the issue was that she felt utterly lost on how to alleviate his distress. For the first time in her life, she regretted not heeding her step-grandparents’ advice to pursue a career in medicine; instead, she found herself as an actress with no experience in the medical field.

So she did the best she could, which was to take Anthony’s hands again and squeeze them tightly in the hopes of grounding him. “I am alright,” she said, “Just breathe.” Noticing his lack of attention, she gently took one of his hands and placed it on her chest. She started breathing slowly, hoping he would follow her lead. Looking directly at him, she said, “Anthony, just breathe.”

Miraculously, even though she had no medical expertise, it appeared to have a calming effect on him. Anthony visibly calmed his breathing to match hers, his eyes refocusing as he stared deeply into hers while she continued to urge him to breathe. Strangely, in the midst of the absurdity, Kate became aware for the first time of the golden band surrounding the reddish hue of Anthony’s eyes. They were striking and distinctive, and the depth of their colour stirred something in her stomach.

The distant sound of sirens shattered her moment, causing both of them to jolt slightly before they turned to see the approaching ambulance. As the passenger door opened, the doctor on call quickly made their way towards them.

He enquired about her well-being, and Kate responded affirmatively for what seemed like the fifth time that day. He knelt beside her, illuminating her pupils with a light, and quickly asked a series of questions: whether she had lost consciousness, if she experienced any pain in her back, neck, or head, and if she felt nauseous. Kate reflected that indeed, she felt a wave of nausea. However, for reasons entirely unrelated to a horse-related incident.

“Looks like you’ve come through unscathed,” he said. “Right then, it’d be best if you came along to the office so I can have a proper look at you.”

Kate was about to roll her eyes and say it was completely unnecessary, but then she looked at Anthony, who was glaring at her as if silently telling her she had to go whether she wanted to or not.

“I’ve just heard, are you alright?” Thomas asked as he rushed into the improvised doctor’s office, just as Kate was about to be released.

However, it seemed like no one was willing to answer him as Anthony stood by the door, the tension thickening as he locked eyes with Kate. Meanwhile, Doctor Monro carefully hung his stethoscope around his neck and adjusted his glasses.

“Miss Sharma’s right as rain,” he said, glancing at her and giving a nod.

It was clear that Anthony was only interested in that information as he nodded, spun around abruptly, and forcefully opened the door before storming out of the room. Thomas raised an eyebrow, his gaze briefly lingering on the swinging door before redirecting his attention back to his co-star.

After months of enduring countless arguments and the typical hostile demeanour between them, Thomas anticipated Kate would be directing a murderous glare at Anthony’s back, as was her usual behaviour. However, her face revealed an unfamiliar expression, one that he had never seen outside of her acting. Guilt.

As Kate pursed her lips, she turned to the doctor, expressing her gratitude with a quick thank you. Meanwhile, Thomas strolled towards her, his hands casually clasped together.

“I must say, I’m relieved that you’re okay,” he expressed, “You had us all concerned. I could hear the whole set descending into chaos from my trailer.”

She then gave her head a little shake, like they were all fussing over nothing. “Thank you.” With her hands folded over her lap, she looked away and quietly said, “I wasn’t in that much danger. I just don’t understand why Anthony was so concerned.”

But she wanted to understand, which was the strangest part.

Her response caught Thomas off guard, and his eyebrows furrowed. Noticing her confusion and subdued look, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of perplexity himself. “You don’t know?” he asked.

Kate’s head snapped in his direction, her undivided attention instantly captured. “Know what?” she replied.

As he scratched his forehead, the actor couldn’t help but grimace at the sight of her unusually eager expression. Kate exuded a sense of unwavering confidence, seemingly unfazed by trivial matters such as Cressida Cowper’s ego, wardrobe malfunctions, or perhaps even the lives of her fellow cast and crew members. So he had never seen her so interested in anything, which was intriguing to say the least.

What a shame that the answer was so difficult and unpleasant to provide.

“Um,” he cleared his throat, his lips pursed as he gathered himself before speaking. “Anthony’s father tragically passed away in an accident on set. A car-chasing scene.” And as he watched her eyes grow wider, he tilted his head and asked, “How come you did not know? It was all over the news back then.”

Kate hadn’t felt that stupid in such a long time. Naturally, she was aware of Edmund Bridgerton’s accident; however, it had occurred so long ago that she hadn’t made the connection. She was most likely in high school at the time.

How could she be so blind? She was so certain Anthony was questioning her again that she hadn’t considered the possibility that it had nothing to do with her, and that her actions had most likely sparked one of his darkest memories.

Standing up abruptly, she startled both Thomas and Doctor Monro, causing them to lean back in surprise. Mimicking Anthony’s actions, she wordlessly stormed out of the room, her steps leading her in his direction. In an instant, she reached his trailer, making an effort to knock softly on the door rather than pounding on it as she typically would.

To her surprise, Anthony answered rather quickly. However, the moment he turned the doorknob and caught a glimpse of the person standing on the other side, his curious expression quickly transformed into the same unreadable look he had been wearing before. He decided to skip the greeting and promptly turned on his heels, heading back to his trailer without seeming to care if she tagged along or not.

It was the type of antipathy that would normally irritate Kate to no end, but given what had happened, she felt she deserved it for that day and that day only.

So she entered his trailer and shut the door, fixing her gaze on Anthony. He had stopped near the dining table, tapping his fingers on it while staring out of the window.

“I’m sorry,” she said.

Finally, Anthony shifted his gaze towards her, arching his eyebrows slightly. Kate pressed her lips together, aware that this kind of exchange between them was uncommon. Stepping towards him, her eyes were fixed on the cabinet to her left rather than meeting his gaze.

“I didn’t know about…your father.”

A flicker of pain crossed his face momentarily, but he quickly redirected his attention to his fingers on the table, leaving Kate to observe him. But he didn’t seem to have anything to say to that other than a heavy silence, which compelled her to take a step closer to him.

“I know we have different opinions on many matters, but please understand that I would never disrespect your past,” she said, her voice becoming softer as he continued to avoid her gaze. “It was never my intention to do that.”

Anthony gave a nod, and as he glanced back at her, his eyes were slightly moist. “Apology accepted,” he muttered.

As fate would have it, Kate ended up uncomfortably close to Anthony for the second time that day, causing a strange, fluttering feeling in her stomach. Even from a distance, she could discern the slight redness in his eyes, revealing the emotions he had been holding back. She also couldn’t help but notice how his gaze wandered across her face, causing her breath to catch unexpectedly.

“Anthony, we can—” his assistant director barged into the trailer, the sudden sight of the duo standing unusually close to each other making him pause.

They quickly distanced themselves, Anthony nervously scratching the back of his head, while Kate became fascinated by the wall to her left.

“Nevermind,” the AD course-corrected, clearing his throat, “I’ll talk to you later.”

"No," Kate said, waving her hands wildly. “No need for that, we’re done here.”

“No, it’s alright,” the other man said, hastily retreating from the scene as he sensed the tension between the director and the main actress of the movie.

Feeling sufficiently awkward, Kate twisted her lips slightly, trying to hide her discomfort. “I should go now,” she announced. “I really need to take a bath after...” Her voice trailed off, no further explanation necessary. The mention of it would either bring back memories of the accident or remind them of their awkward moment.

As she gave him an awkward nod, Anthony’s eyes never left her, and he watched as she made her way towards the door.

“Kate.”

With a sense of trepidation, she paused and slowly turned towards him, dreading what he might say. Contemplating his options, the man tightened his jaw and mustered the confidence to venture closer to her.

“You’re aware of my past, but I lack knowledge about yours.” Observing her confused reaction, he elaborated, “So I don’t understand why you can’t have it when someone even slightly suggests that you lack the ability to do something. And I know it’s not my business. But I want you to know that I am fully aware of your capabilities. Despite our first meeting, I knew it from the beginning when we cast you, and you have consistently proven it throughout the months of filming. And we’ll be in this together for a long than that, because, mark my words, this movie will be a success. When you come back to this set, you’ll be one of the most famous actresses in the world, based on your talent alone.”

Kate blinked, feeling completely disoriented by the unexpected turn Anthony’s speech had taken, and blushing from the sudden racing of her heart at his final words.

"I am telling you this so that when we return to shooting, you need to know that when I ask you to do something, it is not because I doubt your abilities. It never had anything to do with me doubting your abilities,” he said unwaveringly, seeing it as a great sign Kate wasn’t screaming at him.

“I understand that you may not like agreeing with me, and you don’t have to, but next time can you please promise to at least listen?”

Her lips twisted into a frown, and for a moment, Anthony feared his stroke of luck had ended. But then she looked at him with a newfound intensity, and spoke the words he never expected.

“I promise.”

Most of the things about his life, Colin discovered through the news.

When he was ten, London experienced one of the most scorching summers he could recall, making his vacations an absolute delight. He still remembers to this day the countless hours he spent with Daphne, Eloise, and Penelope running around the house playing hide-and-seek or competing in various sports in the garden. Afternoons were often spent by the pool, resulting in them returning inside with wet feet and dragging water all over Violet’s pristine floor. At that time, his mother was not only nine months pregnant but also on the verge of losing her patience with four mischievous children, if only she had the time in between tirelessly cleaning their home and tending to a screaming and crying one-year-old Gregory.

To this day, he could recall the exact moment when he was chasing after Daphne inside the house, yelling obnoxiously, until his attention was drawn to something on the TV: a picture of his father.

It shouldn’t be anything new, honestly. His father was well-known, and his image appeared on television from time to time. What was remarkable at the time was that it aired on the afternoon news, with the title reading “EDMUND BRIDGERTON, DIRECTOR AND ACADEMY AWARD WINNER, DEAD AT THIRTY EIGHT.”

Which was absurd. Colin had just seen his father a few hours ago when he and Anthony were heading to work, so it must have been a misunderstanding. Not to mention that Violet had gone to see him that day, and nothing bad could happen when his mother was present.

“Col?” Daphne’s high-pitched voice interrupted his thoughts when she suddenly appeared next to him. She had been waiting for him for a few minutes and found it strange when he went quiet.

However, upon seeing where his brother’s gaze was fixed, she paused.

“Col, what is that?” Her voice dropped as she asked, noticing her father’s picture in the corner of the screen, while a live camera captured the chaotic filming set. The headline was clear, but it did not make any sense.

“There’s gotta be a mix-up,” Colin said, but he couldn’t take his eyes off the screen.

“... According to reports, the director was behind the wheel of a black Murciélago Lamborghini when stuntman Andrew Honyman lost control of his vehicle, resulting in a collision with Edmund Bridgerton’s car in an incident that tragically took his life. Honyman’s condition remains unclear following his transport to the hospital.”

“Why did you two stop playing?” Eloise asked with a little pout as she came into the living room, dragging Penelope along with her. She looked at her siblings with curiosity, but they looked back at her in a way that made no sense.

Just moments later, their nanny would burst into the room, clutching a wireless phone and wearing a frightened expression. She told the ten-year-old, the oldest sibling in the room, that his brother wanted to talk to him.

“Colin, are you okay?” Benedict’s voice came through the phone instantly.

The boy scrunched up his face, bewildered by the unfamiliar seriousness in his sixteen-year-old brother’s tone.

“Ben, what is going on?” Colin asked.

“I’m off to the hospital to see mum. Do you and the girls mind staying with Mrs Wilson for a bit longer?”

As his brother asked the question, Colin glanced at his nanny, her worried expression only deepening his confusion. “Mum? Is she alright?” he asked, noticing the puzzled looks from the three girls while Mrs Wilson just closed her eyes and let out a sigh.

There seemed to be a pause on the other side of the line, before Benedict said, “She is alright, Hyacinth is just arriving earlier than expected, that’s all.”

“Hyacinth?” he said, looking a bit taken aback, and his sisters appeared to inch closer to him. He couldn’t quite wrap his head around how the chat had suddenly shifted to his little sister when there was some dodgy journalist on the telly claiming their dad was dead. “Ben, what about dad? Where is he?”

Then there was a second pause on the other end of the line, one Colin would never forget.

“We’ll talk about that later,” Benedict said in a whisper so soft, Colin could hardly catch it. “I’ll be back home soon,” he promised just before hanging up the phone.

Colin looked at it, feeling even more bewildered than when he had initially picked up the phone, and a chilling, undeniable wave of fear enveloped him. He didn’t get what was happening, like always, but he knew it wasn’t good. To make matters worse, his two younger sisters were present in the room, anxiously awaiting answers that he was unable to provide.

Suddenly, a gentle warmth ignited in his heart. And when he glanced down, someone had taken hold of his hand.

He glanced up at Penelope, whose big blue eyes were fixed on his, with a knowing look that seemed far too wise for a seven-year-old. “It’ll be alright, Col,” she said in her tiny voice.

And then, suddenly, things were a little less scary.

EXCLUSIVE: HARRY DEAN CAUGHT KISSING TRACY ROMANO

More than once, in fact, as what happens in Las Vegas certainly doesn’t stay there.

Harry Dean was recently seen sharing a kiss with Victoria’s Secret model Tracy Romano during Taylor Swift’s concert in London on Tuesday, just weeks after whispers of their encounter in Vegas began to circulate. The 27-year-old American model has recently landed a role in the singer’s latest music video, “Melon Syrup,” a development that may have sparked the romance.

His initial reaction upon discovering his girlfriend of two years had cheated on him wasn’t anger towards her. It was not even that he hated the fact that the British press had learnt it before him. It was that he missed the times when they actually read magazines.

Because back then, he would read this article, roll his eyes, and theatrically toss it into the trash. But there he was, forced to stare at HQ pictures of his girlfriend kissing another man, and all he could do was lock the screen of his phone and throw it over the couch. It just didn’t have the same dramatic effect anymore.

In hindsight, he believed he had made the right decision in the past by choosing to keep his relationships private. At least he wouldn’t have to endure the usual pity party that came with being cheated on. Instead, he could pretend they broke up because they had drifted apart.

Yes, at least he had that, he reflected bitterly. All while, in solitude, he could contemplate the irony of his girlfriend choosing to cheat on him just one week after he returned to London.

Then his phone pinged, and he contemplated ignoring it, suspecting that it might be Tracy attempting to offer a million excuses and plead for forgiveness. But he had absolutely no desire to participate in that conversation. However, his morbid curiosity got the best of him, and he picked up the device, only to find a notification about the Sword and the Heart wrap-up party at 8pm.

Penelope used to love parties when she was younger.

There was something magical about them, a sense of possibility. As if, for once, the movies were right and something unexpected could come true in only one night. However, as she grew older, she realised she was slowly being forced out of the fairytale. If finding more excitement and novelty at work than at a party was indeed easier, then there was clearly a flaw in the entire concept.

Which was why she found it strange that she was excited for the Sword and the Heart wrap-up party. Whether it was the satisfaction of completing a job or the comfort of being home, the sight of a small, contrasting colour on her online calendar, showing an event that wasn’t work or a medical appointment, brought a smile to her face.

Perhaps if she were honest, she missed Colin. Which was odd given that it had only been a little over a week since she last saw him, and she had previously gone years without seeing him. However, during the past 8 months, she had become familiar with his company, as one does with the good things in life, and when they are gone, they leave behind a feeling of emptiness.

Nonetheless, she would see him that night, which made her embarrassingly happy.

She gazed at her new black dress, which lay gracefully on her bed. It wasn’t overly extravagant, but its fabric had a subtle shimmer that made her feel radiant. After quickly deciding she was wearing it, she immediately made plans to apply eyeliner and put her black bow in a ponytail, to give her outfit a cute twist. She was going to enjoy that one party, she decided.

Right on cue, her phone started ringing, and to her surprise, the last name she never thought she’d see appeared on the screen. With furrowed eyebrows, she picked it up.

“Hyacinth?”

“What do you think you are doing?”

“Sipping on a spicy pineapple mimosa, what about you?” Hyacinth cheekily replied, slurping loudly on a green striped straw, clearly aiming to wind her brother up even more.

“I’m getting annoyed that my sister is underage and drinking at my party without even being invited,” Anthony hissed at his sister, yanking her arm and manoeuvring her through the boisterous crowd. “What are you doing here?”

Despite Anthony’s rude behaviour, Hyacinth carried on with her drinking, displaying her usual indifference towards her brother’s temperament. “I’m not underage, I’m twenty-two,” she commented, fully aware Anthony knew that. Continuing her story, she added, “And I was invited, family of the cast and all.”

Her eldest brother came to a sudden halt, his eyes widening in disbelief as he stared at her, his hand frozen mid-air. “Colin… invited you?”

With a shrug, he swirled her drink, the clattering sound of the ice cubes echoing through the air as she casually remarked, “I’m his favourite sister.”

“Eloise probably wouldn’t appreciate hearing that,” Benedict suddenly appeared, causing Anthony to give him a startled look, which Benedict simply responded to with a mischievous grin.

“Please, Eloise doesn’t even like Colin,” Gregory chimed in, joining Benedict's side and causing Anthony to look at him in disbelief. “And she’s not even in the country. I think.”

The oldest Bridgerton brother hid his face in his hands, unable to believe what he was witnessing. Despite their differences, he believed that both he and Colin agreed that their family was overly nosy and loud. It was astonishing to him that he had invited all of them to a party that neither of them even wanted to go to.

“Are you all really here?” He asked, his voice muffled as he spoke from under his fingers.

“I believe so,” unexpectedly came the voice he least expected to hear, causing Anthony to snap his head up and lock eyes with him.

Before any of the two even said a word, the sound of giggles filled the air as Hyacynth, Gregory, and Benedict exchanged amused glances. Meanwhile, Daphne appeared, her face bearing an unmistakable expression of guilt.

“It’s been ages, Bridgerton,” Simon remarked, his gaze sweeping over him as if he were analysing the intricacies of defusing a highly sophisticated bomb.

“You’ve got some nerve turning up here,” Anthony shot back straight away, jabbing a finger at Simon. But before things could escalate further, Hyacinth began bouncing about like a madwoman, flailing her arms at someone across the room.

“Pen!“ She exclaimed with enthusiasm, instantly grabbing their attention and prompting them to glance at the redhead in question.

Even from a distance in the loud and crowded room, Penelope's face turned red as she became overwhelmed by the sudden spotlight. Shyly, she nodded at the youngest Bridgerton. However, when the girl motioned for Penelope to join them with a hand gesture, she obediently complied. Hyacinth was fully aware that she held the typical position of the youngest child who received special treatment from her siblings and their close friends, and she skilfully exploited this to her advantage on a regular basis.

Penelope intended to approach them, timidly greet them, and then go back to where she was before. However, the moment she moved closer, Hyacinth surprised her with an enthusiastic and tight embrace. And then, so did Gregory. And Benedict.

In a dazed state, she glanced at Daphne, unsure if the petite woman would also attack her, but instead, she was greeted by a warm smile, mirrored by her boyfriend.

“It feels like ages since I last saw you, Pen,” Hyacinth complained right away as Penelope was still exchanging pleasantries with Daphne and Simon. “You never come to the house anymore.”

“Of course not. She came for Eloise, not for you,” Gregory replied acidly, earning a glare from Hyacinth. He responded by stealing the drink from her hand and taking a sip.

“That’s not true,” Penelope said with a forced grin, doing her best to keep the peace like she always did.

“Right,” Benedict snapped his fingers and pointed at her, and for a moment, she smiled in gratitude before he carried on, “She also popped by to see Colin.”

Penelope was on the verge of letting her jaw drop in disbelief, but she managed to regain composure. She turned to Hyacinth, desperately attempting to hide the blush creeping up her cheeks. “No, I have just been really busy. But, I really missed all of you.”

“Nicely saved,” Benedict commented with a wink, much to her exasperation. She had completely forgotten what it was like to be under attack by so many Bridgertons at once.

At that point, Anthony, visibly stressed, was rubbing his temples and inhaling deeply before he interrupted them all. “I need to go greet the other guests, will you lot behave for once in your lives?”

Benedict smugly grinned at him, gesturing a cross sign over his chest that had no effect on calming the director’s nerves, while the others nodded eagerly, with equally ineffective results. Despite being aware that having all his siblings together at a work event could lead to chaos, Anthony prioritised his director duties and left them to their own devices.

“How’d it go then?” Hyacinth turned to Penelope, her eyes all aglow with excitement as she clutched the actress’s arm. “How many people did Anthony let go?”

Penelope chuckled, not really surprised that would be her first question. “Just five people,” she answered, her eyes gleaming with amusement. “It wasn’t that exciting,” she added with a touch of sarcasm.

“The old age is really catching up with him,” Benedict commented, shaking his head dramatically.

“Pardon?” Simon chimed in, feigning offence by placing a hand on his chest.

The second oldest Bridgerton brother then flashed a cheeky grin. Initially, he had forgotten that Simon was older than Anthony by a year, but now he could leverage that knowledge to his advantage. With a sarcastic tilt of his head, he quipped, “Time is running out, Basset. Perhaps it’s about time to consider tying the knot.”

It was a sly remark, deliberately crafted to taunt both his sister and the duke, solely for the purpose of incessantly laughing at their expense, especially considering their relationship of less than a year. However, rather than Daphne loudly protesting and giving angry glares, his sister directed her gaze towards Simon, who reciprocated with a meaningful look.

Benedict’s back straightened right away, as if his body was quick to respond to what his mind had just comprehended. Beside him, Gregory and Hyacinth’s eyes widened simultaneously as they both came to the same realisation.

“What are you doing here?”

All at once, the entire group turned towards Colin, as if he had startled them. The actor’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion when he saw almost his entire family at the wrap-up party, their expressions strangely shocked.

“Er…” Hyacinth trailed off, the only Bridgerton managing to say anything sensible while the others were still trying to wrap their heads around what was going on.

“Didn’t you invite them?” Penelope gestured towards the puzzled group, finding Colin’s bewilderment strange.

In an almost impossible manner, Colin’s brown furrowed even deeper. “Of course not.” He would have to be completely insane to want his entire family present at a work-related event.

Barely paying attention to the man, Hyacinth waved him off dismissively. “Pen mentioned on the phone earlier that she invited her cousin, so I figured family members could be invited,” she said, a bit absent-mindedly, as if it wasn’t the most devious thing she could have said, before turning back to Daphne and Simon.

As she directed her finger towards them, she was on the brink of asking if they were getting married. Yet, Daphne’s widened eyes silently pleaded with her not to say anything. Not only were all of her older brothers present, but there were also enough industry insiders at the party to leak the news and make it front-page news in all newspapers the next day.

Surprisingly, Hyacinth obeyed by lowering her finger, while Benedict narrowed his eyes at the couple without saying anything at that moment. Gregory just continued drinking from Hyacinth’s glass and followed their lead.

Yet, as they turned to Colin and pretended that nothing was going on, he was already engrossed in a hushed discussion with Penelope. While she was whispering an “I’m sorry” to Colin, they could see him shaking his head, silently reassuring her that it was alright. He then looked at his sister, who had shifted her focus back to them.

“Hya, stop pestering Pen, will you?” He asked, his annoyance clear in his tone.

His little sister was deeply offended by that remark, placing a hand on her chest while Benedict and Gregory chuckled beside her. “She’s my friend,” she insisted, defending both herself and the phone call.

“I am,” Penelope quickly replied, her voice filled with assurance, wanting to avoid Colin’s overprotective tendencies from offending Hyacinth and causing any misunderstandings. Then, she shot Colin a significant glance and added, “I told you it’s alright, Colin.”

As if he didn’t believe her, he glanced back at her, their eyes exchanging a silent conversation while the others observed with amusement.

“So, where’s she at then?” Hyacinth chimed in, grabbing their attention. “I mean your cousin. I want to meet her,” she said, then looked Colin right in the eye and added, “Because I am your friend.”

As Colin shot his sister a grimace, Penelope stood on her tiptoes, desperate to spot her cousin amidst the cacophony of people drinking and laughing.

“She was over there awhile ago,” she pointed across the room to the spot where she had stood moments before, “I’ll introduce her to you guys once I find her.”

“Well, at least you invited someone from your family.” Hyacinth shrugged, her hand snatching the drink back from Gregory’s grip as she cast a judgmental glance at Colin.

As Gregory and Benedict snickered at Colin’s ever growing frown, Daphne delicately raised her hands in the air, as she said, “Just to be clear, if I knew I wasn’t truly invited, I wouldn’t be here.”

The actor shook his head and let out a sigh, clearly resigned to his family’s nosiness at that point. “It’s all good, Daph, if I were to invite anyone from the family, it’d be you,” he said, fully aware that if he had to pick the most normal one among his siblings, it would surely be her.

The girl’s triumphant smile lit up her face, while the other three cast him offended looks.

“Did you at least invite your girlfriend?” Daphne then asked, her words laced with affectionate teasing, completely oblivious to the way Benedict flinched and Hyacinth’s wide-eyed reaction.

“Um…” Gregory turned his eyes to his grey shirt as he adjusted it, “Been off to the desert again, have you, Daph?”

Their eldest sister furrowed her eyebrows, completely bewildered by her siblings’ inexplicable behaviour. She then turned to Simon, who seemed as infuriatingly charming and all-knowing as ever. He gently touched her shoulder and suggested, “I reckon we should grab some more drinks.”

“I’ll go with you,” Benedict said in a high-pitched voice, nearly running to catch up with the pair as his younger siblings trailed behind him.

Perplexed, Penelope observed them briefly before shifting her attention to Colin, who appeared engrossed in his own footwear.

“Do they not like her?” she asked, completely missing the point of what was amiss.

Then, Colin released a slight, playful sigh and shifted his weight on his heels as he gazed up at her. “I guess I’m the one who doesn’t,” he said, and seeing Penelope’s puzzled look, he added, “We… ended things.”

Which wasn’t entirely accurate as it suggested he had discussed it with Tracy, which he hadn’t and had no intention of doing so since the result would remain unchanged. The fact that she hadn’t even bothered to call or message him, or come up with a fake excuse for kissing another man, made it clear that she already knew.

“Oh,” Penelope said, her eyes indescribable.

Although she wanted to be an impartial friend who only wanted Colin’s happiness in his relationships, a part of her couldn’t help but feel a surge of happiness whenever she found out he was no longer in a relationship. It was truly ridiculous because being single had never made him see her in a different light, and that was definitely not going to change. In fact, at that very moment, she had the unanimous backing of about a thousand individuals who also found her wishes completely ridiculous.

“I’m sorry,” she added, making a sincere effort to mean it.

His lips pressed tightly together, his hands nonchalantly tucked into his pockets, his eyes swept across the room. “Don’t be. I discovered she was cheating through the media, no less.”

“Oh,” Penelope repeated, her eyes widening as an irrational wave of rage towards Tracy surged within her. At that point, she didn’t have to fake a single thing as overwhelming guilt washed over her for ever feeling even slightly happy about the breakup. “I didn’t… I haven’t…”

Colin peered at her, his blue eyes reflecting the low yellow lights in a hypnotic manner that infuriated her. “The article is recent; it was published this afternoon,” he responded, already knowing she intended to say she hadn’t seen it.

Penelope nodded, at a loss for words on how to respond. They stood together in an uncomfortable silence, surrounded by the noise of laughter and questionable songs. “I guess it’s fortunate that the party is happening today,” she said, forcing a smile. “There will be plenty of chances to take your mind off her.”

He smiled back, somehow genuinely. Penelope had always disliked awkward and sombre situations and made it a point to bring cheerfulness into any given moment. Over time, he had forgotten what that felt like, but in the past year, being around her almost every day, he rediscovered her hope and optimism and grew accustomed to it once again.

Like many others, Eloise had always been too cynical to appreciate such a perspective, but Colin had always been fond of those who saw the world with hope. After all, he had been an optimist for most of his life. He, too, had been mocked by Eloise and others for trying to see the good in everything, for being naïve.

And he supposed he truly was; he had been naive for so long until life had finally jaded him, to the point where his own girlfriend cheating on him did not surprise him; in fact, it hardly affected him at all. It seemed like his life had lately been a succession of disappointments, with her being the latest. And he hated to admit it, but he was tired of it.

He despised even thinking that he wanted to go back. That if he could, he would return to the old Colin, who did not care if it hurt or humiliated him. A portion of him had always been unsettled by the cynicism; a portion of him had perpetually felt locked within the depths of his numerous facades, yearning for liberation once again.

And Penelope somehow always seemed to know how to find it.

So he took in her enormous blue eyes and how they reflected the lights, the loose red strands from her ponytail that gently fell to the side of her face, and basked in his incredible luck to have that woman in his life.

“I’m just glad to be here with you, Pen,” he said.

“You’re Hyacinth, right?”

The girl in question coughed, nearly choking on her new drink as a woman in a lovely pink flowery dress strolled over to her. She was quite lovely, with delicate features and beautiful curly hair pulled up in a bit of a messy bun. Her rosy cheeks complemented her soft skin and sparkling eyes perfectly.

“Um… yes,” Hyacinth said, a bit baffled at being noticed in a gathering filled with a dozen or so more renowned faces than her own.

“I really love your videos,” the girl said with a bright smile, her words tinged with a thick Indian accent. “I’ve got to say, they do make me waste a bit too much time on YouTube during my lunch break.”

“I can’t believe it,” Gregory muttered, his disbelief evident in his tone, while Benedict nodded in agreement beside him. Meanwhile, Hyacinth seemed ecstatic, basking in the joy of apparently finding a fan. Meanwhile, Simon and Daphne were engrossed in their conversation, completely oblivious to the presence of the newcomer.

“Thank you,” Hyacinth replied with a brilliant smile, her heart brimming with satisfaction at the thought of making Lily jealous by revealing that someone did indeed watch her music analysis channel. Someone, on the verge of fame, or so it seemed.

“Who is your character in the movie?” Hyacinth asked.

The girl laughed a bit, waving her hand dismissively as she replied, “Oh no, I’m here with my sister.” She tilted her head back and waved for someone to come over and join them in the conversation. “Didi, come over here, I want you to meet someone.”

Approaching them, the sister in question wore an expression that was a mix of exasperation and fondness. “Edwina, how come I invite you to a party and you seem to know more people than I do?”

Recognition dawned on the Bridgertons as they realised they had seen the woman’s face plastered on many news articles, announcing her as the star of Anthony’s latest film.

“Kate, this is the owner of that YouTube channel I mentioned to you,” the girl now known as Edwina said.

“Oh,” Kate grinned, turning her attention to Hyacinth, “For a moment there, you had my sister contemplating a career change. She was impressed by your exceptional musical ear.” The youngest Bridgerton smiled, and Kate wiped her hand on her long black pants before reaching out to shake the girl’s hand. “Kate Sharma.”

“Right, where are my manners,” Edwina muttered, her voice barely audible.

“I know who you are,” Hyacinth said with a grin, giving Kate’s hand a shake while the woman regarded her with curiosity. “Hyacinth Bridgerton.”

The actress’ smile faltered almost immediately, and her hand went limp before she made an awkward attempt to force a fake smile and retrieve her hand back.

“Hyacinth?” Kate asked.

“Our parents lost inspiration after so many,” Benedict interjected, a smirk playing on his lips as he lightened the mood. He then extended his hand, introducing himself to Kate and shaking hers.

“And I’m Gregory. Also Bridgerton,” the boy added, casually nodding his head to introduce himself in a more informal manner.

Kate remained strangely unsettled after meeting Hyacinth, giving him a brief smile rather than a response, prompting Edwina to pose the obvious question.

“So you are all Bridgert— Oh,” she pointed slowly at Daphne and Simon. Though it wasn’t her usual refined demeanour, it was unavoidable as she finally connected the dots and recognised their faces from the tabloid pictures. The pair smiled and graciously nodded at her.

“Hyacinth, what did I say about the drinking?”

They all looked at Anthony, who burst into the conversation like an ill-tempered, oblivious storm.

"I am still twenty-two," she said moodily, rolling her eyes at her brother.

Anthony placed his hands on his hips, annoyance clear in his gaze as he stared at his kid sister. However, his attention quickly shifted when he noticed two unfamiliar faces among his usual family group.

His eyes widened as he stared at Kate, who had the look of a deer caught in headlights. Anthony couldn’t help but wonder if he looked the same, even though it didn’t seem logical. But the last time they had spoken was less than a week ago, during their strange heart-to-heart on his trailer. And honestly, he still had no idea how he felt about that situation or how it even came to be in the first place. Now, with his entire family surrounding them, he couldn’t even begin to think about it.

“So, I just met your family,” Kate said, motioning towards them briefly before folding her hands in front of herself and pressing her lips together. “And Colin’s,” she added as an afterthought.

Anthony blinked and uttered the most intelligent word he could think of, “Right.”

Benedict, used to his older brother’s never-ending rants and superior attitude, narrowed his eyes at the two of them. He hardly noticed Gregory and Simon, who were both tilting their heads beside him, observing the same strange thing.

“And this is my sister,” Kate suddenly said, as if trying to break a tension that none of them fully understood except for the two of them. She turned to the woman beside her, whom Anthony had only just noticed was also part of the conversation. Kate glanced between her and Anthony and said, “Edwina, this is Anthony Bridgerton. Anthony, this is my sister Edwina.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” Edwina said with a beaming smile. “Kate has only said wonderful things about you.”

Anthony almost burst into laughter right then and there, his eyes twinkling mischievously as he glanced at Kate and said, “Did she now?” Happily returning them to their comfortable hostile environment.

The sentiment appeared to be mutual when Kate squinted at him and responded spontaneously, “Well, I suppose my only blunder in raising her was showing her how to lie.”

“Didi!” Edwina said, as everyone else stared at the actress in shock.

Anthony, however, chuckled.

And once he recovered, a mischievous smirk spread across his face. “Maybe you could have done with a few of those lessons, Sharma.”

“Anthony!” Daphne exclaimed, her siblings’ shocked faces quickly morphing into broad grins.

“Oh, I like her,” Benedict whispered

Gregory then lifted his hand like he was in a classroom rather than a packed party, “Raised you, she said?”

Hyacinth nudged him on the ribs, silently scolding him for such a blunt question, but it was too late. Edwina’s expression changed instantly, her lips parting in a surprised “oh.”

“Forgive him,” Anthony interrupted, shooting a stern glare at Gregory, before turning his attention to the youngest Sharma, “You don’t have to answer that.”

“It’s alright,” she said. “Our dad passed away when I was just about five.” A strained smile was plastered on her lips, but as she looked at her sister, it grew bigger and more sincere. “It was hard, but Kate was my rock.” She glanced at Anthony, but his gaze had completely drifted elsewhere.

His gaze was fixed on Kate, who looked back instinctively, a silent something passing between them. It became clear why her attitude shifted so drastically when she found out about Edmund, and why she was so understanding. And, just as Anthony had said, he really didn’t know much about her at all.

Kate cleared her throat, unable to bear the director’s quiet stare any longer. “Well, it was really lovely to meet you all, but Thomas said he wanted a word with me,” she said, swiftly surveying the area before making a quick exit from the conversation.

Anthony frowned, observing her departure and battling the strange urge to follow her and ask for an explanation, regardless of how irrational it seemed or how little right he had to know anything. However, for the first time ever, he chose the ordinary, non-temperamental option instead and stayed put. And amidst the ongoing conversation within their group, his eyes were drawn to her from a distance.

“I do not want to talk about it.”

Anthony chuckled silently, he couldn’t help but feel like they were still in the midst of an argument, even though hours had passed since they last spoke.

Exhausted from the night, he collapsed onto the bar stool beside her, his collar loosened as he signalled the bartender for a drink by raising his two fingers. To his right, Kate remained motionless, her gaze fixed on the opposite wall while her fingers clenched the cup tightly. Her loose, curly hair cascaded way past her shoulders, adding to her radiant appearance that day. Anthony couldn’t help but notice how her skin seemed to glow from within under that light.

“It’s alright, I understand,” he said, which was arguably the most startling thing to have ever come out of his lips given how Kate looked to him in shock. “I hate talking about it too.”

The it in question did not require clarification. The truth was, he would only bring up his father’s death when obligated to; it was possible that he would only contemplate it in the same situation, provided his mind would allow it. So the last thing he wanted was to pressure Kate into discussing it. But, interestingly, he did feel the urge to comprehend her, but given the state of their relationship, he understood that it was an unrealistic and possibly temporary longing.

“He was really unwell,” she suddenly said, and Anthony raised an eyebrow at her eagerness to share that with him. “I had a feeling he didn’t have long left, but honestly, can anyone ever be ready for that sort of thing?” she said, and to her surprise, Anthony nodded along, which was quite the rarity for them. “I’d already been through it once with my mother and then…”

Anthony felt a sudden tightness in his throat, making it difficult for him to breathe. Kate looked at him, her lips pressed together, as if she anticipated his shocked reaction to the information he had just shared. “But we do what we have to do, don’t we? We become the people we need to be for our siblings,” she said, her voice filled with understanding.

Clearing his throat, Anthony nodded. The bartender returned with his drink and wasted no time taking a large sip, feeling the burning sensation of the alcohol in his throat, trying to distract himself from the discomfort of being so seen.

“She looks so grown up. Hyacinth, I mean,” Kate said, and he understood exactly what she meant.

Given their conversation in the trailer, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to assume that the actress took the initiative to learn more about the past and discovered the poignant detail in his father’s story. A strange warmth filled his heart, a mixture of surprise and affection for her efforts to learn more despite their complicated history. And that was disturbing, because Anthony had sworn off affection.

Raising his glass slightly, he focused intently on the swirling liquid inside, fixating on the intricate patterns it created. “Yeah,” he said, a simple response that had his voice choked up in his throat, betraying his emotions completely. “She’s twenty-two.”

It was unfair really, how death affected a person. One could spend years reminiscing about someone, filled with laughter and joy, occasionally feeling guilty detachment. Then, in a single moment, twenty-two years later, it could all come crashing down in tears and awkward emotions, right in front of the last person who should witness it.

“She was raised well, Anthony,” Kate said, her voice taking on a warm tone that nearly brought him to tears.

He looked at her with watery eyes, and managed to say the only thing he could at that moment.

“Thank you.”

As the night drew to a close, Penelope experienced a sense of satisfaction after attending the party.

She was unaware of how deeply she missed them of the Bridgertons until she laid eyes on Hyacinth, Daphne, Benedict, and Gregory. It had been such a long time since she had seen them that the two youngest appeared taller, almost compelling her to remark on their growth and making her feel incredibly old. Nonetheless, the mere sight of them all again brought her an overwhelming sense of happiness, akin to the feeling of coming back home after an arduous journey.

It could also be related to the fact that Colin appeared reluctant to part from her side throughout the evening. He had always been a very attentive friend, but that night it was perhaps the first time he didn’t have to leave to greet another group of friends, or inevitably to dance with another girl, to flirt with another conquest. But that night, it was only the two of them. Penelope was unsure of what had caused his change, but for the first time, she wondered if he saw in her what she had always seen in him.

Nevertheless, the Bridgertons eventually decided to leave the party, and she was more than ready to head back home and relax in her cosy pyjamas. This was especially true since she had been shooting for 8 months straight, and no amount of rest ever felt satisfactory.

However, there was a small issue. Her cousin was absolutely nowhere to be seen.

She circled the room approximately ten times, repeatedly asking the same groups of people if they had seen her, to the extent that even Thomas, of all people, was on the verge of losing his patience, suggesting that she might have been in the restroom, although Penelope had already checked there three times.

The most frustrating aspect was that Penelope was unsure whether she should be concerned or not, unsure if Marina’s behaviour was typical or not. For years, they had been little more than strangers, but now the girl was finally in London for more than three days. It seemed only right that Penelope would take her to the one event that didn’t appear entirely… dull, at least from Marina’s perspective. However, now she had lost her cousin, and she was uncertain whether she should be concerned about her small-town relative being kidnapped in the big city, or if she should assume that a thirty-year-old had merely gone home with someone else, and there was no reason for her to worry at all.

Tapping over her contact number for the tenth time, Penelope held her phone to her ear, cursing at each unanswered ring. She moved through the room, her gaze scanning it while she continued to wish for Marina to answer. As the call went to voicemail once more, Penelope huffed, angrily lowering her phone to glare at the screen in offence. Choosing to heed Thomas’ suggestion and act the fool one final time, she made her way to the restroom, simultaneously opening iMessage to leave a voice note pleading with Marina to simply answer the phone.

With impatience etched on her face, she flung the restroom door open, ready to call out Marina’s name once more, but her eyes fell upon a duo occupying the bathroom, causing her to pause in her tracks by the door.

It is truly fascinating how one can get so many answers in life at once. Things like Colin did not leave the party with the rest of his family, and Marina was not a poor small-town girl lost in the big city.

Because there they stood, arms still wrapped around each other from the make-out session that Penelope had just interrupted, gazing at her with wide eyes as the door behind her slammed shut.

Chapter Text

Penelope Featherington was twelve years old when she first gave up on Colin Bridgerton.

It was the beginning of summer, and as usual, she was staying with the Bridgertons.

Even at the start of their teenage years, she and Eloise would still dash around the house playing hide and seek, and spending countless hours in the pool until her skin turned an unhealthy shade of red. The difference was that they would also occasionally have sleepovers, wearing facial masks and doing each other’s nails—with the most obnoxiously glittery shade available, a trend Eloise soon abandoned.

However, the real difference was Colin. For Eloise, he had turned fifteen that year and was becoming increasingly annoying with his grown-up, stuck-up attitude. Not to mention, he never had the time to play with them.

But Penelope faced a more difficult predicament. Colin was growing taller, his voice was deepening, and although it made her heart flutter more than usual, it also created a sense of distance that was hard to articulate. To make matters worse, he had developed a newfound curiosity in girls, whom he had previously claimed to find repugnant. However, he had been frequently mentioning various girls from his class, leading Penelope to gradually realise that she was not the sole female presence in his life apart from his sisters.

And while that realisation would have sufficed, Penelope was unaware that she wouldn’t have to simply listen to him talk about girls.

One fateful June night, as Penelope applied bright blue eyeshadow on Eloise’s eyelid, they heard laughter coming from the entrance of the house. Eloise, rolling her eyes, got up and walked towards the door, with Penelope following closely behind.

As soon as the door swung open, they were met with the mortifying scene of Colin snogging a random blonde girl.

And as Colin pulled away from the girl and started cursing at Eloise, who shouted back, Penelope felt like the world had stopped for a moment. Seeing him with that beautiful girl, receiving the kind of attention she could only dream of, made her realise that everything she thought she meant to Colin was ridiculous.

She was just his little sister’s best friend, nothing more.

And she would never be anything else.

Sent via form submission from dixtoi

Pseudonyms, please: anon please

Email: [email protected]

Subject: upcoming movie drama

Message:

A rising actor from the UK was spotted chasing after his co-star from an upcoming project as they left a pub in London, and it looked like they were having an argument. It’s not really surprising, given who it was, but there were rumours they were friends.

Penelope wasn’t responding to his texts.

Actually, she didn’t even answer his calls, which was especially concerning given that at their age, no one called each other unless someone was dying.

He had attempted to talk to her the previous night, but who would have expected her to run so quickly on those small legs of hers? It didn’t help that he was slightly drunk, but the real problem was that his intoxicated brain thought it was a brilliant idea to make out with a beautiful woman who was also interested in him.

Unfortunately, she also happened to be Penelope’s cousin.

And Penelope hasn’t responded to his messages since then.

Glancing at his phone for the tenth time in the last five minutes, he grimaced as the bitter taste of coffee lingered on his tongue. Colin could not help but wonder how Anthony drank that more easily than he did water as he stared at his cup filled to the brim with the black liquid. It would certainly provide an explanation for his brother’s ever-present bad mood.

But either way, bitter as it was, coffee was a surefire way to counter a hangover, so Colin wasn’t about to change his own decade-old methods.

Then, the long-awaited buzz of his phone finally came, causing the actor to practically jump towards it and swiftly turn it over to see the screen.

Marina Thompson: You free today?

Marina Thompson: You did promise to show me around

With a sigh, Colin put away his mobile and turned his focus to his disgusting coffee. Meeting one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen on the same night he learned about his girlfriend’s infidelity felt like a stroke of luck, as if the universe was finally showing him some kindness.

However, he couldn’t shake the image of Penelope’s expression from his mind.

Never before had he seen such a wide-eyed, open-mouthed look of betrayal on her face. Just the thought of it sent a chill down his spine, as if all the warmth and hope in the world had been abruptly snatched away. He realised it was a terrible thing to do as a friend—getting romantically involved with someone from such friend’s family. But he hadn’t anticipated Penelope’s extreme reaction. Or at least, that’s how it appeared... if only she would answer her phone and let him know how she felt, or at least allow him to apologise.

His phone buzzed again, and he exhaled, realising he needed to answer Marina before it seemed like he was ignoring her. But as he picked up his phone once more, he was surprised to see that the notification was from someone else. It was at the end of a very long and embarrassing conversation that he had been monitoring closely since the previous night:

Colin: Pen

Colin: im sorry

Colin: I wasn’t thinking

Colin: it won’t happen again i swear

Colin: i was drunk

Colin: please

Colin: Pen?

📞 FaceTime audio

📞 FaceTime audio

📞 FaceTime audio

Colin: Pen?

Colin: answer the phone please

📞 FaceTime audio

Colin: Pen please

Colin: i mean it

📞 FaceTime audio

📞 FaceTime audio

Colin: Penelope

📞 FaceTime audio
📞 FaceTime audio
📞 FaceTime audio
📞 FaceTime audio

Penelope: sorry i fell asleep

Colin grimaced. That was an excuse if he had ever read one. He pursued her down the street, crying out her name, and she couldn’t pick up the phone because, what? Had she fallen asleep in the cab, was that it?

With an intense gaze fixed on the screen, he eagerly awaited her next message, wondering if there would even be one. He was confident that he had effectively conveyed the topic he wanted to discuss, so it was now her turn to reply. Without averting his eyes from his phone, he took another sip of his coffee, momentarily forgetting about its unpleasant flavor.

But Penelope was taking an awfully long time to type, making him question if she was going to reply at all since the app didn’t show she was composing a message. However, she had always typed at an astonishing speed, almost to the point of being intimidating, so maybe he could hold off on stepping in for the time being.

Penelope: its fine

Penelope: i understand

If Colin had suspected something was wrong before, he was now certain. In all his life, he had never witnessed Penelope composing such emotionless text messages.

Colin: are u sure?

Penelope: im sure

He shook his head, filled with dread at her tone. He struggled to articulate why Penelope didn’t sound like herself, but she didn’t. Perhaps he was simply being paranoid; perhaps it was the guilt and the haunting expression he saw on her face, but he just couldn’t shake that feeling.

Colin: are you free today

Maybe meeting face to face would help ease his mind, giving him a chance to apologise in person and allowing her to see his sincere expression. Or maybe he would notice it in her eyes that, yes, it was all just in his head and that everything was just fine.

Penelope: i cant i have a shoot today

A wave of discomfort rolled through his stomach. He couldn’t tell if that was true or not, but he really wasn’t feeling good about his chances.

Colin: ah

Colin: okay

Colin: what about next week when are you free?

He realised he might be pushing her a bit, but his desperation to sort things out felt more important than the risk of coming off as needy. Penelope paused for a moment before answering him, and that made him think it could be a bad sign.

Penelope: i think i’m free on friday

Colin: alright

There was a chance she would be magically busy on Friday again, but he was glad to have the opportunity to try at that moment. Finishing his coffee in one swift motion, he set down his cup on the counter with a loud, echoing thud. Then his phone vibrated once more.

Marina Thompson: But if you’re not available its alright

Right. He had completely forgotten about leaving Marina on read before all of that happened. Now, all he could do was stare at his phone, wondering what else he could possibly do in that situation.

Colin: Good morning

Colin: Good afternoon actually

He flinched. What was he doing? Turning back into an awkward adolescent?

Colin: I’m sorry

Colin: I forgot I needed to record a commercial today

Colin: I’m really sorry

She then replied with a neutral okay, probably not believing him for a second. And he couldn’t blame her.

Penelope knew Colin was the most clueless man on the planet.

If not for the years he had been oblivious to her feelings, then for each moment he failed to recognise how deeply he had hurt her. Not a single word or text message she sent, no matter how strained, managed to catch his attention.

And why would they, really? Penelope went out of her way to accommodate everyone’s feelings at the expense of her own, even Colin’s. Especially Colin’s.

Which was why she ended up at a pretty typical Chinese restaurant on a Friday, watching him enthusiastically slurp his fried noodles as if he had never seen food before.

Colin was wearing a black cap to avoid being recognized, which was unusual for him since he rarely wore hats, probably because he knew how great his hair looked. On the other hand, Penelope went with a ponytail and a fresh face look, as she didn’t have to hide her identity given her current level of fame, which was low.

As she observed the dull white walls, the small table, and the generic glassware, Penelope couldn’t help but wonder why he hadn’t proposed meeting at his place or a fancier restaurant, venues he typically preferred. However, she wasn’t about to complain. In fact, she felt more at peace in that location, as it served as a sort of neutral ground.

“Aren’t you going to eat?”

Blinking, she came back to reality and gazed at him. With a raised eyebrow, Colin was pointing to her plate using a wooden chopstick.

“Right,” she answered, picking up her own chopsticks and staring at her bowl as if it was her first time seeing it. “I’m not really hungry today.”

Colin just grunted a mm-hmm, watching her as she dug into her fried noodles.

“Are you sure you are okay with what happened between me and Marina, Pen?” he asked abruptly, as if launching a surprise attack.

Choking on her noodles, Penelope felt the scalding heat of the liquid searing her throat, prompting her to vigorously thump her chest. The man observed her with a sense of intrigue rather than worry, casually pouring more jasmine tea into her cup. She picked it up, murmuring her gratitude before taking a small sip.

Colin remained silent. He quietly observed her as she redirected her attention to her meal, as though nothing had happened.

“Of course I am,” she lied, her voice slightly hoarse from the choking. “Why wouldn’t I be okay?” She continued, her voice rising in pitch as she furrowed her brow, concentrating on picking up her noodles with her chopsticks and avoiding his gaze.

And by all means, everything should be fine, truly. If she hadn’t been in love with that man for most of her life, she wouldn’t care at all.

Or perhaps she should be concerned if a close friend dated her cousin, and the fact that she was claiming it was fine only made her more suspicious. She truly had no idea, as her relationship with Colin had completely short-circuited her brain.

“Really?” He asked.

“Yes, really,” she replied, nervously adding an insane amount of soy sauce to her food. “If the two of you want to date, I am fine with that as well,” she said with a shrug, like the most idiotic person on the planet, all while staring at her now-drowning brownish noodles.

“We haven’t seen each other since that night.”

Penelope nodded, aware that it did not mean much. She then went for her pork dumpling, sensing that her noodles were probably beyond saving at that point.

“And she might not be too pleased with me since I haven’t really responded to her texts.”

“Why?” She asked with a hint of fake detachment, eager for the conversation to end as she dipped her dumpling into the overflowing soy sauce bowl, determined not to waste it.

“Because you’re clearly upset about it.”

Penelope’s head snapped up suddenly, a look of surprise on her face as if startled back to reality, her dumpling falling into the bowl with a splash. Colin’s lips were tightly pressed together, showing that her reaction had only confirmed his beliefs.

She blinked, disoriented as to how to reply to him. She was ready to discuss almost any topic except for Colin picking up on her emotions and confronting her about them.

“No… of course not,” she answered, causing Colin to shake his head in disappointment. He then returned to his food with a subdued demeanour, showing that any previous excitement he had shown for the food was merely a facade.

“Pen, I’m your friend, aren’t I? Or at least I thought I was,” he replied tiredly. “I just thought that you would at least give me a chance to explain, to make things better.”

He somehow made her feel like the worst person in the world, which was ridiculous since he was the one who hurt her first. But that was precisely what she disliked the most about Colin: no matter what, he was a fantastic friend.

No matter how hard she tried, that fact always sucked her back in. She could attempt to keep her distance, convincing herself that she hated him and never wanted to see him again. But then he would go and do these silly things, from merely calling to check on her to buying ridiculously rare tickets for a concert she really wanted to go to. That was Colin, as a friend.

“I was just… shocked,” she said, her voice tinged with a sense of resignation. “I didn’t...” her voice trailed off as she grappled with the difficulty of explaining herself. She was upset with him for not having romantic feelings for her, but that was something he had never promised. “It made me feel uncomfortable,” she explained, her voice lowering as she added, “seeing you two like that.”

“So I’m never seeing her again,” Colin declared as if it were the simplest thing in the world, problem solved.

“No,” she blurted out before she could stop herself, her hand instinctively reaching for his arm across the table.

Colin gazed at it, his lips briefly forming a faint smile. Around each other, he and Penelope were always comfortable with physical touch, even if they were not like that with everyone else. It wasn’t until that particular fight, when Penelope refused to look at him again, remain near him, or even touch him, that he saw how instinctive their dynamic was. Now that she was touching him again, he figured that was a good sign.

Penelope, however, faced a completely different issue. Was it really right for her to ask Colin to never see Marina again? Given everything he had done for her, was it fair to prevent him from pursuing any kind of relationship, especially since he would never end up with her anyway?

With a sheepish smile, she drew back her hand, feeling Colin’s gaze alight with a renewed vigor.

“It’s perfectly fine if you want to date her, Colin,” she murmured, torn between loathing herself for all eternity and congratulating herself on being a wonderful friend despite it all. “The shock has faded now, so no need to fret about it. I’m well aware that Marina’s quite pretty,” she added, with a bitter taste lingering in her mouth.

“She is,” he said, and her stomach plummeted to her feet as she realised that the victorious feeling was, in fact, a deep-seated self-loathing.

But then Colin reached for her bowl and nonchalantly traded it with his own. “It was just a distraction. I was inebriated and angry at Tracy,” he said. “Not the most promising beginning for any relationship.”

Penelope would have replied at that point if she had not been preoccupied with trying to stop his absurdity and reclaim her bowl. Then, he casually swatted her hand away and went for the noodles with his chopsticks, eating them happily as if they were not (probably) the saltiest noodles to ever grace the earth.

He then smiled at her in defiance and she rolled her eyes, finding his eagerness to help her with anything, even her ruined and salty meal, to be ridiculous.

She sighed, picked up her chopsticks, and ate the noodles that used to be his, saying, “I can’t argue with that,” while trying not to show too much relief that he wasn’t pursuing Marina anymore. “Just make sure you’re doing it for yourself, not for me.”

He nodded, believing her for the first time during that conversation. He then plopped the soggy dumpling into his mouth, and she shook her head at his antics. While it appeared that he was solely focused on the food, he asked, “Are we all right, Pen?”

She glanced at him and realised that even though he wasn’t looking at her, he genuinely meant his question.

“We are,” she responded sincerely, before shifting her focus back to her food.

A smile crossed Colin’s face as he glanced at her briefly, then he quickly returned his gaze to his bowl.

From the corner of his eye, he was quite certain that he spotted a mobile phone pointed towards them. It was something he anticipated when dining at a regular restaurant, even in a peaceful neighborhood. However, if selecting a place where Penelope would willingly accompany him meant enduring such disturbances, it was a small price to pay.

Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington Enjoy Cosy London Lunch

The Englishman in Italy star, who turned 34 this month, was spotted enjoying a cosy meal with his 30-year-old co-star from Sword and the Heart on Friday.

For his rare outing, Bridgerton showcased a laid-back look featuring a white, short-sleeved T-shirt, grey jeans, all-white sneakers, and a black baseball cap. In the meantime, the red-haired emerging actress wore a striped white turtleneck tank top, paired with black leggings and black loafers.

According to statements from their managers, the duo has maintained a lifelong friendship, a claim that comes in the wake of rumours sparked by affectionate behind-the-scenes pictures shared on Instagram. However, questions surrounding their relationship status have resurfaced following this recent sighting of the actor, shortly after his rumoured breakup with American model Tracy Romano, 27.

🌸Hilly🌸 @hilllaryss

@Cy3452n I told you it wasn’t them on dixtoi

Penelope realised that the months that follow the wrapping up of filming a movie were weird. Particularly when it’s one so big it’s rumoured to be a blockbuster before it even premiered.

It was as if she was aware that there was a tsunami coming: of press, of events, of anxiety and maybe even of momentary attention, but she was still living her old life. She was still sitting on her couch, temporarily unemployed, going to auditions one after another. Granted, she had achieved a bit more success now, but still far from fantastic.

It wasn’t until months after their wrap party, when she was supposed to do a photoshoot for the movie’s promotional materials, that she truly realised her life had changed.

Penelope wasn’t particularly fond of photoshoots if she were honest. They consumed a lot of time and lacked the enjoyment she found in acting. Nevertheless, this time, she was looking forward to reuniting with some of her fellow cast members. Even if that meant encountering Colin, whom she definitely shouldn’t miss, but always did.

Over the past five years, her deliberate distance from him – communicating only through phone calls and seeing each other in person just a couple of times a year – had been tough, but slowly, it became bearable. However, after eight months of being around him every day, it was difficult to readjust to her old routine, even though the past year had been emotionally turbulent.

Yet she somehow managed to maintain her distance once more, all thanks to her sheer stubbornness. Colin, busy with shooting movies, special episodes for TV shows, and commercials, probably didn’t even notice, just like he hadn’t in previous years. At least, she hoped he didn’t. She wasn’t prepared for another conversation like the one they had at the Chinese restaurant

“Okay. Beautiful,” the photographer declared, his gaze fixed on the camera screen as he admired his work, a smile of contentment spreading across his face.

Penelope smiled nervously, feeling like a misplaced statue in the spotlight, especially since she was dressed differently from everyone else in her Nora clothes. She never liked how she looked in pictures, but at that point in her career, she trusted professionals to do a better job than she normally could. Still, as she looked around at the dozens of people working on the photoshoot, the thought of messing anything up made her incredibly nervous.

But as Colin and John walked into the room, she noticed them and felt a smile tug at her lips. Colin, upon seeing her, mirrored the smile.

“Perfect!” The photographer declared, motioning with his hand for Colin to join them. “Let’s move on to the next theme.”

The actor, obediently following instructions, began walking towards Penelope. “Alright, but don’t take too long,” he cautioned, glancing at his watch. “I’m on a tight schedule today, Henry.”

While crouching to frame the couple in his camera, the photographer glared at Colin, irritably waving him away with a dismissive, “Oh, bugger off.”

The man, seemingly unfazed, resumed adjusting his lens while Penelope, eyebrows raised, shot a questioning look at Colin, who was grinning with a hint of amusement.

“He’s part of Benedict’s overly pretentious art friend group,” he explained, and Penelope, understanding, simply shook her head at his comment. Then Colin went on, “He’s alright.”

“Okay,” Henry said, his voice cutting through the chatter, as he raised his hand and caught their attention. As they both turned to him, eager to hear his instructions, he gestured towards Penelope and declared, “You’re too short.”

A gasp escaped Penelope’s lips, her hand instinctively reaching for her chest as Colin laughed beside her. Though she knew it was true, she never thought someone would be so blunt about it. As she glared at Colin, who couldn’t stop laughing, Henry was snapping his fingers at his assistants, demanding someone bring her a box.

Following instructions, the photographer’s assistant quickly brought Penelope a box to stand on and positioned it next to Colin. Her eyes darted between the object and Colin, expressing equal amounts of annoyance. She cautiously stepped over it, barely keeping her balance. Colin saw her wobble and reacted instantly, grabbing her arm and pulling her in until she stood steady. She looked up at him, startled, her big blue eyes wide and fixed on his handsome features as they were so close.

“You okay?” He asked, his tone a bit softer than usual.

She blinked. “Um, yes,” she replied, feeling utterly foolish, because she should have been correcting him, telling him that he was being ridiculous, because she was nowhere near falling from the stupid little box.

The two of them then looked back at Henry, who was watching them curiously. After a moment, he blinked and said, “Right. So, they want us to take more friendship-themed photos. Feel free to pose however you like. To begin, I suggest we start with the classic back-to-back pose.” Demonstrating his idea, he crossed his arms over his chest, careful not to touch the camera lens, and smoothly turned 180 degrees as if someone stood behind him.

Penelope’s brows furrowed slightly, trying to understand his idea. As if on cue, she and Colin turned simultaneously, their backs pressed together, arms crossed, and eyes fixed on the camera.

“Yes… something like that,” Henry said, his voice a little uncertain, as he trained his lens on the couple, who tried to hold their pose.

With a slight tilt of her head, Penelope realised she was still on the same level as Colin’s back. Looking at him sideways, she said, “I think this box is still too small for me.”

Colin started chuckling, and she found herself smiling at the situation.“I meant it,” her voice a hushed whisper as she squared her shoulders, as if she could will herself to be taller. “People are going to think I’m your child apprentice or something.”

Colin’s laughter filled the air, his head thrown back, and she could feel the vibrations of his laughter through her back.

“I’m totally serious,” she said as she attempted to get on her tiptoes.

He mockingly said, “Don’t worry, I’ll help you,” then subtly bent his knee at the exact moment she tried to rise, causing her head to land on his shoulder.

And when he chuckled at her situation, all she could utter was, “I truly hate you,” as if Nora had taken over her body for a minute.

“Right then, let’s give something else a go,” Henry announced, reminding them that he was, in fact, there. “Just strike the same pose, but both of you face the camera.”

The duo, as directed, adjusted their stance, turning toward the photographer, crossing their arms, and leaning into each other.

“No, but like before, with her head on your shoulder,” Henry said, pointing between Penelope and Colin and crouching down.

Both of them exchanged raised eyebrows, Colin stealing a quick glance at Penelope when she let out an “oh”. He then bent his knee once again, desperately hoping that Henry was only capturing their upper bodies in the photograph, otherwise he murder him.

But then his eyes met Pen’s, and she was looking cutely frustrated by her height, which made him want to smile again. And as he finally reached her, she rested her head on his shoulder, spreading warmth to his skin, and weirdly, his chest. A strange urge to lay his head on hers overcame him, but he stopped himself before his body could act without thinking. He then turned to Henry and decided to focus on more rational matters.

“Hurry up, will you? I’m not in my twenties anymore, my knees are on the verge of giving out,” he said.

Penelope’s laughter reverberated against his shoulder, and although Colin couldn’t see it, he knew her laughing face was truly adorable, especially with her head nestled in the curve of his neck. It was a scene that Henry made sure to immortalise.

They just had no idea that he was not the only one who had done so.

Cinthy❤️‍🔥🐉⚔️ @Cy3452n

HELLO?????

     |⋆.˚🦋༘⋆ Fa @loratheexplorer

     @Cy3452n WHAT IS THAT

         | catherine @cwbolton

         @loratheexplorer @Cy3452n there was a s&h photoshoot today

Colin Bridgerton News @CBrNews

📹| Colin Bridgerton, Cressida Cowper and Penelope Featherington behind the scenes for The Sword and the Heart promotional photoshoot (via henrygranville on instagram)

     | Marie Ann @Cowperbaby

     @CBrNews make way for the QUEEN

         | ℝ𝕒𝕗𝕚 @Cressidasswiftie

         @Cowperbaby @CBrNews how can someone be so perfect I literally dont get it

     | Lilian is waiting for the sword and the heart @swodndheart

     @CBrNews hum who is playing Leonidas love interest again? i’m confused

         | 𝔠𝔞𝔯𝔩𝔬𝔰 @carlosbton

         @swodndheart@CBrNews this is what ive been saying but ppl swear to me its normal

             | Lilian is waiting for the sword and the heart @swodndheart

             @carlosbton@CBrNews normal??? which part? Cressida and Colin looking like they want to kill each other or Penelope caressing his upper arm?

                 | 𝔠𝔞𝔯𝔩𝔬𝔰 @carlosbton

                 @swodndheart@CBrNews HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

                     | 🌸Hilly🌸 @hilllaryss

                     @carlosbton@swodndheart@CBrNews oh yes when two actors randomly start looking deeply into each other’s eyes during a photoshoot while everyone else is watching in confusion ✨✨✨ normal ✨✨✨

⋆˚✿˖° it’s always rainy in delulutown⋆˚✿˖° @loranator

maybe i win once in awhile

     | Cinthy❤️‍🔥🐉⚔️ @Cy3452n

     @loranator ERIKA

         |⋆˚✿˖° it’s always rainy in delulutown⋆˚✿˖° @loranator

         @Cy3452n no comment

             | Cinthy❤️‍🔥🐉⚔️ @Cy3452n

             @loranator HE LOOKED LIKE HE WANTED TO KISS HER

                 |⋆˚✿˖° it’s always rainy in delulutown⋆˚✿˖° @loranator

                 @Cy3452n and like he wanted to have 5 children with her in the near future yes

                     | Jessica Souza @leonidasbabe

                     @loranator@Cy3452n And was it just me or did it look like he and cressida were… off

                         | Cinthy❤️‍🔥🐉⚔️ @Cy3452n

                         @loranator@leonidasbaby NOT JUST YOU

                             |⋆˚✿˖° it’s always rainy in delulutown⋆˚✿˖° @loranator

                             @Cy3452n@leonidasbaby i mean they were off since the books so its fitting

Dee @warofthorns

Ofc /they would read into things

     | Maria Gomes ⚔️ @englishmansw1fe

@warofthorns I thought those videos were so normal?

          | Dee @warofthorns

          @englishmansw1fe they were just posing for pictures there is literally nothing to see

               | Linda @lindama762

               @warofthorns @englishmansw1fe I thought Cressida was a bit stiff but that’s it

                    | Maria Gomes ⚔️ @englishmansw1fe

                 @warofthorns @lindama762 ya but that’s how she always is

                         | Dee @warofthorns

                         @englishmansw1fe@lindama762 its not like we dont know whats happening on the books, they cast her for a reason they planned this for sure

                              | Linda @lindama762

                              @warofthorns @englishmansw1fe that’s true i just wish the loralulus would use their brain but we know that won’t happen🙄

“Don’t get angry at me.”

Anthony closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to brace himself for whatever Agatha was adding to his already-full table. “What?” He let out a bark.

“The trailer is ready. We’re set to release it this week.”

The director sat up abruptly, the enormity of their situation suddenly striking him—premiere day was fast approaching. He looked down, his eyes darting between the chaotic pile of papers on his desk and the overflowing inbox on his computer screen. The sheer volume of post-production tasks sent a wave of anxiety washing over him.

“May I have a look at it?” He asked.

The silence on the other line stretched into an eternity, making his anxiety spike, and he didn’t even know why he was so nervous.

“Yes, this is why I reached out to you; I wanted you to have a look at it.”

Anthony frowned, sensing something off in Agatha’s hesitant voice. Years of working with her had taught him that this unusual tone usually meant bad news.

“Alright…” He answered. “May I ask why?”

Despite his constant desire to view the trailers for all his films, the majority of producers and studios were largely indifferent to his opinions on them. Apparently, he was too thick-headed and knew nothing about the market, even though it was his movie. Nonetheless, Agatha was aware of his desire to see the trailers beforehand and consistently showed them to him a few days before their public release.

“Because the trailer editors had… an unusual perspective on the material we provided.”

Anthony blinked, unsure what to make of the comment. “Okay. Is it bad?”

“No, it’s absolutely perfect,” Agatha replied with unwavering conviction.

She was now confusing him more than she had ever done before, which was saying something.

“So, what is the issue?” He asked.

“Will you just watch it?”

“Fine,” Anthony said with a sigh. “Email it to me.”

Agatha wasted no time, quickly sending him an encrypted file, their usual practice when dealing with sensitive information. With Anthony keeping her on the line, she waited in silence as he downloaded the video file.

And indeed, once he watched it, it was quite excellent. To be frank, he was seldom so pleased with the final trailer.

“It’s fine,” he said immediately after the video finished.

“Is that so?” She asked a question, but he only responded with a low, rumbling sound of agreement. “Did you happen to notice anything unusual?”

Anthony’s forehead creased in confusion. “No, should I have?”

“No,” she replied rather enigmatically, and just as he was on the verge of expressing his frustration about her wasting his time, she added, “Alright, good. I’ll see you tomorrow then,” and hung up.

The man stared blankly at his phone, completely confused by the conversation.

The Sword and the Heart ✪ @theswordandtheheartmovie

Two enemies. One last vow to save the world. 

Anna @heartssandswordss

DECEMBER 17TH

     | Kithy is tired @dorsetth0mas

     @heartssandswordss It’s so close already im gonna kms

Joe @Josephnavarro

Did they just spoil everything on this trailer

Ⓐⓢⓗ @dorieussw1fe
I knew i could trust anthony this looks so good

lana • the sword and the heart in 93 days !!! @heartsofnoras

ARE LEONIDAS AND NORA GONNA BE A THING?

     | mimi @leonidasn0raxx

     @heartsofnoras I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE

❤️‍🔥Trish @dorjorie4llifee

My etl alive and well Kate and Thomas look fire

     | ⁀➷mell➳ @mamamarjorie

     @dorjorie4llifee Is she good I never watched anything with her

         | ❤️‍🔥Trish @dorjorie4llifee

         @mamamarjorie Shes amazing on love education I knew she would be perfect

billie @noraswsift

Lora??????????????????????

     | Cinthy❤️‍🔥🐉⚔️ @Cy3452n      

     @noraswsift THE CHEMISTRY

         | billie @noraswsift

         @Cy3452n  no seriously I can’t believe they’d put two actors with that much chemistry for lora only to not have them as endgame they truly hate me

Maria Eduarda @dudiiiiinha2004

Marjorie’s dress!!!!!!!! It looks just like I’ve imagined

j. @mandolord

how are thomas eyes so blue

Amy @mrscolinbrigertonn

Colin 🥵🥵

     |fi is tired @fifigrande

     @mrscolinbrigertonn choke me with those biceps

lariiiii ⋆ SnH era @southnationsqueen

The girl playing nora looks so good

     | jess @leolover2

     @southnationsqueen  No fr i thought she was the best on the trailer

         |lariiiii ⋆ SnH era @southnationsqueen

         @leolover2 Every micro expression so on point

             | ɪʀɪꜱ @swor4onh3rt

             @southnationsqueen@leolover2 She looks ugly and as if she can barely act

𝔠𝔞𝔯𝔩𝔬𝔰 @carlosbton

LORA

Harry @c0wp3rlady

Why does the girl who play nora look like shes balding

     | M. @btcolIn

     @c0wp3rlady the wig is ugly but damn she uglier

Cinthy❤️‍🔥🐉⚔️ @Cy3452n

Leonidas and nora are getting together

Source: the voices in my head

     | Milena @mrsleonidassoares

     @Cy3452n Kkkkkkkkkkkk I knew you’d be here

         | Cinthy❤️‍🔥🐉⚔️ @Cy3452n

         @mrsleonidassoares AM I LYING

             | Ro is waiting for Sword and the Heart @roroswift

             @Cy3452n @mrsleonidassoares  honestly I never understood the lora appeal until now

bella saw blackpink x2 @bellatae

Okay but the red haired girl and Colin

val @featheringtonlady

Pen LOOKS PERFECT

     | kimberly @funniestgirlk

     @featheringtonlady me if i were blind

alice❤️‍🩹 @lovexXneducati0n                    

Save me kate sharma save me

𝒸𝒶𝓂𝒾 | waiting for the sword and the heart @arianasdorieus

Who’s the girl playing nora? I’ve never seen her before

     | jonathan @joewh1998

     @arianasdorieus Penelope Featherington

         | 𝒸𝒶𝓂𝒾 | waiting for the sword and the heart @arianasdorieus

         @joewh1998 Ooh thks

*ੈ✩‧ 𝚌𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚎 ˚ ੈ✩‧₊ @kingleonidass

No but the girl playing nora

     | Sa. @sarahsnorthqueen             

     @kingleonidass Idk who she is but shes my fave already

         |*ੈ✩‧ 𝚌𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚎 ˚ ੈ✩‧₊ @kingleonidass

        @sarahsnorthqueen   I was so scared on the teaser cause we got almost zero scenes with her but now im convinced

🌸Hilly🌸 @hilllaryss

Are they gonna put leonidas and nora together serious question

     | . @inyoupswife

     @hilllaryss LMAO

         |Mari🎧 @noraswig

         @inyoupswife@hilllaryss  Why does catherine look like the third wheel im losing it

              |🌸Hilly🌸 @hilllaryss

             @noraswig@inyoupswife  It’s what she deserve to be but the writers will never be that smart

In the months before The Sword and the Heart premiered, something peculiar happened: Penelope suddenly had update accounts.

No, not accounts run by anyone from her team—Mrs Varley wouldn’t know who to hire for that—but accounts made by fans, sharing their own updates about her.

They were constantly sharing her pictures on Instagram, posting about upcoming events she would be at, and seemingly always knew what she was up to, making her feel like they were more in tune with her life than she was. It felt strange to have people so enthusiastic about the most ordinary details of her life, even though she knew this was a common experience for actors and actresses.

But the strangest thing was not just the updates accounts about her; it was the updates accounts about both her and Colin. Together. As if they were a couple.

She recalled the day she stumbled upon the Twitter account of “Polin News,” feeling completely bewildered by the username’s significance. The account was announcing upcoming interview dates for Colin and herself, in relation to their press tour for “The Sword and the Heart.” Initially, she tried to brush it off, but then came across an Instagram picture of her and Colin with a simple caption: “Polin 💛.” It was an old photograph, almost forgotten, capturing a moment from their college days. Her hair was shorter and messier, her arms wrapped around his shoulders, and her head leaned against his. She appeared blissfully happy, completely absorbed in his presence.

Curiosity got the better of her, and she decided to Google “Polin.” The shock caused her to drop her phone, her heart racing, and her face turning crimson, even though there was no one else in the room. And then she realised that she could never face Colin again.

Fortunately, she wouldn’t encounter him for a few weeks, since he was busy filming another movie, and she, surprisingly, had landed a small role in a romantic comedy. Her role was to play a friend of the main character, and it ended up being a delightful experience. And just like that those weeks flew by, and she gradually adjusted to the idea of a larger, more fervent fanbase and the small but dedicated group of fans who shipped her with Colin.

“Hi everyone! I’m Anne Hartigan, and I’ll be your moderator for the global press conference of The Sword and The Heart. Let’s kick things off by introducing our lovely guests: Anthony Bridgerton, Kate Sharma, Thomas Dorset, Colin Bridgerton, Penelope Featherington, Cressida Cowper, Dolores Stowell, Edward Hall, and Emma Kenworthy!”

Penelope felt her legs weakening as the thunderous applause erupted after the host’s announcement. It was strange, really, because she thought she’d be more accustomed to it by now, having already experienced it at their panel at San Diego Comic-Con months prior. But that event felt like a blip in her life. They went, she sat quietly, barely got any attention, the teaser trailer dropped, and then it was over. No one wanted photos with her, and aside from a few interviews, her life returned to normal.

The present moment felt more real. Perhaps because Colin was present, as he had not attended the comic con due to scheduling conflicts. Or maybe it was a reminder that the movie premiere was approaching quickly. In any case, she took a deep breath in the darkness before the door swung open. Colin saw her little moment, his brows drawing together. Reaching out quickly, he gave her arm a reassuring squeeze, and then they were directed to enter the auditorium.

The roar of applause accompanied them as they filed in, each finding their place on the impossibly long couch. She sat beside Colin, which was already comforting in itself, except for Cressida being on her left.

“I was thinking I’d begin by talking to our director,” Anne commented, showing Anthony, who sat closest to her. “It’s safe to say that most of us were taken aback when we first heard that you were part of this project. You’ve directed so many thrillers and dramas. What inspired you to try something completely different?”

Anthony furrowed his brows, lost in thought, as he always aimed to give well-considered answers, even if he’d heard the questions repeatedly.

“I guess the easiest way to put it is that I love a good challenge,” he said. “But also, coming across a series of books as significant as this one brought to mind directors I’ve admired in the past who also took on these larger-than-life literary adaptations…”

Penelope gave a distracted nod. She enjoyed listening to Anthony's process, but after a while, the repetition of the same stories caused her mind to go blank, especially since her anxiety was already high with all those eyes on them.

She took a deep breath, glancing at the water bottle on the table before her and opting for a sip to steady herself and ease her nerves. As she reached for it, her slightly damp hands nearly caused it to slip from her grasp, but she swiftly tightened her hold, subtly taking control of the situation before anyone caught on. Seeing the crowd, hundreds of people all focused on the director and interviewer, she felt a sense of relief. As if anyone would actually be paying her any mind at a time like that.

Just as she felt her tension easing, the infuriating water bottle cap refused to budge. Her hand kept slipping around it, and she subtly wiped her hand on her trousers before trying to open it once more, but to no avail.

“Do you need help?” Colin whispered to her, leaning in slightly.

Penelope stood still, her hand hovering over the bottle cap, convinced that no one had spotted her little predicament. But, naturally, Colin’s ever-present urge to lend a hand would come into play at such a moment.

“It’s alright,” she said quietly.

Frustrated and blushing with embarrassment, she yanked harder on the cap, determined to open it. But she squeezed the bottle so hard that water sprayed out, soaking her pants and even splattering some onto Colin’s.

Next to her, her treacherous friend started to softly chuckle, causing her to shoot him a glare, her face turning a deep shade of red. Colin pressed his lips together, attempting to suppress a laugh, and then reached into his pocket, producing a small pack of tissues—the type his mother had always nagged him to carry in his teenage years. Unfortunately, this only made it more difficult for Penelope to maintain her composure and avoid nervous giggles.

He whispered, “Here,” and handed her a tissue. Penelope bit her lip in response.

Observing her expression, he asked, “What?”

“Nothing,” she mumbled, speaking softly as she accepted the tissue. It was definitely a better alternative than questioning why he had brought it to a press conference.

While she discreetly tried to wipe her pants with it, Colin concentrated on wiping the space between them on the sofa to prevent the water from dripping onto their respective buttocks.

“Oh, I see there’s been a bit of an accident over there.”

Penelope and Colin froze instantly.

Fantastic.

A chuckle or two rippled through the crowd at the moderator’s remark before both of them turned to her.

“You two doing alright over there?” Anne made a joke, but rather gently.

In that moment, Penelope was overwhelmed with the desire to crawl into a hole and disappear, but Colin remained unfazed, smoothly grabbing his microphone and addressing the moderator, reassuring, “All’s well, Pen just found the air conditioning a bit too warm.”

Despite the joke being utterly absurd, laughter erupted from the crowd, forcing Penelope to offer a weak smile as mortification washed over her.

A soft laugh escaped Anne’s lips, mirroring the amusement of her audience. As she pointed at the two actors, she remarked, “Since we’re already on the topic of discussion, so let’s talk about Leonidas and Nora for a bit.” And as she glanced down at the flashcards in her hands, the crowd responded with great enthusiasm.

Penelope’s eyes widened in surprise at the loud clapping, shouting, and whistling, completely unprepared for such a fervent response. Even Anne looked up, startled by their enthusiastic audience.

“Looks like we’ve got a few fans in the house,” she remarked with a grin before turning back to the pair. “We discovered last year that you’ve been friends for a long time,” she remarked, prompting some light applause from the crowd. “And you play two characters who also have a very long-lasting friendship. Tell me, what was it like? In what ways did your real life friendship shape the portrayal of Leonidas and Nora, if at all?”

Colin and Penelope exchanged a glance, almost instinctively, as though they were both anticipating the other to speak up. “Do you—” they both enquired simultaneously, before Penelope hesitantly replied, “No, you go ahead.”

He didn’t put up much resistance and, facing the moderator again, said, “I suppose I’d be dishonest if I said it didn’t didn’t help a great deal. Naturally, as actors, we ought to be ready to built that kind of…” he paused, searching for the appropriate word. “Chemistry with every single scene partner, regardless of whether we’ve just met them that very day. Sometimes we have to act like we’ve known that person our entire lives, which is undoubtedly one of the most amazing aspects of acting. But...” he trailed off, his eyes flickering as he recalled the countless months he devoted to shooting the film. “It certainly felt quite effortless to weave in elements of Leonidas and Nora’s friendship; we didn’t need to establish certain aspects like that deep-seated and unspoken trust they share or even their easygoing banter. Even if that’s not precisely how Pen and I are, it’s something we can draw more naturally from our relationship.”

Anne then nodded, utterly captivated by that response, much like everyone else in the audience, including Penelope, who was gazing at Colin in awe.

It was odd because she had witnessed Colin’s interview style before. She knew how he could quickly become reflective when discussing a project he was passionate about, but watching him do the same thing when talking about their friendship was simply mind-boggling.

And as she was lost in her own astonishment, she nearly missed the way Anne was looking at her, as if waiting for her turn, and then quickly raised her microphone near her mouth and blinked before she made a fool of herself.

“Yeah, definitely,” she cleared her throat, trying to shake off her distraction and focus on the question. “This was actually my first big production, and being cast as such an important character can be quite nerve-wracking, to be honest. And when… when you’re performing, it does require a certain level of trust in your scene partner as well, which can sometimes add to the stress, but…,” she said, blinking as she organised her thoughts. “But when we were filming, I knew I could trust Colin completely, as I have done my entire life, so it was easy to tap into that familiar feeling and bring it to the character.”

Finishing her answer with a nervous expression, she was surprised to see a smile reflected in Anne’s face and even in a few audience members. Then she glanced at Colin and noticed he was also gazing at her with a somewhat surprised smile of his own. It suddenly occurred to her that she had never expressed to him just how much he had done for her without even realising it, how much easier he had made her life by merely being present.

She beamed back at him, entirely unaware of a dangerous truth she had stumbled upon: those interviews could very well unearth things they had never shared with one another before.

⋆˚✿˖° it’s always rainy in delulutown⋆˚✿˖° @loranator

What was that

     | Cinthy❤️‍🔥🐉⚔️ @Cy3452n

     @loranator Which part

         | ⋆˚✿˖° it’s always rainy in delulutown⋆˚✿˖° @loranator
         @Cy3452n The part of them looking at each other

             | Cinthy❤️‍🔥🐉⚔️ @Cy3452n
             @loranator I SAID WHICH PART

Milena @mrsleonidassoares

Is it normal for two co-stars to just have a silent conversation with one of them looking like they want to kiss the other right then and there and the other looking all red and embarrassed all while in public when the director is talking asking for a friend

Nanda @nandaxinha

I don’t go here but what was happening at the sword nd heart press conference

🌸Hilly🌸 @hilllaryss

Oh i’m doomed

     | billie @noraswsift
     @hilllaryss I can’t believe you were right

         | 🌸Hilly🌸 @hilllaryss

         @noraswsift I’m not they’re “friends”

             | billie @noraswsift
             @hilllaryss RIGHT

Yara 🎀 @le0k1ng

it’s the way I knew she slept with someone bc it couldn’t be talent

     | ℚ𝕦𝕖𝕝 @racheltyl

     @le0k1ng theres no way colin *or anthony* ever touched that thing

         | Re @XcolinxXbr1

         @racheltyl@le0k1ng bettin’ all my ten cents Anthony put her in the movie as a favor for Colin.

lana • the sword and the heart in 23 days !!! @heartsofnoras

No but when Penelope dropped half a bottle of water everywhere and colin started losing it

     | 𝔠𝔞𝔯𝔩𝔬𝔰 @carlosbton

     @heartsofnoras the man barely smiles off screen anymore let alone LAUGH

         | Lizzie @redfeatherington
         @carlosbton@heartsofnoras Did you guys see cressida’s face though

             | lana • the sword and the heart in 23 days !!! @heartsofnoras
             @redfeatherington@carlosbton LMAO

Kelly @ipanemabrina23

On a scale of 1 to Cressida Cowper staring at Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington stealing all the attention away from her how much do you hate your job

Dee @warofthorns

Starting to get annoyed at how there’s some clear favoritism in this cast

     | fi is tired @fifigrande

     @warofthorns Like we get it you’re friends w Colin so anthony cast you it’s not like you have talent honey

“The world seems to be waiting on the edge of their seats for their next epic story, and it appears that this winter we may meet the next global sensation with the adaptation of a famous historical adventure book. And if you’ve been living under a rock all year and have no idea what I’m talking about, meet the cast of The Sword and the Heart!”

Penelope inhaled deeply, swiftly putting on a smile as the curtains drew back. Although she didn’t typically watch talk shows, but she was well aware of the reputation of the one they were about to step into. Jimmie Fox wasn’t exactly the most refined of hosts, often opting to pose personal questions that left his guests feeling uncomfortable. And for the life of her, she’d much rather dodge this interview, but then again, so would Anthony, Kate, and Colin. If all of them had to be there for the promo tour, who was she to sit it out?

She was thankfully assigned a chair in the back row, alongside Colin and Cressida. Meanwhile, Kate, Thomas, and Anthony settled onto the sofa on the front, next to the host. Penelope just had to wait an additional five minutes to reach her seat as Cressida paused and wave at her fans in the audience, a gesture she appeared to be indulging in increasingly lately. Whether it had anything to do with the online comments about Penelope and Colin, the redhead did not want to think about it.

“Right then, I gather there’s not much you can share just yet because of spoilers,” Jimmie said, mostly directing his attention to the trio on the couch. “But I’m rather curious. What did you manage to bring back from the set this time, Thomas?” He glanced over at the lead actor, managing to draw a few chuckles from the audience.

Thomas was notorious for bringing home the most ridiculous souvenirs from his sets, which always made things amusing. And somehow, that line of questioning seemed to help Penelope relax a bit; at least he was concentrating on something connected to the film.

“Not much, I’m afraid,” Thomas remarked with a smile, leaning in slightly to get a better look at the host. “With this one on charge, I hardly managed to get back home with my photos and videos,” he quipped, giving a cheeky thumb gesture towards Anthony.

More laughter rippled through the crowd, and Anthony shook his head, putting on a show of comical annoyance. But those close to him, Colin, Penelope, and even Thomas himself, knew that his exasperation was genuine.

Jimmie chuckled, “Really? What were you all filming over there? Is there some hidden secret that we’re all kept in the dark about?” He posed the question as a joke, but Thomas was speechless for a second, then glanced at Kate and Anthony, who were giving him a withering look.

“Uh, nothing,” Thomas said, “Just sill—”

“Wait a second,” the host gestured between the three of them, the damage already done. “I feel like there’s something interesting going on.”

The actor’s mouth remained agape for a moment too long, as he desperately tried to figure out how to salvage the situation. “No, of course n—”

“Oh come on!” Jimmie could smell blood in the water, giving Anthony a light-hearted slap on the back as he faced the audience. “He can’t fire his main actor,” he joked, prompting laughter from the audience as if it were all in good fun, while Anthony cast a wary glance at the Jimmie’s hand resting on his back, as if it were infectious, and Kate fixed her gaze on the host with a look of pure rage.

Thomas glanced back and forth between the pair, trying to figure out what to do next, especially since he’d already made a mistake. “I think this is a story best shared by those directly involved,” he gestured towards Anthony and Kate, aware that although they might want to kill him later, it was likely wiser to let them take over before he accidentally put his foot in his mouth again.

“Oh,” their host said, a few audience members echoing the sentiment in a way that was starting to grate on Kate’s nerves. “I see now why Thomas is a bit on edge,” he quipped, prompting another round of laughter from the crowd.

Kate and Anthony exchanged a glance, something they had meticulously avoided during the press tour, their limited interactions being a blessing in disguise thanks to the director’s reduced presence at these events. However, at that moment, they had to put everything else aside and face a crucial decision: how to present their story in a way that was humorous and lighthearted, rather than a piece of gossip. Anthony then swiftly gestured for Kate to take the lead, which was rather unusual, but she certainly wasn’t going to question it.

“Oh, it was nothing of any real consequence, honestly,” she remarked, straightening her back, folding her hands neatly in her lap, and adopting a rather dignified tone that only she could manage. “There was an accident with one of the horses,” she said, and Anthony nodded while Jimmie appeared captivated. “I ended up falling off one, and our director became rather worried and dashed over to see how I was doing.”

Anthony winced, a sudden realisation hitting him that he had blundered by asking Kate to speak first. He’d now learned that she, unlike him, didn’t know which incident Thomas had filmed. Actually, Thomas wasn’t even on set during the last accident, and if Anthony wasn’t so busy being filmed at that moment, he’d be shocked that Kate had forgotten.

“Oh?” Jimmie commented, gazing at Anthony with theatrical admiration. “A heroic act on our director’s part.”

Kate feigned enthusiasm with a nod, while Thomas, whose brow furrowed at the end of the story, eventually nodded along to keep up appearances, revealing that, despite everyone’s doubts, he still had some good judgement.

“I don’t recall that,” Cressida suddenly piped up, causing everyone to glance her way. To those who knew her well, she didn’t appear confused in the slightest; instead, there was a hint of a smirk playing on her lips. Truthfully, after Kate showed even a hint of defiance towards the insufferable woman, the blonde gleefully embraced every opportunity to make her life difficult. “I was under the impression that Thomas was referring to the day you and Anthony had such a heated argument near the horse that it bolted.”

A collective gasp arose from the crowd, and Anthony and Kate, their eyes narrowed, glared at her in perfect synchronicity. The host’s eyes gleamed with amusement at the scandalous detail, while Colin valiantly attempted to mask his surprise, unsure whether it was Kate’s tale or Cressida’s spite that had shocked him. Penelope, on the other hand, was restraining herself from taking any action against the blonde, as the surge of anger and offence she felt on Kate’s behalf was nearly overwhelming her at that moment.

“Just to clarify, there were two incidents involving a horse?” Jimmie joked, and as Kate hurried to respond, the crowd erupted in laughter once more, while she did her best to keep her composure and not let it get under her skin.

“There are a lot of horses in this movie,” Thomas commented, hoping to lighten the mood and steer the conversation elsewhere.

“Indeed,” Jimmie said with a hearty chuckle, quickly shifting his focus to the flashcards, an indication he was about to change subjects. Thomas let out a relieved sigh, and Anthony and Kate exchanged a quick glance.

“Right then, let’s shift our focus to the back row,” he said, and Penelope, silently wished for once she and Colin wouldn’t be the unfortunate targets. “Cressida, despite your extensive career thus far, this marks your debut as a romantic interest, so how was it for you? Was it different from your previous roles or just another day at the office?” He gestured with his hands, mimicking a dismissive wave.

A handful of audience members cheered as the actress was mentioned. She grinned and said, “Just another day at the office.” She playfully shrugged, drawing cheers from the crowd. Then, her expression turned serious as she continued, “I guess it demanded a bit more vulnerability and tenderness, but thankfully, I had a fantastic scene partner,” she gestured to Colin on her left, which elicited a flurry of whistles from the audience. “It was surprisingly effortless.”

Colin drew on his acting classes and smiled at her response, even though he believed she displayed hardly any vulnerability or softness whatsoever. Still, the host appeared quite pleased with that answer.

“And speaking of Colin, I caught the global press for your film, as I’m sure many others did here,” Jimmie remarked, gesturing towards Colin and Penelope. “I’m fairly certain I heard Penelope mention that she’s known you for her entire life. Is that really what happened, or did she make it sound more dramatic? So, what’s the story with you two? When did you meet?”

The cheering from the crowd made Penelope laugh nervously, burying her face in her hands. She had unintentionally dug herself into a hole and couldn’t believe her own blunder. He smiled at her reaction, but this time, it was genuine.

Colin, still sitting casually with his legs crossed and arms hanging loose, raised his microphone. “We met when I was...” he trailed off, “Nine, I think?” He glanced at Penelope, who was now recovering and nodding as if to confirm his answer, and pointed at her with his thumb, saying, “And Pen was probably six at that time.”

“Wow, so it really was all of your lives,” Jimmie remarked, leaning back in his chair, and the audience, holding their breath, hung onto Colin’s every word. “I assumed she was saying you two crossed paths back in acting school or something, but you were proper kids! Where on earth did you meet, nursery?”

Normally, Colin would find such a question intrusive, but this was a story he loved to tell. One look at Penelope’s flushed face and irritated expression confirmed she was still annoyed by his fondness for the tale.

“No, it actually involves another horse,” Colin said with a cheeky grin, and Penelope shot him a glare, which he found utterly adorable as ever.

“Another horse, is it?” Jimmie replied with a flourish, turning to Anthony as he enquired, “Is that a family trait?”

Anthony let out a huff, trying to pass it off as just a sigh as he responded, “Maybe.”

“I was learning how to ride at that time, and as fate would have it, I got hit right in the face by a yellow hat,” He said, his voice laced with amusement. Penelope buried her face in her hands, her cheeks flushing red as the crowd erupted in laughter. “It was only when I found myself sprawled on the ground, caked in mud and observing a red-haired little girl chuckling at me, that it dawned on me whose hat it was.”

“I did not laugh at your face,” Penelope shot back, whipping her head up at him, which in turn, caused even more people to laugh at their story.

“Oh, so we are rewriting history now, are we?” Colin, arms crossed, teased as he turned to her.

Indignation caused her mouth to fall open, a typical response whenever he put her on the spot. Turning to face him, she said, “You ran into my hat, not the other way around!”

Colin widened his eyes, his eyebrows shooting up, and exclaimed in a mock-shocked tone, “What on bloody earth was your hat doing up in the air?!”

“Look at what we’re up against on set,” Thomas quipped, just as the pair noticed they were stirring a storm of excitement from the audience.

“Ah, yes,” Jimmie agreed, his hand resting on his chin as he studied Penelope and Colin. “I understand them now. How are they called? The lora shippers,” he said, and a few people cheered in the crowd, “Or is it the polin shippers?”

“The what now?” Colin replied, his brow furrowing as Penelope silently wished for a bolt of lightning to come down and put her out of her misery right then and there.

“The fans who ship the two of you,” Jimmie chuckled, pointing between them once more, seeming to revel in their discomfort.

Colin turned to Penelope, her face flushed a deeper red than usual, and asked, “Leonidas and Nora?”

“No,” Penelope replied, her voice low yet perfectly clear through the microphone. “He’s talking about people who ship you and me,” she answered, her heart pounding so hard in her ears that she couldn’t even hear the audience’s response.

Colin appeared thoroughly baffled. He was quite convinced that they had put an end to any whispers about himself and Penelope when their picture went up on Instagram, but it seems his tendency to remain perpetually offline left him blissfully ignorant of their unsuccessful attempts. And Penelope, in turn, came to the realisation that all those weeks she spent too frightened to even meet his gaze were entirely pointless, as he hadn’t a clue what was going on until she spilt the beans, on live television no less.

“That’s crazy,” Colin said, facing the host as the audience chuckled. Penelope, faking a smile and a giggle, nodded in agreement.

“You two are too good at your job,” Jimmie remarked, glancing back at his flash cards. “Now, Kate,” he continued, “tell us your favourite part of working on this monumental production for the first time…”

Samantha ☾ ﾟ｡ fourth wing in 5 days @mermaaidsammy

Someone explain to me what was happening on the snh set

     | Amy @mrscolinbrigertonn

     @mermaaidsammy we don’t know either

🗡️Gabs 🗡️ @lladyora

Did jimmie really say they’re too good at their jobs WHAT DOES IT MEAN

     | wes. @kingofsnh

     @lladyora lora confirmed

         | Jade ✨ @englishmansbiceps

         @kingofsnh @lladyora he is like that with everyone i wouldn’t read too much into it

Ⓐⓢⓗ @dorieussw1fe

wydm kate and anthony were fighting on set??????

     | Diana @kshaemamarjorie

     @dorieussw1fe I thought i picked up a weird vibe between them

Siena Rosso ✪ @sienarosso

Not surprised

     | fi is tired @fifigrande

     @sienarosso Oh????

         | kimberly @funniestgirlk

         @fifigrande@sienarosso I knew it

             | Pat 💌@ladyeics

             @funniestgirlk@fifigrande@sienarosso Kate sharma speak up 

⋆｡‧˚ʚ🍓ɞ˚‧｡⋆ Taylor @j1minology

Why is Anthony Bridgerton trending?

     | Nathalie Abbot @nath4l1e4bot

     @j1minology his ex gf just posted a tweet shading him after that jimmie fox show interview

         |⋆｡‧˚ʚ🍓ɞ˚‧｡⋆ Taylor @j1minology

         @nath4l1e4bot What? Why?

             | Nathalie Abbot @nath4l1e4bot

             @j1minology it’s been rumored he wasn’t the best to work with on set and cressida cowper outed him

                     | Joe @Josephnavarro

                     @nath4l1e4bot@j1minology apparently he’s awful in his personal life too

jess @leolover2

They truly…truly didn’t like that did they

     | 🎀ally 🩰@l3on1n0ra

     @leolover2 Colin and Penelope?

         | jess @leolover2

         @l3on1n0ra Ya

             | 🎀ally 🩰@l3on1n0ra

             @leolover2 she looked so uncomfortable

                 | sab @bbtooncol

                 @l3on1n0ra@leolover2 he looked disgusted

                     | jess @leolover2

                     @l3on1n0ra@bbtooncol Shut up 

mimi @leonidasn0raxx

‘ThAtS cRaZY’

     | Cinthy❤️‍🔥🐉⚔️ @Cy3452n     

     @leonidasn0raxx COLIN BRIDGERTON I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE

kay 𓆰𓆪 lora era @loraskiss

Colin: *flirts with Penelope on live tv*

Colin: how can people say we like each other???? 

     | billie @noraswsift

     @loraskiss UNHINGED

lariiiii ⋆ SnH era @southnationsqueen

Guys can we please just focus on lora they were clearly uncomfortable 

     | Daniella @pensfeathers

     @southnationsqueen Right? Just shut up im begging

         | lariiiii ⋆ SnH era @southnationsqueen

         @pensfeathers They’re gonna ruin a twenty year old friendship and for what

Hyacinth: …

Hyacinth: Colin

Hyacinth: are you and Penelope dating?

Colin: it wasn’t funny the first time it wont be funny the second time i promise you

Gregory: make way for the polin president

Benedict: in the internet defence I thought it was a cute name

Hyacinth: right?? adorable

Hyacinth: I should have thought of it first

Colin: sigh

Francesca: why are you sighing in text?

Francesca: what is a polin president

Hyacinth is currently typing…

Gregory is currently typing…

Daphne: guys why is my manager calling me abt anthony

Benedict: what?

Hyacinth: oh this is bad

Hyacinth: im gonna call lily hold on

Anthony: ignore it

Anthony: who is lily

Gregory: not again

Daphne: how can i ignore it when he’s telling me to separate my image from my brother’s

Daphne: what did you do

Colin: this might be the right time for me to declare I hate Cressida Cowper

Anthony: Not now Colin

Colin: yes now

Colin: i hate her

Daphne: ?????????????

Gregory: Cressida told the entire world anthony yelled at kate while they were filming

Anthony: I DIDN’T YELL AT HER

Gregory: oh okay

Gregory: idk

Gregory: it felt in character for you

Colin: kate and anthony are both equally loud and insufferable on set

Anthony: thank you

Benedict: no offence colin but why are you so chatty today?

Benedict: unusually chatty

Gregory: probably trying to make us forget about polin

Colin: SIGH

Hyacinth: okay guys i talked to lily

Hyacinth: its worse than we thought

Hyacinth: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-29507483/anthony-bridgerton-accused-of-harassment-on-set

Penelope quickly learned that nothing was so terrible that it couldn’t become even worse.

Like, there should be a research on how one terrible thing led to another bad thing, truly.

As she sank into the cozy embrace of her couch, enveloped by the glimmering lights and the delightful scent of freshly arranged Christmas decorations, she found herself torn between three articles. The first one discussed Anthony’s potential dismissal as the director of the “Sword and the Heart” franchise, while the second one hinted at a secretive relationship between her and Colin. The third article raised suspicions about her casting in the “Bridgerton” movie.

And then the door to her flat swung open.

“I never want to speak with that man ever again.”

Penelope startled, immediately getting up at the sight of her irritated cousin entering her flat while hauling her heavy bag behind her.

“Marina, what—”

“I understand you mentioned this should only be for emergencies, Pen, but honestly, I’ve got nowhere else to go.” She held up the key to Penelope’s flat, the one she’d had copied on her initial trip to the city, turning to lock the door while she continued to mutter curses under her breath.

“What happened?” Penelope inquired, her gaze fixed on her cousin’s enormous suitcase, a sense of dread washing over her as she awaited the response.

“George kicked me out, that’s what happened,” she said angrily, turning to her cousin as if her innocent question had been a personal attack. “It seems a pregnancy scare was all it took for him to figure out he didn’t want a life with me,” she said, striding over to the couch and flopping down on it, looking utterly out of place against the cheerful Christmas decorations surrounding her.

Penelope wrinkled her forehead. “George? I thought you guys were over months ago.”

It definitely seemed that way when she was snogging Colin in the bathroom of a random pub.

“Well, we got back together,” Marina grumbled, swatting at the little lamp that was annoyingly stuck to her shoulder. “Which turned out to be the most regrettable decision of my life, I must say.”

“Right,” Penelope said, her voice strained as she tried to grasp the idea that her cousin was now sleeping on her couch, on top of all her other problems.

She started toward the kitchen, a plan to make tea and clear her mind forming in her head. But before she could even reach the counter, her phone buzzed for the tenth time in the last five minutes, a pattern that was growing increasingly common. The hiss of the kettle filled the air as she started to boil the water, a sigh escaping her lips as she reached for her mobile. Her eyes widened as she gazed at the screen, seeing something she hadn’t witnessed in ages. A message from her sister.

Philippa: Is this you

Philippa: https://www.instagram.com/stories/dixtoi/354735083450570349?igsh=NDhlYXViNXhiYzRh

Penelope was well aware of which Instagram account that was; she realised that for the sake of her sanity, it would be best not to click on that link. But curiosity was gnawing at her, and the fact that her sister, who rarely contacted her, had sent the link made her even more intrigued.

Q: can you give us any details on the sword and heart drama?

A: All I can say is that the reports about a specific director are true, and that he used his power in the film to bring a certain family friend into the main cast.

“SON OF A—”

“What’s going on?” Marina appeared at the kitchen door the moment Penelope began cursing loudly, which was rather out of character for her.

“Not now, Marina,” Penelope said, her hand trembling as she stared at her phone in disbelief.

Her cousin’s curiosity only grew, prompting her to walk closer and ask the question again.

“Not now!” Penelope’s voice cracked with emotion as she glared at Marina, her eyes red and her chest rising and falling rapidly. Because it was over wasn’t it? If people already despised her for things much smaller than this, it was all over now. This would flood the internet—articles upon articles, thousands of comments. As soon as everyone witnessed her performance, they would understand; they would realise it was all true, and her acting was nothing more than a fraud.

Her vision blurred as she scrolled through her phone, and for a moment, her finger lingered over Eloise’s contact. Because who could she possibly call? Who would bother listening to her at a moment like this, especially about such a ridiculous matter?

Not even Eloise, and that was the truth. She’d been genuinely alone for years.

Taking a deep breath, she scrolled through her contacts, letting her emotions cloud her judgement for a change.

“Pen?”

“Colin, I—” she began, her hand coming up to cover her face as she inhaled deeply, trying to steady herself.

“What is it?” In an instant, his voice grew heavy with concern, as if he owned the world’s most acute sixth sense.

“It’s stupid, it’s really…stupid,” she choked out, her breaths ragged and tears streaming down her face.

“Alright, I’ll be over shortly.”

“What?” Penelope paused, “No that’s not—”

“I’ll be there in ten,” he announced before hanging up, leaving Penelope to gaze at her phone in disbelief, and then at Marina.

“Alright, it looks like Will is finally on the same page as Mrs Varley, and I’m with them too: you really shouldn’t do anything,” Colin said, tucking his mobile back into his pocket.

Penelope paced around her living room, running a hand through her hair, utterly bewildered by the ridiculous advice she’d just been given. “Why is it that when it was about us, we had to put out a statement straight away, yet when it comes to my career and reputation, I’m expected to keep quiet?”

“Because there’s absolutely nothing you can do, Pen,” Colin said with sincerity, causing Penelope to halt her pacing and stare at him indignantly. “With two people, they can check each other’s stories, but Anthony is already dealing with quite a bit of backlash as it stands, and there’s nothing he can say to improve the situation. If both of you decide to speak up, it could potentially make things even worse.”

“I hate this,” Penelope said, her eyes welling up once more, and she couldn’t quite tell if it was from anger, stress, or genuine sorrow. “I truly hate this,” she scratched her head before glancing up at him once more. “Colin, is there a chance that—”

“Of course not,” Colin shot back, anticipating where Penelope’s line of thinking was leading. “Pen, don’t you know Anthony at all? Or Agatha? If you're in this movie is because you deserve it, I told you.”

She gave a weak nod, sighing and closing her eyes as her phone buzzed again. She stared at it and pursed her lips.

“It’s Mrs Varley,” she told him. “This could take a while.”

He nodded, resolved to wait patiently while she spoke to her manager, until Marina, who had been silent the whole time, decided to intervene.

“Maybe we ought to give her a bit of space, then? Or at least have a go at finding us all some dinner,” she said, raising an eyebrow at him. “You did say you’d show me around, didn’t you?”

Colin furrowed his brows at her, feeling as though he ought to be doing anything else, but then he glanced at Penelope. She was gazing at them both with a far-off look in her eyes, likely still worrying about her career.

“It’s all right,” she replied softly, meeting his gaze as though answering to the same question he had posed months before. “This is likely to take more than an hour, and I’ve got nothing in the fridge,” she announced before finally answering her phone.

“It’s so adorable how you came running to help Pen the moment she needed you.”

Colin nodded absentmindedly, the takeout menu a jumble of colours in the low light as he squinted through his dark sunglasses. But he could make out the words Hummus Sabich, which he knew Penelope loved, so that was a success.

“She was clearly quite upset on the phone, so I thought it was the least I could do,” he explained, handing the menu to Marina.

The girl nodded, grabbed the big laminated sheet, and read through all the options. “Is that why you ran for the hills that nigh?” She asked without raising her gaze to him, and although her tone was nonchalant, Colin knew that the question was far from it.

He crossed his arms with a sigh, taking in the dimly lit, cramped takeaway restaurant, hoping the cap and sunglasses were enough to keep him anonymous.

“I was drunk that night,” he replied.

“And?” She asked, returning the menu to him.“So was I.”

“And...” he began, his voice trailing off as he signalled to the kitchen attendant, letting him know they were ready to order. And as the thin, young man approached the counter, Colin finished his thought. “Not the most ideal way to kick off a relationship.”

“A relationship?” Marina asked incredulously, as if he’d lost his mind. “I thought we were just having fun. Getting over our exes and all that.”

At that point, the attendant was ready for them to place their order. Colin stepped up and said they would like one Hummus Sabich and one portion of Falafel Balls. He then gestured to Marina, who mentioned she would like to order a kebab. The young man smiled at them and headed back to the kitchen with their orders, much to Colin’s dismay, as he would have preferred to escape that conversation with Marina rather than see it through to the end.

“I get I might not be as beautiful as the models you’re accustomed to, but there’s really no need to lie—”

“I’m not,” Colin stated, refuting her claims that he was being dishonest. “You’re hot, and you’re well aware of it, Marina,” he responded with a hint of weariness, and she couldn’t help but smile at that, feeling quite satisfied.

“So, what was really the issue then?” She narrowed her eyes at him. “Because I didn’t ask for a relationship. And you think I am attractive, so—”

Colin adjusted his hat and scratched his head, feeling overwhelmed by her questions. “Maybe I should turn that question back to you,” he said, letting out a heavy breath as his eyes met hers. “What seems to be the issue? Why are you talking about this now?”

“Because,” she said, resting her weight against the wall and folding her arms over her chest. “I find myself needing to forget my ex.”

The man stared at her, speechless at her sudden declaration. Colin wasn’t stupid; he had been in similar situations countless times before, and he understood exactly what she was implying. And the problem was that he wasn’t truly opposed to it; after all, Marina was certainly one of the most beautiful women he had ever encountered. Moreover, it just so happened that he had been single for months, and honestly, he couldn’t quite figure out why.

So maybe he could help her move on from her ex, while she helped him forget his troubles. Then, the next day, they’d go their separate ways, back to normal life, but at least a little less stressed.

“Just have a think about it,” she said offhandedly, aware that she had his attention.

This only unsettled Colin further, as it reminded him of the Marina he knew, the kind of captivating storm that held the promise of simplifying life magically.

“Number thirty-two,” the attendant called, abruptly bringing Colin back to reality. He wondered if they had been standing in silence for that long, engrossed in their unspoken impasse. But he couldn’t decipher his jumbled feelings, so he just grabbed their order and paid.

The street felt like a breath of fresh air after the confined space they had just left, and as they walked towards Penelope’s building, he took a deep breath, enjoying the cool air that settled over his skin. Marina continued in silence, walking by his side as they passed by a vibrant parade of restaurants, stores, and pharmacies, their windows adorned with glittering Christmas decorations and festive displays. By the time they arrived at their destination, Colin’s mind was sufficiently clear for him to make a decision. So, as Marina opened the building entrance door, he calmly held out his hand with their order.

“I just…” He inhaled deeply. “I just realised I should get to bed early tonight, as I’ve got an interview to record first thing in the morning.”

Which wasn’t a lie, as he was indeed recording numerous interviews and podcasts for their promotional tour. And Penelope was doing the same, to be fair. So, as Marina took the takeaway bag from his hand, he took a few steps back to ensure he didn’t do something stupid.

With the shock fading from her features, she let her arms fall, shook her head, and chuckled dryly.

“Are you serious? The same excuse?” She asked.

“It’s not an excuse, I really—”

“Colin,” she cut him off, her gaze fixed on him, refusing to accept his false act.

Sighing, he removed his sunglasses and placed them on his collar, locking eyes with her in an attempt to make her understand. Glancing slightly upwards, as if towards Penelope’s apartment, he said, “She’s not alright with this. With us, I mean.”

Marina scoffed in disbelief. “So it really was because of Penelope.”

He couldn’t bear to meet her gaze, so he looked away, his attention drawn to a distant, speeding car.

“Colin, she’s fine with it.” She took a slight step forward, hoping he would look at her. “I’m her cousin, I would know.”

“Well, I’m one of her best friends,” he said, putting his hands in his pockets and gazing back at her. “And I’m telling you, she’s not.”

She looked down at her hands, adjusting the takeout bag and shaking her head. “Fine,” she said, and Colin relaxed. “I would just be careful if I were you.”

Confused by her words, he wrinkled his brow. “With what?”

She then glanced up at him. “You two are getting carried away with this job,” she said. “I see the way you look at her, and it’s obvious you’re not attracted to her, so it can’t be that you have feelings for her. But you two are becoming too dependent on each other, and it’s not good for either of you.”

And with that, as Colin stared at her, still in utter confusion, she leaned in and kissed his cheek. “I’ll catch you later,” she remarked, then walked back inside.

Usually, Colin wouldn’t allow anyone’s opinion of him to bother him anymore. He had been there, done that, a thousand times over, and he knew full well that nothing good would come of it.

But Marina’s comment left him restless, and he couldn’t pinpoint what exactly was bothering him.

“What’s going on with you today?“ Will asked from the passenger seat, his eyes fixed on Colin’s reflection in the rearview mirror. The actor has been surprisingly quiet and compliant ever since he was picked up from home.

Colin’s gaze snapped from the window to his manager, startled as if suddenly realising he wasn’t alone in the car. “Nothing,” he muttered.

Will made a noncommittal sound in his throat, as if he didn’t believe a word of it. “If this is about your brother, I wouldn’t stress too much,” he stated vaguely, before turning and giving Colin his mobile phone.

Confused, the actor furrowed his brow as he picked up Will’s phone. His eyes were drawn to the screen, which displayed a short text message in white letters on a black background. Glancing at the username, he immediately recognised the picture.

“It has come to my attention that my name is being used to unfairly target a coworker, and despite the pressure to stay quiet, I can’t stand by and let these false claims spread online.

I have never experienced any harassment from Anthony Bridgerton, nor have I seen him harass anyone else on set. Any differences we may or may not have had are strictly personal and something we both bear responsibility for.

I absolutely do not give my consent for anyone to speak on my behalf when it comes to criticising Anthony. In fact, I want to emphasise that I couldn’t have asked for a better director for our film.

-Kate”

“I thought you mentioned she couldn’t stand him?” Will asked as Colin was engrossed in his reading.

Colin looked bewildered, his face twisted into a knot of confusion, as he handed Will his phone, saying, “She can’t.”

“Well, apparently not enough to sink his reputation,” Will said with a shrug, tucking his phone back in his pocket and turning back to look straight ahead. “This will be all over the internet in no time.”

“Yeah,” Colin replied, lost in thought, his finger tapping nervously against his lips as he glanced back at the streets.

“If not this, then all their energy will be directed towards you and Penelope,” Will said in a playful tone.

Colin let his hand fall limply to his side and let out a frustrated huff. Why was everyone suddenly so fixated on him and Penelope? They did nothing unusual, but it seems that many people on the internet were talking about them, and then Marina, and now even Will was laughing about it.

They had been friends for a long time; what was so remarkable about it?

“Or when this film finally premieres, everyone will have something far more interesting to occupy their time,” Colin muttered, a hint of bitterness in his tone.

Will cocked his head to the side, unsure if he believed that could actually happen. And as their car descended into the shadowy depths of the parking garage, he said, “Right then, just do me a favour and leave this brilliant mood behind when we head upstairs, yeah?”

Colin scowled at him as he unfastened his seatbelt. Nevertheless, he was resolute in his efforts to maintain his composure and quell his confusion, all in the name of ensuring an uneventful interview.

Especially because he was sure that the situation would resolve itself soon.

Anthony: You didn’t need to do that

Kathani Sharma: Actually I did. I really did.

Anthony: I had the situation handled

Kathani Sharma: Did you?

Anthony: yes

Anthony: you shouldn’t have risked your reputation because of me.

Kathani Sharma: …

Kathani Sharma: I didn’t

Kathani Sharma: if that’s what your absurd act is all about.

Anthony: you’re unbelievable

Anthony: you’re infuriating did you know that

Kathani Sharma: me

Kathani Sharma: you’re the one getting on my nerves when I’ve just done you a favour

Kathani Sharma: but if you want me to take it back, just say so.

…

Anthony: thank you

Kathani Sharma: you’re welcome

Penelope, upon discovering online that Kate had spoken out in Anthony’s defence, believed the run of misfortune would end and things would return to normalcy. She truly did.

Her career, her relationship with Colin, and her looks were still all subject to ongoing scrutiny. However, their film was set to premiere in just over a week, and she was quite convinced it would eclipse all those issues; it would overshadow everything, and all would be well in the end.

That was precisely why, as soon as she set her phone aside, she popped some corn for herself, settled into her couch with her snug and well-loved blanket and switched on the most random Christmas film she could find. With all the interviews and promotional filming finished for the day, she felt utterly free and relaxed.

The only slight issue was that she wasn’t living by herself.

“The princess switch 4?” Marina’s scoff was immediate upon entering the living room. She was rushing to pull her hair up into a bun, leaving it slightly messy, her face painted with colourful makeup, and her large, dangling earrings swaying with every motion. “Seriously, Pen, you need to get out more.”

Taking a deep breath and mustering all her patience, Penelope replied, “I’ve been out all day.”

“Yeah, but for work. I meant going out to have some fun,” Marina said, gesturing at the television as if it had done something wrong. “You’ll never find someone if you keep acting like this.”

Now that hurt.

Penelope really should be used to it by that point, honestly, since she’s heard variations of that sentence from all sorts of people throughout her life. It was really just that she was getting older, and it felt like time was having a good laugh at her expense, always reminding her that she might end up living her life as an old spinster. And that was definitely the last thing she wanted to be reminded of when she finally had some free time.

“Marina, I’m tired. You can go out all you want, I’m not stopping you,” she replied curtly, placing her popcorn bowl by her right. She didn’t want to waste it all by eating while arguing with her cousin.

“Aren’t you,” Marina muttered under her breath, her voice a low growl as she stomped back to the bathroom.

Even though her reply was barely a whisper, Penelope furrowed her eyebrow, having caught every word. And she should have left it alone, but at that point she was sufficiently incensed to reply back.

“I’m really not the best company for any sort of gathering or pub outing you might fancy, I assure you,” she said, aware that her cousin could hear her.

Marina’s heavy steps echoed across the living room as she stormed back in, glaring at Penelope. “That is not the problem.”

The redhead gazed at her with bewilderment, unable to comprehend the source of the sudden aggression. “What is the problem, then?”

Marina bit her lip, took a deep breath, and said, “The problem is that you don’t go out, you don’t have a boyfriend, and so no one else can.”

Impossibly, the crease between Penelope’s eyebrows deepened. “What on earth are you talking about?”

“Colin,” Marina said, her shoulders tensing up. “I’m talking about Colin.”

What.

Penelope’s heart quickened at the sound of his name, even though she was bewildered by how everything had shifted to focus on him.

“Marina, wha—”

“I haven’t the foggiest idea how your friendship works, and quite frankly, it’s none of my business. But honestly, you should go out and meet new people.”

Penelope ran her hands over her face. “I don’t—”

“Because if you really won’t allow each other to see other people—”

“Marina, Colin’s been out with loads of people,” Penelope said, waving her hand as if to silence her relentless cousin who was grilling her about her love life while Penelope just wanted to watch a stupid Christmas movie.

“So it’s only a problem when he’s interested in me,” she said.

And then Penelope froze.

At last, everything was falling into place. Or, Penelope furrowed her brows, at least in part since the last time she had talked to Colin about Marina had been months prior.

“I told him it’s not an issue,” Penelope replied, her voice becoming quieter as her arms slumped by her side.

Marina crossed her arms over her chest as she studied Penelope’s strange reaction. “Well, he definitely seems to think it is.”

That was certainly a surprise to her, Penelope mused. She had told him time and again not to let her stand in the way of anything he wanted with Marina, yet now it appeared her cousin had a rather different understanding of the situation. Nevertheless, Penelope had no intention of revealing all the details of her conversation with Colin, especially since her cousin was irritating her.

“When he asked me about it, I said it was alright,” she remarked. “But you can’t really hold it against me if he picks up on the fact that I’m not entirely comfortable with you treating him as a rebound.”

“Penelope, he’s well aware that I’m just using him as a rebound,” Marina said, her tone dripping with condescension, as though Penelope were a child who hadn’t a clue about life’s realities. “Seeing as I was also aware he was using me in the same way, I fail to see how this concerns you at all.”

The actress didn’t want to admit it, but perhaps that was what hurt the most.

In her head, she had that perfect chevalier image of Colin. Despite knowing about his past relationships, she preferred to believe that he genuinely cared for the people he dated and wasn’t the type to use others just for physical pleasure. It was rather absurd, as childish and naïve as Marina likely perceived her, and perhaps that was the true reason she had remained single all her life.

“You’re right, it doesn’t,” Penelope said, her voice drained of energy and hope.

Marina blinked, taken aback by Penelope’s sudden shift in mood. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, whether it was the way everything seemed to click into place in her mind or the sight of her cousin, looking increasingly pale as she stared down at the fuzzy brown blanket draped over her lap, but in that moment, it all became clear.

“You love him,” she said.

“What?” Penelope snapped, her whole body stiffening as if she’d been stung.

And now Marina was absolutely certain. “It’s the only thing that makes sense,” she said, a dry laugh escaping her lips as she ran a hand across her forehead. “It’s painfully obvious."

The air felt thick and heavy, making it hard for Penelope to breathe. She stood up abruptly, “This is ridic—”

“You’re actually falling for this charade the two of you are putting on, aren’t you?” Marina interrupted, her eyes hardening with a pity that made Penelope’s stomach churn. It felt like a knife twist in the gut because, deep down, Penelope would be lying if she said that people’s opinions about her and Colin weren’t affecting her at all.

“You are,” Marina concluded.

And Penelope didn’t have the chance to explain that this wasn’t an act, that they weren’t pretending, but simply being themselves. She didn’t have the opportunity to lie that her feelings for Colin had always been platonic and that she wasn’t foolish enough to think otherwise. Because now Marina had seen through her, and she was relentless.

“Pen, he’s not interested in you,” Marina said condescendingly, as if teaching a child basic arithmetic. “Can’t you see you need to let this go?”

Penelope felt absurd, as she was fully aware of all those things Marina hurled at her, and more. However, hearing someone else say it so bluntly made the reality of the situation sickening.

“You two might have some lovely moments on camera, but really, that’s all they are—a fantasy,” she went on. “How long are you going to keep deluding yourself with them?”

“Marina, everything you saw between Colin and me is real,” Penelope managed to say, her voice cracking with defeat as tears welled in her eyes. “If you picked up on any emotions, that’s your interpretation; we weren’t acting.”

The other girl then shook her head wearily, “If I must be the one to bring you back to reality, so be it,” she said, reaching into her pocket and tossing something onto the couch beside Penelope. “I’d give that a read if I were you,” she remarked before heading back to the toilet.

For a moment, Penelope stood there watching her leave before summoning the courage to look at what Marina had thrown her way. With slightly trembling hands, she picked up Marina’s phone and immediately recognised what seemed to be an interview Colin had given for British Vogue. It seemed harmless at first, until she stumbled upon the part her cousin had intended for her to read all along.

You’ve certainly had your fair share of public relationships, but it appears that your most talked-about one is with your co-star and long-time friend, Penelope Featherington. Do you find that odd, or were you both anticipating such a response?

I suppose so? I still can’t quite grasp why everyone appears so fascinated by our friendship; I promise you, we couldn’t be more ordinary. It’s quite ridiculous how many people keep asking me if we’re going to date. Just to be clear, I wouldn’t ever consider dating Penelope, not in a million years [chuckles].

Penelope Featherington was thirty-one years old when she gave up on Colin Bridgerton for the 187th time.

And that was the first time she truly meant it.

Chapter Text

Colin Bridgerton had a small circle of people he genuinely cared for in his life.

It was, in fact, quite a brief list that featured his mother, his siblings (even the ones who got on his nerves), Will (when he wasn’t being difficult), and Penelope Featherington.

And although it might seem pretentious or even cruel to live life that way, caring about so little, Colin had enough experience to understand how relationships functioned and how people operated. He understood well what he meant to those around him and recognised his role in the world, as determined by them.

And the truth was, that world didn’t have much room for him. There wasn’t space for sentimentality, passiveness, weakness.

He didn’t take long to realise this either.

It could have been when his first couple of girlfriends cheated, saying he was a pleasant diversion but not quite as remarkable or masculine as other guys. Or perhaps it was during his early years as an actor that he came across innumerable memes criticising his stupid facial expressions. Or maybe it was during those two years when he was continually labelled fat or taunted about his alleged beer belly after gaining weight.

It might have been in the few months following the end of acting school. When he encountered a rather well-known director and nearly landed a role in a moderately budgeted TV show, if only his closest friend hadn’t spread whispers about his supposed involvement with substances, all to secure the part for himself instead of Colin.

Rumours that he still had to address every few years, by the way, not that the press bothered to be honest.

There was that time when a magazine editor casually ran her hand along his thigh, hinting at her intention to say nice things about him to others. But it wasn’t as bad as the weeks when he finally got a part in the theatre, only for the director to keep saying that his butt just wasn’t plump enough.

In any case, all of these thoughts became a bit of a muddle in his mind, much like a collection of puzzle pieces that, when put together, revealed the clear picture of how life was. Everyone was looking out for their own interests, a proper survival of the fittest, and Colin was certainly not the strongest, nor the brightest, nor the most dashing, and certainly not first in anything of real significance.

He certainly wasn’t the first to anyone had ever dated. In fact, there came a time in his life when he found himself just waiting for the other shoe to drop. After all, expecting a different outcome from a situation that had played out a thousand times before is just plain foolishness.

Not the first among all his supposed friends, who didn’t stick around after high school, after university, after any work together, after anything at all.

He liked to believe he could be the best in his job, but to be honest, while he had a nice face and a few awards, he just wasn’t quite cut out for Academy Awards material. The New Yorker words, not his.

And it was fine, even if he wasn’t the first for anyone in his family. It was okay if everyone was too busy to make it to his high school graduation. And even though no one could attend the ceremony when he received his first award, he at least received some lovely text messages a few hours later. He was just another artist in the family, and to be honest, not even the most talented. 

It was alright, even if he wasn’t the first for Penelope either. If all he could do after Eloise’s departure try to hold the broken pieces together, destined to watch as Penelope grew more and more distant, for Colin wasn’t his sister, and he couldn’t offer what she could. 

Colin Bridgerton knew his place in the world and was at peace with it.

There were many clear signs of a brewing crisis, some repeated over the past 18 months, all punctuated by persistent, noisy alerts and phone calls.

But it was the sudden, unnerving silence that first alerted Colin to something being truly wrong.

No one was responding to his messages; not a single person did so. None of his coworkers, no sibling, neither Penelope nor John. He contemplated reaching out to Will for the ultimate test, but he only contacted his manager when he was prepared to participate in an interview, photoshoot, or unexpected appearance at a fashion show in exchange, which he certainly was not.

He also noticed a trend of brief interactions with the crew during the morning’s Pepsi ad shoot, as though everyone was hurrying through their conversations with him.

And last but not least, his social media didn’t appear to be bombarding him with notifications, which had an unsettling effect on Colin rather than a calming one.

But then, after a day of complete radio silence, his phone buzzed with a call from the last person he expected.

His brow furrowed as he saw the name on the screen, momentarily gripped by an absurd fear that someone must have died. That was the only reason that could explain the sudden contact after years of hardly speaking. In any case, he eventually got over the shock and picked up the phone.

“Eloise?” He said hesitantly, as if his phone had misidentified the caller.

“What do you think you’re doing?” were her first words, delivered as if nothing had happened at all. As if she hadn’t moved away from the UK years ago, barely keeping in touch, as if they were resolving a petty argument they’d just had at home.

Twisting his face in confusion, he replied, like an idiot, “At the moment I’m about to have lunch, why?”

A scoff rang out from the other side. “Have you been on social media? At all?” she spat, her voice laced with such disdain that he felt like the most foolish person alive.

“No,” he said, his annoyance mounting. His sister, who had practically vanished from his life for the past five years, had suddenly reappeared to pry into the subject he detested most. “I make it a habit not to check social media unless the world is coming to an end.”

“I suggest you take a look at it,” she said, her tone sharp.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, exasperated by the cryptic phone call. “Since when do you care about social media at all?”

There was a pause on the other line before she answered, “Since you and Penelope have been all over it. Which is precisely why I thought you’d think for about five seconds before speaking, Colin.”

Colin felt his heart skip a beat, the unsettling feeling of déjà vu settling upon him as he processed her last line.

“Eloise,” he said, his words measured and deliberate, “What on earth are you talking about.”

“Your last interview for British Vogue,” she said, and he felt a chill run through him, “Does that ring any bells?”

To be honest, it didn’t ring any bells, but what did was that all-too-familiar feeling of the world falling apart after an interview.

“I don’t… I can’t quite recall saying anything…” He drifted off, attempting to recall all that had been said back then and what might have been so dreadful.

“Let me remind you,” she said, “I wouldn’t ever consider dating Penelope, not in a million years,” and then, flatly, she added, “ha. ha. ha.”

Colin wrinkled his forehead, “So? We’ve been friends our whole lives and people just won’t stop pestering us, so—”

“You’re the most stupid, clueless man to ever walk this earth,” Eloise said, her voice weary before she snapped. “What do you think people would make of that line, Colin?”

He put his hand to his forehead, feeling short of breath.

“Have you even read what people are saying about Penelope online? What they had been saying even before you stupidly opened your mouth.”

“No, Eloise,” he felt his voice growing higher as fear gnawed at him. “I already said I don’t care about social media, and I told Pen—”

“Oh, splendid for you,” Eloise replied, “I’m quite certain you’ll manage to carry on with your philosophy just nicely now while Pen deals with the repercussions.”

Colin couldn’t tell if Eloise’s harsh and uncompromising tone was what was unsettling him, or if it was the worried pounding of his heart, causing his hands to tremble and his mind to desperately hope she was wrong. But, all of a sudden, he was furious.

"Oh, I see, so now you’ve taken an interest in Penelope,” Colin replied. “I’m just a bit curious, but where was all this concern over the past five years?”

“I had to—”

“Where were you, Eloise, when you left your best friend behind with only me to pick up the pieces?” He asked with frustration, feeling a sense of satisfaction when she didn’t respond. “So forgive me if you’re about the last person I would ever listen to where Penelope is concerned,” he added.

A heavy silence settled over the call, until Eloise finally spoke, her voice now weak and defeated, “Just have a look at social media,” before ending the conversation.

Colin’s eyes fixated on his phone, held in a hand that shook uncontrollably, his lungs constricting in a way he hadn’t experienced in what felt like forever.

He shut his eyes and took a deep breath, opting to grab his car keys and head out rather than follow Eloise’s instructions.

“She hasn’t arrived home yet,” Marina said, leaning against the doorjamb with her arms crossed.

Colin nodded, his mouth forming a tight line as he slipped his hands into his pockets. Of course, she wasn’t home. With the imminent premiere and a whirlwind of events to attend, he too found himself rarely at home those days.

“Any idea when she’ll be back?” He asked.

“In about an hour, I think,” she said.

He could work with that. In fact, he would make it work if necessary.

Marina seemed to catch on to what he was thinking just by looking at his face. Without saying a word, she grabbed her brown wool coat from behind the door and stepped out of the flat.

“What are you doing?” Colin asked as she shut the door with a soft click.

“If you’re going to wait for her, we might as well pop out for a bite to eat,” she replied, locking the door. “Or were you thinking of just standing about here for the next hour or so?”

To be honest, he had thought about doing just that. However, he wasn’t about to do so with Marina standing there watching him. Or even worse, with her staying inside the house while he stood outside like a rejected dog (which he already suspected would be the case, given that she hadn’t invited him in).

Following Marina, he found himself at a dingy, local cafe, surrounded by worn furniture and the smell of cigarettes. Though the weather was brisk, they sat outside. Colin was adamant about not entering the cafe and taking off his sunglasses, fearing that being seen with Marina would only escalate the situation.

As he skimmed the menu, an unexpected wave of nausea washed over him. Prior to Eloise’s call, he had been hungry, but now he couldn’t find a single option that didn’t make his stomach churn. Nevertheless, he had a long day ahead, so he forced himself to eat the omelette he had ordered, even though it made him feel queasy.

“You shouldn’t to be too hard on yourself, you know,” she said casually, glancing at him while adding grated parmesan to her broccoli and cheese soup.

Colin’s gaze remained on his untouched food, his lips pursed together in contemplation. He was torn between the worry that Marina knew the exact reason for his desire to speak to Penelope and a flicker of relief that Penelope might not be upset.

“She’s not replying to my texts,” he said, slicing into his omelette, hardly able to believe he found himself in this situation with Penelope again so soon after the last time. “Or my phone calls.”

“It will pass,” Marina replied, taking a sip of her orange juice.

Colin shook his head, finding her casual tone utterly strange given Penelope’s unprecedented behavior after all their years of friendship. Or at least, prior to that year.

“I don’t think it will,” he replied, the fork stabbing into his food with a sharp, metallic sound.

“I’ve said it before. The two of you need to learn to be normal friends,” she said, wiping her mouth with her napkin and then neatly folding it. “You didn’t say anything wrong. You just wanted to clarify that she’s your friend, and that’s all there is to it between you two.”

It was strange how precisely that was what he wanted to convey, yet hearing Marina echo his words made bile rise in his throat. He munched on his food, feeling as though there was plastic in his mouth instead, and with considerable effort, he swallowed.

He still hadn’t quite found the nerve to read through his interview and see for himself how it came across in writing (or on a phone screen), but he wasn’t feeling optimistic about it. He had been in this situation too many times to pretend there was nothing to worry about.

“Sometimes, protecting a friend’s feelings is more important than being right,” he finally said, his voice quiet and thoughtful.

Marina paused, her spoon hovering over her bowl, her gaze fixed on him. A moment passed before she let out a small, sardonic smile and slurped the soup.

“You’ll have to make a choice, eventually. You know that, right?” She asked.

Colin frowned at her, taking a sip of water before mustering the courage to take another bite of his food.

Realising he didn’t understand, she said, “You can’t have it both ways. You can’t constantly prioritise Penelope without facing consequences.”

With every line she spoke, his confusion grew. In his mind, he was doing what he always had for Penelope. No one had ever questioned his intentions in the past twenty years, so why were they doing so now?

“Honestly,” Marina added, taking a sip of her juice.“I’ve never quite grasped how someone like you hasn’t settled down. I wondered if that was what you were after, and that would have been perfectly alright. But, based on what I know about you, that couldn’t be further from the truth.” She crossed her arms, contemplating how the guy struggled to just kiss her without getting tangled up in thoughts of a relationship. “The issue is that no relationship of yours is likely to succeed while you’re still so emotionally attached to Penelope, and the public will always be watching the two of you. You can’t have it all. You will need to make a choice,” she reiterated.

Colin felt suffocated again, realising he hadn’t thought about these things before. He wasn’t sure if they were true either, considering Penelope’s distant presence in his life for the past five years. It seemed unfair to blame her for any relationship failures.

That made Colin realise he was also angry. Angry that everyone, including Marina, assumed things about him and his relationship with Penelope. He was furious, because if Marina was right, he couldn’t even be himself around one of the people he loved most. Everyone would always judge him, no matter what he said or did.

Fine then, he thought with determination as he abruptly stood up, giving up on eating. If he had to choose between the chaotic mess of his personal-public life and Penelope, it was an easy decision. He threw more money than necessary for his omelette and the service on the table, drank all of his water, and set his glass down with a loud clang.

“Then I choose Penelope,” he said nonchalantly, turning around and leaving without looking back to see if Marina would follow.

Startled, the girl’s eyes widened, and she grabbed her purse, hurrying after him.

Colin knew it hadn’t been an hour yet, but he was becoming anxious as he listened to people talking about Penelope, rather than just speaking to his friend directly. He felt increasingly indifferent to anyone’s thoughts about their friendship, especially since lately, it felt like everyone had an opinion to share. Their relationship was theirs alone, and ultimately Penelope’s thoughts on the subject were the only ones that mattered.

So he hurried back to her flat, hoping that somehow all his problems would just disappear, that Penelope would magically be back, and when he looked into her eyes, everything would feel okay again.

As fate would have it, Marina opened the door just as her cousin was hanging her coat, and they nearly collided.

But unlike his hopes, as soon as Penelope noticed them, her eyes going from Marina to him, he realised how everything was very far from okay.

“Pen…”He trailed off, unsure what to even say.

At first, she didn’t say a word, her lips curling into a grimace as she shifted to let Marina enter.

“I didn’t mean to—”

“Look, Colin, I really don’t wanna hear it,” she said, her tone leaving no room for discussion as she leaned against the doorway, gripping the door with one hand like it was her emotional anchor.

There it was again. The same expression of betrayal on her face that had haunted him months prior. The difference was that it was worse this time, much worse.

“People kept making assumptions about us,” he remarked, “and all I wanted was to clear things up.”

At that, her lips pursed even more, and she averted her gaze to her own shoes instead of meeting his eyes. In that moment, Colin felt like he was bargaining with reality itself, unable to believe that he could have messed things up so completely.

“But the media, they always twist our words against us,” he continued. “They manipulate and distort everything and—”

“And didn’t you know this better than anyone else?” she interrupted, her voice cracking with anger as she whipped her head up to stare him down. Now he could see it, the redness in her eyes and how they glistened as they filled with tears. “Haven’t you been saying all this time that we need to be careful?” she continued. “So how could you?”

He opened his mouth, desperately searching for words, his heart hammering against his ribs as he faced Penelope’s crushing sorrow.

“I’m well aware that our relationship is completely platonic, and I never expected anything more,” she said, swallowing hard as she told a lie that only she, in her own heart, would ever truly know. “But in your absurd haste to ensure that every single person in the universe is aware of that fact, you’re going to tell me that you didn’t know? That you had no idea how a comment like that would affect someone like me?” She asked, her voice cracking with pain as she gestured towards herself, as if she were a broken thing.

Colin furrowed his brow, confused by her last remark. He couldn’t comprehend what about her specifically made his comment so impactful.

“Why someone like—”

“You know, in the past, whenever I was hurt, I would think,” she went on, disregarding whatever he was about to say as tears streamed down her cheeks. “It’s all right, really, as Colin is such a good friend.” Her voice started breaking again, a dry chuckle escaping her lips, and when she looked at him, he wished with all his might that she hadn’t. Because the pain and revulsion he saw in her typically warm and joyful eyes was a sight that would be forever etched in his memory.

And, absurdly, as he witnessed that look on Penelope’s face, he contemplated how he never even knew he possessed the ability to hurt anyone so profoundly, let alone Penelope.

She added, “But you know what?” and he realised he truly, desperately, did not want to know. “A good friend would never do something like this. They would never hurt me this way just because they were that terrified of people assuming we were dating.”

“That’s not what—” He attempted to get just one word in. Because that wasn’t what it was. He wasn’t afraid of people thinking he was romantically involved with Penelope. He was just… He was…

Maybe he was just scared in general.

“Well, let me take that weight off your shoulders,” she interrupted, her voice hardening, each word a brick in the wall she was building between them. “From now on, you don’t have to worry about rumours regarding our friendship, because there isn’t one anymore.”

The blood drained from his face as he croaked out “Pen—”

“We are not best friends, in fact, we are not friends at all,” she declared, her voice ringing with finality. He stared at her, his vision swimming as tears blurred his sight. “We are merely co-workers, cast mates in an upcoming movie, and nothing more. Do you understand?”

Despite asking a question, she didn’t really need an answer. She didn’t wait for one either, nor did she hesitate for a second, even when she saw Colin’s watery eyes, before she slammed the door in his face.

Penelope turned and leaned against the door, her carefully constructed composure shattering as the weight of her emotions crashed down on her now that Colin’s watchful eyes were gone. Her fingers dug into her chest, as if she could hold her feelings in with sheer willpower, but the tears kept threatening to spill over.

When she looked up, Marina met her gaze with a knowing look on her face, clearly having witnessed everything.

“Don’t you think you’re overreacting?” She asked.

In that moment, Penelope found herself teetering on the edge of laughter, or maybe it was a fit of rage that threatened to spill over—she couldn’t quite tell. Of course that after everything that had happened, Marina had the audacity to go out with Colin, knowing exactly how upset Penelope was with him.

The redhead ran a hand through her hair, fed up with it all.

“You know, I feel like my flat is just way too small for the two of us. Perhaps you should stay with Philippa, or Prudence,” Penelope said, and for once in her life, Marina fell silent.

Penelope then straightened her back and strolled towards her room, completely unfazed by her cousin’s astonished expression. “I have to get ready for another photoshoot now,” she announced, holding the door to her room before turning to Marina. “But I’d prefer to have my flat to myself until the end of the week.” And with that, she closed yet another door, finally able to weep in peace.

Colin must have faked tears countless times over the years for various roles.

But as himself? He couldn’t remember the last time he had cried.

There was a time when he was the most sensitive among all his siblings, and he wondered where that sensitivity even had come from. Perhaps it came from his father, he wouldn’t know. Regardless, his siblings weren’t particularly emotional, not a single one of them. Temperamental and passionate? Definitely. But it was as if all the vulnerability, softness, and tears had been concentrated solely on him, like a bolt of cursed lightning.

Growing up, he was constantly mocked for it, even in his early twenties. That was until he realised there was really no benefit to living life so weakly, and that he genuinely needed to grow up and stop letting things affect him so much. And then life became easier, when he pretended he was someone as resilient and unbreakable as Anthony, or Eloise. Even Hyacinth.

Life had indeed become easier, he thought to himself as he sniffled for the tenth time. He fished out a tissue from his glove compartment, dabbing at his eyes and then his nose, before his trembling hands finally found their place on the steering wheel.

To drive himself home, he knew he had to pull himself together. After all, he couldn’t even rely on his own assistant to call a driver for him anymore, not with the way he was avoiding his calls.

Letting out a humourless chuckle, he swallowed hard and took a deep breath before starting the car. And as he drove home, he begged his body to just give him a break. And the absurd thing was, John was waiting for Colin right at his door the moment the actor got off the elevator, acting like he hadn’t been ignoring his calls at all.

Colin scoffed, a pathetic wet sound after all his previous crying.

“You remembered I existed, did you?” He asked, his voice hoarse and one octave lower as he walked to his door.

John was taken aback by Colin’s beet-red face, defeated tone, and generally dishevelled look.

“I’m... I’m sorry, Mr—Colin,” he nearly slipped into formality, almost calling him Mr Bridgerton, a habit he hadn’t used in almost a year. “My phone was acting up, so I had to come in person.”

“Right,” Colin replied, tossing his keys over the kitchen island, utterly unconvinced by John’s words.

But he had more important things to think about than whether his assistant hated him. He simply leaned back against the island, pulling his phone out of his pocket, while John shut the door, staring at him as if fearing a sudden explosion.

However, the actor showed no sign of leaving his position. Instead, he went through all the social media apps on his phone, logged into his fake accounts, and just like Eloise told him to, he looked.

Colin Bridgerton vows to never consider dating Penelope Featherington: 'not in a million years'

by Lilah Bailey

The star of An Englishman in Italy has made his boundaries clear.

“I wouldn’t ever consider dating Penelope, not in a million years,” the actor stated to British Vogue last Thursday, just a week before the premiere of ‘The Sword and The Heart.’

Bridgerton, 34, recently opened up in an interview about his current career phase, collaborating with his older brother, and the swirling romance rumours. While it appeared to be a standard conversation, fans couldn’t help but pick up on the actor’s noticeable discomfort when it came to the notion of a romantic connection with co-star and supposed long-time friend, Penelope Featherington.

The interview has sparked numerous conversations about the actress’s dynamics with the cast, the casting process, and has drawn some less-than-flattering comments about her unconventional appearance.

Kath @bridgertonsthird

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

     | Dee @warofthorns

     @bridgertonsthird #they always lose

         | ɪʀɪꜱ @swor4onh3rt

         @warofthorns@bridgertonsthird he said as soon as this movie is over I wouldn’t touch that ugly ass with a ten-foot pole

             | Kath @bridgertonsthird

             @swor4onh3rt@warofthorns dear lora shippers your king just reminded you your queen has a distorted face and a wobbly ass

Maria Gomes ⚔️ @englishmansw1fe

he really said NOT IN A MILLION YEARS LMAO

     | sab @bbtooncol

     @englishmansw1fe can we blame him?

         |・❥・Patty @patric1agom3sz

         @bbtooncol@englishmansw1fe I too would be mad if my talentless friend forced herself in my work

               | sab @bbtooncol

              @patric1agom3sz@englishmansw1fe oh he's pissed

                    |・❥・Patty @patric1agom3sz

                  @bbtooncol@englishmansw1fe fr he laughed at her face and who am i to disagree

fi is tired @fifigrande

good can we finally talk about how this pity casting is only taking away the focus from the movie

     | 🌙 Lu @luanam_i_m4

     @fifigrande YES

         | ⋆｡‧˚ʚ🍓ɞ˚‧｡⋆ Taylor @j1minology

         @luanam_i_m4@fifigrande wait wdym?

             | 🌙 Lu @luanam_i_m4

             @fifigrande@j1minology ppl were EVERYWHERE on the movie accs talking about her

                 | fi is tired @fifigrande

                 @luanam_i_m4@j1minology flooding the internet with comments abt an irrelevant character and even more irrelevant actress

                     | 🌙 Lu @luanam_i_m4

                     @fifigrande@j1minology EXACTLY

                         | ⋆｡‧˚ʚ🍓ɞ˚‧｡⋆ Taylor @j1minology

                         @luanam_i_m4@fifigrande oh okay, i actually kinda like nora

                             | fi is tired @fifigrande

                             @luanam_i_m4@j1minology i actually don’t mind nora that much but i can’t stand penelope

                                 | 🌙 Lu @luanam_i_m4

                                 @fifigrande@j1minology She’s so fake

                                     | fi is tired @fifigrande

                                     @luanam_i_m4@j1minology she’s so arrogant and she’s barely a 2

ℚ𝕦𝕖𝕝 @racheltyl

saw someone calling penelope featherington a 2 today and i got angry bc they were so generous

     | Dee @warofthorns

     @racheltyl lmao

tara @collinsb4_by

never in my life have I been this disappointed with colin

     | ✨Wren✨ @arrianassgrandis

     @collinsb4_by honestly same

         | tara @collinsb4_by

         @arrianassgrandis like i get he was bothered ppl were shipping them but there are ~ways of saying it

             | ✨Wren✨ @arrianassgrandis

             @collinsb4_by exactly he knows how the internet works

                 | M. @btcolIn

                 @arrianassgrandis@collinsb4_by lmao you people are just cryin he wont shag that whore

𝔠𝔞𝔯𝔩𝔬𝔰 @carlosbton

i’m depressed

     | Milena @mrsleonidassoares

     @carlosbton I was so excited for the movie next week now i kinda can’t look at colin’s face

         | 𝔠𝔞𝔯𝔩𝔬𝔰 @carlosbton

         @carlosbton same

♥ genna ♥ @guinevereloraeer

no offense but i hope @colinbridgerton d*es

     | Re @XcolinxXbr1

     @guinevereloraeer@colinbridgerton this is exactly why i didn’t want you people anywhere near him

lariiiii ⋆ SnH era @southnationsqueen

i told you people to stop shipping them I TOLD YOU

     | Tess 💋@bridgerrc0llin

     @southnationsqueen now colin’s getting hate just for clarifying the obvious congratulations to all involved

         | Daniella @pensfeathers

         @bridgerrc0llin@southnationsqueen um no people are mad at him bc that was an incredibly insensitive thing to say and if there’s anyone getting hate here it’s penelope

             | Tess 💋@bridgerrc0llin

             @southnationsqueen@pensfeathers i literally saw someone sending death threats to him

                 | Daniella @pensfeathers

                 @bridgerrc0llin@southnationsqueen lol okay like two wackos hate him while the entire internet is after pen

                     | lariiiii ⋆ SnH era @southnationsqueen

                     @pensfeathers@bridgerrc0llin I have to agree i’m sorry but he knew what would happen tho it’s p0lin shippers fault in the first place

Top 10 Ugliest Female Actresses

by James Fowler

Having completed a top 10 ugly actors, I thought after this week I ought to follow on with a top 10 ugly women. From Penelope Featherington to Dolores Stowell, here they are...

“What is going on here?”

John’s gaze darted between Will, who had just walked into Colin’s flat, and the actor himself, who was now gasping for breath, his face drained of colour, and his hands gripping his chest. The assistant’s mouth opened and closed, his hand trembling, a finger pointed shakily towards Colin.

“He… he mentioned he was merely having a look at Instagram and—”

Will muttered “Not this again” under his breath, his face hardening as he marched towards his client and old-time friend.

“I’m fine,” Colin said, the words barely audible through his laboured breathing.

“How long has he been checking social media?” Will asked, his tone sharp and businesslike, completely ignoring Colin’s empty reassurances as if he had already pieced together the situation.

“Twenty minutes, I think,” John rasped, his eyes glued to the scene before him. He felt helpless, utterly useless, watching Colin in such a state. In the year and a half he had been working with the man, he had never seen him like that.

“I’m fine,” Colin barked again, even though his hand stayed clasped to his heart, making his assurance less than believable.

“Then breathe,” Will instructed, his eyes searching Colin’s, his hand on his own chest as he demonstrated, each breath deep and deliberate. “In and out.”

“I’m not having a panic attack, Will,” he said, though he found himself taking breaths in sync with his manager.

“Right, then let’s put your phone aside,” Will said with raised eyebrows, his hand slowly reaching for the device in Colin’s grasp like he was taming a skittish animal.

Colin’s eyes rolled in exasperation, a faint blush returning to his pale cheeks. He tossed his phone onto the kitchen island, the sound bouncing around the room, and then paced in agitated circles on the intricately patterned navy rug in the living room, his hand constantly running through his hair. Will and John exchanged a worried look before they simply watched the dishevelled man.

“I didn’t laugh at her?” was the first thing Colin remarked, gesturing vaguely towards his phone. “Why on earth would they say I chuckled?” He continued pacing and the other two were unsure if he was actually holding a conversation with them or with himself at that point. “I didn’t chuckle. Did I?” He paused, placing one hand on his hip and the other on his sweaty forehead.

“I can’t remember,” Will decided to reply, wanting to stop Colin’s incessant, nonsensical ramblings. “Does it really matter?”

“Of course it matters,” Colin exclaimed, his voice rising, and Will winced, wishing he hadn’t said anything. The man was pacing again, his wild gestures turning his already messy hair into a whirlwind of chaos. And to make matters worse, he had another interview in just half an hour. “I wasn’t laughing at her,” the actor insisted, his voice escalating as if he were addressing the universe itself. “I simply meant that we’re friends, damn it.”

“I understand, but you know what they’re like. Both the media and the fans,” Will replied, his hand tapping rhythmically on his hip as he sighed, trying to project an air of calm. Despite the years since his friend’s last panic attack, he wouldn’t be able to forgive himself if he triggered another. “Even when you choose your words carefully, they can still be misunderstood. And let’s be honest, you weren’t exactly at your finest during this interview and—”

“I know,” interrupted Colin, tugging at his hair in frustration. If one more person reminded him that he should have known better, he would explode. He knew it was his fault. He understood that. By now, he realised he had overreacted and destroyed one of the best things in his life, a typical scenario for him, but what was he supposed to do with that? Live in regret forever?

“The problem is that people keep assuming we’re secretly dating when she’s one of my closest friends, and I’m just treating her as I always have,” Colin retorted, his voice sharp with indignation.

“I understand,” Will replied, his voice betraying his exhaustion. Colin looked at him, noticing the weariness and hesitation etched on his face.

And, suddenly, Colin saw it.

When Penelope mentioned that there was something inside him that was absolutely terrified at the mere suggestion of people assuming they were dating, he could see in Will’s expression that he had also picked up on this being a sensitive topic for Colin. It was peculiar, considering his lack of any connection to Colin and Penelope’s relationship.

And perhaps that was precisely why the truth hit him so suddenly, forcing him to accept that he was indeed genuinely scared of that suggestion. But the worst part was that he didn’t even know why.

They had always been friends throughout their lives, and he had never... he had never really thought of Penelope in that way. She was Penelope, not someone he only did things for with the intention of snogging her, as some were suggesting. Definitely not someone he planned on getting involved with only for the relationship to end with both of them hating each other, or worse, feeling nothing at all.

Not that all relationships had to end that way; he knew that. It was just that most of his had. Not that they necessarily would if Penelope was involved, he just—

He closed his eyes tightly, realising he was now arguing with himself in his own mind. He didn’t even make sense to himself—perfect. How on earth could he even begin to explain himself to anyone else?

“I didn’t… I didn’t mean she’s undateable,” he said, finally speaking slower, as if he were trying to sort out his own thoughts. “Or to suggest that the idea of her dating in general is absurd. I meant the idea of her dating me is absurd,” he clarified, placing both hands on his chest to emphasize himself. Just when the others thought he was calming down, he began pacing again and gesturing wildly. “There’s no reason why anyone else wouldn’t want to date her,” he said, sounding absolutely sure of himself, as if all the critics online were right there on his couch, hanging on to every word. “She’s got a great sense of humour, she’s really intelligent, extremely talented, and… and… she’s… she’s very pretty.” He paused, his final words a mix of conviction and hesitation, as he uttered the truths he’d kept buried inside but never expressed in such a context, while the men around him observed with raised eyebrows. “She’s...” he faltered, his gaze shifting back to the phone on the countertop. “Perfect.”

Instead of ending with a decisive statement, his speech concluded with a contemplative tone, and he abruptly turned towards the kitchen island.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Will exclaimed, his voice sharp with worry as he saw the wild, determined look in Colin’s eyes.

“John, what is my Instagram password?” Colin asked.

Will and John froze in their tracks. Colin had quite a few fake accounts that he hardly ever used to scroll through social media, but his official account was managed by a professional social media manager, given Colin’s disdain for and inability to navigate the world of social media.

“No,” Will declared, stepping closer to the actor, his voice laced with urgency, hoping to stop whatever idiotic action he was about to take. “Don’t even think about it—”

“John, what is my Instagram password,” Colin demanded again, his voice sharp with impatience as he snatched his phone, ignoring his manager’s protests.

The assistant began to speak, but Will cut him off, pointing at him and raising his voice even louder than Colin’s, yelling, “Don’t tell him his password!”

John’s eyes darted nervously from one man to another, feeling overwhelmed by the chaos and uncertain about his next move. Meanwhile, Colin was quickly switching from his fake Instagram account to his official one.

With his eyes still on his phone, Colin said, “Just remember, I’m the one who pays you, not him.”

He did have a valid point. And it was also likely John wasn’t in his boss’s good graces, particularly after he most surely noticed John empathising with Penelope’s issues, which, although unprofessional, was something he couldn’t control.

“Do not tell—”

“C-b, one, two, three, exclamation point!” John exclaimed, squeezing his eyes shut as if waiting for something to blow up.

The other two men came to a halt, one looking at John with a puzzled frown while the other directed a glare of indignation at Colin.

“That’s it?” Colin asked.

“One, two, three. Are you serious?” Will practically shouted. “Do you want to get hacked?”

“I didn’t even know what the damn password was!” Colin screamed back, his shoulders hunched.

“They basically just reused the old password,” John said, utterly uselessly, prompting Colin to give him a withering look and Will to cross his arms and stare at Colin. Then the assistant continued, “But they added the exclamation point,” he said, throwing his hands up in surrender.

“If he gets hacked, I’m going to murder both of you,” Will declared, his eyes bulging as he pointed at them with two fingers.

Colin waved him off, his eyes glued to his phone as his fingers typed out the password and he logged in. Then the reason for Will’s anxiety flooded back to him.

“What are you doing?” He asked.

Irritatingly, the only response he received was a vague, “You’ll find out soon enough.”

If Penelope’s dislike for photoshoots had lessened somewhat due to Colin’s constant presence in them during their promotional tour for ‘The Sword and the Heart’, now that loathing had come back with a vengeance. To make matters worse, after that day, she was absolutely convinced that their photoshoots would go down in history as the most awkward ever. And their interviews. And shooting, in general.

At least that day’s shooting was for a magazine and only included the female stars. However, having Cressida around would only add to the discomfort, as Penelope would have to bear not only her judgemental stares but also her victorious grin, all while being judged by everyone else.

As her taxi neared the studio for the photoshoot, she made a conscious effort not to linger on that long list of problems. She tried to clear her mind, focusing solely on applying redness relief eye drops to each eye. After carefully dabbing them with a tissue and wiping her nose, she desperately hoped that her face wouldn’t reveal the fact that she had been crying. She commanded her brain to erase all memories of Colin, to disregard the pain he had caused, and to refuse to even picture his face after she had rightfully ended their friendship. The last thing she wanted was to dwell on those thoughts and start crying again.

Lightly patting her face, she tried to lessen the puffiness, though it was a pointless effort given the torrent of tears she had shed just moments prior.

“Wait, aren’t you that actress?”

Penelope hesitated, her eyes fixed on the cabbie, unable to believe what she’d just heard. Sure, she had received some recognition now and then, especially recently, but it usually came about when a really enthusiastic fan of whatever she was in was around. However, this didn’t seem to be the case, which surprised her.

“Um,” she hesitated, her eyes locking onto his in the rearview mirror, her thoughts whirling as she pondered whether he had confused her for someone else.

He caught a glimpse of her in the rearview mirror, his gaze lingering for just a moment before he said, “You are,” and then turned his attention back to the road ahead. “That sword film, right?”

For a moment, Penelope just stared at the back of his greying head before she gave a slow nod. She cleared her throat, noticing he wasn’t looking at her and said, “Yes.”

“That’s absolutely brilliant!” he exclaimed, his voice brimming with such contagious enthusiasm that even Penelope’s rather heavy heart lifted a bit.

“My daughter’s got a massive poster of you,” he carried on. “She says your character is her favourite,” he emphasised with a wave of his hand before placing it back on the steering wheel. “Lora, is it?”

Penelope pressed her lips together, conflicted between finding the man’s enthusiasm over his daughter’s interest adorable and feeling a pang of sadness at the thought of her character’s and Colin’s ship name.

“Nora,” she gently corrected him.

“Yes!” he said, remembering the correct name. “That’s it.”

The woman sent him a small, warm smile, and he pulled over as they finally reached their destination. Reaching into her purse for her wallet, she observed as he opened the glove compartment.

He hesitated, saying, “If it’s not too much trouble..." as he offered a pen and paper. “Would you mind giving me your autograph? She’d absolutely have my head if I told her I met you and didn’t bring her anything."

“Oh,” she said, her eyes widening as she delicately accepted the two objects from his hands. “Of course. What’s her name?”

“Alice,” he replied with a fond smile.

Penelope’s gaze landed on the yellowed, torn paper and the worn, retractable pen, its faded dentist’s number etched onto the side, the clip broken and dangling precariously. It was peculiar how seemingly insignificant things would unexpectedly pull at her heartstrings. He didn’t care about impressing her with creative items to sign. His only goal was to make his daughter happy, and oddly, that almost brought Penelope to tears once again.

Loving families, they truly were a threat to her heart.

Swiftly, she signed the paper, concluding her message with a heart, and then handed it back to the older man.

“Thank you, thank you so much,” he said with a radiant smile, and she felt her spirits lift once more, a lightness returning to her step as she paid and continued on her way.

As it turned out, it was indeed yet another devoted fan, and Penelope was simply grateful to bring a little joy to both the girl and her father with something as simple as her signature, a gesture that now seemed a bit surreal to her.

She tried to focus on that, battling the overwhelming anxiety that tightened in her chest as soon as she entered the brightly lit studio. The air buzzed with the quiet murmurs of dozens of people, all moving with purpose. Some carried clothes, others equipment, and a few, rare souls, clutched warm coffees and pastries. The frantic buzz of activity around her made her feel like an outsider, the unfamiliar faces all darting about their tasks. Every person seemed to be in a rush, their eyes darting back and forth, and they all seemed to glance at her with a strange, unsettling curiosity. It made her feel incredibly self-conscious, and she couldn’t help but think of all the cruel things she’d read about herself online.

“You’re here!” A blonde woman Penelope had never seen before exclaimed, her voice brimming with such excitement that Penelope momentarily believed she was a long-lost friend she had forgotten about.

Penelope must have looked shocked because the woman placed a hand on her forehead, as if realising she had overstepped.

“I’m sorry, I’m Hannah,” she introduced herself, pointing to herself. “Shall we get you ready then?” she asked, motioning for Penelope to follow her to the dressing room. “Your chair is the third one in the middle, and there’s a dressing robe for you to wear since they’ll be trying different outfits for the photoshoot.” She paused, hesitatingly studying Penelope’s face. “We’re a bit behind schedule, but our producer has treated us to some champagne,” she mentioned, indicating a tall bottle with an elegant blue label and champagne glasses perched on a small table in the room’s corner.

The actress’s eyebrows shot up in surprise at the gesture, and Hannah visibly relaxed, relieved that their lateness hadn’t triggered a tantrum, a common occurrence with stars, as they had just witnessed with Cressida Cowper a few minutes prior.

“Do have some of it while you get your hair and makeup done,” she winked at Penelope. Then, her gaze lingering on Penelope’s face for just a second too long, she added, “Wow, your skin is fantastic,” and with a slight, knowing nod, she continued on her way.

Penelope furrowed her brow, staring after the woman in complete confusion, and instinctively touched her own cheeks as if searching for an explanation. She then shook her head and finally entered the dressing room, which should have been an uneventful experience, except for the fact that it was filled with hair stylists, makeup artists, assistants, and, of course, Cressida Cowper.

The blonde, her golden hair shimmering in the light, was chatting animatedly with a hairdresser across the room, her fingers delicately twirling the stem of her glass. As Penelope entered, the blonde leaned in and whispered something to her companion, their eyes following Penelope as a ripple of laughter rippled between them.

“Penelope, you’re here,” Kate’s sudden exclamation startled Penelope.

She turned and saw Kate sitting on the first chair, staring at her through the mirror. The hair stylist’s skilled hands moved through Kate’s long, beautiful brown hair, creating waves as she smiled at Penelope.

Feeling flushed and silly, she couldn’t shake the bitterness that welled up inside her. The woman’s slightly loud call drew unwanted attention, which was the last thing Penelope wanted on a day when she just wanted to blend into the background. Deep down, she felt ridiculous for letting something so insignificant bother her. But when she retreated into her shell, she couldn’t help it. Having been singled out and ridiculed numerous times before, she knew that the less attention she attracted, the less people would remember to make fun of her.

Because pretending they didn’t know what was going on was futile, especially considering that the fallout from Colin’s words had been splashed across every news outlet. She could tell by their eyes that they had seen it too, even Kate’s kind eyes, which suddenly seemed so excited to see her.

“Hi, Kate,” Penelope replied, her voice barely a whisper, a shy smile playing on her lips. Kate’s hairdresser was also beaming at her and Penelope’s lips twitched into a shy smile, accompanied by a soft “Hi,” before she continued on her way.

Arriving at her chair, Penelope picked up her plush, rose-coloured robe, the soft texture a comfort against her skin, and looked around the room, considering her options.

She was well aware of how dressing rooms for women could be, with people casually undressing and chatting without a care. However, Penelope was different. She had always felt self-conscious changing in front of her sisters, and even in front of Eloise. And after the events of the past 24 hours, her discomfort was amplified. As an actress, she had learnt that expressing her unease often fell on deaf ears, with people dismissing it as exaggerated, as if they had seen it all before. So Penelope typically preferred to assess the situation before deciding how to change, but on that particular day, her anxiety made the choice for her.

Kate and Cressida were immaculate in every way: perfect height, weight, hair, and skin. Penelope, however, was anything but.

With that in mind, she excused herself momentarily, clutching her robe tightly to her chest as she sought out the nearest bathroom. It wasn’t as spacious or luxurious as the previous room, but it was preferable to being scrutinised and judged to no end. So, she fumbled to shed her clothes, cursing the moment she chose her bulky, beige, mismatched underwear set. Stardom wasn’t for her, she mused, her hand smoothing her robe while the other carefully held her clothes above the damp ground.

After finally finishing getting dressed, she returned to the dressing room, where her hairdresser, a tall brunette with large, curly hair and sparkling hoop earrings, was already waiting.

"Oh, love, why didn’t you use that bathroom? It was so much closer,” she said, gesturing to a door across from them. While talking, she took the clothes from Penelope and put them on the chair near them.

“Let me see then,” she adjusted her posture and looked Penelope up and down. “They supposedly want it long and wavy. I reckon it won’t be an issue at all; you’ve got quite the head of hair,” she stated, gesturing at Penelope’s locks with a manicured finger. “Hold on a tick, I don’t reckon I’ve grabbed the right colour for you,” she said, her eyes flitting between the hair extensions and Penelope’s red locks. She then knitted her brows and asked, “Do you dye your hair?”

Penelope blinked, her hand instinctively reaching up to touch her hair, as if the strands had somehow transformed into a different color. “No, it’s.. it’s my natural hair.”

“Really?” the hairdresser exclaimed, clearly impressed. “It’s a gorgeous colour. I’d never change it either. ”And just before Penelope could reply, she said, “Just hold on a moment, I’ll fetch some different ones.” She lifted the extents once more before pointing to the same table Hannah had shown her earlier. “Do have a drink while you’re waiting. Or juice, whatever colours you fancy.” She gave a little shrug before heading out of the room.

Penelope stared blankly as another person walked away, utterly baffled. What was going on with people today? Her eyes fell upon her hair, and she ran her fingers through it softly. She questioned if everyone’s sudden kindness was a reaction to the online negativity, but then decided to dismiss that idea. She did like her hair colour.

Letting out a weary sigh, she finally decided to follow everyone’s suggestion and pour herself a drink. It would have to be an alcoholic one, she thought, because after everything, she definitely deserved a glass of champagne.

“You might want to take it easy on that,” Cressida remarked, grabbing a water bottle from the nearby table and smirking slightly.

Penelope’s glare was barely suppressed, a tight smile stretching across her lips as she feigned amusement at the blonde’s veiled attacks. She gracefully walked back to her chair, leaning against its back, and leisurely sipped her drink while waiting for her stylist. Each deep breath she took was a conscious effort to endure the upcoming photoshoot and promotional tour.

The fact that nobody had mentioned Colin directly to her yet felt like a small victory. However, the constant gaze from those around her still unsettled her. Inhaling deeply, she fought the urge to gulp down her entire drink. She could feel the whispers and curious stares, but she held her head high, refusing to let them bother her.

However, she couldn’t help but notice that everyone suddenly seemed really fixated on her, shamelessly staring back and forth between her and their phones.

“Pen,” Kate approached her, her hair now all long, full, and shiny, cascading down her shoulders. Her face, shiny with highlighter, seemed to glow, and her perfectly lined eyes, intense and sharp, made her expression even more daunting. “You might want to have a look at your Instagram.”

Penelope felt a chill go down her spine immediately. Her gaze swept the room, confirming the fact that everyone was staring at her.

Not again, she thought, her heart pounding, so consumed by anxiety that she missed Cressida’s smile disappearing.

“I...” she began, her voice catching in her throat with fear. “I don’t want to,” she whispered, sounding almost like a frightened child. But with Kate, she felt safe enough to let down her guard and show her vulnerability.

The other woman, however, didn’t seem at all surprised. But she did raise her perfectly designed eyebrows, as if to make an unsaid point. “No, you really do.”

There was a certain something in Kate’s warm brown eyes that instantly convinced her. However, there was only one problem.

“I can’t,” Penelope replied. “I haven’t got my phone on me.”

“What?” Kate questioned, her forehead crinkling with disbelief.

Penelope closed her eyes, feeling utterly embarrassed as she confessed, “I didn’t want to see my messages, social media, or the news.”

Kate scanned her face, a look of utter understanding dawning in her eyes. Without needing an explanation, she thrust her phone into Penelope’s hands.

“Take mine then,” she said.

Penelope stared at her in wonder for a moment before turning her attention back to the screen. The screen displayed Colin's Instagram page, a sight that already filled Penelope with fear.

“Check his stories,” Kate explained, sliding one of her earbuds into Penelope’s ear, feeling a little grateful that the device decided to cooperate for a change.

Penelope was so nervous, she barely even noticed the kindness offered to her. Her heart pounded in her chest as she fixed her eyes on Colin's tiny Instagram picture. With a deep breath, she ripped off the metaphorical band-aid and tapped on it, her fingers trembling.

A video, seemingly in selfie mode, flashed Colin’s face at her. She hardly registered his slightly red eyes and messy appearance before it started playing.

“Hi, Colin Bridgerton here,” he said, waving at the camera, as if his dedicated followers needed a reminder of who he was. He shot a look at the camera, his jaw clenched tight and his eyes blazing, and Penelope saw he was absolutely furious. “I’ve made the decision to share this as a few things have come to my notice, and I really can’t just let them slide.”

He stopped, his gaze darting to the side, his forehead creasing before speaking. “I can’t help but feel that everyone ought to stop taking pleasure in other people’s misfortunes. That’s how I feel,” he said, turning towards the camera once more. “A lot of people really need to stop hunting for phrases and words that twist meanings to suit their own agenda, just so they can belittle someone else and feel a bit better about themselves. Because…” he started, but the words seemed to catch in his throat. He furrowed his eyebrows and swallowed hard. “When I say I’m friends with Penelope Featherington and won’t be dating her, how on earth can you take it the way you did?” He asked, looking back at the camera as if it had wronged him personally. “But alright, I’ll lay it out for you.”

The story abruptly ended, leaving Penelope speechless, and before she could even catch her breath, a new one began.

“To begin with, I struggle to see the connection between my friendship with her and her talent—there simply isn’t one. But I get that some of you might not have come across all of her works and are perhaps speaking out of ignorance in your eagerness to have a go at someone you hardly know,” he said, his voice calm and steady, as if he were simply stating a fact and Penelope gasped. “So for everyone in that group, I want you to start recording this video right now." He gestured to the ground with his index finger. “Are you good? Okay then. Next week there’s this film premiering, and you’ll be watching it, right? I mean, you really have to after all this. And when you watch it, if her performance doesn’t completely knock your socks off, you can take this video you’re recording and use it against me all you like.” Penelope’s eyes widened again, a flicker of alarm crossing her face as she looked at the screen, as if the man had lost his mind. With a careless shrug and a wave of his hand, he continued, “In any way you see fit, I don’t care. If she doesn’t blow you away, and I’m sure she will, then you can come back here and let me have it. Give me a good shouting for as long as you need.”

The story abruptly ended once again, leaving Penelope with a brief moment to ponder, Colin, what in the world are you doing? before the next one began.

“And the second thing is, I didn’t quite realise that I had to add a disclaimer to every single interview, because surely some things are just obvious?” He tilted his head before carrying on with his speech, “But here it goes, for every future interview:” He raised one hand as if reading a headline in the air, “Roses are red, the sky is blue, Penelope Featherington is a beautiful woman.” He gazed at the camera once more, as if addressing a bunch of daft teenagers. “I don’t get it, don’t you lot have eyes? No offence intended if you need glasses, but for those who don’t, why on earth do I have to be telling you this? What’s the connection between two friends deciding not to date and someone’s looks? And what’s it got to do with me?” he carried on, “Because if you think we’re not dating because I don’t find her beautiful, you couldn’t be more mistaken. Unlike certain people online, I assure you I do have eyes.” He shot his hand up in indignation. “And the thing is, what we choose to do and our reasons behind it in our personal lives are nobody’s business.”

And just when Penelope thought she couldn’t be more breathless, the last story began playing, delivering the final blow.

“After all, for all you guys know, the reason I won’t date Penelope is because I already asked her and she turned me down. So,” he casually shrugged, attempting to seem nonchalant while pretending that was exactly what had happened.

As the video ended, the last sound Penelope heard was the sickening crash of her champagne glass hitting the ground.

Chapter Text

Cinthy❤️‍🔥🐉⚔️ @Cy3452n

I JUST DROPPED MY PHONE ON THE FLOOR

🌸Hilly🌸 @hilllaryss

WHAT YEAR IS THIS 

     | june @btoninitalyy

     @hilllaryss girl when was the last time i saw you using all caps

         | 🌸Hilly🌸 @hilllaryss

         @btoninitalyy IDK WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME WE GOT THE OLD COLIN BACK?

mimi @leonidasn0raxx

OH. MY

     | 𝔠𝔞𝔯𝔩𝔬𝔰 @carlosbton

     @leonidasn0raxx I NEVER KNEW WHAT IT FELT LIKE TO BURST INTO FLAMES UNTIL NOW

Ro is waiting for Sword and the Heart @roroswift

Colin remembered his ig password just to defend Penelope

     | fab @featheringtonsdaughter

     @roroswift IT’S TRUE LOVE

         | Ro is waiting for Sword and the Heart @roroswift

         @featheringtonsdaughter I mean i wasn’t shipping them and i still don’t but i don’t understand what is happening

Mari🎧 @noraswig

THEY CAN’T DO THIS TO ME

     | Vanessa Brown @vanybr

     @noraswig PENELOPE AND COLIN YOU’RE EITHER THE LOVE OF EACH OTHER’S LIVES OR YOU AREN’T PICK ONE BEFORE WE ALL DIE

         | Mari🎧 @noraswig

     @vanybr THE FIRST ONE

Joe @Josephnavarro

Why is Colin Bridgerton trending did he die

     | billie @noraswsift

     @Josephnavarro no we did

⋆˚✿˖° it’s always rainy in delulutown⋆˚✿˖° @loranator

I see Colin and Penelope are trending again and i’m scared

     | Jessica Souza @leonidasbabe

     @loranator GIRL 

         | ⋆˚✿˖° it’s always rainy in delulutown⋆˚✿˖° @loranator

         @leonidasbabe how bad is it

             | Jessica Souza @leonidasbabe

             @loranator YOU SERIOUSLY DON’T KNOW?

                 | Cinthy❤️‍🔥🐉⚔️ @Cy3452n

                 @leonidasbabe@loranator ERIKA GO TO IG RIGHT NOW OR I’LL SWEAR MY GHOST WILL HAUNT YOU FOR ALL ETERNITY

⋆｡ ﾟ☁︎｡ ⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡ ⋆ Dan @leo_norax

WHERE WERE YOU AND WHAT WERE YOU DOING WHEN COLIN BRIDGERTON POSTED FOUR STORIES TO SAY HOW MUCH HE LOVES PENELOPE FEATHERINGTON

Olly @bridgertonscol3

Okay so let’s see if i get this straight *takes a deep breath* colin just admitted the only reason he answered that on the interview was bc penelope is the one who closed the door on them not him

     | Selena. @selfabbri

     @bridgertonscol3 ppl are saying it’s pr but i believe him??

         | Olly @bridgertonscol3

         @selfabbri Never in his life has this man used ig like this it’s not pr

             | Selena. @selfabbri

             @bridgertonscol3 i mean last time he posted a story like this was like 4 years ago

                 | Selena. @selfabbri

                 @bridgertonscol3 before he was cancelled for being whiny

                     | Olly @bridgertonscol3

                     @bridgertonscol3 Exactly 

Harriet @colilns

DID COLIN JUST USE HIS IG STORIES

     | 𝒥𝑒𝓃⟡ @thronessatwar

     @colilns I thought he didn’t even know he had one

K. @gingerkam

She rejected…. him???

     | val @featheringtonlady

     @gingerkam Honestly deserved

         | K. @gingerkam

         @featheringtonlady never understood why ppl were shipping her with an ugly guy who can’t even act

Dee @warofthorns

#They are so dumb

     | Re @XcolinxXbr1

     @warofthorns he’s obviously lying to save face

         | Dee @warofthorns

         @XcolinxXbr1 Exactly

             | Re @XcolinxXbr1

             @warofthorns Pr through and through 

✨Wren✨ @arrianassgrandis

First i was mad at Colin now I’m mad at Penelope lol

     | aniston @penelo_pee

     @arrianassgrandis I mean she doesn’t owe him anything 

         | core 🫧 @ladylikeafeather

         @penelo_pee colin stans being their toxic selves as always

             |✨Wren✨ @arrianassgrandis

             @ladylikeafeather ???????? I’m just upset he’s clearly hurting why you ppl have to make everything a problem

sab @bbtooncol

People actually believe Colin thinks penelope is pretty LMAO

     | ɪʀɪꜱ @swor4onh3rt

     @bbtooncol This was by far the most obvious pr move i’ve ever seen

         | sab @bbtooncol

         @swor4onh3rt but i mean ppl eat it up so good for them

             | Denise S. @easternprincess

             @bbtooncol@swor4onh3rt you ppl just can’t accept that nobody cares about a low-tier actor who only gets roles because of his brother

Chrissy @chriszabala

honestly sick of this mid looking mid talented actor putting penelope’s name on his mouth every single time

     | 🆅🅸🆅🅸 @featheringtonviv

     @chriszabala he’s so self centered he doesn’t even see he won’t help at all

             | Daniella @pensfeathers

             @featheringtonviv@chriszabala this is what i’m saying he should just shut up

                 | 🆅🅸🆅🅸 @featheringtonviv

                 @chriszabala@pensfeathers been on the internet long enough to know he doesn’t know how to the man loves the sound of his own voice

                     | Chrissy @chriszabala

                     @featheringtonviv@pensfeathers well something has to make up for the lack of talent 

Samantha ☾ ﾟ｡ watched fourth wing 4x @mermaaidsammy

Okay i never cared about this stupid book but now i kinda need to watch the movie

     | Nanda @nandaxinha

     @mermaaidsammy same lmao

         | Alex 𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒ @VibeXia

         @nandaxinha@mermaaidsammy y’all seriously falling for that? that’s just colin regular need to call attention before everyone remembers his problematic behavior right before the movie his own brother cast him premieres

             | Nanda @nandaxinha

             @mermaaidsamm@VibeXia problematic behavior? I never heard about this before

                 | Alex 𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒ @VibeXia

                 @nandaxinha@mermaaidsammy only likes younger girls, got into fights with journalists, used drugs, and the media covered it up. He even went to rehab for a while, gained a lot of weight when he was there too

Z. @ZX867

What do you mean the director and the main actress are fighting but then the actress came out to defend him and now the secondary couple is in love but isn’t but is

     | billie @noraswsift

     @ZX867 the funniest part about all this is they aren’t even the secondary couple 

         | Z. @ZX867

         @noraswsift what??? They aren’t????

             | billie @noraswsift

             @ZX867 no lmao

                     | 🌸Hilly🌸 @hilllaryss

                     @noraswsift@ZX867 basically the producers had the brilliant idea of casting two platonic friends with chemistry to act as the two platonic friends ppl have been shipping for a decade

                         | Z. @ZX867

                         @noraswsift@hilllaryss their characters don’t even get together???????

                             | billie @noraswsift

                             @ZX867@hilllaryss no the ending is terrible 

Felicity @felalbby

Penelope Featherington THE WOMAN YOU ARE

     | Sa. @sarahsnorthqueen      

     @felalbby my jaw now lives permanently on the floor

「 ✦ tami ✦ 」 @bR1d6y_Qu33n

If someone said I’d ever call Colin Bridgerton romantic I’d laugh in their face.

     | kimberly @funniestgirlk

     @bR1d6y_Qu33n romantic? you ppl lost the plot completely

kay 𓆰𓆪 lora era @loraskiss

Colin: penelope is beautiful and smart and perfect and she smells nice and everyone that disagrees just go to jail

Colin: AND ONE MORE THING—

     | mimi @leonidasn0raxx

     @loraskiss no but why is this LITERALLY what happened I’m losing it

nai saw the eras x5 @swifitamondo

Maybe i can’t fix him but penelope featherington can

     | ⋆.˚🦋༘⋆ Fa @loratheexplorer

     @swifitamondo LMAO

coleen @nuclearcolll

My soul just left my body

     | Cinthy❤️‍🔥🐉⚔️ @Cy3452n

     @nuclearcolll LIKE I SERIOUSLY NEVER SAW COLIN LIKE THIS

         | coleen @nuclearcolll

         @Cy3452n No i mean i watched the movie

             | Cinthy❤️‍🔥🐉⚔️ @Cy3452n

             @nuclearcolll WHAT WHY HOW TELL ME EVERYTHING

                     | coleen @nuclearcolll

                     @Cy3452n press screening but i can’t say more the embargo hasn’t lifted yet

The champagne glass shattered with a sharp crack, sending shards of glass and a spray of bubbly liquid across the polished floor. Everyone’s eyes were on her, the silence heavy and expectant, but all she could focus on was the phone screen in her hands.

Kate placed both hands on her shoulders, and the world snapped back into focus as she realised she’d been hyperventilating.

“Are you okay?” Kate’s concerned voice and warm brown eyes came into focus.

Her attention then shifted to something behind Penelope. She reassured whoever was there, saying, “It’s alright.” Taking one of Penelope’s hands, Kate turned to address the same person, stating, “We just need to clean up,” before leading the girl away.

Penelope quickly realised that Kate had led them to a different restroom than the one she had used before. Unlike the elegant, clean, and fresh-smelling restroom they had just entered, that one was nothing like it. Walking toward the sink, the redhead briefly berated her own stupidity before splashing water on her face.

“Pen,” Kate called out, rushing to her side and holding her hair back so it wouldn’t get wet.

“Why would he do that?” Penelope asked, her face still flushed as she reached for a paper towel. Her eyes welled up with tears once again, just like they had countless times throughout the day. “Why...” she asked, her voice trembling, as she wiped her face. “Why would he say that?”

“I’m not sure what happened between you two, but—” Kate said soothingly, watching Penelope furiously wipe her face.

“Absolutely nothing!” Penelope exclaimed, lifting her hands, both clutching paper towels. Incredulity and confusion were evident in her blue eyes. “Nothing ever happened between us, I don’t…” Her voice trembled as her hands flew up to cover her face. “I can’t stand him, I really can’t stand him.”

Kate could only stare, utterly taken aback by such an unguarded display of emotion she had never witnessed in the woman before.

“I...” Penelope’s voice faltered again, and she raised her head, looking into Kate’s eyes. Overwhelmed by her feelings, she couldn’t bring herself to lie. “This is exactly why this is so hard,” she said, her voice tight with frustration, pointing a shaky finger towards the dressing room. “Why can’t he just be... dreadful?” the redhead inquired, her breath catching in her throat. “Every single time I try to forget him, he just won’t let me, because he always does this, he’s always just...” She shook her head, throwing her hands by her sides. “Him.”

That seemed about right, Kate thought briefly. It had been a year and a half since she first met the duo, and despite their constant denials, it seemed impossible that there were no feelings between them. So it didn’t surprise her in the slightest that Penelope indeed had feelings for Colin, but she just wasn’t sure if Penelope was seeing the whole picture.

“He really cares about you,” Kate explained.

Penelope touched her forehead, biting her lip, a look on her face that suggested she already knew—and that was exactly the problem.

“But…” Kate continued, furrowing her brow as Colin’s stories filled her with a sense of confusion. “Are you sure he doesn’t—”

“No, he doesn’t,” Penelope cut Kate off, preventing the other actress from completing her question. She couldn’t even bear the question that he might harbour romantic feelings for her. “Believe me, he doesn’t,” she insisted, splashing more water on her face, undoing all her efforts to dry it. “That’s just Colin being Colin,” she waved dismissively. “I know him; he’s just trying to protect me from the media. You did something like that for Anthony. It wasn’t as demented, but still, it didn’t mean a thing, did it?”

Kate paused, her mind reeling; it was as if Penelope’s words had just rewired her brain, completely altering her perception of her own actions. “Yes…” she murmured, a hesitant pause hanging in the air before she continued, “I mean no, of course it didn’t,” her cheeks flushing slightly.

Penelope gestured toward the woman, underlining her point, then inhaled deeply, gazed at her reflection, and finally, with her eyes closed, placed a hand on her face. “I just...” she began, her voice barely a whisper, then swallowed hard before bravely admitting, “I wish I didn’t love him.”

“Have you ever told him?” Kate asked, the question so unexpected it almost made Penelope laugh.

“Do I need to?” she said, her eyes searching Kate’s face for a sign of agreement. “Isn’t it obvious?”

Kate wrinkled her forehead, contemplating that after everything that was commented about them, perhaps it was, but then again in theory, so were Colin’s feelings for her, and yet they all knew things weren’t that simple.

“That’s not how it works,” Kate said. “You can’t really know what is going on in people’s minds or hearts unless you talk to them.”

With a shake of her head and pursed lips, Penelope retorted, “What difference does it make? Look at all of you, look at me,” she said, as if that explained everything.

Confused by her words, but sensing negativity in her self-deprecating tone, Kate asked, “And what exactly am I supposed to be looking at?”

The other woman scoffed, shaking her head at Kate. “You’re too kind.”

Tilting her head back, Kate’s brown, eyeliner-rimmed eyes showed disbelief. “No, I’m dead serious.”

The girl stared at her with wide, incredulous blue eyes. “Haven’t you been online? I’m pretty sure they could go on and on about every little thing that’s wrong with me. I don’t fit in here with any of you. You all are...” she looked towards the ceiling, searching for the words, “perfect and I’m...”

Short, average looking, overweight—

Penelope was interrupted by a derisive snort from Kate; the sound was sharp and unexpected, and Kate’s face was a mask of confusion.

“You must be joking,” Kate said. “Pen, do you have any idea how old I am?” Penelope furrowed her brow, clearly about to voice her bewilderment, when Kate continued, “Haven’t you ever noticed anyone mentioning that? ‘Who does that old hag think she’s fooling?’” She said, waving her hand and mimicking an obnoxious fan. “See these wrinkles?” Kate gestured towards the laughter lines around her eyes.

“Wrinkles? Are you crazy?” Penelope exclaimed.

“And then there’s my nose, the way I’m abnormally tall, or not feminine enough,” Kate carried on, a self-deprecating smile playing on her lips. “The way my ‘funny’ accent occasionally slips out, and the fact that I’m a thirty-seven-year-old unmarried woman without children, about to have my eggs all dried up.” She raised her eyebrows thoughtfully. “And let’s not forget about the colour of my skin...”

“Kate, please,” Penelope interrupted, completely shocked by her list. “This is absolutely ridiculous. You are,” she exhaled, “one of the most talented, most beautiful women I have ever met. I don’t have words for how absurd—”

“I know,” Kate replied with a knowing smile. “It took me…” she trailed off, her lips pressed tightly together as she said, “a really long time to understand that some people are always out for blood, and we cannot let their spiteful lies become truths in our minds.”

Penelope gazed at her, letting the woman’s statement sink in. In her mind, she recognised the sense in what Kate had said, which was similar to what Colin had expressed in his stories. However, it was difficult for Penelope to accept it, considering how she had grown up with people constantly pointing out her insecurities. Still, she couldn’t deny that it was eye-opening to realise that even someone as perfect as Kate Sharma had faced such hateful treatment.

Nodding, Penelope conveyed she had heard Kate’s words. She then dabbed at her eyes with a paper towel, joking, “Since when is being tall a bad thing, anyway?”

Kate smiled in response, rolling her eyes. “Believe it or not, it’s a real problem, even when dating.”

“What?” Penelope asked, unable to fathom such a thing.

“Oh, absolutely,” Kate said, looking at her with an amused expression, “You might find it hard to believe, but many men do not like it when they can't tower over you.” Then, a humorous thought crossed her mind, and she added, “I think even Anthony gets annoyed when we argue and I get too up in his face and—” She furrowed her eyebrows, realising it was an odd segue, before clearing her throat and refocusing on Penelope. “Anyway, trust me, they love being taller.”

Finding the woman absurd, Penelope shook her head, a thought occurring that she might sound just as silly complaining about her own appearance.

“I honestly had no clue I had a superpower,” Penelope joked, referring to her very short stature.

Kate sarcastically widened her eyes, mocking amusement glinting in them. “Indeed,” she said, straightening up. Her voice softened to a serious tone. “You should try it, actually. Ask Colin to fetch things from top shelves for you.”

Even though she’d been crying, the woman’s words cracked Penelope up, resulting in a fresh wave of tears that ran down her cheeks, hot and salty. With a sniffle, she rubbed her eyes with her index fingers, and said, “I think that ship has long sailed. And I have no idea how to handle that. He’s one of my best friends, maybe my only best friend right now. I could only bring myself to end our friendship because I realised he valued his image more than me, but then…”

“I understand,” Kate responded, her lips pursed in thoughtful contemplation, and her arms tightly crossed. She pondered how to help Penelope. “Maybe we just need to go out more.”

“What?” Penelope asked, her bright blue eyes locking onto Kate’s deep brown ones.

“Just something my sister has been talking about lately,” Kate murmured. She took a moment to inhale before continuing. “It seems like I should cut back on work a bit and enjoy myself more.”

Penelope let out a rather amusing sigh. To her surprise, she found she wasn’t the only one getting such advice.

“I never really agreed with that, but maybe...” Her voice trailed off, sounding kinder than Marina had ever been. “Maybe both of us can do it together. You can find someone to move on from Colin, and I can find someone...” She paused, exhaling audibly. “Someone who’s taller than me.”

“I’m pretty sure you could find someone right this second if you wanted to,” Penelope replied, a kind smile forming on her lips.

“Have you seen the pool of single men in London?” Kate raised an eyebrow. “I think we need to branch out to New Zealand.”

Penelope laughed again, somehow not despising her suggestion. She wouldn’t mind occasionally having a girls’ night out with Kate, especially since she needed to find a better way to move on from Colin. Her decades-old methods were an absolute disaster.

“Alright then,” Penelope conceded. “Let’s give it a go.”

Penelope had a full day to decide what to do before seeing Colin again. She debated whether to stay away for good or try to rekindle their friendship, weighing all the nuances in between.

With 24 hours at her disposal, she thought long and hard about the matter and ended up with… absolutely nothing.

So there she was, on her way to yet another talk show that they were supposed to attend. With the film’s premiere only a week away, they knew they would see each other—and the rest of the cast—more and more every day, which would only make things worse.

Fortunately, when she arrived at the studio, there weren’t any other cast or crew members around. This allowed her to enjoy a few minutes of calm, despite the now-customary stares in her way. That was until she was directed to yet another dressing room; but this time, when she opened the door, Colin was there.

He froze, and Penelope remained rooted to the spot, her hand still on the door. She couldn’t help but notice his red-rimmed eyes and his messy hair, along with his black shirt that clung to his body beneath a pair of brown pants. Just seeing him sent warmth rushing through her veins, and it felt as if time had stopped, despite only a day passing since their fight.

“Ten minutes, that’s all I can give you,” Will stated, his words causing Penelope to notice him and John for the first time since her arrival.

As Colin’s manager and assistant walked by, she finally tore her eyes away from him. The door closed with a soft thud, and she stood beside it, her eyes tracing the grain of the reddish wood as if it held the key to avoiding Colin.

Noticing her closed-off demeanour, the actor pursed his lips. A subtle frown etched itself onto his face as his gaze dropped to the soft, brown leather of his expensive Italian shoes. He knew that what he had done would likely not be forgiven, as it seemed he had irreparably hurt Penelope. But he couldn’t help but wish that somehow he hadn’t lost her forever, even though it was a futile wish.

“Look, Pen, I’m truly... truly sorry,” he said, his voice tinged with regret. “I never...,” his voice wavered, the sound of his uncertainty lingering in the air. “The last thing I ever wanted was to hurt you, and I realise now it’s far too late to make amends.”

Penelope remained in silence, not contradicting his statement, and Colin realised that indeed having hope was idiotic. A dry scoff escaped his lips as he continued, the bitterness evident in his tone. “It’s a bit ironic, actually. I made both of us promise that none of this would affect our friendship, and yet here I am, the one who’s gone and broken it.”

Penelope blinked, having forgotten about that.

Promise me that whatever happens, we won’t let it affect our friendship. Only the power of this pinky swear can conquer the fanwars awaiting us.

Her laughter danced through the air, and his eyes sparkled with delight. And now there they were, and she wondered if she somehow hadn’t broken that promise a little too.

But then she recalled something else he had mentioned that day.

“Colin,” she whispered, her voice thin and high, instantly pulling his attention, and she found an unexpected strength to look directly into his eyes. “You said there’s nothing we can do to change how fans or the media react. So why did you even try?”

Taken aback by her reply, he stared in surprise. He pursed his lips and furrowed his brow in thought before answering, “I had to try for you.”

Her heart raced, the rapid beats echoing in her ears, as she struggled to process his admission.

“And if I couldn’t change it, I would stand by your side then,” he added, his voice filled with determination. “At least you wouldn’t have to face their scrutiny alone.”

Damn it, Colin, she thought, her vision starting to blur. A frustrated grimace contorted her features, compelling her to press her fingers against her eyes in a desperate attempt to regain her composure.

“And because you had to know.” His voice, so certain, left her breathless. “I don’t care if anyone assumes we’re dating. I couldn’t care less if they think we secretly want to be together or have wild theories about us being married with children. And I’m sorry if it ever made you feel like I was ashamed of you, because that couldn’t be further from the truth.”

“I know,” she replied, her voice choked up as she looked up at him in tears, having lost the battle with herself. “I know, okay? I got that when I watched you.”

Whether she liked it or not, she understood Colin more than she wished she did. His heart was the biggest in the world, even when he messed up, which was infuriating. As soon as she watched his stories, she understood what he was trying to say. It was about more than defending her relentlessly; she saw that because she could always read his heart. That was how she fell in love with him in the first place.

However, Colin watched her frustrated expression and misinterpreted it. With a sorrowful twist of his face, he looked away and nodded. “I understand that this doesn’t make up for anything, Pen. I just didn’t know what else to do. I realise...” He inhaled sharply, his chest tightening, eyes squeezed shut for a moment before continuing, “…I realise I fall short in so many aspects of my life. I just never wanted to fall short this terribly in our friendship.”

Despite battling a surge of tears and the conflicting emotions she felt for Colin, Penelope couldn’t help but pause, a lump forming in her throat at his illogical response.

“What are you talking about?” She asked.

He looked at her, finding her confusion somewhat amusing. “Come on, Pen, it’s not as if you haven’t noticed before.”

She blinked, now feeling completely lost in the conversation.

“I’m a bit of a disaster, at least half the time. It’s quite remarkable how someone can struggle with just about everything,” he said, gesturing with his hands to emphasise his point. “Not great at maintaining friendships, even worse in relationships, hopeless at sports, and there wasn’t a single subject in school where I excel—”

“—You were good in literature,”

“I’m a terrible dancer, just an alright singer, absolutely dreadful at telling jokes—”

“I laugh at all your jokes—”

“I ended up spending twice as long as the average actor on media training, simply because I’m hopeless at giving interviews. And even then, I still managed to make a right mess of it. Honestly, I think the only reason I became an actor is that the one thing I’m good at is not being myself.”

Completely baffled, Penelope stared at him, unsure how to address the utter absurdity of his reasoning. Because, to her, the only issue with Colin was that he had always been too perfect, annoyingly so.

He let out a wet, ragged laugh, and Penelope realised, with a pang of sadness, that he was crying—something she hadn’t witnessed in years.

“I can’t even manage to keep my own emotions in check, I never could, really.” He wiped his eyes, looking down at the tears as if they were an offense to him. “Which is rather humiliating.”

“Colin,” she shook her head and took a step towards him, “I’ve never heard you spout so many stupid things all at once, I swear to you,” her voice trembled as she, too, was crying. “The fact that you have always been so sensitive is one of the best things about you, by far.”

The man finally ceased his self-deprecating mutterings, his gaze settling on her with an expression of utter bewilderment, as if she were some strange creature from another planet. He had never thought anyone could find that part of him appealing, yet Penelope did, and the thought sent a surprising, joyful tremor through his heart.

She bit her lip, holding back from saying too much, and glanced away, her cheeks turning crimson as she said, “And, honestly, I have no idea where you got the notion that you’re lacking in anything. It’s quite frankly the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard.”

Colin shook his head, reminding himself to be realistic; her words were just polite. He then looked away, placing his hands on his hips.

“I mean it,” she said, her frustration growing with his doubt.

“Pen, even before,” he closed his eyes, not wanting to mention it again, “this week, our friendship was barely holding on until we were cast in the same movie.” Penelope furrowed her brow as he continued, “We hardly spoke since Eloise left.”

She halted. Because she was convinced that Colin hadn’t even noticed that, but once again, she was proven wrong.

“I was busy, and so were you,” she argued, her voice tinged with desperation, clinging to the old excuses that had kept them apart.

But as he scoffed and shook his head, a bitter undertone laced his self-deprecating words. “It’s alright, Pen. I know I’m not my sister.”

“I don’t want you to be your sister,” Penelope blurted out.

She couldn’t comprehend how their conversation had reached this point. But when Colin looked into her eyes, she noticed something she had never seen before. He didn’t understand why Penelope was his friend in the first place.

“Colin,” she began, her throat dry as she swallowed hard, “I didn’t become your friend just because you’re Eloise’s brother. You know that, right?”

His twisted lip and avoided gaze expressed his disbelief, making Penelope unexpectedly defensive.

“I mean, I know I’ve always been your little sister’s best friend to you, but—”

“What?” Colin’s head snapped towards her. “What are you talking about?”

“Isn’t that how you’ve always seen me?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“No,” he responded, creasing his forehead.

It was peculiar how the answer came effortlessly, despite the fact that he had indeed viewed her in that light, especially at the start. Perhaps for many years he had indeed classified her inside that box in his head, but as the years went by, it became far from the truth. Until she became this constant and self-titled presence in his life, Penelope being Penelope and nothing else.

“Okay...” Penelope’s voice trailed off, a frown emerging on her face as she glanced down at her hands, idly toying with her fingers.

An unusual silence settled between them as Penelope continued scrutinising her nails, determined not to let anxiety ruin her manicure. She wasn’t entirely certain what they had just clarified, but it felt as though a few things had been resolved within her heart.

She had already come to the decision that she couldn’t spend her entire life in love with Colin. That chapter was over, and she would make sure of it. However, she couldn’t deny the fact that they were friends, and always had been. The moment she saw that video, she had forgiven him, and even more so now, after their conversation. She was well aware of that.

Meanwhile, Colin stared at her, in a state of expectation, though he wasn’t sure what he was waiting for. As she focused on her fingertips, his gaze lingered on her shiny, soft hair, serving as a vivid reminder of his words from the previous day. Penelope was, without a doubt, stunning; he certainly hadn’t been wrong about that.

In fact, it seemed like his mind was constantly reminding him of that fact throughout the day. It was as though, now that he had openly admitted to all the things he knew about Penelope, he simply couldn’t help but notice them, not even for a second.

Like when she entered the room, and he immediately noticed her soft, floral dress that accentuated her curves—which she had, quite a few of them. Or how the small red flowers on her dress perfectly matched her hair and lipstick, making her lips appear particularly enticing that day. And that was precisely what he meant when he expressed his confusion about how people didn’t see how stunning she was because she…

“Maybe... maybe we could have a fresh start?” Penelope said, looking up at him and interrupting his thoughts.

Colin blinked, struggling to refocus on the conversation. “What—”

She pursed her lips, and he tried not to be distracted by them as she continued, “I think it’s quite clear that we’ve both been viewing our friendship from the wrong angle. Perhaps we should hit the reset button and clear up any misunderstandings."

Doubt clouded his face as he tried to understand her meaning. Was she actually forgiving him?

Penelope extended her hand to Colin, determined to keep her emotions separate from their friendship. She knew that from that moment on, things would change. She would move forward, find someone new, and experience love again, all while maintaining a normal relationship with her friend, Colin.

“Friends?” she asked him.

Colin stared at her in awe, as if something impossible had occurred. A slow smile crossed his lips as he finally reached out to shake her hand. “Friends,” he replied, the word feeling unfamiliar as her gentle touch sent shivers down his spine

Before he could dwell more on it, the door burst open with a loud bang, and Will appeared, startling them. The manager took one look at their distraught expressions, tear-streaked cheeks, and bloodshot eyes and pointed to them, saying, “I won’t help any of you if rumours start circulating online about you two doing lines of coke backstage.”

With their hands still intertwined, Colin and Penelope exchanged a look before bursting into laughter. And in that moment, Colin realised that even amidst the slight confusion, his heart felt incomparably lighter now that she had returned to his life.

Hyacinth: Colin

Colin: Hya I swear everyone that needed to yell at me already did

Hyacinth: actually

Hyacinth: i was gonna say it was really nice what you did

Daphne: i agree

Gregory: same here

Colin: uhum

Colin: so that’s why you all are talking to me now

Hyacinth: obviously

Benedict: what do you think

Gregory: yes

Anthony: good for you, because I, for one, am just about to start ignoring him.

Benedict: anthony

Benedict: You of all people should be thanking him

Gregory: LMAO

Anthony: and why is that exactly

Anthony: besides the fact he started a pr nightmare twice

Benedict: for one my neighbour just came up to me showing her granddaughter’s ig screen and swearing she was going to watch your movie

Benedict: and she hasn’t stepped out of her house since 84

Gregory: something she and anthony have in common then

Anthony: I wish

Hyacinth: honestly it’s all anyone’s talking about.

Hyacinth: had to log off ig for the first time in years so i’d stop seeing colin’s face every 5 seconds

Colin: love you too hya

Gregory: i mean daphne has heard about it that’s all the proof you need right there

Daphne: i’m not even gonna bother replying

Hyacinth: you just did?

Daphne: ok so

Daphne: now that everyone is on speaking terms again

Gregory: except eloise

Daphne: i need to make an announcement

Daphne: and an invitation

Benedict: mom im scared

Colin locked his phone, the click echoing in the quiet room, and dropped it onto the smooth wooden table as he breathed deeply, preparing to leave.

The talk show interview went smoothly, and he and Penelope successfully avoided any overly personal questions from the host. Sure, people were still staring at them, but he expected the attention to fade soon, as it always did.

“The car has arrived, Colin," his assistant announced from the door, catching the actor’s attention momentarily.

“Thank you,” he said absentmindedly as he retrieved his phone. However, he suddenly remembered something and paused. “John,” he called.

The man paused, his grip on the door tightening as if he sensed something was wrong in Colin’s tone. He looked at his boss and confirmed his suspicions when he saw the tense expression on Colin’s face.

He had been expecting it, his dismissal, that is. It was just that a day had gone by since Colin’s video, and the silence from his boss was breeding a foolish optimism that his ignored calls had been forgotten.

Colin pursed his lips, fiddling with a jagged piece from the dressing room vanity. “I know I’m not the easiest person to work with, and I’m far from being the best boss,” he said. “I’m fully aware of all the ways Penelope is a better person than me. And if you had chosen anyone else over me to be loyal to, trust me, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation.”

John blinked, his hand going limp against the door before Colin looked at him.

“I don’t expect you to like me, but I do need your professional loyalty,” he concluded. “If you feel unable to continue in your position because of me, I completely understand. I am more than willing to provide you with a letter of recommendation to help you pursue other job opportunities. However, if you choose to stay, I ask for your loyalty, flaws and all. Do you understand?”

John, completely astonished, felt his voice catch in his throat. Unable to speak, he watched as Colin, without waiting for a reply, walked past him toward the elevator. As he watched his boss leave, witnessing yet another new side of him for the third day in a row, he realised that he had fallen into the same trap as many members of the public. Things were definitely not as he had believed.

Chapter Text

“Why are they making me go through this?”

Colin attempted to stifle his laughter with his hand as Kate and Thomas glanced at her with empathy.

Glaring furiously at Colin, she exclaimed, “I’m serious! I hate popping balloons!”

Colin’s laughter intensified, but he moved his hand slightly away from his face to avoid pricking himself with a needle, while Kate also eyed her balloon nervously.

“Okay, let’s do it together then,” Thomas calmly suggested, showcasing why he was chosen to lead the cast.

The two women nodded, but Colin stared intently at his blue balloon, seemingly on the verge of popping it.

“One,” Thomas began, grabbing his green balloon. “Two, three!” he yelled, tightly closing his eyes as he pierced the plastic with the needle.

Four balloons burst with a loud pop, showering them with falling paper that softly rustled on the ground. Thomas, Kate, and Colin quickly reached for the interview cards, accompanied by Penelope’s sharp gasp.

To his right, Colin saw her craning her neck, blinking rapidly and shielding her eyes with her fingers, a clear sign of discomfort.

“Are you alright?” He asked.

“Um,” she said, rubbing her eyes and lowering her head. “I think something got in my eye when I popped the balloon,” she mumbled.

The card lay forgotten in his hand as he watched, worried, as she rubbed at her eyes, her face screwed up in pain.

“Do you need help?” He asked.

“No,” she mumbled, a frown playing on her lips, “I think I got it,” she declared, her eyes fluttering open before snapping shut, “Or not.”

A little humorously, Colin turned to her, saying, “Let me see,” and then, placing both hands on either side of her head, he leaned in to examine the damage. Using his thumbs, he wiped the colourful paper off her face and instructed, “Try opening your eyes.”

She complied, and he observed her left eye was red and irritated. “Yeah, it’s still stinging,” she said, then squeezed her eyes shut.

“No, wait,” he said, his voice a low murmur, and she kept her eyes open, staring at him before he leaned even closer, his breath warm on her face as he gently blew on her eyes. Three times he repeated the motion, then examined her left eye, finding it clear of any foreign body. “Better now?”

She stared at him intently for a moment before a noncommittal “um-hum,” and they held that gaze a beat too long until Thomas cleared his throat.

As the duo quietly turned, their seats creaking slightly, Thomas caught the camera’s eye, winking and saying, “Nothing to see here, folks,” a sly smirk stretching his lips.

⋆.˚🦋༘⋆ Fa @loratheexplorer

EXCUSE ME

     | Lilian is waiting for the sword and the heart @swodndheart

     @loratheexplorer um. when was that interview recorded

⋆˚✿˖° it’s always rainy in delulutown⋆˚✿˖° @loranator

Okay i can’t do this this is me waving the white flag

     | Lizzie @redfeatherington

     @loranator the you from before was you trying not to ship them?

         | ⋆˚✿˖° it’s always rainy in delulutown⋆˚✿˖° @loranator

         @redfeatherington be quiet

🎄Dan🎄@lorasdaniella

I knew they would be alright

     | wes. @kingofsnh

     @lorasdaniella they’ve been friends for years it’s not like a few people online would change anything

         | Jade ✨ @englishmansbiceps

         @kingofsnh@lorasdaniella this interview was recorded weeks ago tho

             |🎄Dan🎄@lorasdaniella

             @englishmansbiceps@kingofsnh oh okay i didn’t realize that

                 | Jade ✨ @englishmansbiceps

                 @kingofsnh@lorasdaniella yeah they recorded a bunch of interviews beforehand they’ll probably release them this week and the next bc of the premiere

                     | wes. @kingofsnh

                     @lorasdaniella@englishmansbiceps yeah but the bbc clips are from today and they’re fine

Jade ✨ @englishmansbiceps

polins really falling hard for the pr huh

     | Uma @bridgertun

     @englishmansbiceps i mean am i crazy or did their eyes look puffy today

         | Jade ✨ @englishmansbiceps

         @bridgertun yup

Maria Eduarda @dudiiiiinha2004

Kate looked 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

     | ❤️‍🔥Trish @dorjorie4llifee

     @dudiiiiinha2004 her chemistry with Thomas tho

         | Maria Eduarda @dudiiiiinha2004

         @dorjorie4llifee I know i wonder if they had a thing??

             | ❤️‍🔥Trish @dorjorie4llifee

             @dudiiiiinha2004 my man filming her and anthony to get back at him

Harriet @colilns

I have a problem bc ever since colin said he was the one who was rejected i can’t stop seeing it

     | ‎‧₊˚✧ K ✧˚₊‧ @bladesandhearts

     @colilns THE WAY HE LOOKS AT HER

         | Harriet @colilns

         @bladesandhearts I KNOW

             | ‧₊˚✧ K ✧˚₊‧ @bladesandhearts

             @colilns I don’t get it?? penelope ily but what’s wrong with you 😭

val @featheringtonlady

Pen looking like fire and he looking like he’s homeless the universe finally getting back at that balding man

     | 🧸 Bree @briannaroth

     @featheringtonlady about time

         | Joana @JJ94

         @briannaroth here’s to hoping she rejected his ass for good

             | val @featheringtonlady

             @JJ94 here’s to hoping all the nepo baby bridgerton men stay away from these gorgeous women

Indra @d0r_i3u5

okay can we finally start talking about the movie and not those two

     | j. @mandolord

     @d0r_i3u5 seriously thomas said so many interesting things who cares about them

💭pat is on vacation @cowpersblondehair

i look at cressida and then at penelope and think: colin are you insane

     | Anto @snhstonio

     @cowpersblondehair how long until you all realise it’s all acting and none of these people are required to have feelings for each other

Rotten Tomatoes ✪ @Rottentomatoes

The first reviews are in for #TheEastDynasty - it’s Certified Fresh at 97% on the Tomatometer, with 35 reviews: rottentomatoes.com/m/the_sword_and…

Kithy is tired @dorsetth0mas

EVERYBODY SHUT UP WHILE I’M WINNING

     | Ⓐⓢⓗ @dorieussw1fe

     @dorsetth0mas the breath of relief that left my body

         | Kithy is tired @dorsetth0mas

         @dorieussw1fe 97% WE’RE GOOD

Riley Lawrence ✪ @rileylawrence

#TheEastDynasty begs the question: why have we settled for so many poor book adaptations before? Action packed, emotionally charged and breathtaking, The Sword and the Heart: The East Dynasty is a promising beginning to a beloved series.

     | Camy Brooks @cambb8

     @rileylawrence social media embargo has lifted one week before the premiere? oh you have my attention

FLAMING HEARS ‘04 @kingsofthewests

the embargo has lifted so i came here just to say MARRY ME ANTHONY BRIDGERTON

coleen @nuclearcolll

colin bridgerton and penelope featherington that’s all

     | lana • the sword and the heart in 7 days !!! @heartsofnoras

     @nuclearcolll EXPLAIN

         | coleen @nuclearcolll

     @heartsofnoras can’t say much but if you think people are talking about them now it’s gonna be ten times worse next week

kelly 💖💜💙 @ladyoftheeasy

SNH embargo lifted and not a single negative review in sight i hope anyone that ever spoke badly about anthony or anyone from the cast chokes

The following week passed by in a blur of activity and anxiety. However, she found solace in the fact that she felt more at peace with herself and with Colin than she had in a long time. Ultimately, he was right—no matter what they said or did, everyone was still talking about her. The difference now was that they were also criticising him. And while it was not what she wanted, at least it served as a reminder that she was not alone.

In the end, she decided to take a complete break from social media. It seemed like the best choice, especially with the upcoming movie premiere. She had grown accustomed to people criticising her appearance, but if she encountered the same negativity towards her work, she honestly didn’t know how she would react.

And that’s where she found herself mentally—staring at the only gown available for the premiere. It was an oversized, dark brown dress that she absolutely despised. Despite being relatively high in the cast and crew’s hierarchy for selecting designer dresses for the night (probably behind only Kate, Cressida, and Charlotte), she somehow ended up with the worst options. But she wanted to think it was the styles themselves she didn’t like, and not that they’d deliberately given her the worst options available. Unfortunately, she couldn’t do much about it since she hadn’t even received payment for the movie yet. Affording a stylist was out of the question, and Mrs Varley’s help could only go so far.

She couldn’t help but expect the jokes that would inevitably flood the internet about her appearance resembling a brown garbage bag. Reluctantly, she picked up the dress and sighed, resigning herself to endure it as long as her acting wasn’t criticised.

Just then, her phone rang. She placed the dress back on the bed and looked at the screen, her eyebrows furrowing upon seeing her neighbour’s name.

“Hello?” she answered. “Lisa, is everything okay?”

“It is, don’t worry darling,” the woman replied, her deep voice dragging calmly, “it’s just that there was a large package delivered on your name today, it’s on the lobby, I thought I should tell you before someone decides to steal it, you know how it is.”

Penelope frowned, unable to recall ordering anything online, let alone something large. “Oh, alright, thank you.”

“No worries,” the woman replied, “Have fun tonight,” she chirped, the dial tone abruptly replacing her voice.

Penelope stared at her phone, feeling perplexed. Finally, she decided to rush downstairs, consumed by curiosity. Since her humble building lacked a concierge, she assumed the package would be left on the communal area floor. Luckily, it was still there when she arrived, confirming Lisa’s words.

Before her lay a colossal silver box, far too extravagant for anything she could afford to order. She approached cautiously, as if unsure it was meant for her. Then, she noticed a small, cream-coloured rectangular envelope on the lid. Crouching down, she reached for it and opened the envelope to read the message inside.

“For that girl who’s had a rough couple of weeks.

-G. “

Confused by the enigmatic note, she proceeded to open the box, ignoring the fact that she was in the midst of a shared space. Her eyes widened in awe as she beheld the sight—a stunning fabric adorned with countless silver sequins, shimmering even in the dim lighting.

She quickly closed the lid and made her way back to her flat, eager to take the dress out of the box and admire its entire design. It boasted a deep V-neck collar and a tailored waistline, showcasing the soft, flowing fabric that gracefully cascaded downwards. The sequins on the gown glimmered, capturing the sunlight that filtered through her flat, and reflecting a kaleidoscope of colours onto her walls.

Undoubtedly, it was one of the most extravagant dresses she had ever seen, and if she were being honest, one of the most beautiful as well. It reminded her of her childhood when she used to marvel at the larger-than-life actresses donning eye-catching outfits at the Academy Awards, secretly wishing she could be one of them. However, now she couldn’t help but feel ridiculous. Considering the current circumstances, it would be absurd for her to wear something so flashy.

She carefully draped the dress over the back of her living room chair, stealing one last glance at it before heading back to her room, where she had left her phone.

Penelope: Gen, Hi

Penelope: How are you?

Penelope: I hope everything is good.

She winced at her own awkwardness. But she couldn’t help it; it seemed like she had zero social skills when it came to anyone who wasn’t a close friend of hers—which was exactly the problem. There was only one person she knew with a name starting with “G” who knew her size perfectly, and she wasn’t particularly close to Penelope. So maybe she was going crazy, maybe it was some sort of anonymous stylist she had never heard of before.

Penelope: Can I ask you something?

Penelope: I know it’s weird

Penelope: …by any chance… did you send a dress to my address?

Genevieve: Of course

Penelope raised an eyebrow. Alright, so she wasn’t losing her mind.

Genevieve: Did you like it?

Penelope: I did but

Penelope: Are you making outfits for the entire cast? I had no idea

Genevieve: Of course not

Genevieve: I made one just for you

The girl almost dropped her phone, utterly bewildered by the situation.

Penelope: But why?

Genevieve: how is the dress search going for you

Unintentionally, Penelope’s gaze shifted to the brown dress on her bed, which still resembled a trash bag even when no one was wearing it.

Genevieve: if you find another one you love more don’t worry about it

Genevieve: I just pictured this design and thought it’d look great on you

Genevieve: but if you didn’t like it it’s alright

Penelope: no i loved it

Penelope: i really did

Penelope: but i really don’t have the money

Genevieve: ?

Genevieve: it’s a gift it’s yours

Penelope: Gen i look like im ignorant but i know this is expensive

Genevieve: just tell everyone it’s a Delacroix original when they ask what you’re wearing

Genevieve: that’s all the payment i need

Penelope: …okay

Penelope took a deep breath and went back to the living room, where she could see the dress Genevieve had made for her. Her heart fluttered upon seeing it, but she still couldn’t help feeling silly.

Genevieve: but don’t feel like you have to wear it

Genevieve: i just really think it will look beautiful on you

Genevieve: to answer your question

Genevieve: I was around when you were filming.

Genevieve: the others stylists don’t know yet what they’re missing

Her heart skipped a beat again. It was odd to realise that someone she thought was indifferent actually had faith in her. Looking at the dress again and the way it shone in the light, Penelope finally decided to have some faith in herself as well.

Throughout his career, Colin went to numerous movie premieres and award ceremonies. As time went on, they became less intimidating, but, he had to admit that The Sword and the Heart London premiere was a big event, even for his standards.

Amidst the flashes and cameras, he simply waved and smiled, hoping to get through it quickly. The truth was, that day would mark a definite change, whether they all liked it or not. Their movie would officially premiere in most countries, meaning all of their work—both the good and the bad—would be out in the world for everyone to dissect, scrutinise, and tear apart. Thankfully, all the early reviews seemed to be favourable, yet he was well aware that the worst was yet to come.

“Don’t you look dashing tonight?” Agatha’s impressed voice interrupted his thoughts. She wore a long velvet blood red dress adorned with large golden flowers, and she studied his outfit from head to toe, as if he was the one in the fancy attire between the two of them.

A smile stretched across his face as he smoothed down his long, beige coat, murmuring, “You too.”

She seemed satisfied with his answer and stood by his side, posing for the photographers to capture their images. “So, where is your companion tonight?” she asked.

Colin paused, momentarily surprised by the question. He immediately knew who she was referring to, but it struck him as odd that Agatha Danbury was asking about it.

“Um,” he cleared his throat, contemplating what to tell her while surveying the faces and glamour surrounding them.

Everyone glowed, their flashy gowns and designer suits shimmering under the lights, a vibrant contrast to the red carpet and the towering wall of yellow and orange roses, echoing the theme of their trilogy’s first film. A cacophony of noise filled the air—the murmur of conversations, peals of laughter, the roar of excited fans, and the shouts of photographers vying for the best position. It should have all felt lively to him, but every second without seeing Penelope amidst the crowd made everything feel incredibly grey and lifeless.

“That’s what I would like to know,” he finally replied.

With a knowing smile playing on her lips, Agatha reached out, grasped his arm, and then pointed a finger of admonition directly at him.

“You know,” she said, “you two caused the biggest pre-release mess I’ve ever seen, and that’s saying something.”

Colin froze, trying not to appear too scared in case a photographer captured the moment. He couldn’t deny that he was waiting for her, or even Charlotte, to confront him for the stunts he pulled, but he never expected it to happen at the premiere and in front of everyone.

“It was nice,” she added with a shrug and a raised eyebrow, relishing in his confused expression. “To see things shaken up for once,” she smirked, as they turned for another round of pictures.

He tried not to show his bewilderment on his face, and just as he was about to come up with a reply, his brother, for once in his life, came to his rescue.

“Ah!” Agatha exclaimed happily as their director approached, dressed in a black suit with white details and his hair styled to the side. She hugged him, then took his face in her hands. “Now I see why people always say you should’ve been an actor!”

Anthony rolled his eyes at her. “You look fantastic too, Agatha, in case it wasn’t obvious.”

She smiled, satisfied, and the trio turned to another photographer as she remarked, “It is obvious, but it’s always nice to be reminded.” Then she glanced at Colin and added, “Your brother seems to have learned that recently, I believe?”

Colin pressed his lips together, closing his eyes momentarily. It was going to be a long, long night.

Anthony merely glared pointedly at his brother, scoffing, but before he could add a cutting remark, he too was thankfully distracted by another newcomer.

“Kate!” Agatha called excitedly. “Come, join us.” She motioned for the woman to approach and be part of their expanding group in the pictures.

The director seemed to have frozen in place, blinking slowly as if he was having a hard time understanding something, as he watched the actress walk in their direction. The cameras flashed, capturing every movement of Kate as she walked. Her long, shiny curls danced around her face, and the soft, fuzzy teal fur coat brushed against the silky navy fabric of her dress.

“Why is it so cold tonight?” Kate asked as she approached, rubbing her arms covered by the coat.

“Tell me about it. Between you and me, I’m terribly jealous of your coat,” Agatha whispered.

A smile touched Kate’s lips as she turned to Colin; his greeting was brief and polite, but Anthony remained speechless, his eyebrows raised in surprise, and mouth hanging open. Upon realising everyone was waiting, a nervous cough escaped the man’s lips as he smoothed his perfectly tailored suit.

“My jacket’s rather thin; I doubt it’ll do much good,” he said.

Agatha and Colin rolled their eyes while Kate looked at him in confusion. Then, all four of them turned to take a picture together.

“You Bridgertons are really something else,” Agatha muttered quietly as they all smiled for the cameras.

Not allowing his indignation to transpire on his face, Colin continued with a fake smile on his face as he said, “Us? What did I do?” The producer glanced at him briefly before he clarified, “Today, what did I do today?”

“Nothing yet, but the night is young. I’m sure you’ll come up with something,” Agatha said cynically.

Kate couldn’t help but chuckle at the woman’s cutting remark, but her amusement vanished when Agatha gestured for them to switch places in the photograph. Kate ended up between the Bridgerton brothers, with Anthony right beside her. The strong, woody chypre scent of his usual perfume filled the air, a fragrance that now always reminded her of him. It was odd how olfactory memory worked; at first, the smell instantly ignited her anger, but now, it almost immediately transported her back to their shooting days, bringing a rush of frustration, happiness, and the sense of discovery that those days represented.

As they posed for the photo, Anthony placed a hand on her back, and the warmth of his touch through her dress sent a strange tingle down her spine. When she glanced at him afterwards, she found him already looking back, his dark brown eyes adorned with a golden rim, fixed on her with an intensity that took her breath away.

“We’re in damage control mode, I see.”

Anthony and Kate both startled, suddenly aware of their surroundings, as they turned to Charlotte, who arched an eyebrow before shifting her attention to Agatha.

“Finally, I was beginning to think you weren’t going to show up,” the producer remarked, letting just a hint of judgement slip into her voice.

Charlotte glared at her for a moment before scoffing. “I don’t think I can leave you all unsupervised any longer, can I?” she asked, casting a pointed glance at Colin as if to make her point.

In his defence, Colin only winced slightly under her scrutiny, quickly putting on a fake smile as she positioned herself between him and Agatha for another picture.

The golden satin of Charlotte’s dress shimmered, the tiny red flowers embroidered on the hem a stark contrast to the larger bloom on her shoulder. In a way, it seemed like she and Agatha had coordinated their outfits, and Colin wouldn’t put it past them.

“And where is our lead actor?” Charlotte asked as she managed to take the picture and survey the crowd at the same time.

“He’s running a bit late,” Kate answered immediately, oblivious to the glance Anthony gave her. “Apparently, there was a car accident on his way here, and the traffic is a complete nightmare.”

“Really?” Agatha asked, horrified.

“He didn’t mention anything to me,” Anthony commented, furrowing his eyebrows.

“Actually, he did mention that I should give all of you a heads up,” Kate mumbled, her eyes darting away, a blush creeping up her neck as she tried to avoid his gaze.

Anthony’s brows furrowed even more as he looked at the side of her face, realising he never knew the two were that close. It shouldn’t surprise him, considering they were the main actors and should try to form a connection. And, of course, it wasn’t any of his business either.

“So that’s what it was,” Charlotte commented. “I thought it was just my driver being incompetent.”

Agatha shook her head slightly. “You say that about all your drivers.”

“Because they always are, aren’t they?” Charlotte replied matter-of-factly.

Meanwhile, Colin, silently wishing to escape the stressful group conversation and the incessant photo-taking, was startled by the sudden, deafening roar of fans and cameras just a short distance away.

“That must be him,” Agatha said, and they all looked to see if the newcomer, who had the crowd in a frenzy, was indeed the movie’s star.

But it wasn’t Thomas. 

In a matter of seconds, Colin’s eyes locked onto her figure, even from a distance. It puzzled him how anyone else could fail to recognise her immediately, because she was glowing.

Penelope emerged from the car, her arrival met with a chorus of excited fans. Her dress, seemingly adorned with a thousand shimmering gems, flowed gracefully, catching the light and casting a dazzling display of colours. As she moved, her hair cascaded in wide, soft waves, a radiant shade of red that intensified in the setting sunlight. She then raised her hand in a wave, the sound of their cheers echoing in the air. A smile bloomed on her lips, freezing time momentarily, as she stood there, the most beautiful thing around them.

“She’s gorgeous,” Kate whispered, her voice barely audible amidst the overwhelming sight. Colin’s agreement remained lodged in his throat, his voice unable to escape. He could only wait for her to draw nearer, regardless of how long it took.

Despite the sea of people, Penelope’s gaze soon found Colin’s, and suddenly, the world burst back to life in a vibrant array of colours. His lips couldn’t help but curve into a smile as she returned the gesture. An odd fluttering sensation stirred in his heart, making it beat irregularly as she approached. It felt as if he were incredibly fortunate, lucky beyond measure, for her to have chosen to be close to him amidst the crowd.

As she got closer, he noticed her eyes were slightly watery, a familiar sight he had unfortunately grown accustomed to. However, the genuine happiness radiating from her eyes and her overall expression reassured him that her joy was genuine.

“Hi,” he managed to say as she stood directly in front of him, his heart pounding strangely in his chest.

“Hi,” she replied, her gaze briefly flickering across his face before settling on her feet. He noticed the faint redness in her eyes and a subtle tremor in her voice.

“You okay?” he whispered, leaning closer to her.

Her face contorted slightly as she continued to avoid his gaze. “I just... had a strange day before I arrived here,” she admitted. He frowned in response to her answer, but then she looked up at him, letting out a small laugh before nodding towards the enthusiastic fans with her head. “They seem really excited, don’t they?”

He glanced at the crowd briefly, a smile returning to his face as he recalled their screams upon her arrival. “That?” he asked with a chuckle. “I think that was all for you,” he said, his voice filled with warmth before he turned his attention back to her.

Finding his conclusion absurd, she shook her head at him before diverting her attention to her shoes. She had actually searched through her wardrobe meticulously in pursuit of a suitable pair that would harmonise perfectly with her stunning dress. Thankfully, silver was a common color for party shoes, otherwise she would have had to buy new ones that very afternoon. Or worse, she would have been stuck wearing the despised brown dress. In hindsight, it was probably the right decision, as she still felt ridiculous in such a flashy outfit.

“You look really pretty today,” he said.

Startled, Penelope looked up, believing she must have misheard Colin. But there he was, still gazing at her as if he truly meant it. And maybe it shouldn’t have surprised her, considering he had publicly declared her beauty to the entire world, but he had never said it to her personally.

“Not that you don’t always look pretty," he stammered, his brows furrowing, afraid of causing yet another fight. “You always do, Pen. I meant...”

“I know what you meant, Colin,” she replied. “You look handsome too,” she chuckled, noticing her friend’s flustered state.

Because that’s exactly what he was - a friend. She reminded herself of that fact before deciding to approach the rest of the group and move on.

Among them, she immediately spotted Kate, whose smile was as radiant as ever. The actress theatrically opened her mouth and gestured towards Penelope’s outfit, exclaiming, “You look absolutely fantastic.”

“You’re one to talk,” Penelope replied with a smile, scanning Kate’s attire.

Kate cleverly smirked and suggested, “Why don’t we take a picture together, then?” Taking Penelope by the hand, she led her towards the cameras. As the duo turned, Kate whispered, “One last adventure before everything changes.”

Colin observed them from the sidelines, wondering when the two had grown so close. He felt a sense of joy seeing the typically reserved actresses so happy, but also a hidden tinge of melancholy.

It was an odd, inexplicable feeling of watching Penelope drift away right before his eyes.

mimi @leonidasn0raxx

THE WAY HE LOOKS AT HER I CAN’T DO THIS

     | 🎄Dan🎄@lorasdaniella

     @leonidasn0raxx i TOLD y’all they were fine and it wasn’t just the recorded interviews

         | lana • the sword and the heart today !!! @heartsofnoras

         @lorasdaniella@leonidasn0raxx i don’t want them to be fine I want them to stop being stupid

Jamila @bl4ck_r0se

honestly i don’t even go here but she’s the most beautiful woman i have ever seen

     | lariiiii ⋆ SnH era @southnationsqueen

     @bl4ck_r0se how can anyone look at this woman and think she’s anything short of beautiful i will never understand

ɪʀɪꜱ @swor4onh3rt

if that picture of colin and P*nel0pe proved anything anthony is in love with kate too then

     | Dee @warofthorns

     @swor4onh3rt LMAO

         | Harry @c0wp3rlady

         @warofthorns@swor4onh3rt why are these pictures the same i’m losing it

             | ɪʀɪꜱ @swor4onh3rt

             @c0wp3rlady@warofthorns 3 seconds before they went backstage to kill each other but sure they’re all in love

Review: ‘The Sword and the Heart: East Dynasty’ - The Epic Adventure We’ve All Been Waiting For

Erica Combs Senior Contributor

I write about TV shows, movies, video games, entertainment & culture.

In a market saturated with historical romance novels, Charlotte zu Mecklenburg-Strelitz’s “The Sword and the Heart” arrived in the UK, facing the challenge of standing out amongst the many similar titles. However, defying its time and even its market, Mecklenburg-Strelitz’s trilogy, with its compelling characters and intricate plot, proved to be one of the best-selling books of the decade, earning a devoted following and captivating casual readers. Now, several decades later, this captivating story has returned to us in the form of a movie adaptation, helmed by the esteemed director Anthony Bridgerton.

The partnership between Charlotte and Bridgerton initially raised eyebrows, but now it has borne fruit, and what a glorious fruit it is. I often find adaptations disappointing, as they frequently change the original to the point of being unrecognisable, often distorting cherished storylines, characters, and most importantly, the core themes. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the movie gleefully avoided such pitfalls, allowing us to breathe a deep sigh of relief.

Much of the film’s success can be attributed to Bridgerton’s meticulous touch, evident in every well-managed, well-shot, and well-thought-out scene. Yet, it would be remiss of me not to mention the remarkable performances that made every second of this movie worth our while. The cast, a mix of newcomers and established actors, delivered authentic and deeply felt portrayals, breathing life into the cherished relationships. While I typically shy away from making predictions, this particular one feels straightforward: by the end of next year, it’s likely that numerous individuals from this moment will achieve widespread and well-deserved recognition across the globe.

🗡️Gabs 🗡️ @lladyora

I HATE ANTHONY BRIDGERTON LET THE WORLD KNOW I HATE HIS STUPID HAIR HIS STUPID FACE I HATE HIS LEFT TOE—

     | wes. @kingofsnh

     @lladyora ??????????????????????? are you alright

         | 🗡️Gabs 🗡️ @lladyora

         @kingofsnh NO I’M NOT I JUST WATCHED THE MOVIE

             | wes. @kingofsnh

             @lladyora was it that bad???

                 | 🗡️Gabs 🗡️ @lladyora

                 @kingofsnh NO IT WAS FANTASTIC THAT’S THE PROBLEM

billie @noraswsift

WHEN I DIE I WANT CHARLOTTE TO LOWER ME INTO MY GRAVE SO SHE CAN LET ME DOWN ONE LAST TIME

     | mimi @leonidasn0raxx

     @noraswsift DID YOU WATCH IT

         | billie @noraswsift

         @leonidasn0raxx NORA AND LEONIDAS ARE MEANT TO BE CURSE ON THE HOUSES OF EVERYONE WHO EVER DISAGREED

             | mimi @leonidasn0raxx

             @noraswsift I WAS WAITING FOR THEM TO KISS EVERY FIVE SECONDS EVEN THO I HAD ALREADY READ THE BOOKS

                 | billie @noraswsift

                 @leonidasn0raxx THE STUPID BOOKS

Cinthy❤️‍🔥🐉⚔️ @Cy3452n     

COLEEN WAS RIGHT MY SOUL DID LEAVE MY BODY

     | kay 𓆰𓆪 lora era @loraskiss

     @Cy3452n I NEED TO LAY DOWN FOR AT LEAST 4 MONTHS

         | Cinthy❤️‍🔥🐉⚔️ @Cy3452n     

         @loraskiss WHAT WAS THAT

Eve @sWeet1X7

*snh spoilers*

kate is THE perfect marjorie

thomas is okay i mean i never liked dorieus that much

i don’t understand how colin works so well as leonidas but HE DOES

cressida is… just there i guess

PENELOPE FEATHERINGTON

⋆.˚🦋༘⋆ Fa @loratheexplorer

okay i just got out of the theater and i got THOUGHTS

     | catherine @cwbolton

     @loratheexplorer good for you cause my mind went blank as soon as leo and nora stared at each other before the arrows came flying

         | ⋆.˚🦋༘⋆ Fa @loratheexplorer

         @cwbolton NO SERIOUSLY WHAT AS THAT

*ੈ✩‧ 𝚌𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚎 ˚ ੈ✩‧₊ @kingleonidass

guys.

i think nora became my favorite character.

literally how

     | 𝒸𝒶𝓂𝒾 | waiting for the sword and the heart @arianasdorieus

     @kingleonidass NOT YOU TOO

🌸Hilly🌸 @hilllaryss

guys i need a moment to lie down

     | ⋆˚✿˖° it’s always rainy in delulutown⋆˚✿˖° @loranator

     @hilllaryss and then what

         | 🌸Hilly🌸 @hilllaryss

         @loranator and then we march with torches to charlotte’s house

❤️‍🔥Trish @dorjorie4llifee

they promised us everything and still gave us more what do i do now

     | Maria Eduarda @dudiiiiinha2004

     @dorjorie4llifee THE MOMENT MARJORIE AND DORIEUS WERE FIGHTING AND THE SONG WAS GOING CRAZY AND I WAS JUST YELLING KISS!!!! KISS!!!!!!!!!!!

         | jess @leolover2

         @dudiiiiinha2004@dorjorie4llifee me except i was doing that for leonidas and nora lmao

𓆩♡𓆪 Octavia @octaviabebe

Sword and Heart Spoilers

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

who on earth thought cressida would be a good catherine

     | bella saw blackpink x2 @bellatae

     @octaviabebe she was honestly distracting me the whole time ngl

         | 𓆩♡𓆪 Octavia @octaviabebe

         @bellatae colin and cressida’s chemistry made me cringe so hard

Samantha ☾ ﾟ｡ watched fourth wing 4x @mermaaidsammy

Nora was the best character of that entire movie there’s literally no competition

Ⓐⓢⓗ @dorieussw1fe

i have a confession to make

i ship leonidas and nora now

     | Fabricio @snh_ing

     @dorieussw1fe SO IT WASN’T JUST ME

         | Ⓐⓢⓗ @dorieussw1fe

         @snh_ing NO LIKE WHAT IS THAT TENSION I NEVER NOTICED ON THE BOOKS??

             | Fabricio @snh_ing

             @dorieussw1fe I DON’T KNOW I DIDN’T EITHER BUT HERE WE ARE

Ro watched the Sword and the Heart @roroswift

Tell the lora shippers… they were right

     | Cinthy❤️‍🔥🐉⚔️ @Cy3452n

     @roroswift WELL WELL WELL WHAT DO WE HAVE HERE

Kithy is tired @dorsetth0mas

thomas and kate have so much chemistry I AM LIVING

     | Joe @Josephnavarro

     @dorsetth0mas i was hesitant bc they were kinda distant on the interviews

         | Kithy is tired @dorsetth0mas

         @Josephnavarro idk i liked them but maybe it’s cause kate is more quiet than thomas so they look more odd irl

⁀➷mell➳ @mamamarjorie

Came for marjorie and dorieus and ended up shipping leonidas and nora anthony bridgerton when i catch you

     | j. @mandolord

     @mamamarjorie I haven’t watched it yet… is it that bad?

         | ⁀➷mell➳ @mamamarjorie

         @mandolord you have no idea

Regie @nerdynswifty

okay so i read the books like… 5 years ago i think and i remember loving dorjorie but i didn’t even notice leonidas and nora HOW

     | Milena @mrsleonidassoares

     @nerdynswifty it’s bc you didn’t have colin and penelope looking like they wanna jump each other every 5 seconds back then

         | Regie @nerdynswifty

         @mrsleonidassoares i seriously feel like i need to re-read the books?

             | Milena @mrsleonidassoares

             @nerdynswifty no don’t

𝔠𝔞𝔯𝔩𝔬𝔰 @carlosbton

*SNHDE spoilers*

if i stop time just now i can pretend leonidas and nora ran away together after they met marjorie and everything is fine

     | lana • the sword and the heart spoilers !!! @heartsofnoras

     @redfeatherington this movie reopened such an old wound like WHY CHARLOTTE WHY

Ge 🐾 @geovanalady

I need someone to tell me what happens at the end of the book right now bc what do you mean leonidas and nora aren’t endgame

     | ⋆.˚🦋༘⋆ Fa @loratheexplorer

     @geovanalady LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL

         | 🌸Hilly🌸 @hilllaryss

         @geovanalady you must be new here

             | Ge 🐾 @geovanalady

             @hilllaryss I AM BUT WILL ANYONE JUST TELL ME

                 | 🌸Hilly🌸 @hilllaryss

                 @geovanalady they don’t even get together

                     | Ge 🐾 @geovanalady

                     @hilllaryss are you kidding me he just stays with catherine the whole time?

                         | 🌸Hilly🌸 @hilllaryss

                         @geovanalady not exactly

                             | Ge 🐾 @geovanalady

                             @hilllaryss WHAT DO YOU MEAN NOT EXACTLY

Van ▶• ılıılıılılılııılıılı. @mus1c_l0rD

someone just told me leonidas and nora end the story going on separate ways and i’m about to commit murder

     | Amanda Mitchell @sabsamanda

     @mus1c_l0rD why would you spoil me like that now i wanna kms

         | Van ▶• ılıılıılılılııılıılı. @mus1c_l0rD

         @sabsamanda because i refuse to suffer alone

             | ⭐Sally⭐@depressedhuffll3puff

             @mus1c_l0rD@sabsamanda WHAT. what do you mean i thought they ended up together?

                 | Van ▶• ılıılıılılılııılıılı. @mus1c_l0rD

                 @sabsamanda@depressedhuffll3puff nope they’re / platonic friends

                     | ⭐Sally⭐@depressedhuffll3puff

                     @mus1c_l0rD@sabsamanda WHAT WAS ALL THIS PROMO WITH THE TWO ACTORS THEN?1!?

                         | Van ▶• ılıılıılılılııılıılı. @mus1c_l0rD

                         @sabsamanda@depressedhuffll3puff someone said it’s all pr bc ppl didn’t like catherine to begin with

                             | Amanda Mitchell @sabsamanda

                             @mus1c_l0rD@depressedhuffll3puff who even cares about catherine she’s annoying

                                 | Van ▶• ılıılıılılılııılıılı. @mus1c_l0rD

                                 @sabsamanda@depressedhuffll3puff lmao i know

                                     | ⭐Sally⭐@depressedhuffll3puff

                                     @mus1c_l0rD@sabsamanda WHY ARE WRITERS SO STUPID I DON’T GET IT

                                         | Van ▶• ılıılıılılılııılıılı. @mus1c_l0rD

                                         @sabsamanda@depressedhuffll3puff i heard someone say the actors are close friends irl

                                             | ⭐Sally⭐@depressedhuffll3puff

                                             @mus1c_l0rD@sabsamanda leonidas and catherine?!? they have zero chemistry

                                                     | Van ▶• ılıılıılılılııılıılı. @mus1c_l0rD

                                                     @sabsamanda@depressedhuffll3puff no leonidas and nora

                                                         | ⭐Sally⭐@depressedhuffll3puff

                                                         @mus1c_l0rD@sabsamanda Oh that makes more sense

                                                             | Amanda Mitchell @sabsamanda

                                                             @mus1c_l0rD@depressedhuffll3puff how didn’t you two know they were trending for days last week he posted a video on ig defending her it was everywhere

                                                                 | ⭐Sally⭐@depressedhuffll3puff

                                                                 @mus1c_l0rD@sabsamanda WAIT THAT WAS THEM?

                                                                     | Amanda Mitchell @sabsamanda

                                                                     @mus1c_l0rD@depressedhuffll3puff YES

                                                                          | ⭐Sally⭐@depressedhuffll3puff

                                                                          @mus1c_l0rD@sabsamanda NO WAY

For a day that had started out confusing and nerve-wracking, Penelope ended up having a surprisingly enjoyable time.

She couldn’t deny that Anthony and Agatha had done an exceptional job with the movie, and being a part of it made her heart swell with joy. No matter what the future held, Penelope would always cherish her involvement in that masterpiece.

With that in mind, she carefully ascended the stairs, holding her heels in one hand and the hem of her dress in the other, determined not to ruin it. As she reached her floor and happily made her way towards her flat, she couldn’t help but feel a bit giddy, perhaps due to one too many glasses of champagne.

However, her excitement quickly faded when she saw someone standing right in front of her home.

“Eloise?”

The brunette girl, now a woman, leaned against Penelope’s door, her hair slightly shorter than before, tied in a loose ponytail with a few strands falling over her face. With a thoughtful frown, she looked down at her military boots, their strong lines echoing the sharp cut of her charcoal culottes and grey chequered blazer—a style that only Eloise could effortlessly pull off. Penelope’s presence made her raise her head, a moment of surprise widening her eyes before she composed herself with a calm expression.

“Hi," she greeted, waving her hand as if she hadn’t accused Penelope of unimaginable things or disappeared from her life for five years, only to reappear on the most important night of Penelope’s life and Eloise’s own brothers.

With a churning stomach and blood boiling, Penelope ignored the greeting, her hands shaking as she frantically searched her purse for her keys.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, heading towards her door and assuming Eloise would move out of her way.

Fortunately, Penelope’s former best friend graciously stepped aside to let the actress open her door. Eloise gazed at the side of her face and explained, “Um, I...I needed to come back to London for Daphne’s wedding.” Penelope was so furious that she hardly processed the news, which she had no knowledge of until that moment. “And I wanted to see you.”

Penelope scoffed and forcefully swung her door open. She carelessly tossed her keys onto the kitchen counter and dropped her purse on the floor before turning to Eloise with her hands on her hips.

“Well, you’ve seen me. Now, have a nice life,” she said.

Eloise then did something unprecedented—she flinched.

“Look, Pen, I’m sorry I know I overreacted—”

Penelope placed a hand over her forehead, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. “Well, your apologies must have got lost in the mail,” the redhead said, dropping her arms to her sides as she stared at Eloise. “Because I haven’t heard from you for five years. Five years,” she repeated, her voice growing stronger as her anger intensified. “And right now I’m drunk, I’m exhausted. So forgive me if I’m going to take a page from your book and decide not to listen to you right now,” she declared before closing the door.

Inhaling deeply, she stormed off to the shower, fuming over the Bridgertons’ habit of hashing things out on her doorstep.

On the other side of the door, squeezed her eyes shut, a grimace twisting her features in displeasure. She knew it was a long shot. So, with a deep breath, she headed downstairs and hailed a cab, ready to tackle the other half of her problems.

As expected, entering Colin’s building was about a thousand times more difficult than Penelope’s, forcing Eloise to call him—a prospect she wasn’t keen on following their last disastrous phone call.

“Even Penelope forgave me by now so if you have any complaints I don’t wanna hear it,” he greeted.

She closed her eyes and sighed. “That’s not why I’m calling, idiot. I’m right outside,” she said, standing in front of his building’s entrance, looking up at the top floor as if Colin could see her, all while trying to ignore the judgmental doorman.

“Outside,” he said, as if it were a foreign word. “Outside of where?”

Exasperated, Eloise huffed, her breath forming a fog in the frigid air. “What do you think?” she asked, her tone laced with irritation.

“I can’t form an opinion because I haven’t seen you in years,” he said, his tone as offended as it had been the last time they spoke.

She mimicked shock, a hand flying to her chest, and breathed, “You’ve seen me,” as if he stood before her.

“I mean, seen you in person, not just through a mobile screen,” he retorted impatiently.

She looked up again; he hadn’t come to the window to see if she was there, or so it seemed. That building of his was surprisingly tall. “Well, you’re about to see me a lot because I need a place to crash.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” he replied, just as the entrance door to the building swung open.

Out stepped a slender, well-dressed man who seemed slightly anxious.

“Um... Miss Eloise?” the man hesitantly inquired

She furrowed her eyebrows at him, then glanced at her phone and back at the top of the building. If Colin had arranged for someone to kick her out onto the street, she would kill him.

“Yes?” she responded cautiously.

“Mr Bridgerton asked me to escort you inside,” the man informed her. Her eyebrows furrowed even further. Mr Bridgerton? Colin definitely developed an inflated ego while she was away.

Reluctantly, she followed the peculiar and apprehensive man inside. They made their way towards the elevator, which Eloise knew from experience was always a dreadful ordeal. She detested silence, especially the awkward kind.

“So, you work for Colin,” she stated, glancing at the elevator display indicating they were on the 3rd floor.

14 more floors to go, joy.

The man glanced at her from the corner of his eye, standing rigidly with his hands folded. “Yes,” he replied. “I’m his assistant.”

“Oh.” Eloise feigned interest in the subject. “Of course, of course,” she responded with a forced smile, before checking the elevator screen again. 5th floor. “And your name is?”

The man glanced at her once more, cleared his throat, and said, “John.”

Eloise made an exaggerated face. “Great name,” she remarked, cringing at her own awkwardness. The elevator seemed to be moving at a snail’s pace. Wasn’t this building supposed to be nice? She thought Colin was loaded.

The corner of John’s lips twitched upwards in response to her absurdity, but the silence remained unbroken until the elevator reached the 17th floor, leaving Eloise unsure whether to feel relief or terror.

And because Colin was, in fact, loaded, Eloise realised as soon as she stepped out of the lift that his flat was the only one on the floor. It was a quick discovery, as when the doors opened, she was confronted with her brother standing by the door of his home, arms crossed, staring at her with all the annoyance and judgement in the world.

“This better be important,” he declared, turning around and entering his flat.

Eloise huffed in indignation and followed her brother, paying no further attention to John, who tried to hide his amusement at the dynamics between the two siblings.

“I just need a place to stay, that’s all,” she stated.

Colin rummaged through his cabinets, his hair tousled, while Eloise observed him. She couldn’t help but notice that he was also dressed in a suit, which was noticeably more expensive and lighter in color compared to his assistant’s. The memory of Penelope’s dazzling and costly gown briefly crossed her mind, making her silently realise that she had chosen an unfortunate evening to make her reappearance.

“Why are you even in London?” he asked, picking up a beer glass and placing it on the counter. Glancing at his tired assistant standing quietly by the door, he simply said, “Go home, John. We had a long day.”

John looked hesitantly from one Bridgerton to the other, and after Colin’s nod of confirmation, he went to rest, the weight of the day lifting from his shoulders.

“I’m here for Daphne’s wedding, obviously,” Eloise replied, as if it were perfectly clear, while Colin opened the refrigerator.

He closed the door with a soft click, poured a glass of beer until it overflowed slightly, leaned on the counter, and said, “Daphne’s wedding is in six months, Eloise.”

“So?” she replied, her voice a sharp, high-pitched tone that betrayed her defensiveness. “Six months is a really short time to plan a wedding. She needs all the help she can get.”

Colin fixed her with a piercing gaze, one eyebrow arched skeptically, and he let out a slow, incredulous, “You?” To which Eloise nodded and he grabbed his beer, as he continued, “You, Eloise Bridgerton, are going to help our sister Daphne—who you described as superficially and insufferably perfectionist—with her wedding.”

Eloise opened her mouth, closed it, raised both eyebrows, crossed her arms over her chest, and said, “... Yes.” 

Colin shook his head, chuckling, as he took another long sip of his beer. Eloise motioned towards his glass and asked, “Can I have some?”

He replied, “Absolutely not,” while taking another sip.

Eloise threw her hands in the air, acting like the typical younger sibling that she was. “I’ve had a really hard day, you know. Do you have any idea how long it takes to travel from Berlin to here by train? Thirteen hours,” she dramatically emphasised. Colin simply straightened his back, crossed his arms, and listened to her complaining. “And you know what the first thing I did when I got here was? I tried to talk to Pen. Wanna know how that went?” she asked rhetorically, pointing at herself. “She slammed the door in my face.”

At that, Colin started laughing, placing a hand over his face and shaking his shoulders with laughter.

“THIS IS NOT FUNNY!” Eloise shrieked, yet all it did was fuel his amusement. At that point, he found it difficult to decide what was more entertaining—that he understood Eloise’s frustration all too well, or that he had forgotten just how ridiculous Eloise’s behaviour could be.

“I thought you knew how it was when Pen got really angry,” Colin remarked, wiping his eyes and casually gesturing towards his sister.

He had never seen Penelope so furious until the day she declared their friendship over, but he assumed Eloise had witnessed that side of her more than he had. However, it seemed Eloise hadn’t, because as soon as he mentioned it, she seemed to deflate a bit.

“No, I mean,” Eloise began, her voice sounding dejected. “Honestly, Pen and I didn’t fight that much.”

Colin observed her sudden change in demeanour and responded, “Until you did.”

Eloise pointed at him, as if silently agreeing.

Finishing his beer, Colin continued with what seemed like a casual question, “Why did you two even fight, by the way?”

He knew it had something to do with Penelope’s decision to pursue acting, as that was the only information his friend had shared with him. However, it seemed unlikely that such a long friendship would end and cause Eloise to disappear for years over just that.

Eloise glanced at him, memories flooding back from that fateful day five years ago, remembering all the things she had said to Penelope. “It doesn’t matter,” she replied. “Not anymore, at least.”

“Right,” Colin replied, not convinced by her response. He placed his glass gently in the sink, stretched his arms over his head, and announced, “Well, I need some sleep. You can use my spare room and bathroom, but don’t you dare wake me up,” before heading to his own room.

Eloise nodded as she watched her brother retreat to his room, taking a deep breath once he closed the door. It seemed he wasn’t quite ready for her to reveal the reason for her return, at least not yet.

“Okay, so how does it feel to play my brother when your own brother is telling you to play my brother?”

Colin shook his head, chuckling at Thomas’ ridiculousness. He crossed his legs and pointed at the card in the actor’s hands. “Is that really in there?” he asked.

Thomas furrowed his eyebrows dramatically, glancing at his card before looking back at Colin. “Yes. Not with that eloquence, of course.”

Colin chuckled, crossing his arms as he pondered the answer. “It feels oddly natural,” he replied, gazing slightly at the ceiling as if deep in thought. “I mean, it definitely feels better than being Anthony’s brother.”

“Good to know I’m superior to Anthony in every way,” Thomas quipped, impressed by Colin’s jab, while the other man simply smiled.

To Thomas’ left, Kate glanced down at her own card to determine who she should direct her question to next. “Cressida,” she said, and the blonde actress perked up, always eager to be in front of the cameras. “I heard the costume department had to create around three hundred white dresses for Catherine,” Kate paused, realising she should be making an exaggerated face for this segment, but could only manage a raised eyebrow. “How difficult was it not to ruin all of them in the mud?”

What kind of question is that, she wondered, turning to Cressida with utmost seriousness.

“Not difficult at all,” the blonde answered with a breezy smile. “You know how it is, us actresses must be prepared for anything,” she replied with a light, polished tone that left Kate silently nodding in response.

Cressida then turned her attention to Colin, wearing a provocative smile on her lips. “Colin, this is actually your fourth role as a heartthrob. Do you feel that it’s similar to your previous roles, or do you think this movie is different?” She gazed at him flirtatiously, attempting to make a playful joke as she winked at the camera, “Hopefully your scene partner helped.”

Colin, on the other hand, made an effort to maintain a composed expression and answer. “I guess it’s really different. It feels like Leonidas is more than just a pretty face, I hope,” he said with a playful look at the camera. ”The story talks so much about loyalty, duty, and finding strength you didn’t know you had. I feel really honoured to be able to play him and bring his character to life, and of course, with all my wonderful scene partners by my side,” he gestured politely to everyone around him, making sure it was clear he wasn’t only referring to Cressida.

His colleagues smiled at him, and Colin glanced at his card before turning to his interviewee. “Pen,” he said, catching her attention. “How many times a day...” he trailed off, and she nodded as if fully engaged. “Did you wish you could hit me on set?”

Her head snapped to him, staring at him with indignation at the question.

He held up his card, pointing at it and saying, “I swear, that’s what it says.”

She tilted her head slightly, considering it did indeed make sense considering their characters. So she just wrinkled her forehead in thought as Colin waited for her answer with an amused smile.

“I mean, zero because we get along so well,” she honestly responded, gesturing between the two of them.

Colin raised an eyebrow before nodding. “It’s true, we do,” he declared before looking back at his card. Just when Penelope thought the topic was over, he continued, “And did you, or did you not, throw your yellow hat in my face the day we met?”

Penelope’s jaw dropped in indignation, and Colin looked at her, trying not to burst into laughter. It wasn’t until they had worked together on the movie that he realized how much fun it was to tease her, and sometimes he couldn’t resist.

“That’s not on there," she accused, pointing at his card.

A few laughs escaped his lips as he said, “I swear it is,” gripping the card tightly in his lap.

The redhead narrowed her eyes at him. “Colin Bridgerton, don’t you dare lie to me.”

“I swear it is!” he repeated, his face turning red as he laughed even harder.

Fed up, Penelope scooted her seat closer to his, leaning in as she tried to grab the card from his hands, prompting more laughter from Colin. He extended his arm just out of her reach, ensuring that she couldn’t catch a glimpse of his list of questions.

“Let me see, Colin,” she exclaimed, making another futile attempt to retrieve the card from his hands. His arm was significantly longer than hers, much to her annoyance.

Ignoring his amusement, she shot him a glare and reiterated, “Let me see,” before making another grab for the card.

“Pen, I should remind you that you publicly declared on live television that you never want to hit me,” he pointed out.

“Colin,” she retorted, still glaring at him, “This isn’t live television,” she clarified, making yet another attempt to snatch the card from his hand. He continued to laugh, skilfully transferring the card from one hand to the other, making it impossible for her to grab hold of it.

Jamila @bl4ck_r0se

I know I asked this before but why is Pen the most adorable person to ever grace this earth?

     | nai saw the eras x5 @swifitamondo

     @bl4ck_r0se okay colin bridgerton log out of your fake acc

⋆˚✿˖° it’s always rainy in delulutown⋆˚✿˖° @loranator

I swear every new interview they release it’s a stab to the chest

         | ⋆｡ ﾟ☁︎｡ ⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡ ⋆ Dan @leo_norax

         @loranator how come we are losing IN AND OFF SCREEN THIS ISN’T FAIR I WANNA SHAKE THEM

Mary @maryannlynn

so what your saying is that these two aren’t doing pr bc they’re just naturally like this bc their characters don’t even get together in the first place and they aren’t together irl OR in the story

     | Olly @bridgertonscol3

     @maryannlynn we don’t even know what to tell you

         Mary @maryannlynn

         @bridgertonscol3 na bro i ain’t watching the next movies i can’t go through this pain

5 Changes the ‘Sword and the Heart: East Dynasty’ Movie Made to the Book

Attention, noble fans! After an extensive and somewhat tumultuous wait, the highly anticipated movie adaptation of the beloved book “Sword and the Heart: East Dynasty” has finally arrived. And while it received significant acclaim for its impressive fidelity to the original source, there were also a few noteworthy changes that caught our attention.

This article can only touch on a few of the many significant changes. And believe it or not, most turned out to be positive developments. However, below are the 5 most noteworthy changes.

Beware, minor spoilers ahead.

1. Timeline

It’s an obvious point, but an important one nonetheless, given that the books cover several more decades than the film. The novel’s deliberate pacing, perfect for a reader, would translate to tedious slowdowns in a movie trilogy, which instead prioritised fast-paced action over drawn-out scenes. Whether this fast pace will cause issues later remains to be seen.

2. Catherine’s innocence

This might be a controversial one.

Opinions about Cressida Cowper’s character are diverse across the internet, but it’s clear that the films have adopted a more audacious interpretation of her role, whether intentionally or not. In the original source material, she is portrayed as an innocent and fragile maiden. However, the on-screen adaptation presents a character who is notably more cunning and sharp. Whether this is an intentional artistic choice or a hint at that plot twist is anybody’s guess.

3.Leonidas’ role

Colin Bridgerton, playing opposite Cowper, is a perfect portrayal of Leonidas. However, a closer look at the added dialogue and cut scenes reveals Leonida’s character became significantly more prominent from the start, unlike his book counterpart, whose spotlight came later in the narrative. The superiority of this choice for the narrative is already clear, as the forthcoming events seem to unfold in a more natural manner.

4.Marjorie and Dorieus’ relationship

Fans of the “Darjorie” ship rejoiced as the adaptation gave their favorite couple a much-needed storyline boost, enhancing their relationship with added scenes and depth. Charlotte zu Mecklenburg-Strelitz, author and now screenwriter, explained that she always felt their story needed more in the background after completing the trilogy, though the duo only officially reunite in the second book. Now in partnership with director Anthony Bridgerton, the duo was able to add small but important flashbacks into their story, the scenes adding both narrative clarity and showcasing Kate Sharma’s and Thomas Dorset’s palpable chemistry (I mean, who would want to wait over a year for that!)

5.The Nora of it all

It is impossible not to comment on the most talked-about topic since the release of the movie: Penelope Featherington’s exceptional portrayal of Nora Cloke. Previously an overlooked and somewhat bratty character, Nora came to life through the brilliant acting of Featherington and the sensible direction of Bridgerton. The result was a courageous, strong-willed, and sharp woman who quickly became a favorite among fans. Colin Bridgerton, we yield, no one will go to your Instagram account and yell at you.

6.(Bonus)

Personally, we would have been thrilled to include an unforeseen romantic subplot between Leonidas and Nora, a development many fans have passionately requested since the film’s release (and possibly even earlier); however, that possibility remains a dream for the future.

Charlotte, the ball is on your court.

When Kate joked that everything would change, Penelope knew in the back of her mind that she was right. She just didn’t realise she would be right so quickly.

It all began with numerous calls flooding her phone. Countless and countless phonecalls, ranging from crazy people who somehow got her number to business proposals. Ideally, she’d sort through her calls, prioritising the important ones, but at some point, she just wanted her phone to stop ringing.

Then came the day she decided to get a kebab.

It was a lazy day, and she wanted to try out a small restaurant downtown that everyone was raving about on Instagram. Like she had done countless times before that year, she left her flat without much thought. And up to the moment she ordered the kebab, the only unusual thing was the attendant’s unsettlingly familiar gaze, as if he knew exactly who she was.

Then, a little girl with pigtails bounced up, her face beaming, and sweetly asked for a selfie, which warmed her heart. But then an old lady approached, her eyes twinkling, asking for a picture and autograph; it was sweet, but then a third woman joined, followed by a couple, then a teenage boy, until Penelope looked up and saw a line forming outside the restaurant.

Initially, the sight confused her. She briefly wondered if the restaurant was much more popular than she realised, given the long line just to order food. However, she overheard a guy calling his friend, excitedly sharing that he had seen Penelope Featherington downtown. The requests for pictures kept pouring in, and Penelope’s hands started shaking.

Looking at the crowd, her first thought was how she would get home. Or when. By the time her order was ready, she couldn’t even bring herself to eat it because people wouldn’t stop asking for a moment with her.

“Um,” she cleared her throat, “Guys, it was really great to see all of you,” she said, slightly out of breath, as she scanned the room filled with people hanging on her every word. “But I really need to head home, so...”

Some in the crowd groaned sadly, and she really thought she could make her way out until another woman approached her for an autograph, followed by a middle-aged man asking for a selfie. And then the line continued despite her protests, and she realised that as much as she appreciated their enthusiasm, she was hungry and simply wanted to leave. But the door was blocked by a throng of people pushing their way inside; a wave of bodies pressing against her, and she realised she was trapped, her breath hitching in her throat as hyperventilation set in.

“Oi, everyone, give us some space!” an older woman suddenly appeared from behind the counter, alongside her husband, who Penelope assumed were the restaurant owners. With a bit of determination, she navigated her way through the crowd towards the exit. “We’re closed!” the woman said, a bit exasperated. “Everyone out!”

The people groaned again, showing no signs of moving until she added, “Be off now or we’ll have to ring the police.”

Finally, it seemed that her message got through, and slowly, the restaurant began to empty. Feeling terrible for causing such a commotion in their establishment, Penelope also made her way towards the exit, gazing out at the crowded street through the glass doors and wondering if it would be easier to escape from there.

“Not you,” the woman suddenly stopped her, closing the restaurant door and observing the people outside. “I wouldn’t head out there just yet.”

Penelope blinked, taken aback by the woman’s warning. Her concerns extended beyond merely the state of her restaurant after all.

“Come,” she said, giving Penelope’s arm a light nudge as she led her to the back of the restaurant. “Best not to hang about by the door, innit?”

The actress nodded slowly, glancing over her shoulder at the streets again and noticing a few individuals with large cameras had joined the crowd, their flashes going off as they snapped pictures of her from afar. The whole situation was absurd; Penelope had never expected to be pursued by paparazzi. Ironically, what should have been a symbol of her success only made Penelope want to cry.

“That’s actually our only exit,” the owner informed her once they reached the kitchen. “Perhaps it would be best to hold off for a few minutes before you ring up for your car.”

Her car. The words echoed in Penelope’s mind as she surveyed the worn tiles, the greasy counter, and the two owners and their employees, all looking at her expectantly.

“I don’t…” she trailed off, her throat tightening as she struggled to admit she didn’t have a car. Not one that’s privately owned, and certainly not one that came with a driver. Until that point, her only precaution had been opting for cabs over the tube, and that was about it.

Sure, the money from the movie was slowly finding its way into her bank account, but she was saving it. She didn’t want to spend it on something as superfluous as a car.

But now, as she looked into their anxious eyes, she realised maybe it wasn’t unnecessary after all. However, she was stuck where she was, and the realisation hit her that she had no idea how to escape.

Clearing her throat, she avoided their gaze and fought back tears. “Hang… hang on a second,” she croaked, her voice raspy and nervous, before hurrying to the hallway that led to the restroom.

At that moment, only one solution occurred to her, and she hated it. Why, oh why, did her mind always return to him, especially in moments of despair? However, as she stared at the glass doors, watching more pictures being taken—pictures that probably made her look like a scared, trapped animal—she realised she had no choice.

With trembling hands, she reached into her pocket and dialled the number that had quickly become her number one speed dial after a year and a half.

“Pen?” he answered on the second ring.

“Um,” she closed her eyes tightly. “Colin, are... are you busy at the moment?” Her voice sounded frail, and she hated it.

“No, not at all. What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice instantly alarmed. She knew he would sense that something was terribly wrong right away.

“Can I ask you something?” she said, her voice small as she glanced at the people outside.

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before he responded, “Yeah, of course, anything,” sounding a bit confused.

“What do you do when...” She grimaced, trying to find the right words for her doubt, “...you’re surrounded by too many fans and you don’t know how to get away?”

There was another pause, and Penelope despised the fact that she could tell it differed from the previous one. It was just silence, but somehow, even Colin’s silences spoke to her at times.

“It depends on the situation,” he said. “Pen, where are you?”

She closed her eyes tightly, knowing all along that he would figure out what was happening, but still dreading the outcome.

“I’m at that new kebab place I wanted to try and—” He let out a sharp breath on the other end of the line as she continued, “one thing led to another and I can’t leave because there are too many people outside.”

In a voice strained with false calm, he instructed, “Have your assistant order a cab, and use the back exit. It’s less than ideal, but—”

“Colin, I’ve told you before, I don’t have an assistant,” she said, a bit exasperated. “And there isn’t a back exit.”

His breathing became heavy and his tone started to rise, “How can there be no back exit—”

“It’s a tiny little restaurant!” she exclaimed, raising her shoulders as if he could see her in that argument.

“Pen, how come you haven’t got an assistant yet?” He asked the follow-up question, and Penelope felt an urge to hit him if she were there in person. Maybe he was right, and she had lied in that interview months ago.

“Because,” she took a deep breath. “I didn’t have the money and I don’t think it’s necessary, and honestly, I don’t see why it’s even relevant now that I’m stuck here without an assistant or a way out!” Her voice rose, her heart pounding against her chest in frustration and fear.

“Alright,” he said, his tone calmer and more determined. “I’ll ask John to arrange for my driver to pick you up,” he spoke slowly and evenly, and somehow that offered her a bit of comfort all on its own. “I can’t go there in person or I’ll only make things a thousand times worse. And, I don’t have bodyguards because I’m not that well off," he explained. “But I’ll ask John to go instead. Clearing the crowd isn’t his job, so I’ll ask him to do it as a personal favour. However, I have a feeling he’s up to the task if it’s for you," he added with a hint of exasperation, as if he were looking at John while speaking.

“Okay,” she breathed, the tension slowly ebbing away as Colin’s solution settled the fear and adrenaline coursing through her.

“I honestly don’t know why I’m here. I’m perfectly fine,” Penelope complained, glancing at the elevator display showing they were on the 15th floor.

“I’m sorry, Miss Penelope, but Colin insisted,” John apologised, though his expression didn’t convince her much.

“And you really didn’t have to do that,” she pointed at his left eye, which had a red rim that they both knew would turn purple later.

“It was just an accident,” he dismissed, as the elevator dinged, signalling their arrival.

As the doors opened, Colin was waiting for them outside his apartment, his face filled with relief upon seeing Penelope, but furrowing with concern when he noticed John.

“What happened?” he asked, pointing towards John’s injured eye.

John shook his head, indicating that it was nothing, while Penelope explained, “He got elbowed in the eye when someone was trying to grab me.”

“What?!” Colin’s voice boomed so loudly that they were certain everyone on the first floor could hear him. He quickly rushed back into the apartment, and they followed suit, with Penelope closing the door behind them before John could.

The actor had already opened the freezer as he continued speaking, “What do you mean someone grabbed you?” There was pure rage on his face as he closed the door and approached John with a gel ice pack in hand.

“It’s not as bad as it sounds,” she reassured, aware that Colin was assuming the worst. “We were trying to reach the car and someone just grabbed my arm and—”

“Not as bad as it sounds?” Colin interrupted, raising an eyebrow as he placed the ice pack on John’s eye. “Hold still,” he instructed his assistant, who calmly nodded and followed his command.

“It’s just that it caused a bit of a mess and John tried to help, but someone accidentally elbowed him in the eye,” she pointed to John, who nodded in confirmation.

Colin looked at them both as if they were crazy, then he placed a hand on his face, looked down, and muttered to himself, “Maybe I do need a bodyguard.”

Penelope sighed in frustration. “It wasn’t that bad,” she repeated. “It’s just that there were too many people, so it was hard to walk towards the car.”

“John, are you really alright?” Colin raised his head to gaze at his assistant, and as he nodded, Colin continued, “Take the day off, and maybe even tomorrow. Or perhaps the entire week.”

“No, there’s no need,” John replied, lowering the ice pack to reveal his eye. “I’m perfectly fine. It was just an accident.”

Colin sighed, “At least take today off then,” he suggested, knowing how much of a workaholic his assistant was.

“Alright,” John agreed.

Colin then turned to Penelope, observing her from a distance as if assessing her well-being. “Let me see that arm,” he declared, approaching her as if he were a doctor rather than an actor who actually despised medical shows.

His absurdity caused her to chuckle, despite the overwhelming day she had. “Colin, I’m fine,” she replied, showing her arms to emphasise her point. “Physically, at least,” she added.

His blue eyes slowly scanned her face, absorbing every word she had spoken and taking in the events of the day. His closeness and undivided attention made her heart skip a beat, as it always did. After a moment, he placed his hands on his hips and prepared to speak, but before he could utter a word, the door to his flat swung open abruptly.

“Someone tell me why the prices in this city are just so ridic—”

Eloise, arms laden with paper bags, paused mid-sentence as she entered. Her gaze shifted from John, who held an ice pack to his eye, to Penelope, who stood casually in Colin’s kitchen.

Penelope’s eyes went wide in disbelief, as though she’d spotted a ghost not once, but twice in the same season. Eloise’s presence should not have been shocking, as Penelope had discovered her return to England when she found her former friend on her doorstep. What was confusing, however, was her presence in Colin’s flat. It wasn’t as if she just waltzed casually into Colin’s house at will back when he first started living alone. But, they were siblings after all. It was odd; she hadn’t realised how much she’d mentally separated Colin’s image from Eloise’s until that moment, when the sight of Eloise in his home jolted her.

Meanwhile, Colin froze, realising what a mess he had made: not only should he have considered that Eloise and Penelope might cross paths at his flat, but he had not even told Penelope that Eloise was staying there.

“Right,” Penelope said, finally tearing her gaze away from Eloise. “I should head out now,” she declared, unwilling to remain in Eloise’s presence after such a stressful day.

Eloise opened and closed her mouth, unsure of what to say.

“Wait,” Colin said, his voice low and steady, placing a hand on Penelope’s arm. “We need to talk first,” he stated, his serious intent evident in his eyes. He gently took Penelope’s hand and guided her out to the hallway, leaving a bewildered Eloise as he shut his apartment door.

Eloise stood dumbfounded, staring at the closed door, astonished by the peculiar scene. Then, pointing a finger at the entrance, as if indicating the duo, she turned to John and asked, “Are they always like that?”

John lowered his ice pack and furrowed his brow in thought. “I’m not sure,” he replied.

Then it was John’s turn to face Eloise’s bewilderment; her voice, sharp with confusion, cut through the air, “Aren’t you with Colin constantly? How can you not be sure?”

He tilted his head, contemplating how much things had changed over the past year and a half, how unpredictable they still were.

“It varies,” he responded, as if Colin and Penelope’s relationship were a scientific theorem rather than a simple friendship.

Eloise narrowed her eyes at him and retorted, “You’re quite odd. Did you know that?”

“I’m sorry, Pen, I forgot to mention that she was staying with me,” he said as soon as he closed the door.

Penelope raised an eyebrow at the information, initially assuming Eloise was just visiting, not actually living in his flat. She blinked, as if trying to collect herself, before saying, “It’s alright, Colin, she’s your sister, it’s really not my place to say anything.”

He regarded her as if she were being ridiculous. “I really should have mentioned it, but I genuinely forgot. There’s just so much going on, it slipped my mind," he explained, leaning against the wall by the window, with sunlight streaming in between them. “I had no idea she was returning to London; she just turned up here on the night of the premiere.” He then recalled something Eloise had mentioned that day, and a rather cheeky smile crept onto his lips. “But I think you already knew about that.”

One glance at his amused face, and she understood his meaning. With a huff of exasperation, she leaned against the wall by the window, arms crossed, and declared, “She told you.”

He playfully narrowed his eyes and leaned in slightly. “Who knew getting a door slammed in their face by Penelope Featherington would become a shared Bridgerton experience? But if I may suggest the next victim, it should be Anthony.”

A laugh escaped her unexpectedly, and she stared at him in disbelief that he could joke about such a sensitive topic. That day was something they typically avoided discussing, having barely survived the awkwardness it created. Yet here was Colin, joking about it with an endearing look that made her breath catch.

“Please,” she said, slightly out of breath. “Anthony would never climb six flights of stairs for anyone.”

It was Colin’s turn to let out a surprised laugh, his eyes crinkling with joy, and he stared at her in surprise as she smiled back at him, the warmth of their connection filling the room. Both of them just spent a moment like that, staring at each other smile as the sunlight filtered through the scene, making their hair, their skin, their eyes, glow.

Penelope then cleared her throat, feeling a slight flutter in her chest, and looked away, reminding herself to stay grounded.

“So, what did you want to talk to me about?” she asked, staring down at her feet.

He subtly raised an eyebrow, seemingly remembering why they were there, then readjusted himself against the wall, clearing his throat.

“Right,” he said, “Pen, we need to discuss how you’re handling all of this.”

“All of this?” she asked, giving him a puzzled look.

He shifted his crossed arms and clarified, “Your fame.”

“My... fame?” She repeated, her eyebrows shooting up as if he’d just proposed a debate on the existence of mythical creatures.

“Yes,” he responded, his tone implying that it was obvious. “What happened today… it could very well happen again, and most likely will if you don’t make a few adjustments.”

She furrowed her brows, glancing down at her feet once more as she reluctantly acknowledged that he was right. Deep down, she knew it made sense, but it still felt surreal and absurd. She couldn’t help but wonder how long this would last—perhaps just for the trilogy or maybe only during the hype of the recently premiered first movie.

“For starters, you should hire an assistant,” Colin interrupted her train of thought.

At that, she shot her head up, giving Colin a look that could quite easily tell him where to shove that assistant idea.

He raised his hands as if instantly understanding her expression, but didn’t seem remorseful at all.

“Look, that’s not up for negotiation,” he insisted. “Pen, how are you managing your schedule, sifting through job offers, or even answering all your calls?”

Penelope winced. The truth was... she wasn’t. Her failsafe method so far had been to ignore her phone when she felt overwhelmed and claim that she needed to consult with her manager before making any decisions.

“I’m... managing,” she lied, but Colin looked at her skeptically.

“Pen, you’re going to need help, just like the rest of us,” he explained. “Didn’t you receive some payment from the movie already?”

She glared at him, feeling her cheeks flush with embarrassment. “Yes, but I just...”

“Then I swear to you, hiring an assistant is not a frivolous use of your money,” he said with genuine concern, causing her anger to dissipate.

“Fine,” she reluctantly agreed. And before Colin could speak again, she preemptively pointed at him, knowing exactly what he was about to suggest. “I’m not dismissing Mrs Varley and hiring another manager,” she asserted.

A sigh escaped his lips; defeat settled on his shoulders as he acknowledged some battles were unwinnable.

“Fine,” he conceded. “But as time goes on, you should consider getting a publicist,” he began, counting on his fingers, “maybe even an agent, a social media manager could help, although you’re not as bad as me on social media, and a–”

“Okay, stop,” she interrupted, waving her hands in front of him and taking a deep breath. “I’ll hire more people when the time comes, but for now, can we please take it slow?” she requested, and he looked at her overwhelmed expression before nodding. Then she stared at him for a moment before asking, “Do you really have that many people working for you?”

She knew that many celebrities had a team of people to manage their fame, but it was strange to consider Colin as one of those people. Especially since she had only ever seen him around John and Will. It was even stranger to think that she might need a team like that herself soon, considering she could barely afford her rent a few months ago. 

“Yeah, some,” he nodded. “Honestly, I mostly let Will handle it. I told him from the beginning that I’m too disorganised for this,” he replied, and Penelope chuckled.

They stood in silence for a moment until he straightened his back and looked at her again, as if reassessing her situation. “There’s one more thing you need right now, though.” She looked at him, and he raised his eyebrows as he said, “A car.”

“No,” Penelope huffed, stamping her foot in frustration, “Colin, I don’t even know how to drive! There’s a reason why I always quoted Clueless to Eloise. I’m truly a virgin who can’t—” She paused, noticing Colin’s entertained expression. Aware of what she was saying and to whom, she amended, “I can’t drive.”

“I’ll teach you,” he said, a mix of exasperation and amusement in his voice.

“Are you crazy?” she exclaimed, her eyes widening. “Because that would definitely make the news.”

“Well, I’m not going to teach you in the middle of London,” he replied, as if she was the one suggesting something crazy.

Penelope covered her face with her hands, trying to regain her composure. “I’ve already had lessons, and I’m terrible at driving. I hate it—”

“Okay,” Colin said softly, taking Penelope’s hands from her face. “Then get a car and hire a driver when you need one,” he explained, recalling what he had done earlier that day when she was in distress.

“But it’s expensive,” she whined. “And I don’t even have a parking spot in my building.”

“Good thing you mentioned that,” he said, a fond smile softening his face as he gently squeezed her hands, still holding them. “Because the next thing I was going to mention is that you need to find a nicer flat.”

Penelope gasped, quickly pulling her hands away from his.

“I’m sorry, Pen, but you need to,” he raised his hands in surrender. “Your neighborhood is overcrowded, and anyone can easily enter your building. Believe me, they will.”

She stared at him, her hand on her chest, torn between offense and realising he had a valid point.

“So, when you do find a better flat, make sure it has a parking spot,” he replied, as if it were the simplest thing in the world.

Penelope could only blink, her hands falling to her sides as she tried to take in everything Colin had just said. “Anything else?” she asked, annoyance creeping into her voice.

Colin furrowed his eyebrows slightly, his eyes quickly scanning her from head to toe, before he spoke, “And you really need to be mindful of your appearance when you go out,” he pointed towards her.

Her appearance? Now he had an opinion about her appearance too?

But instead of smacking him, even though he was giving her plenty of reasons to do so, she took a deep breath and calmly asked, “What do you mean?”

“You’re easily recognisable, Pen,” he said. “Anyone who sees a short redhead with a cute outfit on the street will know it’s you.”

She blinked, convinced she was hallucinating at that point. “A cute outfit?” she blurted out in shock. She didn’t even know the word cute was in Colin’s vocabulary.

Colin raised an eyebrow and assessed her appearance again. “Yes.”

The actress looked down at her outfit as if trying to remember it correctly. It was just an old, yellow turtleneck knit dress with a matching belt, the faded yellow a muted contrast to the soft, beige fuzziness of the sweater draped over it. “This dress is ancient,” she said, looking at him as if it excused everything.

“So?” he said, as if she was not making any sense. “It’s cute.”

For a moment, Penelope could only stare at him, questioning her sanity, or perhaps his. But Colin seemed so nonchalant about it that maybe she was overreacting, so it was best to just move on.

“Did you just call me short?” she accused, pointing at him.

He simply looked at her as if she was insane for questioning the obvious.

With a frustrated huff, she flung her hands up in the air and exclaimed, “So what do you suggest, then? Should I wear platform shoes everywhere? Maybe a burlap sack as a dress, topped off with platforms?”

Colin bit his lip, desperately trying to hold back his laughter. He closed his eyes for a moment, then finally spoke up, “No, I mean you could wear shades, a hat, and a coat,” he glanced at her hair, then continued, “Perhaps even a wig.”

“A wig,” she said, the single word inexplicably sapping her of all strength to cope with the day. “Alright, I’m going home,” she declared, swiftly turning around to the sound of Colin’s chuckles.

“Pen, I know I’m laughing, but I’m being serious,” he insisted.

“I know!” she exclaimed, walking towards the lift and pressing the call button. “Which is why I’m leaving.”

The lift doors opened just as he reached her. She was about to triumphantly wave him goodbye, but he quickly placed one arm on the door to prevent it from closing and rested the other on his hip, smirking at her.

“How are you planning to leave if you don’t know how to drive?” He asked.

She stared at him, but before she could utter a stream of expletives, he merely shook his head and said, “Let me take you home,” before stepping into the elevator with her.

“Hello, I’m Thomas Dorset and I play Dorieus.”

“Hi, I’m Kathani Sharma and I play Marjorie.”

“Hey, I’m Penelope Featherington and I play Nora.”

“Colin Bridgerton and I play Leonidas.”

“And I’m Cressida Cowper and I play Catherine.”

“We, the cast of The Sword and The Heart: East Dynasty, are here on Buzzfeed to play with puppies.”

“That was quite a mouthful,” he remarked, glancing at their fellow castmates as they settled on the floor.

“I feel like they should just invent an official abbreviation already so we don’t have to keep repeating ourselves,” Colin replied, leaning back and carefully avoiding contact with the vibrant pink wall behind him.

“With all these puppies heading our way,” Kate said, pointing off-camera, “are you really discussing title abbreviations?”

“My technique,” Thomas said seriously, looking at Kate, “is to pretend I don’t care about them, so they come closer to me faster.”

Kate shook her head, finding his antics amusing, while Penelope couldn’t contain her excitement as the puppies approached. Three energetic fur balls leaped into her lap, showering her with excited barks and jumps. She pouted, tears welling up at their irresistible charm. Kate playfully grabbed a black and white border collie that was chewing on her shoe, tickling its belly as it barked and tried to play with her fingers. Meanwhile, Thomas leaned forward to pet two labradors playfully fighting in front of him. Cressida had a fluffy white samoyed that was jumping on her arms.

“What was your favorite scene to shoot on set?”

“Um, my favourite scene?” Thomas asked, scrunching up his face in thought as he tried to separate the fighting puppies. “I think it was the one where I had to take off my shirt.”

Kate chuckled, making a sign of “no” to the dog in her hands as it tried to bite her finger again. “Why did I know you were going to say that?”

“What?” Thomas asked, finally snatching one of the puppies and putting it on his lap, “I had to work out for months just for that scene, not to mention, it was hot that day so when I finally took it off,” he pointed towards his own chest with his free hand, “it was breezy and cool, it was perfect.”

“Well, my favourite scene was the sword fight,” Kate said with a satisfied smile as she looked at the camera.

“Oh, you looked badass,” Penelope remarked, now juggling a fourth cream-colored puppy that was scrambling up her leg.

“I hope so,” Kate replied, gently placing the border collie back on the ground and scratching behind its ears, “We look ridiculous if we don’t get those fight scenes right.”

“No, you looked great,” Cressida commented, her words causing the other three to glance at her, suppressing their shock at her unexpected compliment to Kate. She rocked the puppy in her arms as if it were a baby, which looked slightly hilarious as she continued, “You’re definitely more talented at looking violent than me. My most exciting scene was when Catherine fell two steps and Leonidas caught her.”

Kate furrowed her eyebrows, not understanding if that was a backhanded compliment, or if she was truly just being conversational. She then turned to Penelope since deviating the subject seemed like the better idea. “How about you, Pen?” she asked.

“Um,” Penelope furrowed her brow, struggling to balance two puppies in each arm - two Pomeranians and two Aussiepoms. She chuckled, trying to think of an answer. “It’s honestly so hard to concentrate right now,” she said, the puppy in front of Thomas suddenly running towards her.

Kate and Thomas laughed, observing Penelope being showered with affection by a crowd of dogs. “They really love you,” Kate commented.

“I never thought I’d say this,” Penelope said, as the fifth dog tried to crawl on her stomach, “but I wish they loved me a bit less. I think it’s better if we go to Colin now for the answer,” she said, glancing at him.

Then, she noticed an odd, puppy-like sadness in Colin’s eyes as he wistfully scanned the room.

“Wait, where’s your puppy?” she inquired, noticing he was empty-handed.

“Nowhere, they hate me,” Colin, a thirty-four-year-old man, almost whined, reaching out for the dog in front of him, who quickly darted away.

Penelope couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was about that scene, or if being surrounded by so many adorable animals had triggered something in her, but she found him both ridiculously cute and terribly sad at the same time. It made her tear up just as much as when the cute puppies ran towards her.

“Aw, nooo,” she said, pouting, her bottom lip quivering. She extended her left arm, along with the puppies nestled in it, towards him. “Take one,” she offered, but as her arm drew closer to him, the two dogs broke free from her grasp and headed towards her right side.

“See?” Colin said, and Penelope could have sworn she saw him pout too, causing her heart to tighten.

“This is absurd,” she declared, taking one of the puppies that was on her right arm between her hands - a small, fluffy, black aussiepom.

“Listen here,” she said in a tiny voice, pointing her index finger at it as if human and dog language were interchangeable. “Uncle Colin is really nice, you’ll be lucky to be held by him. Don’t run away,” she commanded, then turned to Colin, handing the dog to him.

Colin grabbed it hesitantly, as if the aussiepom was about to bite him at any minute. But when he placed it back on the ground, it came running back to him, jumping excitedly on his lap.

While Kate and Penelope were awing and Cressida simply eyed the scene from afar, Thomas asked, “What is this? Is she the dog whisperer?”

As Colin and the black puppy played, a chaotic flurry of excited barks erupted and Penelope’s dogs joined the fun, a writhing mass of fur and playful nips surrounding Colin’s legs, causing him to stumble back in surprise.

“Okay, what do I do now?” he asked while Penelope chuckled by his side.

Just as Kate was about to speak, the two dogs in front of her and Thomas bolted toward Colin, who stared in surprise as the canine parade scrambled up his legs and body.

The two leads stared, mouths agape, then shared a look, and finally erupted in laughter at Colin.

“You might actually have superpowers,” Kate teased Penelope.

“Oh no,” Colin said, as the final dog in Penelope’s care charged him, forcing the man to surrender and lie down as the puppies began climbing all over him. “I got what I wanted but at what cost?!” he yelled dramatically while petting one dog in each hand.

The room filled with laughter, but Penelope’s radiant smile outshone them all; her heart overflowing as she watched Colin, surrounded by a flurry of warm, fuzzy puppies.

⋆｡ ﾟ☁︎｡ ⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡ ⋆ Dan @leo_norax

ME TOO PENELOPE ME TOO

     | Selena. @selfabbri

     @leo_norax i’m confused as to who got pregnant me or penelope

         | ⋆｡ ﾟ☁︎｡ ⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡ ⋆ Dan @leo_norax

         @selfabbri AHAHAAHAHAHAHA SHUT UP

𝔠𝔞𝔯𝔩𝔬𝔰 @carlosbton

i just don’t see why those two can’t work things out!!!!!!!

Nanda @nandaxinha

Penelope looking at him as if he’s picturing him holding all of their future children

     | Cinthy❤️‍🔥🐉⚔️ @Cy3452n

     @nandaxinha SHUT UP I CAN’T DO THIS ANYMORE

Z. @ZX867

i’m so confused last week someone explained this whole story to me but they said that the girl was the one who turned him down

     | 𝒥𝑒𝓃⟡ @thronessatwar

     @ZX867 yeah that’s what he said

         | Z. @ZX867

         @thronessatwar then why was she looking at him like that?

ℝ𝕒𝕗𝕚 @Cressidasswiftie

it’s so obviously pr it hurts my eyes truly

     | Marie Ann @Cowperbaby

     @Cressidasswiftie their acting is not really that good

         | ℝ𝕒𝕗𝕚 @Cressidasswiftie

         @Cowperbaby in the movie or real life

             | Marie Ann @Cowperbaby

             @Cressidasswiftie both lol

Katherine @K1ttys_Kat

i swore to myself i wasn’t watching these movies bc their characters don’t end up together but

     | billie @noraswsift

     @K1ttys_Kat girl don’t

         | Katherine @K1ttys_Kat

         @noraswsift BUT THEY ARE SO CUTE

             | billie @noraswsift

             @K1ttys_Kat don’t it’s for your own good

Nanda @nandaxinha

day 15 since i made the terrible mistake of watching this cursed movie and even an worse one of researching abt the cast

Jade ✨ @englishmansbiceps

I wish people would stop making everything about shipping? I mean charlotte made such a beautiful story that has nothing to do with ships not everything in life is about romance

Felicity J. ✪ @J0hnsonFel

honestly tired of people acting as if romance isn’t important. Like, i get it, there are SO MANY things i love abt the story and dorjorie slaps but if you have two characters that are perfect for each other AND two actors that have out of this world chemistry why would you waste just bc “not everything is romance” i don’t get it do you hate good stories? do you hate fun? do you hate money? it’s just stupid at this point

As Anthony entered the conference room, he was greeted by the invigorating aroma of freshly brewed coffee, mingling with the clean, slightly metallic scent of the air. He breathed out slowly, feeling a sense of satisfaction.

Finally, he was back to doing what truly mattered.

The large, empty room was silent except for the tick of a clock; as expected, no one had arrived, and he calmly headed towards his chair at the head of the table, hanging his worn leather shoulder bag on the back of it. Punctuality was important to him, and he particularly enjoyed being the first to arrive. Given the judgment he faced for entering the business through his father’s name, he didn’t want to give anyone additional reason to doubt his dedication.

However, just as he was about to take a seat, the door swung open once again.

“I don’t think you’re being stupid, bon, just impractical,” Kate argued into her phone, halting when she saw Anthony.

A moment of wide-eyed staring passed between them before Anthony pursed his lips and she awkwardly waved hello. Then, she exhaled annoyedly, probably at something that was said on the other end of the line.

“And you know how it was for me. I had to work twelve-hour shifts while paying for my acting classes. Even after I began auditioning, I stayed in that job for almost a year,” she insisted, returning to the chair she’d occupied two years earlier for their first table read. She pulled her chair and suddenly paused, leaning with both hands on its rest as she exhaled loudly, “No, you can do what you want, but it doesn’t mean it will get you anywhere.”

Anthony observed her raised eyebrow and tensed jaw, knowing all too well the consequences of being on the receiving end of her stern expression. For once, he was extremely glad it wasn’t his case this time.

“Edwina, I’m not saying you’re not talented, you’re extremely talented,” she said, her voice raising. “What I’m saying is life is hard, that is all. It might take a while for people to recognise that talent; you need to focus on your well-being and financial security in the meantime.”

Anthony bit his bottom lip and looked down at his feet. He couldn’t help but automatically think he agreed 100% with Kate, even if it wasn’t his business at all. For starters, he shouldn’t even be listening to the conversation, but it wasn’t his fault that Kate was nearly yelling in the room. He then looked at the door, wondering if he should excuse himself and give her five minutes instead of listening to her arguing with her sister.

“Fine,” Kate exhaled again, then glancing at Anthony, she said, “Look, I need to get to work. We will talk about this later,” she declared before exchanging her goodbyes and placing her phone on the table. “I’m sorry about that,” she told Anthony, who she realized looked slightly sheepish. That was an expression she wasn’t even sure he was capable of showing.

Anthony then waved at her dismissively, as if not to worry, which was even more uncharacteristic. “It’s alright,” he said, before taking a deep breath. “I actually do know how it is.”

And there was something in his tone that told her he truly meant that. That was why she found herself venting her pent-up frustration by saying, “Younger siblings,” gesturing with annoyance as if those two words held all the answers.

And to the oldest Bridgerton brother, they did. He responded with a smile, a peculiar feeling fluttering in his heart, as if he had been understood without uttering a word.

“It’s as if they believe the world will hand them everything on a silver platter,” he replied.

Kate raised her eyebrows and nodded, as if that summed it up perfectly. “Perhaps because we were the ones who spoiled them first,” she retorted.

Anthony paused, thinking that was an apt description, and his smile broadened. He then reached into his shoulder bag and began retrieving sheets of paper, keeping himself occupied so as not to appear overly focused on their conversation. Though, truth be told, he was.

“My favourite part is when one of my sisters, or even one of my brothers, would come to me and say, ‘I never asked you to do these things for me’—”

“Oh, absolutely, because we’d just shove our little sibling to the side and carry on living our best lives while our parents poured all their time and energy into work and sorrow,” Kate finished his sentence before he could.

Anthony paused in his ministrations and looked at her, taking in her sparkling eyes and slightly tousled hair—there was a period a few months ago when her hairstyle from the movie premiere became a viral trend, and everyone was trying to replicate her long, wavy locks, which Anthony thought was quite deserving—and the most peculiar three words sprang unbidden into his mind and heart. I like her.

Which was utterly bizarre, considering how much he had despised her for so long.

“Um,” he cleared his throat, pressing his lips together in an attempt to conceal his smile, “Exactly.”

“I mean, I didn’t have the same upbringing as you,” she amended, blinking rapidly as if reminding herself. “But one can make assumptions.”

“You assumed correctly,” he replied, finding her blubbering adorable, which was bizarre twofold. “Honestly, I shouldn’t complain. Sometimes I’m even ashamed to do so,” he furrowed his eyebrows, about to confess something he almost never did out loud. But for some reason, he felt comfortable doing it with Kate. “I know I grew up with way more wealth than most. It helped a lot, I cannot deny that.”

“But still,” Kate interrupted. “I suppose that also came with more responsibilities.”

The Bridgertons were a prominent family, renowned not only for their social standing but also for their significant entertainment business; Edmund’s untimely death left Anthony and his mother, both ill-equipped, to grapple with the immense responsibility of managing everything.

Anthony looked at her, feeling as though he must have misheard her somehow. Because Kate Sharma could not possibly be defending him against himself. Nevertheless, he found himself nodding. Although the option of employing nannies to assist with childcare, even intermittently, was available—a solution Anthony vehemently opposed, fearing his siblings would grow up as strangers to him—ultimately, only he and Violet could manage his father’s business. And if there was one thing both refused to allow, it was the destruction of Edmund’s life’s work by their incompetence.

“Having an eighteen-year-old run a company is a disaster. I’ll say that,” Anthony replied.

“Were you?” Kate asked, her brow furrowing in disbelief.

Kate watched Anthony shake his head with a chuckle, struck by how attractive he looked laughing.

“No, my mother actually took care of everything while I was learning,” he explained, tilting his head slightly as he continued. “She didn’t really know what to do either, but…” He cleared his throat. “Agatha helped… which is why…” He trailed off, recalling an argument they had what felt like a lifetime ago, in that same room. “Everyone in the business and beyond is aware of our connection with her.”

“Oh,” Kate replied, the memory of her sharp words returning with a sting of regret, making her feel ashamed.

Anthony, realising he’d embarrassed her, steered the conversation in a different direction, as that hadn’t been his intention.

“Actually, she still runs our company,” he clarified. “My mother, that is. I just lend her a hand.”

Kate furrowed her brow, feeling completely confused by this new information. “Really?” she asked, surprised. Anthony’s accomplishments were always heavily emphasised, and she had assumed she played that role in the company.

“Yes,” he replied with a chuckle. It wasn’t exactly a secret among their circle. “You knew about Agatha, but not this?”

“Honestly, I do my utmost to avoid Googling you,” she admitted, raising her hand to emphasise her point. “The less I know about you, the less intimidating you seem when I yell at you.”

Then, in a surprising twist, Anthony laughed. A hearty laugh escaped him, his hand shielding his eyes, face screwed up in mirth, the pure joy of it making Kate’s lips stretch into a huge grin.

He looked at her, a twinkle in his eyes, shaking his head with a look of pure, unadulterated amusement. And it made her heart skip a beat.

What’s going on? She resisted the urge to place a hand over her rapidly beating chest. That day had been incredibly strange.

“Afternoon!” 

In sync, Kate and Anthony turned towards the sound, seeing Agatha standing at the door with a raised eyebrow and an odd expression on her face.

Kate blinked, quickly sitting down, while Anthony seemed to refocus on his work.

“Good afternoon, Agatha,” Kate greeted her with all the neutrality she could muster.

Agatha glanced at her from the corner of her eye as she made her way to her seat beside Anthony.

“Got here early, you two,” she casually commented, glancing between them.

“I really hate being late,” Kate said simultaneously with Anthony, causing them both to stare at each other in surprise.

Agatha raised an eyebrow at them. “Right,” she replied before placing a tall stack of papers in front of Anthony. “Since you didn’t want my assistant to see these, help me distribute them, won’t you?” she asked, giving him a judgmental look that made him slightly uncomfortable.

Nonetheless, he decided it was best to do as she asked to keep himself occupied. So slowly, both he and Agatha distributed the new scripts around the table until Anthony reached Kate.

She took the heavy stack of papers, raising an eyebrow at him. She couldn’t deny her curiosity and excitement to read what they had prepared for the second movie, but it seemed longer than she had imagined.

She flipped to the last page, noted the page number, and with a continued raised eyebrow, said to Anthony, “One hundred and seventy pages.”

Anthony simply shrugged, replying, “It’s a long movie,” before returning to his seat.

“No, I’m just asking, do you think it would take a long time for me to bleach my hair?” Thomas’s voice, echoing slightly in the quiet room, trailed off as he crossed the threshold, Cressida following close behind, her expression a mixture of annoyance and impatience.

“I told you this is my natural hair color,” she declared before heading to her seat.

Thomas shrugged, casually walking towards his seat beside Kate. He smiled at her before sitting down, immediately noticing the thick script in front of him.

“Looks like we’re going to have a lot of work this year, huh?” he asked. “Are you ready for our scenes, or are you going to kick me to the curb, Miss Sharma?” he joked.

As Kate read the opening pages of the script, a slight twitch of her lips hinted at a smile, her chin lifting ever so slightly. Then, with a dry inflection, she said, “Usually, I reserve kicking to the curb for our director.”

Thomas glanced at Anthony, who was engrossed in a conversation with Agatha, and smirked. “I suppose that’s fair.”

The two chuckled, unaware that Anthony was looking at them until someone poked him in the shoulder, causing him to tear his eyes away from the pair.

Anthony turned, recognising Colin as the one who’d summoned him, his eyebrows furrowing until his younger brother sighed and presented a large, elaborately decorated beige envelope. The director’s eyebrows furrowed even further as he took it, looking at Colin in confusion.

“What is this?” He asked.

Colin looked at the object in his hands and replied, “What do you think it is?”

Anthony glanced down at the heavily decorated, cream-colored envelope and huffed, glaring at Colin as if he were a different sibling altogether. “Couldn’t she have given it to me personally?”

Raising his eyebrows, Colin questioned, “Would you have accepted it?”

With a huff, Anthony placed the envelope on the table. “No, I would have gladly told her she’s making a mistake.” As Colin eyed him, Anthony straightened his back, adjusting his blazer, and declared, “But I’m happy if she’s happy. I suppose.”

“Ah, Colin,” Agatha greeted with a bright smile as she spotted his arrival, placing a hand on his shoulder. “It’s been a while since we last saw each other, hasn’t it?”

“It has,” Colin politely smiled at her, taking another envelope from his shoulder bag and handing it to her. “This one is actually for you.”

Agatha’s eyes widened in surprise as she carefully accepted the envelope and then opened it. Her smile grew wider as she read Daphne and Simon’s names inside. “They’re going old-fashioned, I see. I haven’t seen a real paper wedding invitation in a long time.”

“You know how Daphne is,” Colin commented with a half-exasperated, half-endearing sigh.

“That I do,” Agatha commented, absentmindedly slapping the thick, cream-colored invitation between her hands, the embossed lettering catching the light. “I would say it surprises me that Simon, of all people, goes along with her, but we do everything for the people we love, don’t we?”

Colin furrowed his eyebrows slightly, nodding despite the strange sensation in his chest. Throughout his life, he had numerous romantic relationships, but he couldn’t remember a single time when he had been so completely and irrationally infatuated that his behaviour was completely out of character.

“No, I told them this week you only have Saturday afternoon free. And, oh, that representative from Byoma called again.”

The trio turned, their eyes landing on Penelope and a petite auburn-haired woman who carried a tablet, her gaze fixed on the screen as she entered. Penelope sighed, hand to forehead, but Colin smiled at the sight of her before approaching.

“Pen?” he greeted her, noticing her distressed demeanour.

She glanced at him, her hand falling to her side. “Hi, Colin,” she said, then nodded to the woman beside her. “This is Rae,” she added, looking pointedly at Colin again, “my assistant.”

He smirked at her slightly annoyed expression, then turned to the other woman, offering his hand and saying, with exaggerated politeness, “Hi, Rae. Extremely pleased to meet you,” causing Penelope to roll her eyes.

Confused and shocked by the famous actor’s words, Rae stared at him. Hesitantly, she shook his hand, stammering, “Pl…pleased to meet you, too.”

“Alright,” Penelope interjected, eager to end the conversation. She then turned to her assistant and instructed, “Tell them my week is fully booked and I can only meet them next week. Also, I’ll talk to Mrs Varley about Byoma, so tell them to wait.” Then, scanning the room, she added, “This might take a while, so you can take the afternoon off—”

“No, it’s fine, I can wait,” Rae replied. “I’ll be right outside,” she said, then left the room.

Penelope watched her go, dropping her hands to her sides, resigned to the fact that she would never understand that woman.

“Well, at least she can keep John company,” Colin joked as they both walked towards their seats.

“Are they always like this?” Penelope asked, frustrated. “I get that she doesn’t want to come across as lazy, but I really need a bit of time for myself.”

“It’s worse at the beginning,” Colin commented with a shrug, pulling his chair out with a screech before settling into it. “Though John never changed, I suppose.”

“That’s just brilliant,” Penelope sarcastically remarked, taking her seat beside him.

“Well, considering how enthusiastic she is about assisting with your schedule...” Colin trailed off, reaching into his bag. Penelope watched him with furrowed eyebrows as he turned to her, holding a cream-colored envelope in his hands. “You may want to keep this date available,” he suggested.

She took the envelope from his hands and opened it, realising it was an invitation for Daphne and Simon’s upcoming wedding, which was just over a month away. Amidst all the chaos that their movie had brought into her life, she had actually forgotten that Eloise and Colin had mentioned Daphne’s impending marriage.

“Oh,” Penelope murmured, her fingers delicately tracing the invitation’s edges. She stared at the names of the bride and groom, elegantly written in silver ink and calligraphic flourishes. “I didn’t even think she would invite me.”

“Of course she would,” Colin replied, as if her doubt was absurd.

Penelope shook her head and decided to place the invitation in her purse, hoping it would fade from her mind along with her past. She was about to say that she didn’t get why it seemed so obvious she’d be invited, especially with her rocky relationship with Eloise, but then she held back. She realized that Eloise wasn’t her only true connection to the Bridgerton family. In fact, it had been a topic of discussion between her and Colin just a few months earlier.

“Honestly, my family likes you even more than they like me,” Colin said, trying to inject humour into the situation. Oblivious to Penelope’s thoughts, he continued, “You have a better chance of getting invited to these events than I do.”

“Still, I don’t think I should go,” she finally said. She looked at Colin and saw him furrowing his eyebrows in confusion. “It will be awkward with Eloise there.”

Which was only half a truth, she realised, as she gazed into Colin’s deep, blue eyes. She wanted to keep her distance, no, she needed to keep her distance. As much as she loved the Bridgertons and always would, she had to come to terms with the idea of a life separate from them. She wasn’t a part of their family and never would be. And once Colin got married and had children, she wouldn’t be able to continue attending Bridgerton events and pretending everything was okay. So what was the point?

She glanced over at Kate, who was deep in conversation with Thomas, before catching Penelope’s eye and enthusiastically waving to greet her, receiving a response in kind. Yes, Penelope had to remember that normal friends did not always attend their friend’s sibling’s weddings; in most cases, they were not invited at all.

“I don’t think the ceremony will be too long,” Colin interjected, bringing her focus back to their conversation. “In case you don’t want to stay for the reception and risk running into Eloise.”

“I’ll think about it,” she said, her lips pressed together, though her mind was already made up. “How is she? Eloise, I mean.”

Colin let out a sigh. “Honestly? I don’t know, Pen. She claims she’s here for the wedding, but I know my sister.”

“Did she mention where she plans to go after the wedding?” Penelope couldn’t help but be curious, despite her anger towards Eloise.

“No,” he responded, crossing his arms over his chest. “Maybe she’ll stay, who knows. Although she certainly didn’t give any indication that she’s looking for a place to live,” he added with annoyance. Having Eloise as a roommate was certainly an interesting experience. It had been a decade since they lived under the same roof, and it hadn’t exactly been the best of times.

Penelope chuckled. “On the bright side, if she doesn’t leave, she might take care of your flat while we’re away.”

Colin tilted his head, considering her point. “One can hope.”

“Everyone!” Agatha exclaimed, her voice ringing out, silencing the room instantly. Unbeknownst to Penelope and Colin, the room had filled up during their conversation, and even Charlotte had joined them, sitting beside Agatha and grooming her eyebrows while peering into a tiny mirror. “Welcome back. I’m pleased to announce this is our first ‘The Sword and The Heart: Princess of the West’ table read,” Agatha announced, eliciting applause from the crowd. After a brief smile, she said, in that uniquely exasperated yet polite way only Agatha could achieve, “We have a long day, so please be quiet and let’s finish this,” before motioning for Anthony to proceed.

“Good afternoon,” Anthony said in his usual dry and business-like tone. “I want to congratulate all of you on the success of the first movie. Well done.” The room erupted in applause, more vigorously this time, the sound filling the air. His eyes scanned the crowd briefly, then settled on the script, which he gently adjusted. “Today, we have one hundred and seventy pages to go through, so I suggest everyone gets comfortable.” Some groans could be heard from around the room. “As you know, this is just the first version, and we’ll try not to make it much longer than this.” He nodded decisively at the audience, then turned to Agatha, awaiting her cue.

Agatha, who had read the descriptive parts during the first table read, looked down at her script. An idea popped into her mind, and she turned to Charlotte with a raised eyebrow. “Why don’t you read it today?” she suggested.

“Me?” Charlotte asked, raising her eyebrows as she tucked her mirror into her purse.

“Yes, of course. You’re the author and our scriptwriter. If anyone is fit for the role, it’s you,” Agatha complimented.

A slight smile touched Charlotte’s lips; she always appreciated flattery. “Alright,” Charlotte agreed, reaching for her reading glasses and placing them on her nose. She looked down at the script in front of her and opened it to the first page.

“We find ourselves soaring over a darkened, damp forest. Snakes hiss, owls hoot, and every corner is covered in giant spiderwebs. The foliage is so thick that the ground cannot be seen. No one should be here, yet four figures are slowly making their way toward the river…”

“Did you manage to reach your brother prior to our departure?” Cressida said.

“No, I didn’t want to worry him unnecessarily,” Colin replied. “When we were contacted, I suspected we were being lied to. I didn’t think—”

“That it would be the queen of the east nation,” Cressida finished, following the script.

Colin nodded automatically, as if they were filming the scene rather than just reading it. “Now it seems like it’s too late, doesn’t it?”

“You can’t be certain,” Cressida replied, her voice softer now, a hint of understanding in her tone, mirroring Catherine’s intended demeanour. “He’s your brother, I’m sure he won’t think you betrayed him.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure,” Colin said.

“Leonidas then gazes ahead at the path that will lead them to the river,” Charlotte continued reading the description aloud. “It starts to rain, perfectly matching the gloomy feelings in his heart. No citizen from the South nation was allowed to cross that border, let alone a member of their royal family. Now, not only was he breaking his brother’s law, but he was also doing it alongside his greatest enemy, the queen of the East. The scene then shifts slightly to the duo behind Leonidas and Catherine, Marjorie and Nora, who look ahead at the pair in front of them while shielding their heads from the impending rain.”

“One of these days, he will succeed in killing me,” Penelope read, attempting to convey the required annoyance in her tone.

“So far, it seems like he has failed miserably," Kate added. “I genuinely believed you were dead, Nora. Alyah, Maeve, Vivienne, they all...”

“I know,” Penelope interrupted. “I should have died as well, but...” she paused, as indicated by the script

“Nora hesitates, unsure of how to explain her relationship with a man who was essentially Marjorie’s enemy. However, we can see that Marjorie notices her hesitation regardless," Charlotte said.

“I was just about to ask,” Kate said. “What were you doing as a part of the south nation court and how—”

“I’m not part of the court I’m…” Penelope’s trailed off. “I’m Leonidas’ friend,” she said, her cheeks burning slightly under the intense scrutiny of all eyes on her. “He… He’s the one who found me.”

“His friend?” Kate exclaimed, the perfect inflection of surprise making it seem as though Marjorie herself occupied the seat and had spoken the words.

“Please, don’t misunderstand me,” Penelope interjected. “I wasn’t secretly betraying you or acting as their informant or any of those things. I just...” She paused briefly, quickly scanning the rest of the script. “Do you remember how it used to be? Before the war, I mean.”

At that point, the script showed that Kate would simply nod, but since it was a small line, Charlotte didn’t read it, so Penelope continued. “There was a day when their parents came to our kingdom. It was a diplomatic visit of sorts. We were both children at that time, as were they.”

“I remember that,” Kate replied.

“Leonidas caught me struggling with dancing lessons. I don’t know why, I was just practicing, and he happened to be walking around the palace and saw me. Obviously, he laughed at my face, as he always does, but for some reason, ever since then... we talked. We didn’t care much about the rules back then, as none of us do when we’re that young, and we just...” She let her voice trail off, as instructed. “We became friends.”

“All this time?” Kate asked.

Oddly, Penelope found herself nodding, as if she were actually in the conversation, until she remembered she had to read her line. “When the war started, we couldn’t see each other anymore, so we just sent each other letters. Then, when he heard about the rebellion in our kingdom, he went to rescue me.”

“He went there himself?” Kate said, sounding impressed.

“He’s actually way more impulsive than he lets on,” Penelope commented, a smile playing on her lips.

“Which might prove to be my biggest flaw because we have a problem,” Colin suddenly interjected, following the script.

“Leonidas dramatically gestures toward a lone, battered little boat bobbing gently on the river a few meters away. While it appeared to be within swimming distance, he knew the waters were deeper than they seemed," Charlotte described.

“Were you listening to our private conversation?” Penelope asked pointedly, mirroring Nora’s behaviour in prioritising her irritation with Leonidas over addressing the matter at hand.

“Oh, always,” Colin replied, placing a hand on his chest in a manner reminiscent of his character.

“Nora’s eyes narrow as she contemplates yelling at or hitting Leonidas. Meanwhile, Marjorie’s attention is drawn to the boat drifting further away, and she realises that they need to stay focused.”

“Okay, can we shift our attention to the fact that we could be trapped in this forest or your kingdom within five minutes?” Kate suggested.

“How many of you can swim?” Colin asked.

“Without hesitation, Marjorie and Cressida raised their hands, feeling content until they noticed Nora with both of hers down, glaring at Leonidas,” Charlotte said.

“You know I can’t,” Nora stated.

“And whose fault is that? You should have let me teach you when I told you to learn,” Colin remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice as he found irony in the situation.

“Of course, because that would have been perfectly proper,” Penelope sarcastically retorted, already hearing the amusement in Colin’s tone. “I don’t know about you, but I wasn’t keen on marrying you if someone caught us half-naked in a lake.”

Colin gasped playfully. “Nora, there are ladies present. Show some decorum,” he said in a humorous manner.

“While Leonidas and Nora continue their endless bickering, Marjorie exchanges a glance with Catherine before heading toward the riverbank. She then leaps into the water and effortlessly swims to the boat. Casting one last glance at the quarrelling pair, Catherine realises they wouldn’t be moving anytime soon. Following Marjorie’s lead, she reaches the boat by swimming as well. Marjorie surveys the boat and is surprised to find two old paddles. Catherine boards the boat, and with a raised eyebrow and a clever smile, Marjorie swiftly holds out a paddle to show they had found a solution to their problem. She then hands one of the paddles to Catherine, but not before removing her cloak and draping it around her. As a result of their swim, Catherine’s damp dress clings to her body, nearly transparent, and she gracefully accepts the offered cloak,” Charlotte said.

“With those arms?” Penelope continued, her tone filled with judgment, continuing the Leonidas-Nora conversation that had happened off-screen.

“What’s wrong with my arms?!” Colin replied, sounding offended.

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but they look like twigs that would snap while trying to swim and carry me to the boat,” Penelope said, disregarding the absurd thought that Colin’s arms didn’t resemble twigs at all.

“First of all, my arms do not look like twigs,” Colin defended, even raising one hand as if he was truly arguing with her. “Second, even a five-year-old child could carry you, you’re minuscule.”

“Minuscule?!” A hand flew to her chest as Penelope gasped, feeling the offense intensely.

Beside her, Colin couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming urge to laugh, not quite sure at what exactly – whether it was the word itself, Penelope’s small stature, or her genuinely outraged tone.

“Hey, you two,” Kate interrupted. “Are you planning on getting on the boat today or?”

Charlotte continued reading the scene’s description, but Colin glanced at Penelope from the corner of his eye, finding her indignation quite amusing. She muttered, “This isn’t funny,” which only made him cover his mouth, struggling even harder to suppress his laughter.

“You can jump that far,” Colin resumed his line, despite their minor distraction.

“Nora eyes the wide expanse of water between the river bank and the distant boat, and considers that maybe she could indeed reach it by jumping, if only she were taller,” Charlotte said.

“Um,” Penelope hesitated, trying to sound unsure. “Maybe.”

“Leonidas notices his friend’s hesitation and immediately knows what’s wrong; a smirk plays on his lips as he folds his arms.”

“Unless...” Colin teased, his tone a bit too playful for Penelope’s liking. “Your legs are too short.”

“They’re not,” Penelope retorted, meeting Colin’s gaze as if their argument, not Nora and Leonidas’, was the real one.

Colin pursed his lips, contorting his face slightly as he said, “Maybe just a little,” deviating from the script.

Penelope narrowed her eyes at him, a silent conversation passing between them, as the others around the table paused their script reading, their brows furrowed in slight confusion.

“Just jump, we’ll catch you even if you fall into the water,” Kate recited her line.

“Yes,” Cressida chimed in, suddenly sharp, as she glanced back and forth between Colin and Penelope. “The water isn’t even that cold.”

Colin smoothly interjected, “Or, you know,” the line perfectly delivered from memory, a feat that impressed everyone as he hadn’t even looked at the script. In fact, he had his arms crossed and was gazing at Penelope while casually gesturing with his hands. “I could lift you up and simply... toss you,” he said, struggling to finish his line as laughter threatened to escape.

Penelope shot him a glare, as if offended by the idea and somehow aware that he was envisioning the absurd scene of him tossing her. And that did it; Colin erupted in a fit of laughter. Penelope looked at her friend, who was practically doubled over with laughter, and realized she was in trouble. The ridiculousness of the situation dawned on her, and she too felt the urge to laugh.

“Stop laughing,” she pleaded, pressing her lips together as she watched Colin cover his eyes, still unable to regain control.

“Give me a minute,” he managed to say, his voice strained from laughter, which only made Penelope’s own laughter escape from her lips.

“It’s not that funny,” she said, and he nodded, still laughing. “You could never actually toss me,” she started to say, but Colin waved his hand dismissively, signalling her to stop, while he continued to laugh. Slowly but surely, Penelope found herself laughing as well.

It was Kate’s turn to speak, but she stood there, slightly open-mouthed, watching the pair with a look of hesitation. Whispers and chuckles rippled around the table as everyone looked at them with varying degrees of confusion and amusement.

Agatha, however, observed from a distance, raising an eyebrow as she contemplated the situation. “Maybe...” she began, scanning the bewildered faces of those around her as Colin and Penelope’s laughter still echoed faintly in the room. “We should take a break?”

“A break? We just started,” Charlotte complained, gesturing towards the laughing pair as if they were misbehaving children.

Anthony, to everyone’s surprise, only ran a hand over his face, massaging his temples as he spoke, “Fine.” Several actors nearby nodded in agreement. “I could really use a coffee,” he added, just as Kate chimed in, “I do need a coffee.”

The two exchanged wide-eyed glances, realising that something truly strange was happening that day.

Agatha looked between them before suggesting, “Yes, we need to take a break.”

Despite the initial mishaps, the table read for the second movie had been a success. In fact, Anthony believed that the next movie would be even better than the first.

With a smile on his face, he zipped up his shoulder bag, ready to continue his day and make all the necessary preparations. However, when he looked up, he saw Agatha approaching.

“I need to talk to you," she declared, sending a shiver of fear down his spine. She then turned to Charlotte, who was about to leave, and said, “You too.”

The author, visibly annoyed rather than afraid, glared at Agatha as she placed her purse on the table. “I knew you would do this,” she said. Agatha had spent the whole afternoon buttering her up, praising her script and emphasising the importance of her role in the movie production. It would be foolish not to suspect that the producer wanted something from her.

As soon as the room cleared and it was just the three of them, Agatha calmly closed the door and focused her gaze on the other two.

“Alright, out with it,” Charlotte motioned with her hand. “I already know what you’re going to say.”

“Do you?” Agatha asked, raising an eyebrow at her friend, while Anthony watched in utter confusion.

“Yes,” Charlotte replied, crossing her arms and staring at Agatha. “I’ve been expecting your call for months.”

“So you know it’s the right thing to do,” Agatha swiftly responded, leaning over the table and looking at her friend knowingly.

“Absolutely not,” Charlotte replied resolutely. “My work is perfect as it is. I will not stoop down to the trends of TikTok and Instagram to—“

“This is not what this is,” Agatha said, her voice soothing yet firm, raising a hand to calm Charlotte.

“Excuse me,” Anthony said, his face twisting in frustrated confusion, “but what exactly are we discussing here?”

Both women glared at him in annoyance, but it was Agatha who took it upon herself to explain.

“Leonidas and Nora,” she said.

“What?” Anthony asked, his face scrunching up even more in confusion.

“Have you not been online at all?” Agatha said incredulously. “At least half of the comments are about them.”

“Which is exactly why we should ignore them,” Charlotte interjected. “I’ll be caught dead before I’m a hostage of what the internet thinks it wants about my work,” she added, emphasising the word internet as if it were the most repulsive thing she had ever uttered.

“I tend to ignore every online comment about my movies,” Anthony replied to Agatha’s earlier question, causing both women to stare at him as if he had lost his mind.

“So you don’t even know how much praise your work has been receiving?” Agatha asked, hoping to bring some sense to the senseless man.

“I believe the fact that people are questioning why I wasn’t nominated for an Academy Award this year is all the validation I need,” Anthony replied, a smug smile playing on his lips.

Agatha stared at him incredulously once again before dismissing him and turning to Charlotte. “This isn’t about what the internet wants, it’s about what makes sense,” she said slowly, pressing her thumb and index finger together on both hands as if explaining something to a child. “I have produced plenty of movies, and I wouldn’t say this if I didn’t believe it to be true.”

“People have always complained about this storyline ever since I first published the last book.” Charlotte shook her head at their foolishness. “I was adamant then, and I am still now, that I will not change it.”

“I think she has a point,” Anthony commented. “The Leonidas and Nora storyline is perfect as it is. It’s realistic.”

Charlotte pointed at Anthony, indicating that he had understood her point perfectly, while Agatha closed her eyes and sighed.

“Realistic? You think having such strong feelings for someone and doing nothing about it is realistic?” Agatha’s frustration grew with each passing moment. “Watching a deep friendship disappear before your eyes is realistic? Excuse me if I disagree. And you know what, there used to be a time when we saw eye-to-eye on this,” she said, pointing a finger at Charlotte, her voice filled with accusation, leaving the author lost in thought.

“People grow apart, Agatha,” Anthony replied, staring at her as if she were being unreasonable. “We may not like it, but that’s just how life is.”

But instead of calming Agatha down, it only angered her further. “So, is that why we create art? To tell people to give up because that’s just the way life is?” She asked, raising her voice as Anthony struggled to find a response. “All those courageous heroes, daring princesses, all that honour, all that loyalty, should we destroy it all and reveal the harsh reality of life?”

Charlotte shook her head at Agatha, avoiding eye contact as she remarked, “They’re only one part of the story. You’re obsessed with this movie being a money-spinner, aren’t you?”

Agatha glared at her. “I’ve always disagreed with your decision when you finished your books, but now, watching those two,” she pointed at the now empty chairs where Colin and Penelope used to sit, “it couldn’t be more obvious what the right decision for the story is. But it is your story, my friend, and I promised I wouldn’t change it. All I can do is give you my opinion.”

“And you definitely have,” Charlotte remarked, observing Agatha intently as she considered her words. The author simply stared back at her friend, carefully weighing everything she had said. “So, what is your suggestion?” she asked, and upon seeing her friend raise an eyebrow, she added, “I know you have one.”

Agatha then grinned triumphantly. “One page,” she said.

“One page?” Anthony questioned, “To the script, you mean?”

“There’s not much I can do with just one page,” Charlotte remarked, already judging her friend’s ideas while waiting for further explanation.

“Of course there is,” Agatha commented. “I might sound foolish to both of you, but I assure you I’m not naïve. I won’t recommend risking a large portion of my money by suddenly changing our source material, but I do know how to test the waters in the market.”

Charlotte furrowed her brows, realising that Agatha had given more thought to this matter than she had realized. “Colour me intrigued,” she said.

“We add just one page to the script—a single page to gauge audience reaction,” she explained. Then, noticing Anthony and Charlotte’s expectant faces, she added with a shrug, “That’s all we need for a kiss scene.”

Chapter Text

Hyacinth: k now that it’s just us can we talk abt it

Daphne: ?????

Daphne: what were you up to at my wedding

Hyacinth: what r u talking abt

Daphne: whats so urgent that you need to talk abt right after I leave my own wedding

Gregory: paranoid much?

Hyacinth: no i’m talking abt colin being a backstabber??

Colin: what?? it’s not my fault you reached the snack table too late

Colin: that sandwich was mine

Hyacinth: no idiot i’m talking abt the fact ELOISE WAS LIVING WITH U FOR MONTHS AND U DIDN’T TELL US

Daphne: what???

Gregory: oh yeah that

Anthony: What are you talking about Hyacinth?

Daphne: didn’t she get here from Berlin?

Hyacinth: NO

Benedict: no colin has been harbouring her for months like a wanted criminal

Colin: ???????

Colin: I thought you all knew

Hyacinth: HOW ON EARTH WOULD WE KNOW IF YOU DON’T TELL US IDIOT

Colin: why would i tell you isn’t that eloise’s job

Gregory: don’t you know eloise at all

Eloise: I am here you know

Benedict: Appreciate the update, El!

Eloise:🙄

Gregory: just wait until mum hears abt this

Eloise: I’ve already been to see her

Eloise: like two months ago

Hyacinth: WHY DOES NO ONE TELL US ANYTHING IN THIS FAMILY

Francesca is currently typing…

Gregory is currently typing…

Eloise: It’s not my fault you didn’t ask

Hyacinth: so I have to keep asking the obvious here

Francesca is currently typing…

Hyacinth: noted

Gregory: Oh u dont know what u just signed yourself up for rn

Francesca is currently typing…

Hyacinth: just checking then

Hyacinth: Colin

Hyacinth: are u and Penelope dating

Colin: im going to kill you

Francesca: i don’t see what the problem is

Francesca: Eloise lived with me in Berlin for almost a year

Anthony is currently typing…

Hyacinth is currently typing…

Benedict is currently typing…

Gregory is currently typing…

Benedict: what

Gregory: WHAT

Hyacinth: i quit

Colin: … what?

Anthony: Eloise, will you please inform us of your whereabouts before I decide to file a missing person report the next time you go missing?

Eloise: I wasn’t missing I was working what did you think I was doing in Berlin?

Benedict: not staying w our sister when all of us were constantly wondering where you were?

Eloise: you didn’t ask!!!

Daphne: so, daphne just passed me her phone and asked me to handle this chat while she goes to the bar. Now, who’s the one responsible for turning my wife into an alcoholic?

Gregory: Eloise

Hyacinth: Colin

Anthony: why are you letting her drink right after the wedding Hastings

Benedict: Anthony

Colin: Eloise

Eloise:???? traitor

Eloise: I wasn’t gonna say it

Eloise: u told pen i was here but not them

Hyacinth: EXCUSE ME

Hyacinth is currently typing…

Gregory is currently typing…

Colin: it’s not my fault you arrived when she was at the flat?

Hyacinth is currently typing…

Benedict is currently typing…

Francesca is currently typing…

Eloise is currently typing…

Daphne is currently typing…

Gregory is currently typing…

Francesca: Enjoy your flight to Fiji, Simon!

Duke of Hastings Simon Basset Privately Marries Daphne Bridgerton

The couple unexpectedly shared the exciting news on Instagram

Written by: Sheyenne Choudhuri | Edited by: Day Oliveira | Celebs

Simon Basset and Daphne Bridgerton are married!

Last Saturday, beauty influencer Daphne Bridgerton, surprised her followers with an Instagram carousel of photos from her wedding to Simon Basset, stunning the internet with the announcement.

The Duke of Hastings and Daphne Bridgerton surprised their fans and followers by getting married in a private London ceremony, sharing dreamy Instagram photos of their morning wedding on a hill that looked like something from a fairytale. The posts, both captioned “I AM YOURS, I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN YOURS,” showcased a series of beautiful photos depicting the setting, decor, and the many happy guests, including many friends and family members.

As fans showered the couple with congratulations on their wedding, some couldn’t help but note that the pair had never officially acknowledged their engagement prior to that moment.

⋆｡ ﾟ☁︎｡ ⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡ ⋆ Dan @leo_norax

So Colin and Penelope saw each other this weekend

     | 「 ✦ tami ✦ 」 @bR1d6y_Qu33n

     @leo_norax I mean they always do lol

         | Lizzie @redfeatherington

         @bR1d6y_Qu33n@leo_norax are we sure she went?

             | billie @noraswsift

             @redfeatherington@bR1d6y_Qu33n@leo_norax i don’t think she did she didn’t show up in any of the pictures

⋆˚✿˖° it’s always rainy in delulutown⋆˚✿˖° @loranator

when i read the news a Bridgerton was getting married for a moment i thought

     | Milena @mrsleonidassoares

     @loranator hahahahahahahahaha

         | ⋆˚✿˖° it’s always rainy in delulutown⋆˚✿˖° @loranator

         @mrsleonidassoares i hate myself

Eloise: Pen, hi

Eloise: i know you hate me for all eternity

Eloise: but can we please talk

Eloise: before you take off to New Zealand.

Eloise: in person

Eloise: I wanted to chat with you at the wedding but you weren’t there so

Eloise: you don’t have to forgive me or be my friend again

Eloise: i just want to talk

…

Penelope: I don’t have any free time

Eloise: well are you gonna have some free time at the airport?

Penelope had never seen Eloise truly take advantage of the Bridgerton wealth until the day her former friend bought a plane ticket just to enter the airport VIP lounge and meet her. Granted, maybe her lawyer job paid incredibly well, with her earnings reaching astronomical figures during busy periods. But it was the casualness with which she did it that reminded Penelope of the Bridgertons’ wealth.

“You have twenty minutes,” Penelope announced, slowly sipping her Wild Berry Spritz as Eloise settled into the seat opposite her.

Eloise rolled her eyes involuntarily, then waved off the waitress who was coming to take her order. Which was also typical. On the other hand, Penelope planned on trying every drink and food available, considering the amount she spent on a first-class ticket and the right to enter the lounge. In fact, she intended to sample the entire selection of champagnes in those twenty minutes, not only to make her money worthwhile but also to sleep soundly on her 24-hour flight.

“Look, I was wrong about what I said about you,” Eloise mumbled, nervously twisting a strand of hair as she sat in the plush, velvet armchair. “All those years ago, I mean.”

“I know you were wrong,” Penelope replied dryly, raising her hand to call the waitress back.

A grimace crossed Eloise’s face; she clearly had no idea what a furious Penelope looked like, contrary to Colin’s assumption. Despite their years of friendship, she’d never faced such a difficult situation with her former friend before.

After Penelope ordered a glass of Ayala brut champagne, she turned her attention back to Eloise, who was frowning and looking down at her lap.

“Is that everything?” Penelope asked harshly.

Eloise scoffed, crossing her arms and avoiding eye contact. “Were you this relentless with Colin?” she complained.

“Colin didn’t wait five years to apologise,” Penelope retorted immediately, without questioning Eloise’s comparison or her knowledge of Penelope’s anger toward Colin.

The other woman flinched, finally realising that her usual strategy of feigning nonchalance while refusing to be honest about her own feelings wouldn’t get her anywhere. She scratched the back of her neck, wondering how to explain things she had a hard time admitting, even to herself.

“I wasn’t in a good place back then,” Eloise admitted, her gaze fixed on the polished surface of the coffee table that separated her from Penelope. “I was... scared.”

Penelope paused, the chilled glass cool against her lips, her gaze lingering on her former friend, a wave of empathy washing over her. After all, who wasn’t scared after graduating college?

“You know how my family is,” she explained, but seeing the redhead’s potential misinterpretation, she raised a hand to interrupt before continuing without meeting her eyes. “I don’t mean you wanted to take advantage of them. I simply mean, you know how they are. They always knew what they wanted in life, perfectly aligned with our family’s expectations. Even Hyacinth and Gregory, who are YouTubers, of all things. But they love it, the spotlight,” she scoffed. “And you know how I always hated all of it. I was... alone. I pretended to be used to it, acted as if I was happily pursuing a law career and forging my own path, but I...” Her voice trailed off, her mouth twisting as she confessed. “I wasn’t even sure if that’s what I truly wanted.”

“You?” Penelope asked, her eyebrows shooting up in response to this revelation.

Throughout college, Eloise never showed the slightest hint of inner conflict. In fact, while Penelope struggled and avoided any subjects that weren’t mandatory, Eloise revelled in it all. She stayed late, delved into complex cases, and engaged in debates with professors.

Eloise shrugged. “I didn’t know what my future would look like, and I didn’t want to face it alone. When you were with me, I didn’t have to confront the fact that I would have to figure it out on my own. But when I discovered that you were just like the rest of my family, it threw me off balance.”

Penelope took another sip of her drink and pursed her lips. “Was that why you accused me of being a liar all those years?”

With a wince and a frustrated scratch of her head, the brunette whispered, “Nothing will ever excuse that, Pen. I was hurt, and it was easier for me to believe that you were betraying me than to accept the truth: that I never really belonged anywhere, not in my family, not in college, and not even with my best friend.”

“That’s not true,” Penelope immediately responded, finding Eloise’s statement too absurd to ignore. Eloise finally looked at her. “Even if we had different professions, you would always have been my best friend. You would have always fit in with me.”

For a moment, Eloise stared, her forehead creasing slightly, the silence punctuated only by the quiet rustle of her skirt as she lowered her gaze to her clasped hands. “I don’t think that’s true, Pen. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have felt the need to hide something so important from me, either.”

“That’s not fair,” Penelope replied, feeling the anger from years ago resurfacing despite her efforts to rise above it.

“I’m not saying it’s your fault,” Eloise replied, looking at her with honesty. “Rather, if you didn’t trust me then, there was obviously something wrong with our relationship.”

The redhead furrowed her eyebrows, feeling uneasy about the assessment that their friendship was doomed from the beginning. Despite the pain Eloise had caused her, Penelope had always considered their friendship a constant in her life. She liked to believe it had started on an honest note, even though it had ended terribly.

“I apologise for my part,” Eloise continued, surprising Penelope. She stared at the redhead with slightly teary blue eyes. “I understand that you can’t unhear what I said all those years ago, even though I know I was wrong. I should have talked to you earlier, and to everyone else too,” she emphasised, acknowledging that her entire family had questioned her distance. “I needed time for myself, to sort through the mess in my head, I suppose. And after a while, I convinced myself it was too late to come back.”

Penelope bit her bottom lip, torn between anger towards Eloise and empathy for her inner turmoil. “So why did you come back then?” she asked, deciding to focus on Eloise’s return rather than the hurtful departure.

Eloise raised her eyebrows, as if she hadn’t expected that question. “Well, Daphne needed my help with her wedding,” she said, her eyes twinkling with a knowing glint as she settled deeper into the soft cushions of the armchair, arms folded, a calculated nonchalance that screamed deception to Penelope. “I suppose I realised someone I love needed me and at last had a good excuse to come back,” she explained, her tone more honest.

The other woman eyed her suspiciously. Placing her champagne flute on the coffee table, she dabbed her mouth with a napkin. “Now that the wedding’s done, are you leaving again?”

With a nervous tap-tap-tap of her fingers on her forearms, Eloise stared at Penelope and replied, “No, I think I’ll stay in London for a while. I actually got a job offer last week. Can you believe it?”

Raising the glass to her mouth again, Penelope found herself smiling slightly, despite her reservations.

“But don’t mention it to Colin. I don’t need any more reasons for him to kick me out,” she amended, causing Penelope to almost forget about everything and chuckle. “Or do... I mean, you two are definitely closer than you and me these days,” she muttered under her breath.

As Penelope looked at her, Eloise realized what a misstep that comment could be and quickly waved her hands, saying, “Not that I mean you’re only his friend because—”

“I understand, Eloise,” Penelope replied, this time allowing herself to chuckle. She had spent so much time away from Eloise’s chaotic energy that she had actually forgotten what it was like.

Wheeling around, Penelope caught sight of something behind her. With a significant glance at Eloise, she subtly pointed towards the spot with her thumb and said, “You’re lucky he’s asleep.”

A puzzled frown creased the Bridgerton girl’s face; her friend’s words made no sense until she followed her gaze. There, slumped in a reading chair, lay her brother, snoring gently, drool glistening at the corner of his mouth, lost in the world of REM sleep.

Eloise, dumbfounded, exclaimed, “What is he doing here?” She was still in disbelief that she hadn’t even noticed her own brother right there.

“We’re on the same flight,” Penelope replied simply, staring at Eloise as if she were clueless. “Don’t you two live together? Didn’t he tell you he was leaving today?”

“Do you even know Colin?” Eloise glared at her slumbering brother before turning her attention back to Penelope. “He told me he was leaving today but, of course, forgot to mention the time of his flight.”

“Of course,” Penelope replied, a small smile playing on her lips as she finished her drink

Eloise watched her for a moment, contemplating whether or not to say what she was about to say. “Do you think this is a good idea?” she asked, and when Penelope gave her a questioning look, she clarified, “You and Colin on the same flight? Isn’t the media already after you two as it is?”

Penelope furrowed her eyebrows slightly, surprised that Eloise of all people would bring that up. “It’s not uncommon for castmates to travel together, besides,” Penelope shrugged, letting out a tired sigh. “At this point, it doesn’t really matter what we do. People are always assuming things.”

Slowly nodding, the brunette watched her, still unconvinced. Feeling slightly uneasy, as if Eloise could somehow see right through her, Penelope glanced at her watch and silently expressed gratitude that it was finally time to head towards the gate.

“And now I actually need to wake him up,” Penelope announced, rising slowly from the armchair and swaying only slightly once she was on her feet.

“Where is John?” Eloise inquired, as if she expected the assistant to be responsible for waking up Colin, which was absurd, but she had grown so accustomed to his presence that it somehow seemed natural.

Penelope shook her head, slightly scoffing at a joke that Eloise didn’t seem to understand.

“He’s on a flight to New Zealand with Rae. I still don’t know how, but Colin managed to trick them into taking the wrong flight,” Penelope remarked, and upon noticing Eloise’s confusion, she added, “Rae is my assistant,” before making her way towards Colin’s chair.

The notion of Pen employing an assistant left Eloise even more confused. It made sense, of course, but it still felt surreal in a way that Eloise couldn’t quite describe. It was as if Penelope were still that little girl who painted her nails and shrieked whenever anyone tossed her in the pool because she hated the feeling of water in her ears. As if she was still the same young woman who had given up on becoming a lawyer and chosen to pursue acting, freezing time after their argument by Colin’s house. As if she wasn’t the rising star who was recognised everywhere she went by dozens of people.

Eloise watched as Penelope slowly leaned in towards Colin, gently placing a hand on his shoulder and whispering something to him. Her brother stirred in his sleep, blinking in confusion for a moment before his gaze settled on Penelope. And then there was something in his eyes when he recognised her, a calmness, a warmth, a spark of something that Eloise had observed from afar while watching their interviews online.

Indeed, Penelope was not frozen in time, nor was Colin. It seemed that only Eloise was stuck in a time when she foolishly believed she understood what was happening around her.

“What on earth are you doing here?” Colin asked, his voice sharp as he reached her, startling Eloise from her reverie with the sudden intrusion.

She glanced at him, a bit disoriented for a moment, before her expression transformed into a glare. “Apparently saying goodbye to my idiotic brother, who couldn’t even bother to tell me what time he’s leaving.”

Knowing Eloise was bluffing, Colin rolled his eyes. “Consider yourself lucky that you even know which day I’m leaving, unlike most of our siblings.”

“Fine, whatever,” Eloise grumbled, standing up abruptly and mockingly opening her arms. “Just have a nice flight and don’t scare the New Zealand wildlife with your ugly face.”

Reluctantly stepping into her embrace, Colin replied sarcastically, “Love you too, El.” He then broke the hug, glanced at Penelope over his shoulder, and said, “I’m going to grab a bottle of water while you say your goodbyes.”

Penelope nodded, their eyes met in a silent exchange, before Colin, with a playful ruffle of Eloise’s hair, walked past her. With a frustrated groan, Eloise shoved her brother’s hands away, smoothing her hair before locking eyes with Penelope.

“Um, bye, El—Eloise,” Penelope said, swallowing hard. For a moment, Eloise thought Penelope would simply leave, but then she pursed her lips and spoke. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry for not trusting you either.”

In truth, she required a bit of time to process what Eloise had shared with her, and for the time being, that was the most Penelope could provide. So, with a slight nod of farewell, she strolled past Eloise.

“Pen,” Eloise called, and when Penelope turned to her with anticipation, the other woman continued, “I know things will never be the same between us, and I’ve done plenty over the years to make you doubt my words, but...if you ever need me, I’m just a phone call away.”

Penelope’s forehead creased in surprise at the unexpected statement, a slight frown tugging at her lips, but she nodded again, the movement almost imperceptible, before turning to follow Colin towards the lounge exit. Watching them go, Eloise took a deep breath, a feeling of impending change stirring in the pit of her stomach.

“What on earth are you watching?”

Penelope stared, utterly confused, at Colin’s phone, where a video showed a man attempting a clumsy jump over a narrow stream, only to plunge directly into the water with a splash.

Colin turned his phone towards Penelope, allowing her to read the video title better: “TOP FIFTEEN PLACES TO VISIT IN NORTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND.”

A low chuckle rumbled in Penelope’s chest as she leaned back into the plush, black leather of the car seat. “I had forgotten how fond you are of these things,” she commented.

For a moment, she gazed out the window, the lush green landscape of said North Island a stark contrast to the brooding, grey storm clouds gathering overhead. Prior to being cast as Nora, Penelope rarely ventured beyond London, let alone the UK. Colin, on the other hand, had always been a passionate traveller. He would embark on long, distant journeys that Penelope found torturous, but he eventually settled down after establishing himself as an actor.

Colin raised an eyebrow, uncertain if he was confused by Penelope’s tone or genuinely forgotten how much he loved to travel. However, he had learned not to discuss certain topics that had strained their friendship, such as the period of distance they experienced after Eloise left.

“I’ve been following this guy on YouTube for years. He’s brilliant,” Colin explained, keeping his phone turned towards Penelope.“He’s going to be here for a few months, which is quite a fortunate coincidence.”

Penelope eyed the YouTuber again; he was gesticulating wildly before three large rocks on a windswept beach.

“He’s kind of cute,” she remarked.

Colin grimaced at the comment, feeling an odd sensation wash over him. It dawned on him that this was the first time he had heard Penelope comment on another man’s appearance, despite knowing her for a significant amount of time. Strangely enough, he didn’t like it. He quickly returned his attention to his phone screen, trying to understand what was so special about the man that would elicit such a comment.

“He’s… blond,” he commented, his voice dripping with disapproval, as if she’d committed a heinous crime.

Penelope gasped, taking offense to his remark. “And I have red hair. What’s the matter with that?”

The man blinked, perplexed at how the conversation had escalated to this point, even though it was entirely his fault. His eyes, as they frequently did in those days, were caught by her red hair, its waves moving softly in the air that drifted in from Penelope’s partly opened window. 

“Nothing,” he replied, swallowing hard before muttering under his breath, “since when are a redhead and a blonde regarded as the same?”

While he was correct, she continued to stare at him as if he had lost his mind. “You’ve dated blondes!” she retorted indignantly.

Furrowing his brow, he stared at her, a knot of unease tightening in his stomach at Penelope’s unusual comments about his dating history, something he’d also never experienced before. 

“That’s not what I mean,” he said dismissively, waving a hand as he pointed at his phone. The confused look on her face didn’t deter him as he regained control of the conversation, adding, “It’s just common knowledge that one cannot take a blonde man seriously.”

Almost impossibly, the crease between her brows deepened, her frustration clear as she finally declared, “You’re not making any sense,” her voice tight with exasperation.

“Just trust me,” Colin insisted, his glare fixed on the man.

“Trust a man who is clearly losing his sanity after a 24-hour flight? I don’t think so,” she replied, pointing at her phone. “You just said he’s brilliant.”

The man’s index finger shot up, a rigid protest against the implication, as he said, “At his job, but that doesn’t mean I would take him seriously in any other circumstance.”

Penelope stared at the side of his face in utter perplexity. “Okay, I give up on this conversation,” she declared, crossing her arms, completely missing the driver’s amused glance in the rearview mirror. Ready to tune out Colin and appreciate the view, she was suddenly drawn to something she glimpsed out of the corner of her eye.

“What is that?” she asked, pointing at Colin’s phone once again, their previous bickering forgotten. The blond YouTuber was now on a boat inside a cave, with hundreds of tiny blue fluorescent lights sparkling above him, resembling a starry night sky.

A satisfied smirk played on his lips as Penelope quickly gave up her annoyance; but he chose to answer her rather than comment on it. “Glowworm caves,” he said.

Bewildered by the strange name, a frown etched itself onto her forehead. However, captivated by the magical view on the screen, she leaned closer and closer, completely entranced.

“It seems that all of those lights are small insects, somewhat similar to fireflies, I suppose? But they don’t fly around. I’m surprised he managed to film this part of the cave. The last time we visited, every video I came across on the topic mentioned that tourists typically aren’t allowed to take pictures inside the caves. I wonder if he got a special licence or something?” Colin rambled, watching the video together with Penelope.

“It’s so beautiful,” she said in awe, her eyes fixated on the glowing scenery. “It’s like a thousand blue stars.”

“It’s like a night scene from Avatar,” Colin commented, and Penelope couldn’t help but glance up at him, a chuckle bubbling up at the unexpected comparison. It was truly amazing how Colin, with his sensitive, poetic soul and artistic talent, could still, in unguarded moments, reveal the unadulterated boy within.

“What?” he shrugged, and she shook her head before refocusing on the screen, a smile forming on her lips.

Colin’s attention snapped away from the screen; he found himself captivated by Penelope’s engrossed expression as she watched. He couldn’t help but notice the way her eyes sparkled and a bright blush bloomed across her cheeks when she was excited, and the fact he’d caused that reaction filled him with a quiet pride.

“You know, we could go there tomorrow,” he suggested, and her head whipped up, almost startled. He continued, “Production doesn’t start until the day after tomorrow. We should take advantage of the fact that Anthony has finally found some reason.”

“Um...” Penelope blinked and settled back into her seat as Colin pocketed his phone. “Wouldn’t we need to buy the tickets in advance for that sort of thing?” she asked, scratching her head and avoiding his gaze.

The man frowned slightly, realising that she was probably right. He fished for his phone in his pocket again and googled about it. Penelope was so captivated by the view that it seemed only natural to look for a place where they could see it.

“I guess... if we were to try going to a paid visit like the Waitomo Caves, but...” he trailed off, tapping on his mobile, the screen illuminating his face, “there are really lots of sites across the North Island where we can simply visit and view them for free. I think there are even a few parks? Because these glowworms don’t only grow in caves, so you can see them in other places like forests and bushes and—”

“It’s okay, Colin,” she interrupted him, recognising that he was getting invested in the subject and feeling a wave of panic settle in her stomach.

It wasn’t that she didn’t want to go, because she definitely did, or that she didn’t want to go with Colin, because she wanted that even more. But the fact that the two of them going on an impromptu trip on their own to a beautiful and magical place screamed danger to her heart. And she couldn’t do that. She told herself she wouldn’t.

“Actually, I promised Kate I’d go out with her tomorrow,” she continued, which wasn’t a lie.

As soon as they found out they’d have a day off before the start of production, they texted each other and loosely planned to fulfil their promise from all those months prior. They had to go out once in a while, after all.

“Oh,” Colin said, visibly deflating before putting away his phone again.

Seeing Colin so disheartened immediately made Penelope feel guilty, so she blurted out, “You can come with us,” even though her initial intention was to keep some distance between them.

However, Colin shook his head, still wearing a rejected puppy expression. “I don’t want to intrude on what I assume is a girl’s night,” he replied, his dejection evident.

It was truly ridiculous because Penelope had every right to have friends other than him, but he had somehow assumed they would spend their free day together.

Penelope bit her lip, uncertain how to navigate that side of Colin or how to improve the situation. She never anticipated him being so upset that she couldn’t go out with him.

But then, his sadness took a turn towards theatrical moping. “I guess I was hoping you’d help distract me from the impending worst day of my life,” he dramatically announced, his voice laced with self-pity. Penelope’s questioning gaze made him add quickly, “The kiss scene.”

Recognition dawned in her eyes. “What? When?”

“Monday,” he replied.

“Already?”

Colin sighed, slumping on his seat as he stared at the ceiling, “First day of shooting and Anthony is already set on torturing me. But he swears it’s because of the weather,” he said, his voice tight with frustration, as he gestured to the window showing a dreary, grey sky spitting out a light drizzle. “Apparently, it’s going to rain all week, so he wants to take advantage by shooting the indoor scenes. And I’m just the first victim.”

“It will be fine,” she reassured him. “I mean, haven’t you kissed dozens of people on screen?”

Her nonchalant remark should have earned her an Oscar, considering she actively avoided watching his kissing scenes. Penelope could be an actress herself, but her reasons hardly mattered when it came to Colin. She would always despise watching him kiss anyone, and after many years, she had stopped blaming herself for it. Sometimes, emotions didn’t adhere to notions of right or wrong; they simply existed.

Colin’s eyebrows furrowed slightly at her comment, feeling a sense of unease without being able to explain why.

“Not dozens,” he defensively replied. “And none of them were Cressida,” he added with a shudder, unable to contain his aversion.

A small, private smile played on Penelope’s lips as she shook her head; Colin was refreshingly different from the majority of men who were completely smitten with Cressida.

“Even so, the two of you are professionals. It shouldn’t be different from any other scene,” she said. “Or so I’m told.”

Colin looked at her, confused. “What do you mean?”

She huffed, fully aware of what he was asking and instantly regretting her previous comment. However, deep down, she felt a desire to confide in Colin about her doubts and fears regarding her acting career. After all, he was the one person who had always been there to support her without passing judgment.

“I’ve actually…” she trailed off, her cheeks flushed, ”never had a kissing scene.”

“Really?” Colin furrowed his eyebrows, racking his brain in an attempt to recall any romantic moments from her shows, movies, and plays, but to no avail. “What about your acting classes?”

She tilted her head, considering how to explain it. “I guess my acting classes were more focused on the theoretical aspects. At least, that was the case for me,” she said.

The truth was, she actively avoided those kinds of scenes while she was learning. However, she hesitated to explain the reasons or give any justifications to Colin. These insecurities were personal matters that she wasn’t ready to share with him, and maybe she would never be. Still, as she grew older, she became less apprehensive about performing physically romantic scenes; but unfortunately, such roles never came her way. Penelope was never the type to be the beautiful love interest, always the funny friend, the inspiring co-worker who overcame body issues, the clumsy neighbour, or even the bitter bully once.

“It can get technical, I guess,” Colin said with a grimace, feeling challenged by the subject matter and the fact that he was about to film a scene like this with Cressida, of all people. “You just need to understand what looks good on camera, and sometimes it depends on the director’s vision,” he added, scratching his head. “But I won’t lie, it can be awkward and uncomfortable at times, especially if you’re not particularly fond of your co-star. Because, at the end of the day, it is a genuine kiss.”

Penelope also grimaced, unsure about her own thoughts regarding the situation. “But what if it’s the other way around? What if you end up developing feelings for the person?”

Colin paused, surprised that such a question would come from Penelope. “Professionally, it’s not supposed to happen, but... I mean, it has happened so often in the past that I’d be lying if I said it can’t happen.”

“To you, you mean?” Penelope blurted out before she could stop herself.

He stared at her for a moment. “No, not to me,” he answered without hesitation. “I meant in general.”

“Oh,” Penelope trailed off, averting her eyes to the black leather seat between them.

“I’m actually pretty good at leaving my characters behind," Colin commented lightheartedly as he crossed his arms over his chest.

“So, you’ve never...” Penelope wrinkled her forehead, considering if she should really ask Colin this. But if he was truly just her friend, and she was merely curious, there wouldn’t be any harm, right? “Developed feelings for someone you’ve worked with?”

Colin considered her question, the leather of his seat creaking beneath him as his heart pounded an unfamiliar rhythm. “Not really,” he replied, searching for the right answer. “I suppose when you’re in character, you have to bring forth those emotions somehow, but... when the cameras stop rolling, it’s over.”

If Colin were to be honest, sometimes it felt that way even in real life. As much as he had dated - and he had dated plenty - it always seemed that once it was over, it was truly over. He was never one to fall head over heels and remain stuck in a feeling, in a person, longer than necessary. Sometimes he wished it wasn’t that way, as it didn’t feel like it was supposed to be like that, at least not for him.

“Well,” Penelope responded, eager to change the topic, “I’m relieved that I don’t have to kiss someone I can’t stand.”

Colin gestured towards her as though that was precisely his argument from the beginning, then added, “I mean, no one can force us to do anything. If I felt uncomfortable, I could have refused, but..."He paused and grimaced. “It’s fine. She may be insufferable, but she’s still a professional. I’ll survive. After all, I always knew this scene would happen for Leonidas. My main goal is to do what’s best for the movie, and I trust Anthony.” He glanced at Penelope and quickly added, “But please don’t tell him I said that.”

Penelope shook her head, smiling with exasperation. “You’ll be fine. Even if she’s blonde,” she teased.

Colin narrowed his eyes and stuck out his tongue at her.

“Wow,” Edwina exclaimed, her eyes widening in awe as she took in the breathtaking sight of the lush forests and rolling hills. “You were right, didi. I’ll find plenty of inspiration for my book here.”

“See? I told you bon,” Kate said, her footsteps crunching on the fallen leaves as she closed the car door. The crisp autumn air enveloped them, carrying with it the earthy scent of damp soil. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she playfully nudged her sister and teased, “Don’t forget you’re here to work, too.” She raised one eyebrow.

As they walked towards the trailers, Edwina playfully snatched Kate’s bag. “Yes, I wouldn’t want to upset my boss.” Just as Kate started to respond, Edwina interrupted, subtly nudging her and smiling knowingly at something ahead. “Beware, the handsome director is approaching.”

Kate blinked at her in confusion, barely able to utter a “The what?” before Anthony and Agatha reached them.

And, oh, how Kate despised the fact that Edwina was actually right. Did Anthony really have to wear a deep V-neck shirt that revealed his chest? And it was perfectly complemented by his tousled hair and sunglasses on top. She knew it was their day off, but seriously, was he moonlighting as a romantic lead in another movie?

“Kate! I’m so glad you made it here safely,” Agatha said with a bright smile. She was dressed in a dark red blouse and black cropped pants. At least someone was appropriately dressed, Kate thought as Agatha turned to her sister. “You too, Edwina.”

“Good afternoon, Mrs Danbury,” Edwina answered politely. “Mr Bridgerton.”

The older woman grimaced. “Please, call me Agatha.”

Kate shook her head at her sister, a lighthearted smile on her lips. “Please forgive my assistant. She’s quite excited on her first day of work.”

Edwina looked at her sister, her eyes twinkling with amusement, and playfully scrunched her nose. She then addressed Anthony, who was unusually quiet, a smirk playing on her lips as she inquired, “And you? What should I call you then?”

Anthony widened his eyes slightly while Kate furrowed her eyebrows at her sister. Because Edwina and Anthony had definitely met the previous year, and Kate could easily recognise when her sister was flirting with someone.

“Um,” the director began, clearing his throat and shoving his hands in his pockets. “Just call me Anthony too, it’s fine.”

“Alright,” Edwina answered with a smile.

And it should be alright, because Kate knew Edwina possessed a disarming charm that ensured she would never overstep boundaries and make anyone uncomfortable. She had only asked a silly question, but Kate couldn’t help feeling bothered. The actress’ gaze then shifted to Anthony, fearing that he would be captivated by her sister like every other man with sense. However, to her surprise, he was already looking back at Kate.

Agatha turned her gaze to Anthony, patiently awaiting his explanation of their purpose for being there, yet his attention appeared to be elsewhere. Edwina then also looked at him expectantly.

Realising he had been staring at Kate for too long, Anthony cleared his throat, placing his hands on his hips as he spoke. “Right. We’ll need to change the schedule this week.” He absentmindedly adjusted the shades on his head. “The forecast originally predicted sunny weather until Friday, but now there’s a massive storm heading our way.”

“I can see that,” Kate remarked, her eyes fixed on the dark, ominous cloud on the horizon.

Anthony nodded. “I’ll send the details to...” He paused, his gaze shifting to Edwina, then reluctantly finished, “...your assistant.”

Edwina beamed a bright, toothy smile and gave a thumbs-up, completely unaware of Kate’s stare.

“Alright,” Kate answered slowly.

Anthony once again looked at her for a moment too long before saying, “That’s all,” and turning around.

Agatha’s eyes widened slightly at his abrupt conclusion of the conversation. She spun around and had to hurry to keep pace as the director quickened his stride. “Aren’t you forgetting something?” she asked sharply.

He suddenly stopped and without missing a beat, turned back to the two sisters who were now a few meters away. “Agatha and I have arranged brunch for the entire cast and crew,” he called out to them. “We’re celebrating the success of our first movie. It’s in the cafeteria, so you two should drop by.” With a nod and a firm press of his lips, he turned around and left once more, leaving Agatha confused and scrambling to catch up with him again.

But really, who could blame him? Did Kate have to wear a form-fitting off-shoulder dress, and why was her skin so radiant? Hadn’t she just arrived from a flight? Was she intentionally trying to kill him?

Kate wished the first thing she’d look for at brunch wasn’t a drink; however, that day was testing her resolve. Edwina, as usual, was completely distracted and star-struck. Her older sister couldn’t blame her, though. It wasn’t Edwina’s fault that Kate felt so off-balance when it came to Anthony lately.

In any case, her idea of a drink vanished when, while they were lining up to serve themselves mini sandwiches, her sister stopped short.

“Are those Colin and Penelope?” she pointed out, referring to the duo sitting across from each other at a corner of a long table, engrossed in conversation and laughter. Curiously, not only Edwina but a considerable amount of the cast and crew were also staring at them. Kate wondered if they hadn’t noticed the attention or if they had become so used to it that they didn’t even care anymore.

Realising she had drifted off and failed to respond to her sister, Kate cleared her throat and said, “Yes, I thought you met them at the wrap party?”

“No, I think I met every single Bridgerton but them. But him, I mean,” Edwina replied. “I don’t think I even saw them that day.”

Kate narrowed her eyes at her sister, finding her interest in them strange. “Are you going to tell me you’re one of those people online that ship them?”

“I didn’t even know you knew what that word meant, didi,” Edwina joked as she poured herself a glass of orange juice. Kate widened her eyes in offense. Edwina then handed a glass of orange juice to Kate and continued with a mischievous smile, shifting her gaze to the pair. “Besides, does anyone truly have to be online to see the obvious? I did watch all of your press tour, if you’re reminded.”

Kate rolled her eyes at her sister. “I remember.”

“So you know,” Edwina answered cheekily, taking a sip of her juice as she scrutinised Kate.

“I don’t know a single thing,” Kate replied sharply, raising her hand to emphasise her point, even if she was lying. Surely, she had seen exactly what Edwina had seen on the press tour, if not more. But in her mind, what was revealed in dressing room restrooms after a dramatic Instagram video and an ensuing emotional outburst stayed in dressing room restrooms. Which reminded her...

“Let’s say hi to them. I actually need to talk to Penelope,” she said.

As Edwina smiled brightly and followed her, Kate turned around and pointed at her accusingly. “Don’t make any inappropriate comments to them,” she warned.

The younger girl rolled her eyes as they continued walking. “Don’t you know me at all?” she muttered under her breath.

Penelope spotted Kate as soon as she approached them, waving excitedly. Colin turned around to see who his friend was greeting and nodded at Kate with a smile.

“Hi, you two,” Kate said with a smile, then turning to her sister, she introduced, “I don’t think you met her last year but this is my sister Edwina. She’s working part-time as my assistant while she seeks inspiration to complete her book.”

“Oh!” Penelope exclaimed before beaming. “That’s amazing.”

“Nice to meet you, Edwina,” Colin said politely, and the girl smiled at him.

“Why don’t you join us?” Penelope suggested, pointing to the empty seats to their right.

“Actually, I came here with a purpose,” Kate commented as she sat beside Colin, positioning herself to face Penelope for their conversation, while Edwina sat across from her, next to Penelope. “What time do you want to go out tomorrow?”

“Go out?” Edwina immediately questioned, raising her eyebrows at Kate. “Who are you and what have you done with my sister?”

“Tell me about it,” Colin said, his tone dripping with sarcasm as he gestured towards Penelope as if he couldn’t recognise her either.

Kate and Penelope exchanged eye rolls before the redhead shifted her gaze thoughtfully towards her plate of shakshouka. She absentmindedly twirled her fork in the sauce, deep in contemplation. “As long as I can get some sleep today, I’m available at any time tomorrow,” she replied.

“Personally, I feel like I could sleep for twelve hours straight,” Colin commented, taking a sip of his coffee and grimacing at the bitter taste.

“That’s how you always feel,” Penelope noted, a grimace also accompanying her coffee sip.

Edwina observed them as Colin focused on responding to Penelope.“But I can’t always sleep that long, so trust me, I’ll grab every minute of sleep I can today.”

Penelope narrowed her eyes, pretty sure she had once woken him up with a call at 1 pm a few months ago, but she chose not to mention it. She attempted to drink her coffee again, but the bitter, burnt taste made her quickly stick out her tongue and shake her head in disgust.

“Urgh. Why does this taste so bad?” she asked.

Colin made a face as he looked down at his cup, swirling the dark liquid inside. “I’m pretty sure Anthony must have instructed them to make this as bitter as possible.”

“If you hate it, why are you drinking it?” Edwina finally inquired, taking a bite of her sandwich.

The co-stars exchanged a glance before Colin chuckled, shaking his head as he dug into his quiche with enthusiasm. Penelope gave him a look, then turning to Edwina, stated, “For no reason.”

“Sure,” Colin nodded dramatically, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he enthusiastically chewed on his food.

Edwina looked at them with confusion, while Kate couldn’t help but smile. It was always amusing when someone met Colin and Penelope together in person.

Meanwhile, Penelope stabbed at her eggs with a fork, the metal clinking harshly against the ceramic plate as she huffed in frustration. “Fine. I may be a little...” she sheepishly admitted, “hungover.”

A mixture of shock and confusion painted Edwina and Kate’s faces as they stared, the silence broken only by Colin’s muffled chuckle behind his hand.

Penelope then glared at him before saying, “So, is Colin, by the way.”

“Oh, and why am I hungover, Pen?” He leaned toward her, fork dangling from his fingers, chin resting on the back of his hands, and defiantly posed his question. “Would you care to share that with the class?”

The redhead looked at him with indignation. “I was going to drink everything by myself,” Penelope said defensively, placing a hand over her chest.

Colin twisted her face in a disbelieving grimace. “You were laughing so loudly that the flight attendant asked me to take care of my wife.”

Penelope’s cheeks flushed, completely unaware of that detail of the story. She quickly recovered, erasing the words my wife from her brain at lightning speed before raising her hands defensively. “It was a funny movie!”

“It was The Shining,” he replied, staring at her indignantly.

She opened her mouth, but then realized she had no leg to stand on because she could only remember a few glimpses of the movie, like a pool of blood and a guy writing on a typewriter. She tilted her head and asked, “Was it?”

He raised his eyebrows and said, “Yes,” before taking a sip of his coffee and groaning. “Which is a film I’ve been trying to get you to watch for ages, I might add.”

“You know I hate horror films,” she replied.

“Well, drunk you doesn’t,” he said, his fork cutting through the flaky, buttery crust of the quiche—oddly, always his favourite part.

Penelope groaned and covered her face with her hands. “Why can’t I be the kind of drunk that just falls asleep? All I wanted was to sleep.”

“I told you to try the sleeping pills instead,” he said, finally taking a sip of water.

“They don’t work for me, okay?” Penelope answered, raising her hands in frustration. “I tried them when we stopped in Los Angeles and I was still wide awake. All I got was watching you snore. Again.”

Colin pursed his lips, suppressing a smile at his friend’s expense, to no avail—his friend could see right through him.

“Fine, go ahead and laugh,” she pointed at him, making matters even worse. “You can sleep on a rock, and I haven’t slept in two days because those airplane seats are unbearable.”

“Listen, I had empathy for your pain,” Colin pointed to his chest in mock offense. “I drank an entire bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon so you wouldn’t end up in airplane jail.”

Penelope glared at him as Kate chimed in, “Are you two sure you’re not still drunk?”

“Not with this headache,” Colin replied bitterly, taking a sip of his coffee.

“I feel like I could definitely recognise The Shining if I watched it now,” Penelope replied.

“May I sit here?” a fifth voice interrupted their conversation, causing all of them to turn and see Genevieve pointing to the empty seat next to Edwina. The cafeteria had become crowded while they were distracted, leaving very few seats available.

Before Edwina could respond, Penelope’s eyes widened with excitement as she exclaimed, “Gen!” She quickly got up and hugged her.

Colin and Kate exchanged a confused look since neither of them remembered the two of them being close the last time they were filming.

Genevieve chuckled softly at Penelope’s enthusiasm and gave her a gentle pat on the back. “The flowers and messages were thank you enough,” she said.

“Of course not,” Penelope replied. As they broke off their hug, Penelope held Genevieve’s hands and said, “I’ve always wanted to thank you in person, but I didn’t want to impose.”

“Oh, you have already repaid me, believe me,” Genevieve said with a smirk, squeezing Penelope’s hands before both women sat down.

“Business is doing well, then?" Penelope asked, taking another bite of her now cold shakshuka.

“Too well,” Genevieve answered, digging her fork into her slightly scrambled eggs. “I had to bring in a bit of help, otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to make it, and I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.” She took a sip of her cappuccino and then pointed at Kate and Penelope, saying, “The designs I have in mind for your dresses this season.” With a flourish, she kissed the tip of her fingers, being as theatrical as she often liked to be.

Kate smiled at that, excited to see Genevieve’s recent work. They had already tried on a few outfits back in London, and she could tell that she would finally be able to ditch the brown coats and ashy-toned dresses. Penelope, on the other hand, didn’t need to attend any fittings in London, as her outfits would remain almost the same for the second movie, only requiring a few adjustments. Which was precisely why she was confused.

“My doublets and pants you mean,” Penelope said, a self-deprecating smile playing on her lips as she took a final, slow sip of her coffee.

“No,” Genevieve asked, furrowing her eyebrows. “They told me to design two dresses for you.”

“What? Why?” Penelope asked, completely at loss. As far as she remembered, she spent most of the movie, if not all of it, in the same drab brown outfits; the only variation was the increasing amount of mud splattered across them.

The designer raised one hand, her palm up as if it were obvious. “Wouldn’t you wear one of them in one of your scenes?”

Penelope blinked, wondering if she had somehow been too distracted during the table read. “I don’t—”

At that point, Colin also began to doubt his own sanity. “I don’t remember that in the script, or even in the book. Did they add any scenes for you, Pen?”

“Not that I’m aware of,” she replied, almost defensively. If Colin didn’t remember any dress-required scenes, she couldn’t be going insane. Although there would be a few scenes where they were apart, the majority of the movie would feature them together.

Shrugging, Genevieve said, “Well, I hope they make good use of the dresses,” she took a sip of her frothy cappuccino, muttering under her breath, “And of my valuable time.”

“Speaking of time,” Edwina interrupted, her high-pitched voice bright with excitement, a questioning eyebrow raised at her sister. “I remember someone mentioning going out tomorrow, and I want the details.”

As Genevieve perked up, Kate let out an exasperated breath at her sister.

“I’m interested too,” the designer said.

Colin, on the other hand, huffed. “And I’m finally going to sleep,” he declared, standing up and gathering his plate and cup. As the women looked at him questioningly after his abrupt interjection, he glanced at Penelope and raised an eyebrow. “Wouldn’t want to intrude on the girl’s night,” he explained before nodding at them and making his way out. Penelope gave him an exasperated look before he left.

Kate stared at her questioningly, and Penelope simply answered, “He’s slightly upset I’m bailing on him tomorrow,” the emphasis on slightly dripping with sarcasm.

Casually biting into her sandwich, Edwina shared, “It’s only natural. Back when we were dating, my ex wasn’t too fond of me going out with my friends and leaving him alone.” Penelope, seated across from her, had a sudden choking fit. Meanwhile, Kate and Genevieve stared at Edwina with wide eyes and an amused smirk respectively. Shrugging her shoulders, Edwina put on an innocent expression and added, “What? I thought this kind of thing was normal in relationships.”

Penelope, clutching at her chest, managed a hoarse, strained, “We’re not dating.”

“Oh?” Edwina replied, taking a final sip of her juice. “I’m sorry, my mistake.”

After a whooping twenty hours of sleep, lulled by the rhythmic drumming of rain against her windowpanes, Penelope felt ready to make the most of her Sunday. The clouds, less menacing than the previous day, were intermittently pierced by rays of sunlight, creating a strangely unsettling blend of cheerfulness and foreboding. Strangely enough, this matched Penelope’s mood perfectly as she prepared for what Colin referred to as their girls’ night, now expanded to include Edwina and Genevieve alongside Penelope and Kate.

Fortunately for the original duo, Edwina and Gen were much more experienced in finding ideal hangout spots, and they eagerly took on the challenge of planning the perfect night out. The only request from Penelope and Kate was to avoid any places where they might be easily recognised. Edwina grumbled a bit, realising that her plans to visit Auckland were quickly dashed, but she soon discovered a charming medium-sized town just an hour’s drive away. And to her delight, it even had a cocktail bar that piqued her interest.

However, upon entering the establishment, they quickly realized that it wasn’t the trendy, Instagram-worthy, high-end venue that the younger Sharma had anticipated. Instead, it was a simple bar with rustic wooden tables, unfamiliar music blaring in the background, and boisterous conversations filling the air.

“Maybe I got the address wrong,” Edwina commented, glancing down at her phone, while the other three girls surveyed the bar, which seemed to be surveying them back, recognising them as newcomers.

“Do you know of any place nearby that serves food?” Kate inquired, trying not to sound overly grumpy, but their last meal had been five hours ago, and after an hour-long drive to the wrong place, she was simply famished.

Edwina frowned as the glow from her cellphone illuminated her face. “Maybe,” she replied.

“I think they serve food here,” Penelope said softly, gesturing towards a free table with a menu laid out on top.

“There’s another restaurant that I found interesting,” Edwina commented, still engrossed in her Instagram. “It’s a twenty-minute drive,” she then looked at Kate, who had been their driver. However, the woman didn’t seem that excited about the prospect.

“Those fries look good,” Genevieve said, eyeing the golden, crispy fries a group of boisterous men were sharing. She then glanced at the empty table that Penelope had pointed out before walking towards it. “Maybe we can just take a look at the menu?”

Kate and Penelope followed her, while Edwina reluctantly dragged behind until they all settled down to see what food they had to offer. After seeing a list that included garlic pizza bread, parmesan fries, nachos, and a wide selection of mouthwatering hamburgers, Penelope had to admit her stomach was growling.

“I mean... the pastrami club does look tempting,” she said, her voice tinged with hesitation as she contemplated just placing the order instead of continuing the search for a different place to eat, uncertain of her companions’ preferences.

The music changed, and a wave of cheers swept through the crowd as people began to dance with wild abandon. Genevieve watched with a warm smile, while Kate nodded in acknowledgment of Penelope’s comment.

“I mean, there’s also that restaurant by the vineyard I told you about, didi,” Edwina commented, pointing at her phone as she looked at Kate.

“It’s alright, bon” Kate replied, handing the menu to her sister. “Maybe we should just eat here. What do you think?”

Her younger sister twisted her mouth slightly in distaste, but she took the menu, anyway. After reading its contents, she raised her eyebrows slightly and said, “This looks delicious,” while pointing at a picture of a coastal lamb rump dish.

Kate smiled and nodded, knowing her sister would warm up to the idea. Meanwhile, Penelope and Genevieve were watching the animated crowd dancing and clapping along to the unfamiliar but catchy song. That was, until Penelope’s eye caught someone by the bar.

“He’s quite handsome,” Genevieve remarked playfully, noticing Penelope’s gaze following a certain direction.

However, Penelope’s eyebrows furrowed as she responded, “I think I’ve seen him somewhere before.”

“Oh?” the designer raised an eyebrow while the Sharmas turned their attention to the subject of their conversation.

Edwina then gasped, an excited smile forming on her lips, “I had no idea he was in New Zealand!”

“Who’s that?” Kate asked, confused as to why everyone’s focus was on the blond guy sipping a tall glass of beer at the bar counter.

“He runs a travel channel on YouTube,” Penelope finally recalled where she had seen his face. “Colin did mention he was spending a few months here.”

“Well, he may not be as handsome as Anthony, but...” Edwina’s words trailed off.

“Edwina,” Kate interrupted, widening her eyes at her sister.

“What?” Edwina replied, a mischievous smile on her lips as she misinterpreted her sister’s exasperation. “Are you going to tell me you don’t see it?”

Kate’s mouth opened and stayed that way as she struggled to formulate a response, which didn’t seem likely to happen anytime soon.

“I see it,” Genevieve commented, a smirk playing on her lips, and the two women burst into giggles while Kate felt her cheeks burning. She needed to check the drink menu ASAP… if only she wasn’t the designated driver.

Meanwhile, Penelope grimaced, never having seen Anthony in that light. The mere idea of seeing him in a romantic light was, in fact, about to give her nightmares. As much as she rationally knew all the Bridgerton’s were pretty — the world sure seemed to voice that sentiment repeatedly — to her, Colin was by far the most handsome. His strong jawline, the intensity in his dark blue eyes, his well-defined muscular chest, and his impressive biceps. Not to mention, he was also taller than all of them. In Penelope’s eyes, there was simply no competition.

“Don’t look now, but I think he’s looking back at you,” Edwina suddenly said, breaking Penelope out of her daydream.

“What?” Penelope blurted out, momentarily confused.

Edwina nodded towards the bar, and as Penelope glanced over, she saw the blond man staring directly at her.

“Go talk to him,” Genevieve suggested.

“Wait, no,” Edwina interrupted, raising her hand and sitting up straight. She added, “Let him put in some effort.”

Penelope couldn’t help but chuckle at their advice. The idea of her approaching a man and striking up a conversation seemed absurd to her. It was even more ridiculous to think that a man would be interested enough in her to approach her first.

“They’re right, he’s looking at you,” Kate said in a gentler tone, her gaze fixed on Penelope as if she could see the inner turmoil within her. Suddenly, Penelope recalled the advice she had received six months ago — not to let the lies of the world become truths in her head.

With this in mind, she glanced back at the blond man and managed a slight smile.

“Have you talked to your brother yet?”

Anthony carefully placed his warm coffee mug on the table, his eyes fixed on Agatha, who arched an eyebrow inquisitively. The serene Sunday afternoon enveloped him, with a breathtaking yet ominous sight of the sun piercing through the dark clouds on the distant horizon. The set felt quiet and deserted, as most of the cast and crew had gone to explore the nearby areas on their day off before filming began on Monday. Anthony, however, chose to stay behind with his metaphorical ship, savouring the warmth of his coffee in the cafeteria while surrounded by the cheerful chirping of birds.

“Not in the past 24 hours,” he replied. The producer had been pressuring him to inform Colin about the additional scene they had added to the movie for several weeks now, and it had been the first question she asked him when they saw each other the previous day. Turning the question back to Agatha, he asked, “And you?”

With a shocked expression, Agatha pointed at her chest and questioned, “Me?”

Anthony nodded and took another sip of his steaming coffee, his lips pressed tightly together. “After all, it was your idea, wasn’t it?” he stated.

Agatha scrunched up her face in distaste and lowered her shades to shield her eyes from a particularly stubborn sunray. Despite being autumn in New Zealand, the day was surprisingly hot, causing her to regret her choice of a long-sleeved linen blouse.

“It was,” she conceded. “But you eventually agreed, didn’t you?”

The director nodded, acknowledging that Agatha’s idea, once outlined by her and written into the scene by Charlotte, had indeed fit the story well. However, he still struggled with how to break the news to Colin.

His brother and he had very few things in common, except perhaps their shared passion for movies and their mutual disdain for anything related to the media. That was precisely why he expected Colin wouldn’t take the news of a script change lightly, especially when the reason was the media itself. Granted, Agatha seemed to see the benefits of the change for the story, and somehow Charlotte had listened. However, he questioned whether Colin would comprehend the situation well when they informed him he would need to kiss Penelope, a girl he likely considered a little sister.

“I think maybe the news will be better received if it comes from you,” Anthony commented. “Working with family has many advantages, but also some disadvantages. This might be one of those times.”

Agatha looked at him, studying his expression as understanding washed over her. “I see,” she said. Although she had witnessed Colin and Penelope growing up over the years, she couldn’t claim to know much about their friendship or their current relationship, which seemed to be a mystery to almost everyone.

“But I have to be honest,” Anthony said, crossing his arms and leaning on the table. “Maybe we should wait a bit before letting them know, as it might change how they interact in the scenes.”

Raising her eyebrows, Agatha considered that he might be right. “We can’t wait too long, though. Aren’t we scheduled to shoot it soon?”

As Anthony finished his drink, he extended his hand and made a wavering gesture, as if answering with a more or less.

“I can’t believe you’re still drinking that,” Colin’s voice suddenly sounded behind the director, and they turned to see him pointing at Anthony’s cup. “Didn’t you have an endoscopy last month?” He asked, oblivious to the topic his brother and the producer had been discussing.

“I did,” Anthony commented as Colin sat beside him, “which is why I know I can drink this without worry.” He raised his cup with a self-satisfied smile before adding, “Only level two gastritis.”

The other two stared at him in disbelief.

“Either way, shouldn’t you be out?” He turned to his younger sibling. “Enjoying the first day off you begged for.”

With a sigh, the other Bridgerton replied, “Well, apparently I have no one to enjoy it with, so.”

Anthony blinked and shared a surprised look with Agatha, both taken aback by Colin’s bad mood.

“That’s a shame. The weather seems quite lovely for a football match,” Agatha commented casually, raising a pointed eyebrow.

Colin and Anthony immediately exchanged a knowing look. The Bridgertons were known for more than their looks and worldwide fame; they were also a ridiculously competitive bunch who spent their summers disputing over various games, including ball sports.

“We couldn’t...” Anthony trailed off, shaking his head to dismiss the idea.

“Honestly, I think I’m still hungover from yesterday,” Colin confessed. “The thirties are finally catching up to me. I can’t even imagine how it must be for you.”

Anthony glared at him before turning to Agatha. “Besides, there aren’t enough people.”

“I saw Thomas around,” Agatha commented, crossing her arms over her chest. “And Kendrick.”

Anthony looked at her pensively, while Colin pursed his lips. The duo exchanged another look, their Bridgerton competitive fire brewing right in front of Agatha’s eyes, as planned.

“Well, I’m not hungover,” Anthony stated with an annoyingly pleased smirk.

“And I’m not over forty,” Colin retorted, a mischievous glint in his eye as he rested his chin on his hand.

That seemed to be the breaking point for Anthony, who narrowed his eyes before abruptly standing up and striding away from the cafeteria. Colin, who quickly grasped the situation also stood up suddenly and chased after his brother, calling out, “Kendrick will be on my team. He runs faster than you!”

Kate and Penelope watched as Edwina and Genevieve energetically danced among the intoxicated crowd, their laughter blending with the music. Although the night was young, both women were satisfied after their meal, and Penelope was already longing for her bed once again.

“So, are you going to talk to him?” Kate asked, nodding towards the blond man who was still at the bar.

Penelope looked at him and let out a deep sigh before taking a sip of her coke. Unlike the other two, who swiftly became intoxicated and threw themselves into the crowd with wild abandon, she knew Kate wouldn’t let it go.

“And leave you here alone?” Penelope asked, fully aware that this was the kind of excuse the other woman couldn’t argue with.

Kate narrowed her eyes at her before shifting her gaze to a tall, strong, dark-haired man on the other side of the bar. She pointed to him with her water bottle and said, “I will if you will.”

Her eyes narrowed in suspicion, suggesting she thought Kate was cheating, but then she took a deep breath and decided to be brave. She slammed her hands on the table and stood up. “Deal,” she said, as she waited for Kate to rise as well.

Kate winked at her, and both women walked confidently towards their targets, determined to follow through on their decisions to put themselves out there.

Penelope had no clue what she was doing, but she figured ordering a drink next to the man and attempting to strike up a conversation was a safe bet for the night. Surprisingly, it turned out to be a good idea because as soon as she leaned on the bar counter and asked for a pink pepper lemonade, she caught his attention.

“At least someone in this establishment will stay sober,” he commented, smiling at her.

Despite her success, Penelope instantly felt nervous. She had received so little romantic attention from men in her life that her mind went blank, and she forgot how to engage in small talk.

“Um, I figured I had enough to drink yesterday,” she replied, grimacing slightly.

He raised an eyebrow, not expecting that response from such a petite woman. “So you’re just here to keep your friends company,” he observed, pointing his thumb towards Edwina and Genevieve twirling happily together, with Edwina later blowing a kiss to the towering, robust man beside her.

“Something like that,” Penelope responded, barely able to contain her amusement at the girls’ behaviour. Her cue to leave came when the bartender placed a glass of lemonade in front of her, but she lingered by pretending to look for a straw.

“That’s a shame,” he responded. “There’s plenty to do here besides waiting for your friends.”

“So, you’re here to work?” she asked, cringing at her own social awkwardness. “I’m sorry, I just...” she trailed off, and as he looked at her quizzically, she explained, “I know who you are.”

As he looked at her, she felt a twinge of nervousness that dissipated when he let out a chuckle. “I suppose that’s fair. I also know who you are.”

Penelope’s eyes widened as she momentarily forgot the possibility of being recognised, considering that nobody had approached her or Kate. Perhaps that was why he was looking at her in the first place, not because he was interested in her.

He extended his hand and introduced himself, “Alfred Debling,” even though it was completely unnecessary.

Looking at his outstretched hand, she couldn’t help but chuckle before finally shaking it and saying, “Penelope Featherington.”

He nodded before taking a sip of his beer. Penelope picked up her lemonade, slurping it with her straw before mustering up some courage.

“So, what else is there to do here, then?” She asked.

That seemed to be the right move, because Alfred smiled at her.

Meanwhile, Kate was equally successful on her end, although she wished she wasn’t.

“I mean, a hottie like you shouldn’t be alone here.”

“I’m not,” she replied through gritted teeth. She had already explained that to him three times, the drunk idiot.

It was the third time she’d told him that, and he nodded again, a third time.

“So, what do you do for a living?” Kate’s voice sounded strange and impatient, partly directed at the foolish man and partly at her own lack of small talk skills.

He grimaced, finding that type of conversation odd. Pointing to himself, he mentioned, “I’m a primary school teacher,” the words slightly slurred as he swayed.

Kate’s eyes widened. “Really?” She struggled to imagine how that tall, muscular, heavily intoxicated man could possibly teach young children math, especially considering he couldn’t even remember his own name just ten minutes ago.

He nodded, pointing a finger at her before speaking. “You know, you look real familiar, like that girl from that movie—”

“I get that a lot,” she interrupted, waving him off before he could start rambling about her work, even though he wasn’t aware of it.

She was just about to ask him if he planned on going to work the next day after drinking all evening when a deafening thunderclap shook the building, drowning out the music from the bar.

Kate winced at the sudden loud noise, feeling her heart racing in her chest as panic began to take hold. “Is it raining?” she asked, her voice shaking.

He shrugged and replied, “I don’t know. They said it’s going to rain all week.”

The woman let out a groan of frustration. She knew all about the forecast, but she double-checked and verified that there would be no rain on Sunday, with storms coming on Monday. However, she concluded that depending on a drunken fool for help would be rather pointless. So, she turned around and headed off towards the exit.

“Wait, I didn’t get your name!” he shouted after her, but Kate only waved her hand dismissively without looking back.

Once outside, it was already too dark to see if the clouds in the sky were heavy, but it wasn’t raining yet, which she considered a small victory. She pulled out her phone from her pocket and checked the weather app, which predicted rain in their area at around nine pm. With a sigh, she realized they would have to cut their night short and hurried back inside the bar.

With a quick glance, she located Pen near the bar, still engaged in a conversation with the youtuber, her face displaying a polite smile. And as Kate approached, the redhead couldn’t help but notice the concern etched on her face.

“Kate, what’s wrong?” she asked as soon as the brunette was near enough.

“There’s a storm coming our way,” Kate replied, as if it explained everything. “It’s going to last all night.”

“Yes, this week is expected to break records for rainfall in this area,” Alfred chimed in matter-of-factly, causing Kate to do a double take before turning back to Penelope.

“We really need to leave. I can’t drive in a storm,” she said urgently.

Penelope gazed into her friend’s brown eyes, sensing fear within them. She couldn’t quite comprehend the reason behind it at that moment, but she didn’t dare ask. Especially since Kate was their only viable option for driving, with the other choices being two intoxicated girls and one who couldn’t drive to save her life.

“Alright,” Penelope replied, meeting Kate’s eyes with a reassuring look. Then, she turned to Alfred with an apologetic expression. “I’m sorry, but I really have to go.”

“It’s okay,” he responded calmly. “You have my number.”

She smiled at him one last time before taking Kate’s hand and making their way to the dancefloor. “Do you?” Kate couldn’t help but ask as they headed towards Edwina and Genevieve, earning an exasperated look from Penelope.

Untangling the other two from the dancing crowd proved to be a challenge, especially with Edwina’s protests and pouts. However, they managed to swiftly get them into the car.

“Kate, slow down,” Edwina complained from the back seat as Kate drove at lightning speed. “I’m going to be sick.”

“Actually,” Genevieve interjected, placing a hand over her mouth. “I’m not feeling well either.”

“I’m sorry, but you’ll have to endure it,” Kate said, gesturing widely with one hand while firmly gripping the steering wheel with the other.

The cityscape transformed into a blur of trees through Kate’s window, and checking the clock at 8:30 pm, Kate realised they had a chance to make it. That was until a third thunderbolt struck, causing her to nearly jump from her seat.

“Are you alright?” Penelope asked from the passenger seat, noticing Kate’s growing anxiety.

“I’m fine,” she replied quietly, wiping her forehead. The main road was darker than she preferred, and that single lightning bolt sent her heart racing at an unhealthy pace. However, she was determined to make it. She had been fighting her fear of storms for many years, and this was just a light rain—nothing to be afraid of. She could handle it.

And then Edwina’s voice, weak and sleepy, came from the backseat once again. “Didi, I think it’s raining,” she said softly, pointing to the droplets trickling down the window.

Kate’s breath caught, and she noticed the drops falling on the windshield. Her grip on the steering wheel tightened significantly, her nails digging into her palms. She could handle it, everything was fine. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck to their right, causing her to place a hand over her heart and breathe rapidly.

“Kate,” Penelope called, noticing her increasing distress.

“I’m... I’m fine,” she weakly replied between breaths.

Penelope was about to comment that it didn’t seem that way when the rain started pouring heavily, making everything ahead of them blurry and filling the car with the sound of water pounding on metal. Kate’s breathing became even more erratic as she clutched her chest. Another thunderous roar, and she had reached her limit.

“Okay, I can’t do this,” she gasped, trying to pull over to the side only to realise they were on a stretch of road without a shoulder.

Another flash of lightning to their side made her squeeze her eyes shut, the sound of rain pounding in her ears. She then turned on the car’s hazard lights and pulled over, silently thanking that the road was empty for now.

“I’m sorry, I thought I could,” Kate said, still with a hand over her heaving chest. “I can’t... I still can’t...”

“It’s alright, didi,” Edwina replied, though still in a drunken state and only partially understanding what was happening.

Penelope placed a hand on Kate’s shoulder, feeling completely lost as to what she should do. “Breathe, Kate, just breathe,” she repeated, scanning the surroundings for any sign of approaching cars.

“We shouldn’t stay here for long,” Genevieve said, more aware of the dangerous situation than Edwina. Opening the window, she leaned out to look behind the car, feeling the cold rain on her face, which helped clear her mind.

“I can’t...” Kate repeated, wincing at the sound of rain outside Genevieve’s open window. “I’m sorry, I really can’t.”

“Gen, you didn’t drink that much, can’t you drive?” Penelope asked desperately, her hand still on Kate’s shoulder.

Genevieve widened her eyes, as if Penelope had completely lost her mind. “Not for at least a couple of hours,” she replied.

Penelope cursed under her breath right before the dreaded question arose from the designer. “Can’t you?”

With a grimace, the other woman confessed, “I haven’t been behind the wheel since I passed my driving test,” and when Genevieve seemed to think it was no big deal, Penelope clarified, “Fifteen years ago.”

“Do you want me to drive?” Edwina asked, but all she heard in response was a unanimous “No” from the others, right before a passing car honked loudly at them for blocking the lane.

Penelope placed a hand over her heart, startled by the sudden noise, then looked at Kate and asked, “How far are we from the set?”

“Pen,” Kate shook her head, “You don’t have to—”

“How far?” Penelope interrupted, raising her eyebrows.

“About twelve miles,” the other actress answered.

Penelope tilted her head, considering that it wasn’t too far.

“It’s a straight line until we get closer to the set, then we can stop the car safely,” Kate explained.

“Alright...” Penelope trailed off, her heart pounding as she looked up at Kate, “I can try, if you help me?”

Another car zoomed by at a dangerously high speed as Kate nodded. She manoeuvred herself to sit in the back seat between Genevieve and Edwina, who grumbled drunkenly. Penelope then got into the driver’s seat. Luckily, it was on the right side, just like when she first learned to drive, or they would have faced issues from the beginning.

“Alright, so,” Kate said as she leaned over the backrest of the driver’s seat, her hand still over her heart, “When you learned, did you drive a manual or an automatic car?”

Penelope glanced at the gear change, which was obviously an automatic, and answered with a trembling voice, “Manual.”

Another thunder rumbled and Kate flinched, keeping her eyes closed as she said, “It’s alright, driving an automatic car is easier.”

“Sure,” Penelope muttered, thinking that nothing about the situation felt easy at all. Her hand hovered over the gear change, causing Kate to almost leap out of her seat.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

“Driving?” Penelope asked, hearing a distant honk of complaint from another car.

“Adjust your seat and mirrors first,” Kate pointed toward the rearview mirror with a trembling index finger. It shouldn’t have felt so commanding, considering Kate was shaking, but somehow she made it work.

Penelope nodded and tried to follow instructions to the best of her recollection, which wasn’t much, but she kept that to herself. Kate then started explaining how to operate the gears in the automatic car, and soon after, the redhead pushed the accelerator, and they started moving.

“Alright, good,” Kate commented, taking deep breaths as the wiper blades cleared the water from the windshield. “Just remember not to drive too slowly, as that can also be dangerous.”

Their driver pursed her lips, feeling sarcastically fantastic while her hands became sweaty on the steering wheel. Despite her fear, she slightly increased the speed, and for a while, everything seemed fine. There weren’t many cars on the road, and Kate was able to provide her with important instructions, despite the heavy rain.

Ten minutes passed, and it seemed like they were going to reach their destination without any issues. That is, until an animal, which Penelope later realized was probably a possum, ran right in front of their car. Penelope screamed, and almost instinctively, Penelope turned the car to the right, even as Kate shouted, “Don’t swerve—”.

Unfortunately, the damage had already been done, and their car veered off the road and crashed into a tree. Surprisingly, after Penelope hit her head on the steering wheel, the first thing she did was look ahead at the damaged hood pressed against the wet tree and groan, “Oh, I’m going to end up on the news.”

Depending on one’s perspective, their football match was a success. It was almost inconceivable how the two teams could consistently… tie.

If anyone asked a member of Colin’s or Anthony’s team, they would simply tell the truth – that the two brothers were too competitive for their own good, and halfway through the match, everyone else was ready to quit.

And so, after four exhausting hours of playing, the boys finally gave up due to the heavy rain. They sought refuge in the cafeteria, their appetites prepared to devour an entire cow if necessary.

“I don’t owe you anything. I already treated you to brunch yesterday,” Anthony said, waving dismissively at Colin before plopping down on one of the long benches in the cafeteria.

“You’re seriously going to make me eat soup after running for hours?” Colin complained, standing by the edge of Anthony’s table. He wiped the sweat from his brow with his forearm. “I might have to report you to the employment tribunals.”

Anthony glared at him, ready to respond, when Agatha suddenly approached them.

“Don’t you dare complain about the smell,” Anthony warned her before she could say anything, pointing at their sweaty selves. “It was your idea.”

However, he failed to notice the fear in the woman’s eyes until she cryptically said, “Dolores just returned from Auckland.”

Colin and Anthony furrowed their brows, failing to understand the relevance of that information at that moment.

“She mentioned seeing a car wreck on her way to the set,” Agatha continued. “It looked like a red Toyota Camry.”

Colin was still utterly confused, but Anthony’s heart raced with panic. “Didn’t Kate—” Agatha nodded before he could finish his question.

“Is she okay? Did you call her?” Anthony rushed towards the producer, bombarding her with a million questions.

“What are you two talking about?” Colin asked, feeling anxiety grip his veins. The last time a car accident was brought up and he was only given vague details, it didn’t turn out well.

“Kate rented a car just like that,” Agatha answered Colin, unknowingly shattering his world. The producer then turned back to Anthony and said, “She and Edwina aren’t answering their phones.”

“Pen,” Colin whispered, and the duo looked at him, his eyes filled with worry. “Penelope is with them.”

Agatha pursed her lips, already aware of that fact. “Her phone is going straight to voicemail.”

Colin’s heart skipped a sickening beat, and he turned to Anthony, his pulse roaring in his ears. “Tell me you have a car.”

Anthony looked at him as if the question was ridiculous before he started walking past him. Without another word, Colin ran after his brother, while Agatha yelled, “Where do you two think you’re going?!”

As soon as they exited the cafeteria, the rain poured down on them, but the two men appeared unaffected by the cold, determined to reach the car. Luckily, Anthony’s black Highlander was nearby, and he swiftly got into the car, knowing exactly where it was parked, allowing him to reach the driver’s seat before Colin could object.

“Go, go, go!” Colin shouted as Anthony started the car, as if he needed to be told twice.

They soon sped away from the set, much to Agatha’s dismay, who watched with her hand on her forehead. While they sat quietly, observing the rain hammering down on the asphalt, both brothers couldn’t ignore the obvious thought. A repeated, desperate, not again.

Please, not again.

“It could be any red Camry,” Anthony said, slightly breathless, his wet hair falling on his forehead as he focused on the road.

Colin swallowed hard, feeling that they weren’t that lucky in life. “Maybe they haven’t even left yet,” he croaked, his stomach twisting.

But then they spotted a red blur a few meters away - a car smashed against a tree. Anthony’s breath caught audibly, and Colin felt his eyes well up. But then, another red object caught their attention, and he almost died from relief. A tiny woman stood in the rain, holding her phone up to the sky.

Colin let out a loud sigh, a tear streaming down his cheek, which he quickly wiped away. Anthony clenched his jaw, overtaking the girls’ spot on the road just to make an illegal U-turn and pull over next to them.

As soon as the car stopped, Colin jumped out and landed on the ground. “Pen!” he called out above the heavy rain.

Finally, she tore her gaze away from her low-reception phone, startled to see not only a car beside her but also two Bridgertons.

“Colin?” she asked. “What are you doing here?”

He didn’t bother answering, choosing instead to cup her face in his hands and search for any injuries. “Are you hurt?” he asked, his voice muffled by the raindrops on his face.

“I’m fine,” she replied. As his thumb hovered over a reddening bruise on her forehead, he stared at it as if she had lied to him. She continued, “You were right. I needed to learn how to drive.”

Colin frowned, confused by her words. “It doesn’t matter now. We have to go,” he told her.

She nodded and turned to open the back door for Edwina, noticing Anthony doing the same for Genevieve. Edwina let out a small shriek as the water hit her head, quickly covering it with her hands in a futile attempt to shield herself.

“Go with Colin,” Penelope instructed her, exchanging a look with him to convey that she would stay behind.

However, Colin took her hand and pulled her along, reassuring her that Anthony was with them. He led the girls to the car, opening the door for them. Genevieve quickly followed suit, eager to escape the pouring rain.

And then there was one.

“Kate!” Anthony called out, relieved to finally see her clearly since she was sitting in the middle of the backseat. “Are you alright?”

She nodded, but her arms were folded across her chest, and she was trembling. With furrowed brows, Anthony couldn’t understand why she wasn’t budging.

“We brought a car,” he explained, still watching her from the open door. “I can give you all a ride.”

Kate nodded again, but remained unmoving, flinching at the sound of thunder.

“Come on, Kate, you can go back to hating me once you’re safe,” he said, misunderstanding why she wouldn’t leave the car.

This earned him a half-hearted glare and a weak response, “I can hate you just fine from here.”

Surprisingly, this didn’t frustrate him as it usually did, but rather left him confused. Anthony then climbed into the car, placing a hand on her arm. “Come on, Kate,” he urged, realising her heavy breathing. “You’re safe now, everything is alright.”

“It’s not the car accident,” she clarified when she realized the man was not grasping the reason for her distress. “It’s the storm,” she gestured to the ceiling.

Anthony blinked, taken aback by her honesty. Despite being soaking wet and with four people waiting for them in the other car, his patient gaze remained fixed on hers, awaiting her explanation.

“My mother...” her voice trailed off, as she hesitated to continue. “The day she passed away was...” she paused once more, unwilling to relive the painful memories of her mother’s death and the storm that brought it all rushing back to Kate. Since then, she had developed an intense fear of storms, even seeking therapy in her youth to overcome it. But occasionally, she would still succumb to her fears. “I thought I was getting better,” she exclaimed, frustration evident in her tone. “I was supposed to be better by now.”

As he nodded, Anthony moved his hand from her arm to grasp her shoulder. “I understand,” he whispered.

Kate scoffed, flinching as lightning struck a few meters away from them. “What is there to understand? This is humiliating. I’m a grown woman who’s terrified of storms,” she said.

“You’re much more than that,” he said firmly, causing Kate to pause and gaze at him in astonishment. He squeezed her shoulder gently and continued, “But right now, we need to get out of here, Kate.”

She shook her head and said, “I can’t,” feeling like a child.

“Here’s what we’re going to do,” Anthony announced in his business-like manner. “You’re going to close your eyes and cover your ears, and I’ll shield you until we reach my car.”

Kate shook her head once again, doubting the effectiveness of the plan. However, Anthony’s hands firmly cupped her cheeks, his intense gaze locking with hers, and she felt a surge of electricity spreading through her body, momentarily forgetting about the rain. All she could see was his face, illuminated by the soft glow of streetlights, and all she could hear was his soothing, deep voice resonating in her ears. With unwavering conviction, he said, “It’s going to work,” and she believed.

With a nod, she allowed Anthony to guide her out of the car, closing her eyes and covering her ears as soon as her feet touched the ground. The heavy rain immediately soaked her skin, but suddenly, everything felt warm. Anthony’s chest pressed against her back, his head hovering over hers as he wrapped one arm around her chest and the other over their heads. Together, they swiftly made their way towards the car.

In an instant, she found herself squeezed into the crowded back seat, the scent of damp upholstery filling her nostrils as she opened her eyes just in time to close the door on her right. Anthony walked over to the car, and quickly settled into the driver’s seat, his hand sweeping through his black hair to push it away from his eyes.

“That was... impressive,” Genevieve remarked, fanning herself with her hand as she smirked at Kate. Beside her, Edwina raised an eyebrow, while Penelope pressed her lips together in an attempt to remain neutral.

Kate felt her face instantly flush, meeting Anthony’s gaze in the rearview mirror, realising they had an audience for the stunt they had just pulled. Clearing his throat, Anthony nervously swallowed, his Adam’s apple visibly bobbing.

He started the Highlander and before anyone in it could silently judge them any longer, Kate pointed at the window and said, “We can’t just leave the car there.”

Her words seemed to have the desired effect as Anthony looked at her in disbelief through the rearview mirror. “Oh, we’re leaving it.”

“It’s easy for you to talk when it won’t be your name all over the news for abandoning a rented car at a wreck,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest, only slightly startled by another clap of thunder.

“I’m going to ask someone from the crew to help us contact the highway patrol,” he replied. “So I’m pretty sure all of our names are going to be on the news,” he concluded, waving his hand to emphasise his point.

Colin then let out a loud groan. “If you two are going to argue all the way to the set, just tell me now so I can open this door, jump out of this car, and die.”

Upon their return to the set, Anthony and Colin found themselves facing what would undoubtedly be the most humbling moment of their careers.

In the cafeteria, the nearest escape from the rain in the parking lot, Agatha’s voice, as sharp as a knife, cut through the gentle hum of the other chats. “Have you completely lost your minds?!”

The two soaked Bridgerton men flinched, their heads bowed in shame as if their own mother was berating them, a humiliating scene witnessed by several people.

“We could have called the police or waited for the rain to lighten up,” Agatha exclaimed, motioning towards the outside. “You could have done anything other than putting yourselves in danger.”

Thomas, who had been waiting for them since their football match ended and they heard about the accident, quickly urged the remaining cast and crew in the cafeteria to leave rather than gawk at the situation. However, the girls stood behind the duo, their faces etched with concern as they watched Agatha unleash a torrent of criticism upon them, despite the fact that the two brothers were not at fault.

“Agatha, they were just worried—” Penelope attempted to defuse the situation, only to be silenced by Agatha raising her hand.

“I’m the producer here,” Agatha said, tapping her chest, which made everyone bow their heads even lower. “I am fully aware of the safety protocols, and what you did was not in line with them.” She directed her finger directly at Anthony. “You, more than anyone, should be aware of that.”

“Yes, I am aware,” Anthony responded impatiently. “I am also aware of how slow the road police and ambulances can be. It was a no-brainer.”

Agatha widened her eyes at him, unable to believe what she was hearing. She continued, “It was a no-brainer. Just imagine for a moment if I had to call your mother and deliver the news that she had lost both her sons in a car accident because I...” Agatha gestured to herself and continued, “...hadn’t properly managed my own production. Do you reckon that would be a no-brainer?”

Anthony and Colin both squeezed their eyes shut, flinching at what she was implying. They knew she was right, but it was a difficult truth to face. And Agatha didn’t want to have to state the obvious, but she felt it was necessary to get through to their thick heads.

“Agatha, please,” Kate interrupted, taking a step forward as she felt personally responsible. “It was my fault entirely. I was the one driving. I knew it was going to rain all week, but today I thought...”

“It was an accident, Kate,” Agatha replied, more calmly as she turned to the actress. “My concern is with these two speeding off the set, thinking they’re immortal.”

“I understand that, but they were just concerned,” Kate replied, even though she believed they were reckless. However, they did what they did out of worry for them, and she couldn’t let them bear all the responsibility. “You can’t fault them for that.”

With a tired gaze, Agatha looked at Kate and the other girls, whose pleading eyes confirmed her suspicion that the battle was irretrievably lost.

“Alright, I give up,” the producer huffed, crossing her arms. “It’s impossible not to if these two can agree on something,” she said, gesturing between Anthony and Kate. As they all let out a collective sigh of relief, she added, “But no more reckless driving on this set. And you,” she pointed at Penelope, “go see the doctor immediately. There’s a bruise forming on your forehead.”

Penelope widened her eyes, placing a hand on her forehead and wincing upon realising the bruise. Colin looked at her, noticing that the red area on her face had indeed darkened, and shook his head at the whole situation.

“Come on, Pen,” he said, motioning for her to follow him to the infirmary. She reluctantly followed, grumbling that she was fine.

“And I’m off for a shower, effective immediately,” Edwina declared to anyone interested, earning a nod from Genevieve, who planned to do the same. The two then headed towards their quarters, leaving only Agatha, Anthony, and Kate behind.

The producer gave one last warning look to her director, as if to ensure he wouldn’t repeat the same mistake. Anthony nodded, albeit reluctantly.

“Good night,” she said before making her way towards her trailer.

Anthony and Kate both took deep breaths, with the man biting his bottom lip as he stole a glance at her from the corner of his eye. The woman was completely drenched, with the weight of the water clinging to her clothes. Her blue jeans had turned almost black, her lilac sweater a dark, muddy purple, and her typically full, wavy hair was now plastered to her face, appearing straight and lifeless. She looked incredibly exhausted and subdued, to the point where she didn’t even resemble the Kate Sharma he had always known.

“Are you sure you don’t need to see a doctor as well?” he asked.

She levelled a tired, exasperated look at him. “I’m sure,” she replied. “It was worse for Pen since she was in the driver’s seat.”

Anthony nodded slowly, and they stood in silence for a moment before he suggested, “Let me accompany you to your trailer, then.”

“What?” exclaimed Kate, her eyes widening in surprise as she glanced at Anthony. It was at that moment that she unfortunately noticed his white shirt had become completely see-through. While that sight was distracting in itself, it served as a reminder of the absurd fact that he had actually rushed out of the set and walked under heavy rain just to come to her aid. The thought of him wasting even more of his time to accompany her to her door, after everything he had already done, seemed utterly ridiculous. “No, there’s no need for that,” she firmly stated.

He twisted his face as if to say he wouldn’t take no for an answer. “Come on,” he said, walking towards her trailer regardless of whether she followed him or not.

“Anthony, I’m absolutely fine,” she said, hurrying to catch up with him. “I really can’t stand storms, but the rain’s lighter now. I assure you, I don’t mind a bit of drizzle, if you remember.”

The memory of their race through the rain to catch a horse made him smile. “I remember,” he said with humour. It was rather appropriate, really, as they bickered and strolled alongside each other, a light drizzle started to fall on them once more.

“So, you know I’m alright,” she insisted, her voice tight with stubbornness, although her small, grey trailer was already visible through the trees.

“No, what I know is that you’re the most stubborn woman I have ever met,” he remarked, the words dripping with exasperation, his shoes sloshing through the rain-soaked puddles as he hurried toward a hopefully drier spot. “That’s what I know.”

A scoff escaped her lips, the damp strands of her hair clinging to her skin and lightly slapping her cheek. “Stubborn? I just saved your skin back there,” she pointed towards the cafeteria, easily keeping up with Anthony’s fast pace. “Again, I might add. And it was probably a mistake considering Agatha was right in the first place. What you did was reckless.”

It was Anthony’s turn to scoff, the sound a harsh rasp as he forcefully swung open her trailer door, the metal screeching on its hinges, grating against the silence.

“Understood. Next time, I will simply leave you stranded in the middle of a wreck, waiting for the road police to arrive two hours later,” he said.

“Good!” Kate exclaimed, her heavy footsteps echoing on the metal stairs as she stormed up to her trailer, ignoring whether Anthony followed. Which, of course, he did. “Then next time, I won’t have to defend you for not following protocol when I was perfectly fine,” she snapped, her voice slicing through the darkness, her hands cutting through the air in agitated gestures.

In the trailer's dimness, with the only light filtering in from the window, Anthony’s humourless laugh reverberated. He couldn’t believe her, he simply couldn’t. After everything that had transpired between them that afternoon, she still had the audacity to act as though she didn’t need his help. And then, as she was rambling and waving her hands around, he caught a glimpse of something.

Swiftly, he grabbed one of her hands mid-air, silencing Kate instantly. “Fine, huh?” he remarked, displaying her palm, marked by a crimson stain and deep, angry nail marks.

Kate pressed her lips together, unsure why she was so insistent on pretending that what had happened that day was inconsequential. However, the sound of Agatha, of all people, screaming about how Anthony had put himself in danger to help them, left her unsettled. She wasn’t a damsel in distress, she wasn’t someone who made messes for others to clean up. And she certainly wasn’t a vulnerable, helpless person in need of assistance. Kate was the one who fixed the messes, the one who had everything under control even when everyone else didn’t.

“Still,” she said, her voice growing softer as she swallowed hard. “You didn’t have to do that,” she murmured, her brown eyes, illuminated by the lights outside, locked onto his.

“Out of everyone on this set,” he responded, never breaking eye contact as he continued, “you know exactly why I did.”

Those words hung in the air between them, the silence thick with tension as they stared into each other’s eyes. Because, unfortunately, he was right. It was a repeat offense, which made it even more embarrassing for Kate. The first time she unintentionally reminded him of his father’s accident had been awful; now she’d done it again.

“Anthony, you really can’t put your safety at risk every time someone gets hurt on set,” she whispered. Glancing down at their hands, she felt a flutter in her chest as his thumb brushed against her skin. Looking back up at him, she reassured, “I know you worry about everyone, but we’ll be okay, I promise.”

“I didn’t...” His brow furrowed with confusion, and his eyes held an indescribable emotion. “I didn’t get on that car because it was just anyone from the set. I did it because it was you.”

“What?” Kate gasped. “Why?” she asked, her heart racing as she searched for the answer in Anthony’s eyes. It was strange because she had a feeling that she already knew it, that his eyes had been telling her the answer for a while, but it seemed impossible.

“Because,” He wrinkled his forehead, his gaze fixed on their clasped hands, struggling to comprehend the answer himself. His grip on her hand tightened. “Because…”

Then he let go of her hand, turned away, closed his eyes, and placed a hand on his forehead. “Because... you annoy me.”

Kate’s eyes widened, their fragile truce shattered by his absurdity. “I annoy you?” she exclaimed.

Anthony nodded, avoiding eye contact. She let out a scoff as she approached him, standing closer than she should have. “You are the one who annoys me,” she spat.

He opened one eye to meet her gaze. “I annoy you?” he questioned.

“Yes, deeply,” she declared, her voice filled with anger and frustration from the day’s events and the bewildering man before her. “You are the most confusing man I have ever met,” she stated, causing him to take a deep breath and look up at the ceiling.

“Can’t you, for once, just decide what you want?” she continued, accusingly. “Do you want to be the director who thinks I’m too old, or the man who tells me I’m going to be the biggest star in the world? Do you want to be the exasperating guy who never listens to me or the one who rushes into danger to help me?”

He bit his bottom lip, finally turning his gaze back to her as she vented, her forehead creased in frustration. “One day, you seem to understand me better than anyone else, and the next day, you’re the most stubborn person I know.”

His heart skipped a beat as she said that he understood her, because that was exactly how he felt about her, although he didn’t understand how these emotions came to be. And what troubled him the most was his inability to provide her with an answer. If only he could make sense of it all in his mind, he would gladly explain it to her.

As they stood in silence, their eyes locked on each other, Kate realized that she wouldn’t receive any answers. She let out a sigh and covered her face with her hands. “I’m so tired. Just... exhausted.”

He watched her, taking in her aggravated state, which was a scene he had actually witnessed too many times to count. However, this time, it felt overwhelming.

“And, honestly,” she said, her voice carrying a hint of exasperation, “what is it that you’re always wearing?” She finally pointed at his wet shirt, which clung perfectly to his body. The conversation would be a thousand times easier if he didn’t have that perfectly slicked-back wet hair and his muscular chest almost on full display.

Glancing at his torso and then meeting her frustrated expression, he felt his breath catch in his throat as he grasped the implications of her words. For all that time, he had thought he was losing his mind, feeling completely alone in this peculiar infatuation he had for her. He had buried it deep within, hoping it would fade away, and the world began to make sense once more. But perhaps that madness wasn’t so one-sided after all, and that changed everything.

“Fine,” he said, putting a hand on his hips as he walked closer to her, “do you want me to choose?” He raised his eyebrows at her, a droplet of rain trickling down his temple, a harbinger of the absolutely most demented course of action of his life. But that was what Kate had always done from the start—she turned off every rational switch.

She stared at him. “Will you?”

His gaze, slow and deliberate, fell to her lips, a movement Kate initially dismissed as a figment of her imagination, until he closed the distance between them with another step forward. She didn’t step away, which for Anthony was a confirmation in on itself. As he slowly approached, Kate felt a growing sense of anticipation, her breath hitching in her chest, and her mouth parted slightly. His eyes then went back to hers and they stared at each other in silence, each trying to gauge the feelings of the other, as their breaths mingling in the space between them. Kate’s gaze then wandered to his mouth, and in that moment, she realized that she wanted to cross that line, regardless of the consequences.

“Didi, can I borrow your hair...” Edwina swung open the trailer door, dressed in a fluffy pink robe and a matching hairband, but stopped abruptly when she saw Kate and Anthony standing together, both still soaked to the bone. “...dryer.”

Anthony and Kate quickly moved away from each other, averting their gazes at the interruption. Kate then glanced at Edwina, pressing her lips together as she weakly replied, “Of course, bon.”

Clearing his throat, Anthony suddenly stood up straight, fixing a neutral expression as he stared at Kate as if they were merely discussing a scene they were about to film the following day, rather than on the verge of kissing each other.

“That’s all, Kate. Good night,” he declared before turning and striding towards the door.

“Good night,” Kate said, her voice trembling a little as he walked by.

“Good night, Edwina,” he nodded at her sister before leaving Edwina utterly perplexed at the doorway, gazing at Kate with raised eyebrows.

“I told you I was fine.”

Colin, flicking the switch to illuminate her trailer, chimed in, “You may not have any serious injuries, but that’s completely different from being fine.” He motioned towards the chair beside the dining table and firmly instructed, “Sit.”

She placed her wet purse onto the table, causing drops of water to form a small puddle. A soft whimper escaped her lips, resonating throughout the empty trailer. “Colin, I’m really fine,” she reiterated.

He eyed her skeptically, not believing her for a second, and repeated, “Sit.”

She begrudgingly complied as he headed to her bathroom to find the first aid kit. Penelope pursed her lips as she waited, the silence punctuated only by the rhythmic clatter of Colin’s movements as he opened and closed cabinets. He soon returned with a small bag in hand, kneeling in front of her and examining the bruise on her forehead.

“Doctor Monro already had a look at it,” she said, her voice losing its edge as Colin’s face came closer to hers.

“Right, he had a quick look and said you were all good, then just went back to watching House of the Dragon,” Colin said absentmindedly, placing a hand on the side of her face. His thumb grazed the reddened area, and she had to resist the urge to lean into his touch.

He looked down at the small bag, carefully opening it to find antiseptic and cotton. Penelope watched his movements, feeling guilty and foolish after everything that had happened that day.

“You were right. I shouldn’t have gone out with the girls tonight,” she whispered.

Colin glanced up, surprise flickering in his eyes before refocusing on his task. The sterile scent of antiseptic filled the air as he delicately dabbed it onto her bruise, his touch gentle yet determined. A hush settled between them, punctuated only by the soft, rhythmic sound of their breathing. She found herself captivated by his intense blue eyes, so close she could feel the warmth of his skin ghosting over her face, his lips pursed in intense concentration. Suddenly, he shook his head ever so slightly, as if dismissing her comment.

“The real question is, did you have a good time at least?” he whispered, his gaze fixed on his work as he pondered if there was anything else he needed to do. “Before everything, I mean,” he elucidated, his voice a low murmur that sent shivers down her spine as he moved away, much to her dismay.

“Um... Yes, I suppose,” she replied, watching as he once again inspected the contents of the first aid kit.

She debated whether or not to share with him the details of that night. Throughout their friendship, she had always been able to confide in Colin about almost anything—except her own feelings—and that was one of the reasons why their bond thrived. However, there was something about divulging the specifics of her attempts at flirting with strangers in bars that just felt inherently wrong, even if it shouldn’t be, not anymore.

“I...” she cleared her throat. “I actually saw that guy from the World Travel Channel there.”

Colin snapped his head up, staring at her as he asked, “Really.” The word sounded flat, carrying with it an unsettling heaviness in his stomach. With a furrowed brow, he shifted his gaze downwards and reached for a band-aid.

“Yeah... he’s an interesting man, I guess,” she commented, uncertain if she enjoyed her conversation with the blond or not, though she knew she didn’t despise it.

Ultimately, it didn’t really matter, she realized. That was how real life should be—neither here nor there, free from the romantic, delusional fantasies that occupied her mind.

Colin then refocused on her, gently placing the band-aid on her forehead and applying slight pressure to keep it in place. “So, you two talked?”

She nodded, wincing slightly as Colin’s hand still rested on her bruise. “He actually knew who I was.”

A subtle smile curved his lips as he slowly lowered his hands, eyes locked on hers, and softly said, “Of course he did.

Colin never appeared surprised by her fame, as if he had anticipated it just as surely as he awaited the rising sun in the east. And for a long time, Penelope doubted it, thinking it was merely Colin being polite. Colin being Colin. But now rising fame was no secret, even though she felt like she had escaped from dealing with most of its consequences by returning to New Zealand.

Sending him a small smile, she couldn’t help but feel a bit flustered. Even though she had experienced countless heartbreaks, Colin remained unfailingly loyal, supportive, and dedicated. Most days, it was enough to make her resent him for holding such a tight grip on her heart. But on that day, as she gazed at him kneeling in front of her, with his wet hair clinging to his forehead and his soaked outfit, she couldn’t help but feel guilty.

“I’m sorry,” she said. When he furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, she continued, “For worrying you. You didn’t have to do that today.”

He shook his head, glancing downwards at the floor. “You don’t have to apologise, Pen,” he said while zipping up the first aid kit bag. Looking up at her, he placed his hands on his thighs and took a deep breath. “Worrying about you is just something I do, regardless of your actions.”

Her heart leaped; a blush warmed her cheeks as their eyes met, and for a moment, she was unsure how to respond to his words. What she knew was that she shouldn’t read too much into it, and she wouldn’t, since it was nothing out of the ordinary between friends.

She bit her lip. “I know the feeling,” she replied.

Remarkably, those words seemed to hold a peculiar power, making Colin’s eyes sparkle and the corners of his mouth turn upward. His gaze lingered a bit too long, the silence punctuated only by their shared breaths, before his eyes dropped to her mouth. Penelope’s pulse quickened, and she felt her control over her breathing slipping away. Suddenly, without warning, he reached out, deliberately grazing her bottom lip with his thumb. The touch sent a wave of shivers down Penelope’s spine, and she gasped, the sound echoing in the confined space of the trailer.

Colin’s eyes widened, and he quickly pulled back his hand as if it had moved on its own. He cleared his throat, the sound raspy and uncertain, and pointed at her mouth. She stared at him, speechless, her chest rising and falling heavily. “There was a strand of hair stuck on your lipstick,” he explained, his voice slightly shaky.

Lipstick? Penelope’s mind was too confused to comprehend the words. Her fingertips instinctively brushed her lips, feeling the lingering texture of the MAC gloss she had applied earlier, which a dubious YouTuber had claimed would last a ridiculously long time. Indeed, she thought ironically, as she observed Colin refocus his attention on the kit, placing it on the table and avoiding eye contact.

A knock on the door interrupted the moment, and Colin immediately stood up, heading towards the source of the sound. Penelope remained rooted in her seat, still watching him with her hand on her lips.

“Am I in the wrong trailer?” Agatha’s voice echoed from the entrance. “I thought this one was Penelope’s.” That instantly sobered Penelope, and she blinked before standing up.

“You’re in the right one,” Colin answered, opening the door wider and gesturing for the producer to enter.

“I just wanted to check if she was alright,” Agatha explained as she slowly climbed the stairs, her gaze shifting between Penelope and Colin, her eyebrow raised in curiosity about what he was doing in her trailer.

“Doctor Monro said everything is fine,” Penelope reassured with a polite smile on her face.

The producer assessed her from head to toe, nodding once she confirmed that Penelope was indeed unharmed. Then she glanced back at Colin, who was leaning against a wall with his arms crossed.

That was actually the perfect opportunity to talk to the duo about the kissing scene they would have to shoot for the movie. It was a private moment without any crew members around, and she would be spared from awkwardly asking for a meeting without revealing the subject in advance. But still...

“Was there something else you wanted to discuss, Agatha?” Penelope asked tentatively, noticing the unusual hesitation in the typically confident woman.

Agatha turned her head towards Penelope, taken aback by the question. She gazed at the exhausted actress, whose forehead was bandaged, greasy hair clinging to her face, and clothes drenched, mirroring Colin’s drained appearance.

“No,” the producer replied, folding her hands in front of her. “There’s nothing else.”

Blind Item #17

This nepo baby actor despises the idea of kissing his co-star

Chapter Text

The Sword and the Heart 2 Filming Start Confirmed With a Bang

Production has officially kicked off for The Sword and the Heart: Princess of the West, however the announcement was accompanied by some concerning news.

On Sunday, a car accident occurred on a road adjacent to the filming set, resulting in injuries to several cast and crew members. The local police reported that a red Toyota Camry, rented under the name of Kathani Sharma, sustained minor damages. Fortunately, no other vehicles were involved in the incident.

Danbury Productions issued a statement regarding an accident that occurred outside of their filming location. The production company reassured the public that all individuals involved in the incident are safe and emphasised that the accident was not connected to the filming activities. Furthermore, they confirmed that the shooting schedule remains unaffected and on track.

Scheduled for release next year, The Sword and the Heart: Princess of the West marks the second installment in a planned trilogy. This sequel follows the highly acclaimed The
East Dynasty, which garnered exceptional reviews and positive responses from both critics and audiences alike. Similar to its predecessor, which faced a chaotic post-production phase, the upcoming sequel appears poised to make a raucous entrance from the very beginning.

❤️‍🔥Trish @dorjorie4llifee

okay what is going on i’m scared

     | Maria Eduarda @dudiiiiinha2004

     @dorjorie4llifee i should be happy they’re back but at what cost

         | ❤️‍🔥Trish @dorjorie4llifee

         @dudiiiiinha2004 do we know if kate showed up after this

             | Maria Eduarda @dudiiiiinha2004

             @dorjorie4llifee she didn’t

𝔠𝔞𝔯𝔩𝔬𝔰 @carlosbton

I hope pen and colin are okay 😥😥😥

     | ⋆.˚🦋༘⋆ Fa @loratheexplorer

     @carlosbton i’ve been waiting for any news abt them but NOT LIKE THIS

         | Cinthy❤️‍🔥🐉⚔️ @Cy3452n     

         @loratheexplorer@carlosbton seriously guys im worried

             | billie @noraswsift

             @Cy3452n@loratheexplorer@carlosbton they’re fine guys they said everyone was fine

Dee @warofthorns

leave it to lora shippers to make kate’s accident abt them

Daphne: Anthony and Colin are you okay

Eloise: Did anyone try calling Agatha

Benedict: calling her as we speak

Francesca: but did anyone try calling them first?

Gregory: their phones are going straight to voicemail

Francesca: but i don’t understand why didn’t anyone call us?

Francesca: If something had happened they would have called us

Daphne: did anyone talk to mum

Benedict: no daph don’t tell her yet

Hyacinth: TELL HER WHAT THEY ARE FINE

Gregory: Hya we don’t know that

Hyacinth: no fran is right if something had happened they would have called us

Daphne: well have any of you talked to them since yesterday?

Hyacinth: its anthony and colin ofc not

Hyacinth: we didn’t even know eloise was living in colins house for months not exactly outstanding communicators

Eloise: when are you going to let this go

Daphne: okay this is not important right now

Benedict: agatha is also not picking up her phone

Gregory: fine im officially terrified

Hyacinth: the article said everyone was ok

Gregory: SURE bc articles always speak the truth

Hyacinth: greg stop

Hyacinth: they’re fine okay

Hyacinth: please stop

Hyacinth: wait hold on

Daphne: ?

Gregory: what

Benedict: hya what is it

Hyacinth: do you guys remember kates sister

Gregory: ?????? how is that even marginally relevant now

Eloise: who

Benedict: yeah vividly

Daphne: benedict.

Benedict: I MEAN i remember she made kate and anthont flip in front of everyone

Benedict: get your mind off the gutter daph

Benedict: not everyone is finding their spouse in anthonys social circle

Hyacinth: she just posted an entire carousel of bts photos

Hyacinth: https://www.instagram.com/p/DE17gfaNSFM/?img_index=5&igsh=aWjoOJpoMDZvaG8n

Francesca: I don’t have an instagram

Gregory: oh we know

Hyacinth: it’s just a lot of pictures

Hyacinth: one of kate and edwina hugging and one with thomas and cressida with hair clips and bathrobes

Hyacinth: one of colin and pen sticking their tongues out for the photo

Eloise: ofc

Hyacinth: one where anthonys right up close to the camera giving a thumbs up.

Eloise: excuse me?

Benedict: anthony close to what doing what?

Hyacinth: i think she was trying to show they’re okay?

Colin is currently typing…

Gregory: FINALLY

Eloise: freaking idiot

Daphne is currently typing…

Benedict is currently typing…

Francesca is currently typing…

Colin: We’re fine

Colin: I don’t answer for five minutes and you all lose it?

Eloise: Can you blame us we were worried sick

Daphne: Colin why didn’t you tell us what happened

Francesca: Col you should have called us

Benedict: is internet more expensive over there?

Colin: i didn’t call bc we weren’t on the accident

Hyacinth: okay but kate was

Hyacinth: is she okay?

Colin: as you can see in the picture yes

Daphne: well is everyone truly okay? was anyone else hurt?

Daphne: Colin?

Colin: this doesn’t leave this chat

Colin: understood?

Colin is currently typing…

Gregory: OH

Hyacinth: I should be excited but I dont like this

Benedict: colin just spill out already

Eloise: TYPE FASTER

Colin: Pen was with them

Colin: she was the one driving

Hyacinth: WHAT

Benedict is currently typing…

Eloise is currently typing…

Gregory is currently typing…

Daphne is currently typing…

Francesca is currently typing…

Colin: She bumped her head but she’s okay.

Hyacinth: BUMPED HER HEAD ANS SHE’S FINE DO YOU HEAR YOURSELF

Gregory: Explain. Now.

Eloise: why weren’t you with her

Eloise: what do you mean she was driving

Eloise: did she start driving again while I was gone

Colin: No

Colin: she didn’t

Colin: that was the problem

Eloise: I repeat

Eloise: why

Eloise: were you not

Eloise: with her

Eloise: i leave her under your care, and everything goes wrong.

Colin: leave her under my care?

Colin: do you mean those five years

Colin: when you abandoned her

Eloise: total number of accidents in our twenty years of friendship

Eloise: Zero

Colin is currently typing…

Eloise: total number of accidents while I was away

Colin: The total number of times I abandoned Penelope purposely

Colin: ZERO

Eloise: OH REALLY

Colin: I SAID PURPOSELY

Benedict: do you want to bring this into your own private chat to hash things out?

Gregory: it’s obvious none of you can take care of pen

Gregory: let me handle it

Daphne: I just wanted to know if Pen is okay

Colin: how many times do i have to repeat that she is

Colin: do you need another picture as proof of life

Eloise: YES

Hyacinth: YES

Gregory: absolutely

Daphne: yes

Francesca: yes please I miss pen

Colin: take it to eloise it’s her fault she didn’t go to the wedding

Eloise: i loathe you

Benedict: send us a picture of you two

Benedict: and may i ask where is our grumpy old man

Benedict: and why didn’t he pick up my calls

Colin: we’re all filming here in case you forgot

Gregory: oh… that explains it

Colin: yeah oh

Colin: thankfully tho

Colin: I’m not filming

Colin: and very much away from anthony right now

Daphne: why? what’s wrong with him?

“Cut!”

Kate and Thomas paused, each taking a deep breath before turning to Anthony.

The director remained rooted to his chair, his gaze unwavering as he commanded, “Again, from the beginning,” his voice flat.

Kate closed her eyes, trying to calm herself, while her co-star glanced at her and pressed his lips together before returning to his position on the scene. Impatiently, he rested his hands on his hips, the itchy wool of his cape adding to his growing frustration as he waited for Anthony. Backing up a few steps, Kate smoothed her dark blue velvet dress, reminding herself to stay in character and avoid any murder Anthony Bridgerton tendencies.

“Princess of the West, Scene 52, Take... 45, Mark,” the second camera assistant announced wearily, closing the clapboard with a loud clack.

“Action,” Anthony called out.

“You can’t do this,” Thomas delivered his first line, walking towards Kate with determination. “Believe me, I understand your desire to reclaim your kingdom, but what good is it if you’re dead?”

“That’s a risk I have to take,” Kate muttered. “I’m out of options. I can’t hide any longer.”

“Marjorie,” Thomas pleaded, his voice thick with desperation, taking another step forward, tilting his head as his eyes roamed across her face, silently begging for her to reconsider.

She pressed her lips together, looking away briefly, her eyes returning to him with a hint of tears. “She has Nora, Dorieus. We thought we knew what was happening, what we had to do, but this? We weren’t prepared.”

“And what if I’m not prepared to lose you?” he whispered, inching closer, his eyes locked on hers, their breaths mingling.

Acting surprised, Kate stared at him for a moment before her eyes flickered to his lips and back up to meet his gaze. “Then make these last moments count for something,” she said.

Thomas only looked at her for a moment, as if understanding her meaning, before he gently placed his hand on her cheek and leaned in.

“Cut!” Anthony shouted.

Kate placed her hand on her forehead in frustration, while Thomas threw his head back and looked skyward. The construction team had built a balcony with thick grey stone pillars surrounding them. And even though the ceiling seemed sturdy, Thomas secretly hoped a lightning bolt would somehow manage to strike him and end his misery.

“Back to the beginning,” Anthony called out, glancing down at the clipboard on his lap and disregarding their obvious annoyance.

Once again, the actors returned to their original positions, once again the assistant called for take 46, and once again Anthony instructed them to start.

“We thought we understood what was going on and what we had to do, but this? We weren’t prepared,” Kate recited once more.

Thomas walked closer to Kate, panting as he said, “But what if I’m not prepared to lose you?”

Kate stared at him, her eyes widening as instructed in the script, before glancing at his lips. “Then make these last moments count for something,” she replied.

Thomas also looked at her lips, placing his hand on her cheek before leaning in.

“Cut!”

Kate and Thomas both groaned and glared at Anthony.

“What was wrong this time?” Thomas asked, confused by Anthony’s many cuts for the past ten takes or more.

Anthony, once again looking at his clipboard, which Kate was tempted to snatch and slap him with, pointed at them with his pen and said, “You both messed up your lines.”

The two actors exchanged incredulous looks. They were certain that if they made any mistakes, they were minor ones, probably due to Anthony making them redo this scene countless times in a row. Kate narrowed her eyes at Anthony, who happened to glance up at that moment, and she grabbed the hem of her dress, taking determined steps back to her original spot.

“Should I take a break?”

Anthony looked at Tilley Arnold, the intimacy coordinator for the movie, then back at the two actors in front of him. “It won’t be necessary,” he declared as if nothing was wrong and they hadn’t shot multiple takes for no apparent reason.

Tilley observed him, then turned her attention back to Kate and Thomas, whose faces were tight with barely contained impatience. She was trained to notice when an actress or actor felt uncomfortable in a romantic scene, but that definitely didn’t seem to be the case. In fact, it seemed like they were almost eager to finally kiss and finish that scene rather than deal with their moody director.

“Action!” Anthony shouted again.

Thomas, placing a hand on Kate’s cheeks, stared deeply into her eyes and asked, “But what if I’m not ready to lose you?”

Kate’s gaze shifted to his lips as she whispered, “Then you should make these last moments count.”

They locked eyes before Thomas’s gaze drifted to her mouth.

“Cut!”

Kate vaguely recalled thinking, Okay, that’s enough, before she turned around and exploded

“Do we have a problem?” She asked pointedly, glaring at Anthony, forgetting about their audience, about etiquette, about how people would think she was a diva for shouting at the director, forgetting about everything.

Anthony glanced up at her, seemingly taken aback, until Kate repeated, “I said, do we have a problem?”

Thomas’ eyes widened, mirroring the shock of those around him. But Anthony, somehow, didn’t seem shocked. He looked at Kate, his eyes darting away, a subtle, almost absurdly bashful expression on his features.

“No, there’s no problem,” Anthony replied dryly, before returning his attention to his clipboard. “A bird chirped too loudly, interfering with the sound.”

Kate raised an eyebrow at his absurd excuse. “It’s raining outside. There are no birds chirping.”

Anthony crossed his arms triumphantly, maintaining his gaze. “It must have been the rain, then. Case closed.”

Kate’s eye was practically twitching; her hands were balled into fists. Anthony’s absurdity wouldn’t get him anywhere with her.

“Um… I need to pee,” Thomas interjected, nervously glancing between Kate and Anthony, realising that fleeing might be the best course of action.

The director then grimaced. “Fine, everyone, take a five-minute break,” he announced, waving them away. The cast and crew, sighing in unison, left their positions, eager for a respite from the tension. Kate, however, remained fixed on Anthony, seemingly oblivious to the others.

Once enough people had dispersed towards the bathroom or the snack table, she pointed directly at Anthony. “We need to talk.”

He gave her a look, and the crew members nearby exchanged perplexed glances at the sight of the actress boldly telling the director what to do, and not just any director, but Anthony Bridgerton, of all people. The perpetually composed, always-in-control, meticulous Anthony Bridgerton. And to their astonishment, he simply stood up, adjusted his shirt, and casually walked a few meters to the right, as if nothing out of the ordinary was happening.

Kate huffed and followed him, ignoring the curious onlookers. She knew her outburst wouldn’t do her reputation any favours, but after dealing with nonsense all afternoon, she didn’t care anymore. Anthony had a way of making her lose her rationality.

Once they were far enough away from prying ears, Anthony stopped and placed his hand on his hips, poking the inside of his cheek with his tongue, deliberately avoiding eye contact with Kate. She stood directly in front of him, mirroring his posture with her own hands firmly planted on her hips, her incredulous stare burning into him.

“Do you have a problem with the way I’m doing my job?” she asked.

Anthony shook his head without looking at her. “I already told you—”

“Because it is my job,” she stressed, her eyes narrowing slightly, making it abundantly clear this was a matter of professional obligation. “You understand that, correct?”

Anthony pressed his lips together, trying to contain his frustration. It was hard to believe that an actress was reminding him that she was just working. After all, he had spent years working in the industry and as the director of the project, he knew that better than anyone else. Still, the sight of Thomas almost kissing Kate had him absolutely fuming, and it felt as though he was just itching to throw a punch at whatever came his way next.

“Is that all?” he asked, tapping his foot and clenching his jaw.

Kate gave him a sardonic smile, which he didn’t see since he had been avoiding looking at her throughout their exchange. “No, that’s not all. Is there anything you would like to say to me?” she asked.

At last, he turned towards her, taking in her exasperated look, yet still reluctant to bring up the actual issue.

“No,” he lied, lifting his chin and giving her a steady look. “Why? Do you have anything to say to me?”

She glared at him indignantly before gesturing to herself defensively. “Well, if you have nothing to say to me, then I have nothing to say to you.”

He gave a sharp shrug and said, “Good.”

She waved her hands in frustration. “Great!”

On the other side of the set, the crew and remaining cast members enjoyed their snacks while observing the duo with immense interest, as if watching a movie.

“Oh my,” Tilley remarked with a smirk, as Kate waved her arms and visibly shouted at Anthony, who appeared to be avoiding confrontation. “I heard they didn’t get along, but I didn’t realise it was like this.”

Thomas, already on his second slice of mince and cheese pie, chimed in. “Honestly, it’s not. Or at least it didn’t use to be,” he mumbled with a mouthful of food, as Anthony glanced back at Kate and said something that further enraged the actress. “They used to argue a lot, but not like this.”

Tilley grabbed a water bottle, observing Anthony and Kate, who were now both shouting, and asked, “What about that incident with the horse?”

Being hired only for the second movie had its drawbacks; she felt like she could only grasp half of what was happening on set. And although it was still the early days of official production, she couldn’t help but notice the complex dynamics among some of the cast and crew.

Thomas tilted his head, reminiscing, and answered, “I suppose... but it was different.”

The intimacy coordinator nodded, then turned to the actor, furrowing her brows as she pointed at his pie. “Should you be eating that right before a kissing scene?”

He took another bite, shrugging. “Do you think we’ll actually finish that scene today?” he asked, only to see Anthony and Kate conclude their chat. The director, with a pointed gesture, returned to his seat, signalling the crew to get back to work.

Unfortunately, Thomas immediately recognised the expression in Anthony’s eyes. It meant that the scene was going to happen, for better or worse, that very day. Muttering a curse, the actor hurled his plate onto the table and hurried back to film his scene with Kate.

On a scale of 0 to 100, if Kate could rate how awkward things had been in the weeks following her moment with Anthony, she would probably say 250. It had reached a point where she almost wished something had actually happened between them. At least then they would have something to talk or argue about instead of constantly dancing around the absurd and ridiculous tension that surrounded them.

“Are you alright, didi?” Edwina asked, interrupting Kate’s train of thought. Her sister looked at her with concern, filling her glass with water as she gestured towards Kate’s plate. “You haven’t touched your food.”

For the past ten minutes, Kate had been resting her face on her hands, her eyes unfocused, and twirling her fork in her spaghetti, as if the tomato sauce would suddenly reveal in a few moments all the answers she had been needing for over a month. As thunder rumbled, she gave a slight flinch, her gaze drawn to the dark bluish-grey sky. It was midday, but it was already so dark that it looked like evening was approaching.

With a crucial scene to shoot that afternoon—Marjorie’s triumphant return to the Kingdom of the East, on horseback, sword in hand—her anxieties and the approaching storm left her feeling anything but victorious.

“What time is the shooting starting this afternoon?” she asked her sister, twirling the spaghetti on her fork, the sauce clinging to the strands, before finally eating.

Edwina’s mouth was brimming with water, and she covered it with a finger before taking a gulp. “Um. They changed the schedule for today.”

Kate furrowed her brow, also pouring herself a glass of water as she questioned, “What? When?” She was certain she had reviewed her schedule with Edwina the previous night when she noticed the forecast for the next day. It had become a habit for her to be prepared ahead of time since she started filming on location.

“Earlier today,” Edwina replied, her fork clumsily attacking a piece of fried chicken, the greasy aroma filling the air as she avoided eating it with her hands like everyone else.

Kate stared at her, completely bewildered by this information. “Did they tell you why?”

The greasy fried chicken almost slipped off the youngest Sharma’s plate, causing her fork to clatter against the porcelain as she shook her head. “No, Anthony just said they were going to change it.”

“Anthony,” Kate repeated, watching Edwina, her mind racing.

“Yes,” Edwina glanced at Kate and then back at her food, but upon noticing her sister’s expression, she returned her gaze. “I’m sure it was necessary, didi. You’re too hard on him,” she said.

“It’s one of the biggest sequences in the film, Edwina,” Kate replied sharply. There would be hundreds of extras, stunt doubles, and several horses involved. They had planned hours of filming specifically on a rainy day, and now Anthony—Anthony Bridgerton—had changed everything last minute? If it were any other director, she wouldn’t think twice about the change, but it wasn’t just any director. And while Edwina wasn’t present during their last film shoot to know, Kate was well aware that this was far from normal.

“And maybe that’s exactly why,” her sister shrugged. “If even one detail is wrong, they have to reschedule it.”

Kate pressed her lips together, looking down at her food and giving up on it. “Yeah, maybe,” she said, not believing it for a second

“Okay, I have to ask, what’s wrong with your brother?”

“Finally,” Colin exclaimed, dramatically raising his hand to the sky while using the other to hold the umbrella between them.

As he shielded them from the rain, Penelope, with her arm intertwined with his, shook her head at his theatrics. She tried not to revel in his warmth and snuggle too closely, but she was failing spectacularly. That was why it was easier to focus on Anthony’s peculiar behaviour.

“I’ve been telling you for years that there’s something wrong with Anthony,” he said as they walked up the hill, already spotting their shooting location in the distance. “But every time, it’s all ‘Anthony is a great director’ this or ‘your brother means well’ that.”

Penelope rolled her eyes, a puddle on her path causing her to veer off course and lean closer to Colin. “He does mean well, but what I’m saying is that he’s been acting strangely lately. And now he’s rescheduling our scene at the last minute?” While she’d worked with many directors who significantly altered filming schedules, Anthony was certainly not one of them.

Colin noticed Penelope struggling through the thick, clinging mud and pulled her close, instantly enveloped by her warmth. A delicate, powdery scent of roses and vanilla hung in the air between them. He didn’t know if she had recently changed her perfume, but he couldn’t help but notice she had been wearing that one a lot lately, and it was quite distracting.

He then caught Penelope’s striking blue eyes on him, as if waiting for a response. Colin squeezed his eyes shut briefly, then said, “Um. Yes. I mean, no. I don’t know what’s happening to him.”

Penelope looked up at the cloudy sky and bit her lip, a motion that caught Colin’s attention until he quickly refocused. “What is it?” he asked, noticing that she was contemplating something.

With a slight shake of her head and eyes fixed on the ground, the redhead seemed hesitant, but Colin’s raised eyebrow urged her to continue.

“Okay, but don’t mention this to anyone, alright?” she finally said.

It was an unusual request coming from Penelope, so Colin wrinkled his forehead and replied, “Cross my heart.”

Tilting her head, she gazed at their approaching filming location—a sprawling cinematographic construction with a stone roof sheltering the huddled crew—and finally, at Anthony seated on his director’s chair. “Do you think maybe Kate asked him to change the schedule?”

Colin’s eyebrows flew up to his hairline. “What?”

“Remember what I told you on the day of the accident?” she asked, and Colin nodded. Desperate as he had been that day, she had to explain to him how she ended up driving that car in the first place. “If Kate has some sort of anxiety about storms, then it would make sense for her to ask him, wouldn’t it?”

He considered her theory; it was logical, except for the fact that Kate and Anthony were involved. “I’m not sure, Pen. I don’t believe Anthony would ever alter his schedule for anything or anyone, especially with hundreds of cast and crew members involved.”

Penelope furrowed her brow, gazing at Anthony as they approached him. She understood Colin’s perspective, but she also knew that Anthony was far from the cold-hearted, inflexible man people believed him to be. And she knew Colin was aware of this too, but their sibling bickering often clouded his judgment.

“And..." Colin trailed off, “I honestly find it hard to imagine Kate making such a request.”

He got her there, Penelope reflected before sighing. “You have a point,” she said.

Colin shrugged, as if he knew he was right, and then they realized they were too close to Anthony to continue the conversation. John and Rae, trailing behind, also huddled together under a shared umbrella, their voices rising in a heated debate, over which of their bosses seemed most stressed by the schedule change.

“I’ll have you know I was on a phonecall with Netflix before I was interrupted,” Rae complained, shielding her face from the rain with one hand as John held the umbrella selfishly close.

With a sharp pull, she brought the umbrella to her side, the accumulated rainwater showering John’s left side in a sudden cascade. John pulled the handle back from her, their hands locked in a tense tug-of-war, his words sharp, “Well, I had Scorsese on the phone—do you even know what that’s like?”

“No, you didn’t,” Rae retorted, yanking the umbrella again, “You were playing Call of Duty with the stunt coordinator when I arrived at your trailer.”

Anthony cleared his throat loudly, an impressive feat in the heavy rain, and the two assistants turned their attention to him, as well as Colin and Penelope, who both mirrored each other’s exasperation with their hands on their foreheads. Once they were suitably quiet, Anthony turned to the two actors, observing their cosy position together under the umbrella.

“You two prepared?” he asked, casting a quick glance at the now embarrassed assistants. “Because they might be more ready for this scene.”

Colin shot him a glare. “Are you trying to tell me how to do my job now?”

With his hands clasped behind his back, Anthony appeared less self-important than usual, perhaps because he was wearing a heavy, black raincoat. “That’s precisely why I’m here.”

Before Colin could retort and ignite a Bridgerton family feud right before her eyes, Penelope intervened, placing a hand on Colin’s chest and turning to the director. “We reviewed our lines just a few minutes ago, Anthony. Don’t worry.”

If Penelope were being honest, she had her own reservations. For one, she had only read her lines and not rehearsed them beforehand with Colin; a habit they’d fallen into since their first scene together. However, they were professionals and knew they had to do what was necessary. Besides, she knew exactly where to draw the necessary emotions for that scene, even if she didn’t like it.

The eldest Bridgerton sibling then looked at her, seeing the determination in her eyes, and nodded. As much as he enjoyed teasing Colin, he knew that he and Penelope had rarely caused any trouble during shooting, and he was confident they would perform brilliantly, even if it was last minute. He then walked a few steps to the right and pointed at the makeshift wall with stones and a door leading to a half-patio, all specially constructed for the movie.

“You’ll begin the scene here,” he said, gesturing to the partially covered patio, where the sound of the rain would be muted, yet visible in the film as an outside scene of the castle. “Leonidas is determined to go after Catherine and he’s leaving at a rapid pace,” Anthony summarised the scene. “Nora is hurrying after him, telling him he’s making a mistake.”

Both Colin and Penelope nodded, their eyes fixed on Anthony as he spoke.

“Once Leonidas declares he can’t live without Catherine, you’ll walk through the door without looking back,” Anthony said, gesturing towards Colin. Then he turned to Penelope and continued, “You pause for a moment so we can capture a shot of Colin on the left side and you on the right. Ideally, we’ll be able to shoot the wall between you two, but we’ll see how that looks on camera.” The two actors nodded, and Anthony concluded, “Then Nora will also walk through the door, and you two will finish the scene outside. Questions?”

The other two shook their heads simultaneously, and as always, Anthony took it as a signal to start. Within minutes, he was back in his chair, and the entire crew began preparing. Colin and Penelope handed over their rain-soaked capes to their assistants, revealing Colin’s dark blue doublet and Penelope’s brown vest and short wig underneath. Their hair and makeup artists quickly worked their magic in a few minutes; a palpable silence hung in the air as the actors consciously distanced themselves, needing quiet moments to gather themselves for the intense scene. After a brief interval, they proceeded to their designated positions at the top of the stone stairs, refraining from exchanging glances while taking deep breaths to fully embody their characters.

When Anthony shouted action, Colin descended the stairs with purposeful strides. Penelope waited until he reached the lower level before following him.

“Leo!” she called, her voice carrying over the sound of the rain falling around them.

Colin paused, his back to Penelope as she came down the stairs.

“Where do you think you’re going?” she asked, her steps and voice growing hesitant as she stared at his back.

With a slow, deliberate movement, Colin turned his head halfway, the corner of his eye fixated on Penelope. He swallowed hard, taking his time to respond. “I have to go after her, Nora,” he answered quietly.

She eyed his back incredulously, slowly approaching him; the rhythmic pitter-patter of rain on the floor was the only sound besides her breathing. “Have you lost your mind?” she asked.

Although this question would typically be a normal and exasperated one from her, this time it carried a different weight. This time, her voice held a vulnerability and gravity that Nora rarely displayed.

“Not yet,” he replied with a bitter smile. “But I might if I stay here.”

Penelope grimaced involuntarily, feeling the weight of that statement on both Nora and herself. “You don’t even know where she’s headed. Have you forgotten who you are? I know I always joke about your lack of importance to the throne, but you need to be clever. If the wrong person finds you, they will kill you. You know they will.”

“Then let them find me,” he declared, finally turning to face her. She could see the reflection of the light and shadows of their surroundings in his eyes.

“You cannot be serious,” she replied, craning her neck to look up at him, her voice tight with disbelief.

Colin looked away, chewing on his bottom lip before returning his gaze to her. “I’m tired, Nora. Tired of all of this. I have never desired the throne, nor am I suited for it. I just want to be free.”

“And Catherine will give you that?” Nora asked, glaring at him.

“Maybe,” he replied softly, before delivering the blow. “All I know is I can’t live without her.” And with that, he turned around and walked out the door, straight into the pouring rain.

Penelope watched him go, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. Anthony didn’t need to tell her to wait inside because she knew she needed some time alone to process her emotions before continuing with the next lines.

Anthony called “cut,” and the camera crew sprang into action, repositioning equipment and adding rain covers while the director conferred with them. Penelope stood still, a hand on her chest, silently absorbing her feelings while Colin found temporary shelter from the rain.

The director soon yelled for them to resume filming. Penelope inhaled deeply, then walked through the doorway into the downpour; Colin, meanwhile, walked purposefully toward the woods, the sound of his boots crunching on the grass, as Leonidas prepared to depart the West Kingdom.

“And what about me?” she shouted after him, her heart pounding in her chest as Colin halted. “Can you live without me that easily?” she asked, tears welling up in her eyes as the rain fell on her face.

He turned to her, taking in her distressed state. And as the rain soaked him, dripping onto his eyes, cheeks, and lips, Colin couldn’t help but feel that the expression in Penelope’s eyes was painfully familiar.

“That’s not fair,” he said.

She shook her head, her lips trembling as she looked away and then back at him. “I thought I was your best friend,” she said, her voice wavering. “Wasn’t that what you told me?”

“You are,” he said, waving one hand emphatically. “Nora, you will always be—”

“Then why are you leaving me?” she interrupted, shaking her head. “A best friend wouldn’t do that,” she said, her voice cracking and tears streaming down her cheeks.

Colin stared, speechless, his breath hitching in his chest at Penelope’s sharp, accusing tone. Because that’s who it was: Penelope, not Nora. They had been there before, facing a similar dilemma, and the memory of Penelope’s icy glare still sent shivers down his spine.

In that moment, he froze, almost forgetting his lines. Then he grimaced, a pained expression crossing his face as he forced out the words before Anthony cut the scene. “We’ll meet again,” he croaked, his voice raw. Penelope pressed her lips together, a faint tremor in her jaw, and glanced down at her shoes, a clear sign of her disbelief. He persisted, “You’re safe now, Nora. You’ll be alright.”

She let out a humourless laugh, her voice tinged with tears. “What good is safety if I lose you?”

A jolt shot through Colin, and he sucked in a sharp breath. Fighting the urge to clutch his chest, he swallowed hard before approaching Penelope.

“You won’t,” he declared, his eyes blazing with a fierce intensity. His hands, rough yet gentle, tenderly caressed her face, his fingertips tracing the contours of her skin, and he pressed his lips softly against her forehead, a silent promise.

Penelope’s racing heart thudded against her chest, the sound echoing in her ears, drowning out the world around them. With a shuddering breath, she placed her hands on his forearms, feeling the warmth of his skin through her fingertips. Closing her eyes, she let herself surrender to the moment. It was absurd, really. When she had read that moment in the script, she had expected it to be like the rare occasions when she had kissed Colin’s cheek: a fleeting brush of affection. But having his lips against her skin was different.

After lingering for a moment, he pulled away and they looked at each other, rain falling between them. He whispered, “We will be back soon. I promise.”

She gazed at him, her expression suggesting that his words were insufficient. Nevertheless, he nodded his farewell, turned around, and walked away. Penelope watched him go, her heart heavy and a sob escaping her lips. She covered her mouth, but the tears continued to flow, an overwhelming sadness enveloping her.

“Cut!” Anthony finally called.

The redhead stood in the downpour, taking a deep breath. With shaking hands, she attempted to wipe her cheeks, although it seemed absurd given the circumstances. Nonetheless, she couldn’t control her emotions. She felt completely unsettled, unsure of how to compose herself. Her surroundings barely registered in her mind until Colin approached, his footsteps echoing clearly through the rain before he hugged her.

She closed her eyes tightly, feeling her nose burn as his warmth intensified her urge to cry. “I’m okay,” she murmured, the words barely audible as her chin rested on his shoulder, feeling the comforting weight of his arm around her, her own arms loosely encircling him in return. A slight sniff escaped her as she pressed an index finger to her eye, fighting back the tears.

“I’m sorry, Pen,” he whispered, his breath warm against her ear as he held her close, cradling her head gently.

She shook her head as if he was being silly, even though he was accurately sensing her distress. “It’s alright, Colin,” she said, leaning away from him, her attempt at a reassuring smile quivering on her lips. “This is some powerful stuff,” she joked, wiping her left cheek with her palm. “Charlotte really got to me.”

Colin offered a small, reassuring smile, the tension in his shoulders easing as he realised her lighthearted attitude meant they were alright.

“Everything okay over here?” Anthony appeared by their side, getting his raincoat soaked as he placed a hand on Colin’s shoulder and another on Penelope’s. It was clear that he had noticed both actors were overwhelmed.

Surprisingly, Colin’s smile grew a little bigger. Penelope was right, as always. Anthony did mean well most of the time.

“We’re fine,” Penelope answered, a sniffle escaping her as she wiped her nose. “Do we need to do another take?”

Anthony shook his head, tightening his grip on their shoulders. “Let’s move on to the next scene, shall we?” He then lowered his arms and glanced at their drenched outfits. “Just get dry first.”

After rescheduling a major filming scene, Anthony had expected the day to be less tiring. However, as he made his way back to his trailer, exhaustion weighed heavily on him. Surely he should have realized by then that a shower and sleep are the perfect remedies for a long day. Yet, somehow, he made the grave mistake of diverting his path to the cafeteria in order to grab one last cup of coffee.

It was nearing midnight, and he anticipated that the cafeteria would be deserted except for the pump thermos kept on a side table, providing hot water, tea, and coffee at any hour. However, upon approaching the table, he noticed a solitary figure sitting at one of the tables, quietly sipping tea.

“Busy day?” Kate inquired casually, tinkering with her steaming cup.

Anthony paused by the side table, gazing at her momentarily. “Yeah,” he murmured, the sound barely audible above the gentle hiss of the thermos as he dispensed coffee into a paper cup.

The actress emitted a low hum, her eyes fixed on her yellow tea as she swirled it with her hand. “I was surprised by the last-minute change in the shooting schedule today,” she remarked.

The director paused, his cup suspended in mid-air, before lifting it to his lips. “I’m sorry about that,” he muttered, wishing he could disappear into thin air and avoid further conversation.

However, Kate furrowed her brow, prompting him to continue. “Why did you change the shooting schedule again?” she inquired, meeting his gaze.

Pressing his lips together, he leaned on the table with one hand, attempting to appear nonchalant. “One of the extras sprained their ankle,” he explained, taking another sip of his coffee.

The corner of Kate’s mouth twitched, and she raised an eyebrow. “One of the extras?”

Anthony nodded, throwing his head back as he finished his coffee in a flash, the clatter of the cup hitting the trash can echoing in the otherwise quiet room, just as Kate rose to her feet and walked towards him.

“Out of hundreds of extras. You decided to delay filming a scene because one of them sprained their ankle,” she stated, positioning herself in front of Anthony and leaning on the table as well. “You, of all people.”

Knowing he was walking on thin ice, Anthony’s jaw tightened, a single, almost imperceptible nod the only response he offered.

The woman then crossed her arms. “It wouldn’t happen to have anything to do with the weather, would it?”

Anthony pursed his lips, a slight frown etching itself onto his face, before shaking his head and uttering, “No.”

His reaction only served to confirm Kate’s suspicions, as she eyed him skeptically. “Because if it did I would just like to let you know that it’s completely unnecessary, not to mention absurd—”

“Absurd?” Anthony interrupted, his wounded pride betraying him.

She locked eyes with him. “Yes. What else would you call inconveniencing hundreds of people for the sake of one person?”

He crossed his arms defiantly. “I’d say it depends on the person,” he retorted. “And it depends on the reason.”

Kate’s knuckles whitened around the edge of the table as she finally decided to end their ridiculous game. “Anthony,” she said, “please tell me you didn’t reschedule today because of me.”

She knew it might sound entitled and impossible to think someone would do that for her, especially Anthony. But after the events of the previous weeks, it didn’t seem that absurd.

Anthony pressed his lips together, exhaling harshly through his nose as he put his hands on his hips and stared down at his shoes, his universal sign of being caught red-handed.

Kate’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Anthony, tell me—”

“So what if I did?” Anthony blurted out, staring her down, momentarily rendering her speechless. “Kate, after what I witnessed—”

“I’m not some weak little girl that needs your protection,” she replied, her voice rising, struggling to understand how they had reached this point. “When I shared my fears with you, it wasn’t so you could do this.”

He scrubbed a hand across his tired face before he let his hand drop to his side with a slap, and muttered, “Then what was I supposed to do?”

“You didn’t have to do anything,” she exclaimed, her shoulders slumping in a frustrated shrug. “I’ve been living my life and doing my work just fine all this time. I don’t need your pity.”

“Is that what you think this is?” he said, his voice tight with defiance, disbelief etched on his face. “That I’m pitying you.”

Kate paused, her mouth open mid-air, but before she could retort, he continued.

“Is it really so inconceivable that I might worry?” he said, raising his eyebrows. “That maybe I didn’t want to subject you to something that obviously tortures you when it’s unnecessary?”

Pressing her lips together, she shook her head, a wave of panic flooding her veins as she struggled to process his words. “You can’t keep doing this,” she said.

He retorted, “Doing what?”

“All of it!” she exclaimed, gesturing wildly at everything around them. “Just stop.”

She wanted to list all the things that were unravelling her, but the courage escaped her. However, she knew Anthony understood what she meant. Breaking security protocols, messing up multiple scenes—whatever was happening between them, it needed to end. Because the more Anthony acted that way, the more real it became. And she wasn’t prepared for that, she couldn’t have that.

Anthony took in her panicked expression, taking a deep breath before he said, “I don’t know what you think this is,” he emphasised the this, raising his eyebrows as he stared into her brown eyes. “But regardless of what you might think of me, I do care about all actors under my resposibility, yourself included. And I would never purposefully make them to do something that clearly makes them uncomfortable.”

Taken aback, she felt a wave of heat rise to her face, her protest dying on her lips as he continued.

“You don’t have to worry about my personal feelings. You didn’t at the beginning, and you don’t have to start now,” he declared, a nervous swallow catching in his throat as his eyes darted around her face. “As they are completely irrelevant to this set,” he said softly, his eyes holding hers for a moment before he turned and walked away.

Frozen where she stood, Kate stared at the archway he’d disappeared through, a hand on her chest as her pulse raced.

In hindsight, they should have realized that scheduling a party on their day off was a mistake. They had a past of bad luck on their free time, so tempting fate was just plain foolish.

However, it was Thomas’ birthday, and he had been eagerly anticipating building a massive bonfire and spending the night drinking and dancing. So, on a chilly winter night, his wishes were fulfilled when the crew went the extra mile and even obtained a permit from New Zealand’s fire emergency department to light the bonfire.

Usually, Anthony avoided such events, his dislike of parties being well-known, but that day a persistent, nagging feeling compelled him to attend. He wished he could say it was because of Thomas’ friendship or a desire to please the cast and crew, but honestly, the main reason was the prospect of seeing Kate. Even if she was barely talking to him, he was painfully but surely learning that sometimes just seeing her was enough.

As soon as he walked into the small clearing, his ears were assaulted by the cacophony of loud voices, raucous laughter, and off-key singing. He grimaced, his usual distaste for noisy gatherings kicking in, until he actually saw it. A crowd of around three or four dozen people had gathered around the bonfire. Some were chatting and laughing with beers in hand, while others were relaxing in folding chairs, enjoying their pumpkin soup.

“Anthony!” Thomas exclaimed, his glazed-over eyes betraying his inebriation. “I’m so glad you’re here,” he said, hugging Anthony a little too tightly.

The director paused, the air whooshing from his lungs under the weight of his friend’s crushing embrace, then patted his friend’s back. “Happy birthday, Thomas,” he said, and as they pulled away, he handed him a small, modestly wrapped package.

Thomas grinned, looking back and forth between the gift and Anthony. “You didn’t have to,” he said before accepting it.

“Of course I did,” Anthony replied with a polite smile.

Thomas then placed a hand on Anthony’s shoulder and gestured towards the gathering around them. “Grab something to eat and drink,” he said, indicating a small table laden with food and beer bottles a few meters away. “And for once in your life, have some fun, will you?”

The other man rolled his eyes before nodding, then walked towards the food and beverages table as suggested. He looked around at the familiar faces and quickly spotted Kate, engaged in a lively conversation with Penelope and Genevieve. That night, she wore a beige turtleneck dress that hugged her curves, her hair in loose waves, and golden hoop earrings dangling from her ears. Their eyes met, and after a brief, lingering gaze, she turned her attention back to the girls chatting.

A frustrated huff escaped Anthony’s lips as he snatched up a foam bowl, before he reached for a bottle of beer. He turned around and, surveying the crowd, weighed his options. Despite knowing nearly everyone present, he would be dishonest if he claimed it would feel effortless to approach any of them and initiate a conversation. Anthony was simply that kind of person; he was a man burdened with many tasks and obligations, which served as ideal justifications for his reluctance to engage in social activities.

However, his attention was suddenly caught by a lone man sitting on a foldable chair, quietly eating as he watched the bonfire, the flames reflecting in his eyes.

“Are my eyes deceiving me?” Colin broke into a slight smile upon seeing Anthony approach. “Because that can’t possibly be my brother being social.”

Annoyed, Anthony shot Colin a look before sitting down beside him. “It’s not exactly like I could skip it,” he grumbled, swirling his plastic spoon in the soup before eating.

A deep “uh-hum” rumbled in Colin’s chest before he shook his head and concentrated on his meal. A moment of silence passed between the brothers, each lost in thought, before Anthony inhaled deeply and looked at Colin, who was more focused on his spoon than his food.

“You don’t seem very social today either,” he commented.

With a frustrated sigh, Colin drummed his spoon on the bowl, his gaze briefly lifting before returning to his soup. “I’m just feeling a little under the weather,” he said before taking a spoonful.

The director frowned, realising that his brother was more downcast than he had initially thought. He then turned to look in the direction Colin had been staring, only to see the same group Anthony had been observing earlier. Kate, Genevieve, and... Penelope.

“Everything alright?” he found himself asking, causing Colin to whip his head towards him in surprise.

Colin furrowed his eyebrows, surprised that Anthony, of all people, picked up his sour mood. A slight grimace crossed his face before he reached for his beer, which sat beside his chair.

“Just fine,” he replied, a long, weary sigh escaping his lips as he took a swig from his bottle, his gaze returning to Penelope amidst the crowd

He had lied, naturally. Or at least he thought he did.

Since resuming filming, Colin felt a persistent, unsettling unease about Penelope, a sense that something was deeply wrong. Or maybe even before that. But because he didn’t see her daily back then, odd comments, unusual questions, or her absence from events like Daphne’s wedding were easier to ignore when time between their meetings lengthened. However, now that they were back to spending every day together, her slightly distant demeanour was hard to ignore.

And it would have been fine, were it not for the persistent worry in his stomach. He liked to believe that she had forgiven him months ago, and their relationship was back on track. But sometimes Penelope’s subtle distance made him question if their slate was truly clean.

As Genevieve moved to grab a drink, Penelope felt his eyes on her and glanced at him, sending a small, shy smile before returning to the conversation. Kate noticed Penelope’s change in focus, turning slightly to see Colin and Anthony at the other end of Penelope’s previous gaze. Anthony quickly noticed her, his stare lingering on her as she turned, sighing softly before refocusing on her friend.

“So, how are things going?” Kate asked, seizing the opportunity of their momentary privacy.

Understanding exactly what Kate meant, Penelope pursed her lips and shrugged, slipping her hands into her coat pockets as she surveyed the party. “The same,” she replied, attempting to conceal the bitterness in her voice. “We’re friends, great friends.”

“And that will never change,” Kate interpreted her answer.

Penelope paused, a subtle frown appearing on her face before nodding.

Noticing her hesitation, Kate asked, “What is it?”

Penelope shook her head. “Nothing, just...” She looked down at her fingers, fiddling with them before refocusing on her friend. “Life imitates art, that’s all.”

Kate furrowed her brow, not understanding what Penelope meant. Noticing her confusion, the redhead scratched her forehead, then let her hand fall to her side.

“A few days ago, we shot this scene...” She trailed off, and Kate nodded, encouraging her to continue. “Leonidas leaving Nora behind to go after Catherine.”

Suddenly understanding, Kate shook her head, saying, “Pen, that’s not—”

“It’s okay, Kate,” Penelope interrupted, her hands heavy in her pockets as she swayed back and forth, eyes fixed on her feet. “It’s life, it’s just inevitable. No matter how great of friends we are, he’s still going to find someone he wants to spend the rest of his life with. And then he just won’t... he won’t be there to answer my calls right away, or drink my wine so I won’t get drunk, or prioritise spending his free days with me. He just won’t be around as much, and, I mean…” she added, her eyes shining unnaturally. “Isn’t that what Charlotte was trying to teach with the whole Leonidas and Nora story? Some things are temporary, life goes on, and friends drift apart.”

Kate frowned, finding Penelope’s interpretation of both life and the book flawed. “It depends,” she said.

Penelope offered a wry smile. “What does it depend on?”

The other woman let out breath, hating that his words were still echoing in her head. “It depends on the person,” she said, her mind inevitably returning to her argument with Anthony at the cafeteria, as accustomed as it was to gravitate towards him at any given moment.

The redhead shook her head and looked down at her boots, as if that answer didn’t help at all. If it depended on Colin choosing her, then it was a fight she’d been losing for decades.

Meanwhile, Kate couldn’t help but let her gaze wander back to Anthony. His black casual long-sleeved shirt and pants, layered with a grey jacket, formed a sharp, relaxed look that she had to admit was very attractive. Her eyes then followed him as he made his way towards the food table again, completely unaware of her stare.

As Anthony lifted the lid of the aluminum pot, he frowned upon seeing that the soup had already run out. A wave of genuine disappointment washed over him; that had truly been the highlight of the otherwise lacklustre gathering. However, his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a camera clicking to his right. When he turned towards the sound, he saw Edwina holding up her phone with a smile on her face.

Once Anthony lowered the lid, giving her a theatrical, annoyed look, she giggled, raising her hands in mock surrender. “Agatha said it was good for traction when I posted those BTS pictures,” she said. “I’m just trying to please the boss.”

Despite the shake of his head, a nearly imperceptible curl of his lips betrayed Anthony’s amusement. It was simply unavoidable with Edwina; she possessed what many on set described as an adorable personality, even for someone as cranky as him.

“As long as you don’t take pictures of my scenes, feel free to capture me being disappointed at Thomas’ party,” he joked as he reached for another beer bottle.

“Really?” Edwina smiled mischievously, playfully pursing her lips and tapping her chin. “You know, you keep ruining the image they painted of you,” she said.

Curious, Anthony raised an eyebrow as he popped the bottle cap off with the bottle opener. “And what image is that?” he asked.

Pretending to think hard, Edwina replied, “Something along the lines of a moody, closed-off director who threatens to toss people’s phones if they even think about taking pictures on set.”

Anthony paused, the bottle hovering near his lips. He almost said it was absurd, but then he realized that perhaps it wasn’t too far from the truth. “I have a feeling you might be lying to me. I’m sure your sister has far worse things to say about me,” he finally said.

Edwina laughed, and a smile tugged at Anthony’s lips before he took a swig of his beer.

“Didn’t you mention you were snapping a photo of Thomas arm wrestling Cressida, bon?” Kate’s voice chimed in from behind Edwina.

Anthony raised an eyebrow, not particularly eager to know the context of that picture, while Edwina blinked in surprise at her sister’s sudden appearance.

“Oh, Cressida mentioned that she needed to redo her nails first,” Edwina explained. “She should be back soon.”

“I see,” Kate said sharply, snatching up a few bread buns.

“I’ve got something even more rare, a snapshot of our daring director in his natural habitat,” Edwina quipped, gesturing towards Anthony with a chuckle.

This time, however, Anthony didn’t smile; he simply glanced at Kate and then nodded at Edwina.

“Really?” Kate questioned, her jaw tensing slightly. “That’s rare indeed,” she continued in a dry tone.

“He’s not as terrible as you make him out to be, didi,” Edwina playfully continued, winking at Anthony. “Though I must admit, I preferred the first picture I took of you, when you were smiling.”

A tense smile played on Anthony’s lips as he focused on peeling the label off his beer. “I promise I’ll be smiling in the next one.”

“Okay, deal,” Edwina said, the brightness of her smile a stark contrast to Kate’s quiet, brooding frown. “I’m heading over to talk to Margaret. She mentioned her aunt is a publicist. Can you believe that?”

Kate nodded slowly before murmuring, “Okay, bon, have fun,” pointedly avoiding Anthony’s gaze.

And then Edwina left, just as oblivious as when she arrived. Kate remained still for a moment, glancing at Anthony before reaching for the cauldron. Anthony didn’t move away or return to his seat next to Colin. He stood rooted to the spot, pretending to be focused on the label of his beer.

“It ran out,” he said without looking at her, though he was fully aware that she was about to pour more soup into her bowl.

Kate paused with the aluminium lid mid air, the flames from the bonfire reflecting in it as she stared at Anthony.

“Oh,” she said, the metallic clang of the closing pan echoing as she stared at him.

She pressed her lips together, leaning on the table as she continued to gaze at the side of Anthony’s face. “I’m surprised to see you here today.”

Anthony’s head whipped towards her, shocked that she had willingly spoken to him at that moment. “You know how it is. I wouldn’t hear the end of it if I skipped it,” he replied.

Kate nodded slowly, their eyes meeting briefly before she looked away and reached for a bottle of beer herself. Taking a deep breath, she said, “Edwina is definitely happy you’re here.”

He furrowed his eyebrows. Edwina? What did she have to do with anything? “I think your sister is happy about a lot of things,” he commented, a slight smile playing on his lips as he looked at Edwina and Margaret, who were engaged in lively conversation and laughter.

Kate, however, didn’t follow his gaze. She pressed her lips together and reached for the bottle opener to remove the cap. Though she succeeded swiftly, the motion resulted in a painful gash on her thumb, the blood welling immediately. Familiar with such incidents, Kate pressed her lips against the wound to stem the flow of blood.

Quickly noticing her accident from the corner of his eye, Anthony reacted instantly. He grabbed a napkin and, without hesitation, pressed it to her bleeding cut. Grimacing, he saw the blood seeping through the white fabric.

“I should have opened that for you,” he blurted out instantly, a remark that slipped out without thinking, even though he knew she would respond in her predictable way. Something along the lines of not needing anyone’s help and being perfectly capable of doing it herself.

Kate let out a shaky laugh, the pain in her hand dampening her usual sarcasm. “You and your gallantry,” she said, gazing at his thumb pressing down on her cut to stop the bleeding. “No wonder women fall all over themselves for you.”

He furrowed his brow, his grip weakening in her hand. That was a new one, for sure. Among the many names that were used to describe him throughout his life, gallant was never one of them. Yet there was something in Kate’s tone that showed it wasn’t exactly a compliment, so he looked at her with a puzzled expression.

“What are you talking about?” he asked plainly, too confused to respond to her sarcasm in kind.

“I mean, isn’t that what you do?” she asked. “Saving helpless women in car wrecks, listening to all their troubles, posing for countless pictures on their Instagram as long as they’re happy, that sort of thing,” she finished with a huff.

Anthony furrowed his brow even more, immediately releasing Kate’s hand. He wasn’t sure what Kate was accusing him of this time, but he didn’t like it one bit. With a shake of his head, he left his bottle on the table and swiftly turned around, marching away from that cursed party.

Kate widened her eyes, caught off guard by his reaction. Since she had witnessed him speaking with Edwina, her emotions had been building to a point of confrontation, but now she was shocked by the depth of hurt she saw in his eyes.

Cursing under her breath, she too left her bottle on the table, rushing after the director, regardless of the eyes watching them.

“What’s going on?” Penelope asked, her gaze following Kate as she practically ran after Anthony.

“I don’t know,” Colin replied with a sigh, his eyebrows furrowing at the scene before he glanced down at the bottle in his hands. “You were the one with her until five minutes ago.”

Penelope narrowed her eyes at him. She could tell he was in a sour mood the moment she sat in Anthony’s empty chair beside him. “We’re allowed to have other friends, you know,” she said, attempting to lighten the mood with a joke.

Colin sighed, feeling slightly foolish for sulking. He didn’t mean to come across as a jealous friend; he simply couldn’t shake the odd, painful, inexplicable feeling in his gut. Shaking his head, he took a sip from his bottle, trying to snap himself out of his own nonsense.

“Weren’t you just with Anthony too?” she asked, trying to change the subject.

A gust of wind passed by, causing Penelope to shiver before she scooted her chair closer to Colin’s for warmth. She fought the urge to focus on his broad frame beneath the brown sweater, or the cloying musk of his cologne that filled her senses; thankfully, her phone vibrated, pulling her attention away as she retrieved it.

“I suppose, but you know Anthony,” Colin shrugged. “He’s as closed off as they come.”

Penelope nodded as she unlocked her phone screen. “Kate isn’t much better,” she commented.

Penelope had miraculously got some personal venting from the older actress in the dressing room that day, a rare occurrence, as Kate usually kept to herself. Because of their relatable experiences with dating and its associated heartaches, the women intuitively understood each other, often requiring minimal words to convey their feelings; however, this also meant that Kate could get away with being guarded.

A Debling: I’m going to be in your area next week

A Debling: we can meet again if you like

Penelope’s current thought process came to a halt as she glanced at the two messages on her phone screen. The texts between Alfred and her had been infrequent since their initial encounter—just a casual exchange of words. Yet, Penelope couldn’t deny that this flirtatious interest was a refreshing change in her life. However, as she read his words, a slight aversion stirred in her stomach.

It was strange, really; as far as Penelope knew, Alfred was perfectly nice, intelligent, and thoughtful. One would think she’d be thrilled at the possibility of seeing him, but instead, it felt just... okay.

“Is everything alright?” Colin’s voice brought her back to their conversation.

She quickly locked her phone and hid it in her pocket, feeling uncomfortable with the idea of Colin seeing a text from Alfred.

“Yeah, fine,” she replied hastily.

Colin looked at her suspiciously, but decided not to question her, finishing his beer and placing the bottle back on the ground. Now, not only did the strange feeling in his gut not fade, but it surged back with renewed force.

“I think I should head out. I need to wake up early tomorrow,” he said, letting out a long, weary sigh. “Agatha asked for some sort of meeting first thing in the morning.”

Penelope furrowed her brow at this news. “You too?” she asked.

Confused, Colin turned to her and asked, “What do you mean?”

“She called me too,” Penelope explained. “Said she was returning tonight and we should talk tomorrow morning.”

Colin blinked, not understanding why Agatha would schedule separate meetings with both of them as soon as she arrived. It was definitely odd, if not concerning.

“What time?” He asked.

“Seven,” Penelope said, her face twisting in displeasure at the meeting’s early hour. However, she knew it was the only available time since filming would begin shortly after on Monday.

“That doesn’t make any sense,” Colin remarked. Curious, Penelope looked at him and he continued, “Why would she schedule a meeting for both of us without informing us?”

Penelope frowned, understanding instantly. “Your meeting is at seven, too?” she asked, and he nodded. “Did she tell you why?”

Colin shook his head, and Penelope pressed her lips together, realising that Agatha hadn’t disclosed the reason for their meeting either. They exchanged worried glances as a wave of concern washed over them. When productions were unclear about the purpose of a meeting or the participants involved, it usually meant bad news.

“Anthony!”

He stopped abruptly, refusing to turn around when his name was called. Surrounded by moonlit parked trailers, the cool night air filled his lungs as he closed his eyes. Behind him, she approached with slow and hesitant steps, the crunching leaves under her feet betraying her presence.

“I... I’m sorry, alright?” she said, unsure of how to navigate the situation.

With a deep breath, Anthony placed his hands on his hips, his body tensing as he turned. “You seem to believe that you hold no importance to me, so I fail to see how an apology would make any difference.”

Kate recoiled as though she had been slapped. Typically, she would agree that she’d been crazy, ending the conversation right there. However, because that day was anything but ordinary, and for once, Anthony had actually expressed some form of emotion, she couldn’t help but feel undeniably intrigued.

“Well, am I?” she challenged, her dark brown eyes blazing with defiance, reflecting the silvery light of the moon.

Anthony remained motionless, a thoughtful chew on his lip, hands planted on his hips, his face in the half-light, staring at her without a word.

Frustrated, Kate approached him. “Am I of any importance to you at all?” she repeated, her gaze searching his face for understanding. “Because honestly, I can’t—”

“Why do you think I came today?” Anthony’s voice, rough and husky, cut through the air, his eyes fixed on hers with an unnerving intensity.

Kate furrowed her brow. It couldn’t be, she thought. None of it made sense. Yet, there she was, her heart a frantic drum against her ribs, her skin tingling under the intensity of his gaze.

“I don’t know,” she answered, her eyes fixated on his lips, where his teeth were still clamped down, before she abruptly shifted her gaze back to his eyes. A blush crept onto her cheeks. “Honestly, I don’t understand a single thing you do.”

“You’re not much better,” he replied, his gaze lingering on her lips before flitting away. She frowned and tilted her head, clearly confused, but before she could speak up, he explained, “I thought you said I had to stop doing all of it,” he replied, repeating her previous words, “So I don’t get why you keep coming after me.”

Her mouth fell open, catching his attention once again. “I was worried about my sister,” she said defensively.

Once again, it was Anthony’s turn to be confused. “Kate, what does your sister have to do with any of this?” he finally asked.

She pressed her lips together, lifting her chin in a haughty stance, but her composure faltered as her gaze lingered on his mouth. “Since she’s younger than me, it’s easier to win her over with your charm and smiles.”

A bizarre, erratic thumping echoed in Anthony’s chest as his heart did the weirdest leap. He realized that everything Kate had just said was completely absurd, from implying that he was flirting with Edwina to talking about his smile. In reality, he couldn’t even remember the last time someone had paid attention to such a detail about him. As he observed Kate’s tense expression, he felt his stomach flip in a somersault-like motion. It was in that moment that a sudden realisation struck him.

She was jealous. Kate was absurdly, genuinely…. jealous.

“My what?” he asked, his breath catching in his throat, eyes alight with delight as he advanced towards her, his shadow falling across her features.

Kate blinked, a warmth spreading through her as his face lit up in a dazzling smile, brighter than any she had seen before. Her breath hitched, and her palms grew sweaty.

“You... you know what I mean,” she whispered, inhaling deeply. The fact that his face was so close to hers wasn’t helping at all.

Yet, he seemed even more amused by her response. “No, I really don’t,” he said, biting his lip again as he looked at her, his smile so big that he couldn’t even hide it.

She shook her head, her hair falling over her eyes, winded from his nearness. She was losing the argument and didn’t even understand how.

“Don’t pretend to be clueless.” Anthony was so elated at that point that he didn’t even reply, he just kept nodding, staring at her mouth as she continued to ramble. “I know how much attention my sister attracts. Naturally, you would like her and you can’t help it. You attract every woman in your vicinity, but you cannot—will you stop looking at me like that?” She widened her eyes at him, feeling increasingly breathless and unsettled.

On the other hand, Anthony’s mood couldn’t be better. “Are you done?” he asked, his warm breath ghosting over her face as a grin stretched his lips, sending shivers down her spine.

“I...” she took a breath, her heart racing as his eyes remained fixed on her, with a look she couldn’t describe. She furrowed her eyebrows, still panting as her pride tried to take over. “No, I...” Her chest rose and fell as she once again gazed at his lips. “I...”

At that moment, Anthony had reached his limit. He grabbed her by the neck, pulling her into a kiss. Kate gasped, a searing fire erupting through her veins before her arm snaked around his neck. She reached out, her fingers sinking into his thick, soft hair, a sensation she’d longed for, causing Anthony to groan. Drawing her closer, he slipped his arm around her waist, tilting his head to deepen their kiss. Her pulse quickened, her grip on him tightening as they drew nearer.

As she felt her feet moving, her back slammed against the cold metal wall of what she vaguely hoped was an empty trailer, before she was again distracted when Anthony started kissing her jaw. Her other arm went around his back, fingers digging into his shoulder blade, feeling the warmth radiating from his skin through his shirt. The touch of his lips on her neck made her knees buckle, a gasp escaping her lips as her eyes fluttered open. Suddenly, as she looked around behind Anthony and saw the row of trailers, she remembered where they were and who they were. And even as he continued to kiss her throat, a whisper of fear crept in.

“Wait,” she whispered, feeling the brush of his lips on her skin, making her sigh softly before she mustered the courage to say, “Stop,” pushing him away. The coolness of the air hit her flushed skin, heightening her awareness of the situation. “We can’t...” she gasped, her voice breathless, trailing off as the weight of the situation settled upon her. “We can’t do this.”

He furrowed his brow, his chest rising and falling as he caught his own breath.

“I’m not...” she began, her breath hitching in her throat. A hand flew to her chest, feeling her heart pounding against her ribcage as a wave of panic crashed over her. “I’m not the kind of person who would have an affair with the director. I can’t be,” she declared, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and desperation, before she quickly turned and fled from the trailer.

But not before seeing Anthony’s pain mirrored in his eyes once again.

When morning arrived and Colin found himself standing at Agatha’s trailer door, He couldn’t help but wish that he had retired to bed even earlier, as weariness clung to his body. With a sigh, he watched the sun rise, and soon spotted Penelope approaching. She donned a long burgundy coat, carefully cinched at the waist with a belt, accentuating her fiery hair that seemed to radiate warmth against the cool morning air. The crispness of the atmosphere caused their breath to materialise in small puffs, dissipating into the surrounding stillness.

Now that she was there, he had no excuse not to enter, and he had to admit he was nervous. He couldn’t think of a single reason why their movie producer would want to talk to them, which led his mind to imagine the worst-case scenarios.

As Penelope came closer and greeted him with a shaky smile, he realized he wasn’t the only one feeling anxious

“Ready?” he asked her as she stopped in front of him.

She took a deep breath and replied, “As I’ll ever be.”

Finally, he knocked on the door and opened it, stepping inside when Agatha called out for them to enter.

And as soon as Colin spotted not just Agatha but also Charlotte, he knew something bad was happening. Penelope came to a standstill at his side, her body tight as her gaze fell on the two ladies, likely sharing his concerns.

“Ah, Colin, Penelope, good morning,” Agatha greeted them with a bright smile, motioning towards the chairs by the dining table. “Please, have a seat,” she said.

Charlotte’s mood seemed less cheerful, her eyes scanning them from head to toe with a cursory glance as she muttered a perfunctory “good morning” while they sat.

“Um... did you have a nice flight?” Penelope asked, her small voice strained, a nervous smile playing on her lips as she glanced between the two.

“Yes,” Agatha replied, picking up two steaming cups of coffee and placing them in front of the actors before sitting down across from them. “As pleasant as a 33-hour trip can be,” she added with a tired sigh. She then noticed the duo in front of her eying their beverages cautiously. “I know it may not be your preference, but I thought you might need it. Please, go ahead,” she gestured towards their cups, encouraging them to drink.

Meanwhile, Charlotte leaned against the wall next to Agatha’s seat, crossing her arms and observing the scene with her keen eyes. She raised an eyebrow and asked, “Where’s Anthony?”

Penelope and Colin exchanged a meaningful glance, their cups frozen midway to their lips. Anthony was supposed to be at the meeting too? That was not good, not good at all. Penelope placed her trembling hands back on the table as she peered into the reflection of her dark, brown liquid. She silently wished Agatha had offered her a drink instead.

“He’s not answering his phone,” Agatha replied. “It’s my fault. I should have informed him earlier that we needed him here. He was probably busy yesterday.”

Colin furrowed his brow, momentarily forgetting his own rising panic to ponder why Anthony would ignore a call, especially from Agatha. While he wasn’t a big texter, he never missed a call from work. That was completely abnormal, even for a Sunday. Glancing at Agatha, Colin saw that she shared his concern but refrained from mentioning it in front of Charlotte.

“Shall we get started then?” the author impatiently exhaled. “I still need to unpack.”

“Alright,” Agatha answered promptly, intertwining her fingers on the table as she gazed at the two actors, who were shifting uncomfortably in their seats. “I’m sure both of you are curious as to why we called you here. I apologise for not providing any details beforehand, but I assure you there’s nothing to worry about.”

Penelope nervously bit her bottom lip, feeling only a slight sense of relief. From the corner of her eye, she noticed Colin’s grip on his mug loosen.

Charlotte scoffed, shaking her head. “Yes, they have nothing to worry about,” implying that it was actually she, or perhaps Agatha, who should be concerned. 

Furrowing their brows in unison, Colin and Penelope returned to feeling completely unsettled.

The producer restrained an eye roll towards her friend and dismissively waved her hand before refocusing on the pair in front of her. “We’re making a few changes to the storyline, nothing too drastic for now,” the producer explained.

“For now,” Colin repeated, studying Agatha’s expression, sensing a significant shift in the future was implied.

“Yes,” Agatha replied, her gaze acknowledging his implied question, “for now.”

“What kind of changes?” Penelope asked, furrowing her forehead and not understanding why any alterations were necessary.

Agatha pressed her lips together in response, and Charlotte scoffed once again, earning a glare from the other woman.

“Let me be perfectly clear,” the author interjected, clearly fed up with Agatha’s hesitation. Still with her arms crossed, she pointed at the couple with her index finger. “You two have caused a frenzy online. The audience is demanding a romantic plotline between Nora and Leonidas, and we’re considering giving it to them.”

Penelope felt as if her heart had stopped. It almost felt like she was still in bed, caught in an absurd dream. Because that couldn’t possibly be what Charlotte just said. The internet often demanded various things from stories, wild fantasies that went unheard by most writers and producers. Charlotte and Agatha would be no different, certainly not because of Penelope and Colin.

By her side, Penelope sensed Colin growing quiet and his body tensing. She took it as a positive sign he wasn’t vehemently protesting, at least.

Agatha raised her hand to stop Charlotte from continuing, fearing that Penelope and Colin would bombard them with a million questions. “That’s not exactly how it is, and you know that,” she told the writer. Charlotte simply raised her eyebrows in response. “First, there have always been fans who requested this plotline since the books,” Agatha explained, looking at Colin and Penelope hoping to defuse the situation. “I’m sure Charlotte saw some validity in what they were saying, which is why she agreed to do a trial run,” she added, pointedly glancing at her friend.

Charlotte rolled her eyes and waved her hand at the producer, not wanting to appear as if she was giving in.

“A trial run?” Colin finally found his voice, sounding more strained than usual.

Agatha looked at him and nodded. “We’re simply adding one scene to gauge the public’s reaction. We need to be cautious with any modifications we make for obvious reasons.”

Considering the history of book adaptations failing to meet the expectations of fans, the choice to change the storyline of this already beloved saga was undoubtedly a daring one.

“Just one scene?” Penelope asked, feeling her throat tighten. If it was only one scene, it couldn’t be that bad, right?

Agatha nodded and turned to Charlotte, about to request the script. However, Charlotte was already one step ahead, handing her two sheets of paper before she even had the chance to speak. Agatha then passed one sheet to Colin and the other to Penelope, explaining the plan. “The idea is to film a dream sequence, specifically Leonida’s.” As both actors picked up the extra page and began reading, Agatha continued, “This way, if it doesn’t resonate well with the audience, we can simply ignore it in the next movie and proceed as originally planned.”

“And if it does resonate well?” Colin asked, pausing his reading as he gazed at Agatha expectantly.

The producer paused, tilting her head before glancing at Charlotte. Charlotte raised an eyebrow, placing a finger under her chin as she cryptically replied, “We shall see.”

Meanwhile, lost in her script, Penelope’s eyes landed on a sentence that sent a jolt through her, making her heart leap.

“Um,” she paused, swallowing hard, trying to conceal the tumultuous emotions brewing within her. “It’s a kiss scene,” she stated, sensing Colin’s immediate return of focus to the page from her peripheral vision.

“Yes,” Agatha nodded, looking at Penelope as if she understood what was the problem, when she clearly couldn’t even have a clue. “I felt it was important to discuss this with you personally as, while it was on your contract that such scenes could happen, you obviously weren’t expecting it, given the character you auditioned for. In case you feel uncomfortable, let me know and we will find a way around it,” she explained kindly, and Penelope would have hugged the woman if only that was the actual problem. “Give it some thought; but rest assured your disagreement, should you express it, won’t change my opinion of your performance.”

Penelope nodded almost absentmindedly, her mind going a mile per minute. She wished she could better appreciate Agatha and Anthony’s absurd kindness, a stark contrast to the industry’s harsh realities. But she was too overwhelmed to think straight.

“You too, Colin,” Agatha added, noticing his silence. “You can always speak up if anything on set makes you uncomfortable.”

He nodded, grateful for the gesture but too stunned to respond. He also noticed Penelope barely looking at him, which was a concerning sign in itself.

“But I suggest you both make a decision before next week. Tilley will be returning to set next Monday, and if we decide to proceed with the scene as scripted, I want you to meet with her,” Agatha said.

For the tenth time in their conversation, Penelope felt the world tilt on its axis. She stared at Agatha, her mouth slightly agape. Tilley. As in, the intimacy coordinator. Because they needed an intimacy coordinator for that scene. It wasn’t just a simple peck and go home kind of scene; it was probably a full-on make-out scene. Now, she deeply regretted her decision to stop reading at And then, Leonidas’ lips trailed to her mouth.

She eventually managed to nod, noticing Agatha’s expectant gaze. She didn’t even dare to look at Colin to see the expression on his face, it was just too terrifying.

“Alright,” Agatha said. “Right then, that’s everything we needed to cover for today. Why don’t you grab some breakfast before you get started with the shooting?”

With another shaky nod, Penelope rose, her legs unsteady beneath her, affecting an air of nonchalance as she left the trailer. Opening the door and stepping outside, she immediately began to walk at a faster pace, her hand instinctively going to her heart as she gasped for air.

“Pen!” 

She squeezed her eyes shut, the frantic sound of Colin’s voice barely registering as she just tried to breathe. She stopped at a weathered, small wooden bannister overlooking the trees, the rough wood cool against her palms as she gazed down, seeking solace in the quiet landscape.

Colin finally caught up with her, feeling his anxiety rise with each step she took, completely ignoring him and not offering a word in reply. Panting slightly, he said, “Pen, if you don’t want to do it, it’s okay. Just have a word with them, Agatha and Anthony will understand. They can always film things from a different angle, or perhaps get a stand-in.”

Penelope gently placed her hand on her forehead, opting to take a deep breath instead of succumbing to the temptation to scream. The issue wasn’t that she was uncomfortable with the idea; in fact, she was far too comfortable.

“No, I want to do it,” she replied, while keeping her gaze averted. “If it’s what’s best for the movie, I want to do it.”

He shook his head, finding her reasoning absurd considering how distressed she appeared about the prospect of a romantic scene with him. “What’s truly best is you feeling safe while filming,” he said. “If you don’t want—”

“That’s not the problem, Colin, okay?” she interrupted, finally mustering the courage to look at him.

His concerned blue eyes almost devastated her, as the whole situation felt like a relentless assault on her already fragile heart. Out of all the ways she had ever envisioned kissing Colin, an acted kiss was undoubtedly the least appealing. But did it truly make a difference? Deep down, she knew that she would never have the chance to kiss Colin in any other scenario, neither now nor in the future.