Between Love and Longing

Chapter 1

**Cecilia Thornapple: The Pact of Parting - Chapter Four**
Edgar Lockhart, a bestselling author known for his cutting-edge style, had a steady place on the charts. After marrying Cecilia, he poured himself into his work, crafting a stable life and a stress-free future for them both.
But Cecilia was beginning to think their marriage was a mistake; she had overestimated the love between them…
Edgar, ever the domineering figure who seemed to have a handle on everything, found himself undone by her. She had become the one exception in his life—no matter how much she’d claimed to have stopped loving him, he refused to let go!
Marriage had made Cecilia Brightwood his wife, yet it had also brought her life to a standstill. Blinded by love, she had surrendered her dreams, waiting patiently for Edgar to notice her. But his passion lay solely in his writing, leaving him oblivious to her silent pain and struggles. She began to wonder…
How much did he really love her? Did their marriage even deserve to continue?
Cecilia still loved him deeply, impossible as it was for her to stop. Otherwise, where would her hurt come from…?

Chapter 2

Hidden deep within the tranquil woods stood a secluded villa, an oasis of peace that served as both a creative refuge for the renowned mystery novelist Edgar Lockhart and a cherished home for him and his wife, Seraphina Brightwood.
As the lady of the house, Seraphina dedicated herself to providing Edgar with an uninterrupted space to write. For three years after their marriage, she devoted all her energy to him, almost completely sidelining her own dreams. Once celebrated as a promising talent within the music industry, Seraphina had let go of her aspirations to become a concert pianist.
Now, she was merely known as Edgar's wife; in magazine interviews, her name was rarely mentioned. Few people realized that Edgar’s wife was named Seraphina, a former campus beauty at a well-respected university with remarkable piano skills, who once had the chance to study at a prestigious music academy in Austria.
But then she met Edgar. When love struck with a force that swept everything else away, she chose to become his partner.
They cherished their solitude, preferring a simple life with minimal servants. Besides the weekly visits from The Clean Sweep Guild for a thorough cleaning, the sprawling villa was generally managed just by Seraphina and a housekeeper named Mother Agnes.
“Dinner’s ready,” Seraphina gently knocked on the study door, calling tentatively. Silence responded.
She understood all too well—when Edgar was deeply engrossed in his writing, he often lost track of mealtime.
After a resigned sigh, she turned away, calling for Mother Agnes to join her for dinner.
Glancing at her hands, once delicate and bony, she noticed they had lost their youthful grace. The nimble fingers that had danced across piano keys now solely handled housework, organized the rooms, and prepared meals.
She cast one last glance at the closed study door. Since Edgar had begun his new novel, they hadn’t exchanged a word in over ten days. Sometimes, when he missed meals, she would quietly deliver his dinner to the study and slip away without a sound.
Seraphina sighed softly; lately, even after she had gone to bed, Edgar hadn't returned to their room. They were supposed to be a loving couple, but it felt like she could only capture his attention during the fleeting moments when he wasn't blocked by the quest for inspiration.
“If he doesn't come out in an hour, Mother Agnes, can you please take his dinner in? I think I’ll take a walk.” After supper, she knocked again on the study door, but there was still no answer, prompting her decision.
“Dear, you should take some time for yourself. Your husband makes himself at home in that study, and I doubt he even notices whether you’re around,” Mother Agnes said, the years of service lending her a tone of gentle wisdom.
A small pang of worry tightened in Seraphina's chest. Did he truly not even know when she was home?
Perhaps. After all, his universe existed solely within that study. Though they shared the same bed, there were times when she believed Edgar could get along just fine without her.
Heading upstairs to change, Seraphina stopped to open her closet. It suddenly struck her that she hadn’t taken the time to shop for new clothes in over six months. She wondered what she had been doing all this time. She felt as if she had forgotten to take care of herself while losing track of her own passions.
Resolving to rejuvenate her spirit, Seraphina promised herself that today, she would indulge in a little adventure. It had been ages since she often visited the bustling Westgate Square, and the warm glow of the bookstore on Chester Lane had faded from memory. She even struggled to recall the flavor of her favorite mousse cake from the quaint bakery she loved.
It was time to resonate with those memories again; after all, whether she was at home or not, Edgar would remain oblivious to her absence.
Seraphina returned home alone after ten that night, having driven herself back. Since it was a regular work night, she couldn’t find any friends available to join her, so she wandered the familiar places by herself and finally treated herself to a strawberry mousse cake from her beloved bakery.
Her thoughts drifted back to her university days, particularly a rainy afternoon when she casually mentioned an intense craving for that mousse cake. To her delight, when her classes were over, there stood Edgar, holding a cake, cheekily winking at her.

Chapter 3

“We should hurry up and eat this cake; it won’t last long,” Edgar Lockhart said in a tone so serious it was almost academic, which made Seraphina Brightwood burst into laughter.
That afternoon, Edgar had no classes, so he took a special trip to Kingston Town just to buy her a cake.
Edgar had sharp features that gave him a serious, almost stoic demeanor. But beneath that exterior was a confident and generous man, brimming with energy and unafraid to challenge the impossible. He was also romantic and thoughtful, often surprising her with little gestures or inviting her to do delightful things that left her in awe.
His attentiveness touched her; his romantic flair captured her heart. As Seraphina smiled, lost in happy memories, she walked into The Manor House.
His surname, “Lockhart,” had a ring of sophistication to it, and he would sometimes take her with him to collect autumn leaves, writing her poetry on the backs of the leaves and slipping them between the pages of books in the library for future readers to find.
“The more people who read them, the more witnesses we have to our love,” he had once told her, a thought she remembered vividly.
Being with him brought her joy, and even now, recalling those moments filled her heart with happiness.
But then a sudden thought startled Seraphina: they were already married and spent every day together—why did it feel like all that happiness was just a memory?
She gently pushed open the large door and was surprised to see The Great Hall lit up. Mother Agnes should have been asleep by now. Was Edgar here?
“Did you finish your work? You rarely watch TV at this hour,” Seraphina said as she entered The Great Hall and found Edgar there, a smile spreading across her face. “Perfect timing! I brought cake for us to share.”
“Where have you been?” Edgar asked calmly, turning off the TV.
But Seraphina could sense the discontent in his tone. Had something happened in the short time she was gone?
Although Edgar was not classically handsome, his strong features and masculinity were undeniable. Perhaps because of his profession, there was a steadfastness in his gaze, a depth that seemed to peer right through to her thoughts, leaving her unable to discern his own.
In the past, Edgar rarely displayed such unreadable expressions. But since their marriage, it seemed she frequently encountered this side of him. Looking at Edgar now, Seraphina felt an odd disconnect—was the lively, spirited man from her memories really the same person staring back at her?
“I just went out for a bit—nothing urgent at home, and you were too busy with your writing,” Seraphina said, trying to keep the mood light as she carried the cake into the kitchen.
“I had wanted to have dinner with you tonight,” Edgar followed her into the kitchen. “I’ve been so busy with work lately that I feel like I’ve neglected you.”
Seraphina glanced at her husband. “I didn’t realize how late it was, and there was a traffic jam. You could have called me! I would have rushed back.”
“I thought since you rarely get out, it would be best not to interrupt your joy,” Edgar said in a low tone.
As she busied herself slicing the cake, Seraphina lowered her gaze to conceal her frustration. “I should’ve told you I was leaving, but you didn’t look up when I opened the door to The Study Chamber, so…”
Though Edgar hadn’t raised his voice, she could sense an undercurrent of irritation.
“You should have let me know. Interrupting my work is perfectly fine,” Edgar replied, his voice a mix of restraint and disappointment. It had been over ten days since they last had dinner together, and today he’d finally wrapped up early, only to find she wasn’t home.
His disappointment was palpable, and it made him seem stiffer than usual. After all, since they married, it was rare for him to need her and find her absent. He had grown accustomed to having Seraphina by his side, so when she wasn’t there, a stir of anxiety was inevitable.
“Alright, I’ll be more mindful next time,” Seraphina acknowledged, having detected Edgar’s hidden dissatisfaction but not wishing to argue. Their disputes had grown more frequent in the past six months, often revolving around trivial matters.
“Let’s eat some cake,” she suggested, hoping to ease the tension.

Chapter 4

Seraphina Brightwood smiled as she placed the sliced cake onto a plate.
Edgar Lockhart looked a bit uneasy. "I'm not feeling too great today. The cake is a bit too rich for my stomach."
Seraphina nodded. "Alright, I’ll just put it in the fridge." She stored the leftover pieces in the refrigerator.
"If you feel bored and want to go explore Kingston Town, let me know. I'd be happy to join you..." Edgar Lockhart couldn't shake off the guilt of not being more adventurous with her.
"But you have to be free first," she replied, gripping the fridge handle a little tighter, her voice escalating slightly. What was wrong with her? It felt like there was a fire igniting in her chest.
Edgar seemed like he wanted to say more but paused, sitting down at the table. "You should try to avoid sweets tonight; they're not good for your health."
"Fine, I won’t eat any then," Seraphina replied, glancing at the cake on the table, a strange ache blooming in her heart. He wasn’t wrong, but why did it make her feel this way?
Edgar nodded, searching for a topic to engage her. "I got a call from Lord Hawthorne today. He said he met with Lady Winifred Willow to discuss the reunion."
Seraphina sat across from him, looking a bit detached. "Oh, really?"
"You’ve been so excited about the reunion for a while now. After graduation, everyone got busy, and you’ve mentioned how much you miss seeing everyone," Edgar replied, looking at her with curiosity.
"That's true. Everyone is so busy." She felt like she was the only one with no purpose day in and day out.
Edgar studied her for a moment. "You seem upset about something today." He had noticed the shift in his wife’s mood.
"No, I'm happy," Seraphina said with a faint smile. "Let’s head upstairs." She stood and left the kitchen.
Edgar watched her silhouette ascend the stairs, lost in thought. Their interactions were often so mundane—strikingly similar every day.
Back in school, his work had started to receive attention, and the novel he published during his final year, "Four AM," topped the bestseller lists. Sales skyrocketed daily.
He became a rising star, writing a column in the papers and soon garnering acclaim as a popular author. After they got married, he could pour his heart into his writing while she focused on managing their home. It appeared there were no issues in their loving, harmonious life.
But was that the whole truth?
Edgar furrowed his brow as he followed her out, flicking off the kitchen light. Three years into their marriage, had Seraphina's attitude toward him grown colder? When he mentioned his stomach discomfort, she hadn’t even shown concern.
Life felt increasingly monotonous; she cooked for him and managed their home, but that seemed to be the extent of her involvement.
She no longer inquired about his writing projects like she used to. Gone were the days when she playfully demanded to read his drafts, teased him about his writing flaws, or pressed him for plot twists and revealing the mysterious perpetrator...
Maybe he was overthinking things. Although their relationship had blossomed intensely, it settled into a steady rhythm—love leading to marriage without any significant bumps in the road.
He reassured himself that it was normal for the excitement of marriage to settle into a routine. After all, this was the reality of life.
Not seeing his wife around anymore jolted Edgar from his reverie. He hurried upstairs, hoping that the upcoming reunion would lift Seraphina's spirits.
An idea suddenly struck him. Rather than wait for the reunion, why not throw a small barbecue gathering? It could give her a chance to catch up with her old friends. That seemed like a good plan...
With a bright smile, Edgar walked into their bedroom.
Seraphina set aside the newspaper she had been reading, which featured a regular column by Edgar Lockhart every week.

Chapter 5

Seraphina Brightwood watched as her husband, Edgar Lockhart, met with editors in their study, his sharp wit and astute observations making him quite the favorite in literary circles. Today, they were discussing the possibility of publishing a collection of his columns from the past few years.
As Edgar's wife, Seraphina was relegated to the role of a polite host, serving tea and pastries before being politely ushered out of The Study Chamber. A strange feeling of bitterness crept into her heart, blending with an undercurrent of absurdity.
Just the day before, Edgar had mentioned wanting to find a secretary. He needed someone to sort through his writings, organizing them for publication, while also replying to numerous letters from readers. He casually suggested a part-time college student, preferably someone majoring in literature, who would have a discerning eye.
She had listened quietly, puzzled as to why he hadn’t considered her for this role. Hadn’t he noticed? Was it simply that, since she didn’t fit the criteria, he hadn’t even thought of asking her?
The agitation churned inside her. Today, she received a call from her younger sister, Isolde, who was studying painting in France. Isolde excitedly informed her about her recent success at a prestigious gallery, where her work had already generated interest from buyers. She might even get the chance to participate in an art salon exhibition.
Isolde’s voice was brimming with confidence and pride, recounting the challenges and fulfilling moments of living independently. Seraphina felt a pang of sorrow even as she celebrated Isolde’s achievements.
Three years ago, she had chosen not to pursue further studies in Vienna, deciding instead to marry Edgar. To her at that time, the thought of being apart from him was unbearable.
“Sis, you really should have gone to Vienna. Don’t you think giving up music is a pity?” Isolde casually remarked during their call, sending waves of turmoil through Seraphina’s mind.
Forcing a steady tone, she replied, “That was a long time ago. Why bring it up now? I’m happy here with Edgar. We’re getting along wonderfully.” Yet, it felt as if that happiness belonged to another lifetime.
“I’m glad to hear that... After all, love is important for women too,” Isolde agreed before ending the call.
But what about her own feelings? Was she truly satisfied with her answer? She didn’t know.
“Madam, the sir would like you to come downstairs,” Mother Agnes knocked on her door.
“Alright,” she said, rising to follow Mother Agnes down to the Great Hall.
Edgar’s smile illuminated the room as she entered. “Seraphina, we’ve finalized the contract for the publication! I have complete autonomy in selecting the articles.” He stepped toward her, his excitement evident.
Seraphina responded with a smile of her own. “Congratulations.”
“But starting tomorrow, things might get a bit hectic,” he added, a hint of regret in his eyes. “We had planned to visit your family this week, but how about we invite your parents over instead?”
Seraphina raised an eyebrow. “You want to invite both our families here? We agreed to visit my parents this Saturday and spend the night, then head over to see yours on Sunday.”
“That’s just my thought,” he said nonchalantly.
“Edgar, I actually think it might be nice to get a place in Kingston Town. It’s a pleasant change from where we live. We could visit our families and friends more easily, and it would make your discussions with the editors about publishing much easier.” She had contemplated this idea for a while and finally voiced it.
“Are you saying you find living here dreary?” His expression betrayed surprise.
“Not dreary….” His perceptive nature made her hesitate. She didn’t want to be the reason for his unhappiness. “I just thought being around more people might spark your creativity. You’ve mentioned that you see different perspectives in different people.”
“I recall telling you that I prefer writing in a quiet environment,” he responded, a soft smile gracing his lips.

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