The church was filled with noble guests of the Viscount of Beaumont, who were waiting curiously to see who young Antoine's bride was. Annabelle entered the church with slow steps, to the rhythm of the wedding march. Her sad eyes did not correspond to those of a bride who comes together for love, as she knew that she had been bought to marry Antoine, in exchange for money to lift her family out of poverty.
In his mind, there was only one question: “Will this marriage be good for me? ” As she slowly walked down the aisle, she remembered how she had gotten into that distressing situation. In the small village of Saint-Claire, autumn brought with it the smell of dry leaves and the distant sound of cart wheels rolling along the dirt paths.
Annabelle, a young peasant girl with eyes as beautiful as spring and hair as golden as wheat, picked fruit in her family's orchard, worried about the uncertain future that surrounded them. His father, Jean, a once strong and vigorous man, had been struck down by illness and misery that slowly eroded his strength. With the harvest increasingly scarce and debts increasing, the hope of saving the family seemed to fade like leaves in the wind.
It was then that a carriage, pulled by majestic horses, entered the village. From inside, the Viscount of Beaumont came down, a man with an austere appearance and eyes that seemed to see the soul of everyone who looked at him. He wasn't there by chance.
For a long time, the Viscount had been looking for a solution to a problem that had tormented him for years: his only son, Antoine, was born with a physical deformity that made him the target of looks of disdain and contempt. Antoine, despite being a handsome, intelligent and sensitive young man, was seen as incapable of continuing the family legacy. No girl from the nobility agreed to marry him, and the Viscount feared that the Beaumont line would become extinct with his son.
Upon learning of the situation of Jean and his beautiful daughter, the Viscount saw an opportunity. He looked for Jean in her modest home and, after a few minutes of formal conversations, got straight to the point. ”Mr Jean, I heard about your situation and I am deeply sorry.
However, I believe I can help you get out of this misery — Said the Viscount, his voice firm and cutting. Jean, with tired eyes and a trembling voice, asked: “And how do you intend to do this, my lord? ” The Viscount surreptitiously observed Annabelle, who, despite trying to hide it, was paying attention to every word.
“My proposal is simple. I wish your daughter, Annabelle, to marry my son, Antoine. In return, I offer a generous sum that will not only pay off their debts, but allow them to live comfortably for the rest of their lives.
” Annabelle felt her heart speed up. The idea of marrying a man she had never met, especially under such circumstances, was terrifying. But when he looked at his father, his face marked by suffering, he knew that refusing would mean condemning his family to ruin.
Jean hesitantly looked at her daughter, who remained silent. Finally, Annabelle, her voice low but resolute, replied: “I accept, my lord! ” The Viscount, satisfied, smiled for the first time in that conversation.
"Excellent. The wedding will be celebrated in two weeks. I will prepare everything to welcome you to our mansion.
” Time passed quickly, and soon the wedding day arrived. Annabelle, dressed in an elegant wedding dress, was taken to the Beaumont mansion. There, she was received with formalities and whispers.
The servants watched with curiosity the young peasant woman who had dared to join that respected family. Now she was here, heading towards the altar to marry a man she had never seen in her life. Antoine was at the altar, waiting for his bride.
When she entered, their eyes met for the first time. When Annabelle approached him, she could see that he was younger than she had imagined, with beautiful and delicate features, as well as deep-set eyes. He understood that the small deformity did not alter the beautiful image he had.
The Viscount had already informed that his son had one of his legs slightly atrophied, and the deformation was noticed when he moved, for he moved as if he were limping. He believed that this did not make his son incapable, however, because of this, young women of the high nobility rejected him. At the altar, Antoine approached slowly, unsure of how to react.
He knew why Annabelle was there and he was afraid that she would just see him as a burden…A cripple… ”Annabelle,” he said, his voice soft but firm. — I know this is not the wedding you dreamed of. But I promise that I will do everything I can to make you happy with me.
” She, touched by his kindness, smiled shyly. “And I promise I will do my best to be a good wife to you, Antoine. ” The two exchanged vows in front of all the guests.
Although the marriage was arranged, there was a sincerity in their eyes that did not go unnoticed by anyone. The first major obstacle they faced was the first night. Antoine, thinking of giving Annabelle time to get used to him, slept in the next room.
The first few days after the wedding were full of challenges. Annabelle had to adapt to life at the mansion, while Antoine struggled with his own insecurities. He was afraid that at any moment she would regret her choice and leave him.
He surrounded her with affection and care. Through his actions, Annabelle discovered that Antoine was a kind man and, in turn, was increasingly enchanted by her beauty and kindness. After a month, one afternoon, as they walked through the mansion's gardens, Antoine stopped and looked at Annabelle with an intensity she had never seen before.
“Annabelle, I…” He hesitated, dreading what he was about to say. — I know this marriage was arranged. But, I would like you to accept that I sleep in our room.
I would like to truly become your husband. ” Annabele didn't respond at all and her silence saddened Antoine. He looked at her sadly and said: “Am I so repulsive that you don't want me?
” 30-She sighed deeply and replied: “Don’t think like that, Antoine! It has nothing to do with your appearance…It's my problem and not yours! - She said truthfully.
“It's just that I don't know how to act in these cases, because I've never had intimate contact with a man and I'm afraid I don't know how to respond to his desires. ” “My dear, I am able to teach you everything you need to know about this. It is enough, however, that you want me as your man.
Do you want me, Annabelle? ” She lowered her head, ashamed of the thoughts she had…He insisted on the question: “Do you want me, Annabelle? With her voice almost inaudible due to the shame she was feeling, she replied: “Yes, Antoine!
I've been wanting you for a few days now…” He hugged her and whispered in her ear: “I will take you along paths so pleasurable that you can't even imagine…But I will start little by little, until you beg for my affection. ” My dears, what Annabelle didn't know was that Antoine was an excellent lover from an early age. He was rejected by the nobility's girls, but eagerly desired by the unloved ladies of high society.
That night, Antoine asked the servants to prepare the bathtub in Annabelle's room with hot water, rose petals and perfume it with salts. Annabelle didn't understand anything, but she waited, sitting on the bed, feeling excited just imagining what her husband was preparing for that night. When everything was ready, he entered the room, smiled, gave her a hug and began to caress her.
Noticing her body shaking, he said, “Don’t be scared, my dear! ” Then he began to slowly take off her clothes, leaving her in just her underwear and undressing too… “Come on! Let’s take a delicious bath, Annabelle!
” Annabelle let herself be carried by one hand, while with the other she covered her breast beneath her transparent clothing, embarrassed. They entered the bathtub and he began to slide his hand gently over her body, in a slight movement, while Annabelle experienced an unknown sensation. .
. After a few kisses and several caresses from Antoine, finally Annabelle begged him to make her his wife. .
. When the The day dawned, the two woke up hugging each other, feeling that, Despite all the adversities, they had found something precious in each other. The months passed, and the relationship between Annabelle and Antoine blossomed.
They became inseparable, sharing secrets, dreams and fears. The love that initially seemed unlikely was now palpable in every gesture, every look. But not everything was easy.
The Viscount, despite being satisfied with the marriage, pressured Antoine to produce an heir, fearing that the Beaumont lineage would be interrupted. This pressure, combined with doubts about his ability to be a father, began to weigh on Antoine. One night, Antoine retired to his study, where he used to read to relieve his tensions.
Annabelle, worried, went after him. She found him sitting, his hands shaking and his eyes full of anguish. “Antoine, what is happening?
— she asked, worried about him. “Annabelle…” He sighed, struggling to find the right words. - I am scared.
Fear of not being able to give you a child. Afraid that if I fail, you will regret marrying me. ” Annabelle felt a deep pain in her heart upon hearing those words.
She cupped his face, making him look into her eyes. “Antoine, I love you. And nothing, not even the lack of an heir, will change that.
Our love is more important than any expectations. We’re together, and that’s what really matters. ” Antoine, touched by Annabelle's sincerity, let the tears fall.
For the first time in a long time, he felt truly loved and accepted. The love between them continued to grow, and over time, all the pressures and fears were replaced by the certainty that they had each other. Against all expectations, Annabelle became pregnant, and the news brought joy and relief to everyone.
When their son was born, healthy and full of life, the Viscount could finally rest, knowing that the Beaumont lineage was secure. But for Annabelle and Antoine, the real triumph was the love they found in each other, proving that even in an arranged marriage, true love can blossom and transform lives.
