Sense and Sentiment: Jake & Claire’s Untold Story

The Bramblewoods, near the Everwood Estate, Henfordshire

The young man on the bench leaned forward, running his fingers through his full, wavy, borderline shaggy chestnut brown hair. A deep sigh escaped his lips—a clear gesture of frustration and discontent. The sophisticated scent of an upscale designer fragrance, with notes of bergamot, cedarwood, and a hint of leather, lingered around him, perfectly complementing his refined appearance.

Dressed in a tailored Ralph Lauren blazer in a rich, earthy brown, paired with a white shirt, the top button casually open, and khaki trousers, he embodied a blend of his mainland heritage and noble rank here on the island. The natural colors of his attire complemented his surroundings, making him look both distinguished and approachable.

A loud snort startled him, causing him to leap to his feet. He turned to face the source: a beautiful Dutch Warmblood stallion with a stunning chestnut coat, gleaming in the balmy rays of early autumn sunshine. He relaxed immediately upon recognizing the rider—a young woman around his age, her eyebrows raised in curiosity.

“His Lordship Jake Cameron, in the flesh. What a pleasant surprise. I can hardly believe my eyes, it has been quite some time,” she said, her refined Henfordian accent contrasting sharply with his still very mainlandish tone, even after living here for over a decade.

“Lady Claire Kensington. Back at ya,” he replied, his light crystalline green eyes meeting hers as he stepped closer to rub the chestnut horse’s nose. He looked up at the rider, who was handing him something. He took it, then looked up at her, puzzled, shaking his head.

“I don’t need a tissue,” he said, trying to hand it back, but she had already dismounted with the grace of a seasoned rider.

Once on solid ground, she took it from him and gently dabbed the corners of his eyes. Mildly embarrassed, he took it from her, turning away to finish up.

“Jake…sweet Jake,” Lady Kensington began, her voice a melodious blend of refined elegance and a hint of the soft, rhythmic cadence she picked up during her years studying in Mount Komorebi, the Asian island state. He just shook his head, his back still turned.

She stepped closer and wrapped her arms around him from behind. They stood there as he began to cry softly again.

“Jake?” she whispered near his ear, her breath warm and comforting. He had forgotten how tall she was compared to… to his fiancée.

“Give me a minute,” he pleaded, his voice strained with emotion. He pulled away from her, his back still turned, clearly fighting to regain his composure. After a moment, he managed to turn back, his light green eyes red-rimmed, and handed her the handkerchief. She shook her head gently, a soft smile on her lips.

“Sorry about that. Manly, I know,” he said with a weak chuckle. “Any chance you could just forget you saw me like that?”

“You keep the tissue, and don’t be silly,” she replied, her tone warm and reassuring. “Everyone experiences sadness at times; it has nothing to do with gender. So, what’s troubling you?”

“Oh man, Claire, everything and nothing. I should be thrilled. On top of the world. But I am just… not. And I can’t say why. Ever felt that way?” he asked, following her back to the bench he had been sitting on. They sat down together.

“No. There has only been one thing that truly made me feel this way, and I am well aware of the reasons,” she said softly, her tone meaningful, and he immediately knew what she was referring to.

“Claire, look it wasn’t…” he tried to explain, but was silenced by her finger on his lips as she shook her head.

“Shhhh! I’ve heard it all before. Please, let’s not go there. You asked me a question, and that was my answer. Shall we assume your fiancée is the cause of your emotional turmoil?”

“No, it’s not Dominique’s fault. It’s… nobody’s fault. Maybe mine. Yeah, it’s definitely me.” Jake’s voice faltered, words eluding him, he started playing with the fabric handkerchief she had given him, noticing the embroidered Initials CK and a pink rose, her favorite, the fact he knew that about her made him smile as he slipped her hanky into his pocket like a treasure.

“Cryptic. Is that my cue to leave you be?” she smiled warmly. Jake could feel her eyes on him, and when he turned his head, he felt a sharp pang in his heart. His lack of response had apparently sent the wrong signal, as she now rose, clicking her tongue to get her horse’s attention, turning towards the animal. Jake reached for her hand, feeling the pang again. Surprised and expectant, she turned to him, their eyes met, and Jake felt hot and cold all over.

Lady Claire Kensington and Lord Jake Cameron shared a long, intricate history. Jake was just a young boy, not even a teen when a little over a decade ago now his family moved to Henfordshire countryside from the prestigious mansion in the bustling city of stars that never sleeps, Del Sol Valley, via a year spent in Brindleton Bay, an upscale seaside community with the creme de la creme of old money and the upper class many generations deep, compiled of mostly doctors and businessmen. It had been a crass difference for all. The newcomers, with their new money from the entertainment business—a man from the mainland and a woman with Tartosian roots, along with their quiet, loner son and loud, outgoing daughter—were a tough sell to the close-knit circles of the millennia-old island kingdom. The only reason they were even reluctantly accepted into society was their close ties to the esteemed royal house of Cromwell. These ties also earned them their noble titles, which still caused discord among the locals, whose roots ran deep.

Lady Claire was the first, and often the only one, to include Jake in the activities of the other aristocratic children. Unlike his boisterous sister Maeverette, Jake wasn’t the type to just join a group, whether they wanted her to or not. He had to be coaxed out of his shell, a task Lady Claire took upon herself. They were friends for years, eventually becoming each other’s first kiss. Their budding romance was abruptly halted when Lord Kensington, Lady Claire’s father, got wind of it and immediately sent her away to boarding school.

By the time she graduated and returned home, Jake had gone off to college, where he met his fiancée, Lady Dominique DeMercier. When their engagement was announced, Lady Claire signed up for studies in faraway Mount Komorebi. Years had passed since they last saw each other.

Lady Claire stood tall and slender, her figure embodying a delicate yet womanly grace. Her pale Henfordian complexion contrasted beautifully with her flowing blonde hair, which cascaded down her back like a golden waterfall. As she moved, there was an air of elegance and poise that seemed almost ethereal. Her eyes, a striking shade of blue-green, held a depth of wisdom and kindness that drew people in.

Today, she was dressed in elegant riding attire, perfectly suited for her outing. A fitted, navy blue riding jacket hugged her frame, its tailored lines accentuating her slender figure. Beneath it, she wore a crisp white blouse, the collar neatly folded. Her tan riding breeches were impeccably clean, tucked into polished brown riding boots that reached just below her knees. A matching helmet rested atop her head, ensuring both safety and style.

When she spoke, her voice was soft and melodic, with a lilting quality that made every word sound like a gentle song. It carried the refined tones of her upbringing, yet there was a warmth and sincerity that made her approachable and endearing. Her laughter, light and musical, had a way of brightening even the darkest of days.

“Please Claire… umm…” Jake’s voice faltered, the words he wanted to say slipping away. He felt a tumultuous mix of emotions—a strange mixture of genuine excitement but also pain from seeing her so close, awakening feelings he didn’t realize were still there, let alone so strong, and the dread of watching her leave, which hurt even more.

Claire paused, her eyes searching his face for a clue. “Jake, what is it?” she asked softly, her voice a gentle nudge, while she put her hand over his holding hers.

He took a deep breath, trying to articulate the feelings he himself didn’t fully understand. “I… I don’t want you to go,” he finally admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “Seeing you again… it’s brought back so much. I didn’t realize how much I missed you until now.”

Her expression softened, a hint of sadness in her eyes. “Jake, I never wanted to leave. You know that. But life… it took us in different directions.”

He swallowed hard, the weight of his emotions pressing down on him. “Please stay,” he said, his voice trembling. “If you stay, I’ll tell you what’s wrong. I just… I …”

She nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. “Alright, Jake. I’ll stay. Let’s talk.”

They walked back to the bench and sat down. Jake took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. “I’ve been getting into arguments with Dominique, her parents and mine. They all keep pushing for a wedding date, but I just can’t agree to one. I don’t know why, but I can’t.”

Claire listened intently; shocked, but then her expression became thoughtful. “Oh dear! You should marry for nothing but love and passion and only if and when you are ready for such a huge step. My parents married because their families thought they should, out of obligation, and they’ve been miserable for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a loveless house with two uninvolved parents who could barely stand to be in the same room together. But of course, they won’t separate, let alone divorce, for that would be frowned upon and improper in our circles. So, they bide their time in misery, dragging me along with them.”

Jake looked at her, surprised by her candor. “I had no idea, Claire.”

She nodded, a sad smile on her lips. “Of course not, nobody knows. Keeping up appearances always takes precedence, you see? I always knew both my parents were seeing other people on the side. I was just a pawn, pushed back and forth, a token to keep the lineage alive. A disappointment, as I am only a girl and unlikely to carry on the family name, yet not disappointing enough for them to try for another child. It’s not a life I would wish on anyone. Whatever you do, don’t marry unless you truly want to and are ready for it. And for all that’s holy, if you do marry for any other reason but love, don’t have children. It’s not a nice life for a child.”

Jake felt a pang of guilt and confusion. “Claire, why did you never tell me? I thought we were close … back when. You never said anything. I feel horrible for not knowing!”

“Oh, it’s all right. A person can get used to anything, besides, they both do love me, in their very own ways, and I them, for they’re the only parents I have.”

“Claire, are you… are you seeing anyone? Are you engaged?” he asked, his voice awkward and strained as he stared down at her riding gloves. He feared her answer, knowing the nobles had strict rules about all this and they both were at an age where parents from a certain standing usually pushed their children towards marriage. Even nowadays. Time just seemed to run differently for them, in many ways.

Claire shook her head. “No, Jake. I haven’t met anyone I was interested in. Being my parents’ only child causes discord at home as well, per them I should probably be married. Yet, no engagement, not even a gentleman caller. I am a disgrace to them, reaching spinster status. But I live by the advice I gave you. Between you and I, I am merely biding my time until I can access my trust fund, which I will be once I turn 25, and then I will move away. Perhaps buy a condo or something, somewhere.”

Her words hit him like a wave, a pang of guilt washing over him. He felt as if he had been cheating on her with his fiancée, even though they had never officially been a couple. Just one tiny, innocent kiss, many years ago. The realization of his lingering feelings for her left him feeling conflicted and vulnerable.

“Wow, Claire. I honestly had no clue. I feel like I let you down,” he said, his voice barely audible. “Makes my whining about my crap feel nonsensical.”

Claire nodded, her eyes never leaving his. “Jake, if it affects you this much, it’s not nonsensical. You’re not alone in this.”

Jake took a deep breath, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. “Thanks, ’cause it sure feels like it. I have always been so close with my parents, I tried to explain all this to them, I talk and talk, but they are just not hearing me, it feels like they are in another dimension. Mom is so gung-ho about the wedding and Dad is so passive. Claire, I don’t know what to do. Every time I even as much as think about setting a date, I just… freeze. It’s like something inside me is screaming that it’s not right.”

Claire reached out, placing a comforting hand on his. “Jake, listen to that voice. It’s telling you something important. You deserve to be happy, truly happy. Don’t settle for anything less.”

He nodded, her words resonating deeply. “But what if I’m just scared? Pre-wedding jitters and all. They’re a real thing, right? What if I’m making a mistake by not committing?”

“Fear is natural, Jake, especially when facing significant lifestyle changes,” Claire said, her voice calm and reassuring. “But there’s a difference between fear of the unknown and an instinct that something isn’t right. Trust yourself. You know deep down what you need.”

Jake looked into her eyes, feeling a connection that had always been there, just beneath the surface. “Yeah, you’re right, and I know you are. Being with Dominique feels like I’m trying to fit into a life that isn’t mine. She’s a great girl, but … umm … she is so eager to please her parents and marry someone who’s at least a Lord, preferably higher, which is the only reason I ever even made the cut, cos most of the time she and her family seem embarrassed that I wasn’t born a noble. She is sweet when we are alone, but most of the time I feel like a token. Like a level she reached in a video game. I don’t know how to explain it. I feel like she likes me, but mostly because of the title, which I never really asked for. The king and queen bestowed it on us, my parents were thrilled, but my sister and I didn’t get a say. Bam, Jake is now Lord Jake. Big whoop. Ha, except, when Maevey and I suddenly had to learn all that etiquette crap, you know my sister, she is a lot of things but not a Ladyship, she is at college and I have a hard time believing she’d move back to Henfordshire after graduation, and .. sorry, I know you grew up with that too. I didn’t mean to downtalk all that.”

Claire’s eyes softened, a hint of sadness in her gaze. “It’s fine. I know our peers and we live in a sort of bubble. I have travelled enough to know this is not how most of the world operates, Jake, but all I can tell you is that you have to follow your heart. Don’t let anyone else dictate your happiness. Not your parents, not Dominique. Only you can decide what’s right for you.”

He squeezed her hand, grateful for her support. “Thank you, Claire. You’ve always known how to make confusing things clearer for me.”

She smiled, a warmth spreading through Jake. “Isn’t that precisely what friends are for?” she remarked, her accent carrying the refined lilt of her upbringing. Her eyes sparkled with the wisdom of her travels, each experience adding a layer of depth to her words.

Jake nodded, but the word “friends” felt inadequate. And somehow hearing her refer to them as that hurt, felt like a rejection. There was so much more between them, an unspoken bond that had never truly been broken. “Yeah, friends,” he echoed, though his heart longed for more.

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their shared history hanging in the air. Finally, Jake spoke again, his voice tentative. “Claire, do you ever think about… what could have been? If things had been different? If you hadn’t been sent away? By the way, I tried to get a hold of you, but your parents were impossible to talk to. I finally gave up when they promised to ask you about talking to me on the phone and you told them you didn’t want to. That wasn’t true, was it?”

“Jake, what do you think? They never mentioned you asking about me, and whenever I inquired, they lied. I penned so many letters to you, but I suppose they never even reached the post office, intercepted by the school administration instead. And all that for one tiny, innocent kiss. We might have been 16, but we were still just children,” Claire looked away, her expression pensive. “To answer your question: Yes, I thought about that all the time, and I still do. But we can’t change the past. Dwelling on it only brings sorrow. We must focus on what we can do with the present.” Her voice carried a hint of her noble upbringing, each word carefully chosen, reflecting the wisdom she had gathered from her travels.

He nodded, feeling the weight of her words. “I just… I don’t how to put it, I guess I just don’t wanna lose you again. I know it sounds kinda weird and needy, but I’m just being real with you.” His voice was earnest, each word carrying the raw emotion he felt.

“You won’t lose me,” she assured him. “We’re no longer children; we have a voice now. They can’t pull us apart as they did before. And if all else fails, we are quite adept at using technology to stay connected. I’ll give you my number, and you can call whenever you need to talk, alright?”

Jake felt a wave of tranquility wash over him. For the first time in a long while, he felt like he could breathe. His voice, deep and resonant, carried a warmth that matched his relief. “Thank you, Claire. For everything. I’m really glad we ran into each other again after all these years. It’s been too darn long.”

She smiled, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “Yes, it has been. I often thought of reaching out to you, as adults now, but knowing you were engaged to Lady Dominique, it just felt… improper. I best be on my way again, but do remember, you can always reach out to me.”

She got up and headed for her horse. Jake rose too, watching her, feeling as if his heart was being torn from his chest. Letting her go like this felt like a mistake. A grave mistake. He followed her, and just as she slipped the reins of her horse over the stallion’s head and reached for the saddle horn, he grabbed her, turned her to face him, then kissed her.

There was nothing innocent about the kiss. It was filled with years of unspoken words and suppressed emotions. As their lips met, a profound calm enveloped him, a sensation he hadn’t experienced in a long time. But as they parted, guilt quickly followed. Claire stared at him with wide eyes, her breath coming in short gasps.

“Jake…” she whispered, her voice trembling. “You’re engaged to Lady Dominique.”

He looked into her eyes, his heart pounding. “I know, Claire. But this… this feels right. Claire, I …I …” Jake had the words on the tip of his tongue but knew he shouldn’t say them.

They stood there, staring at each other in disbelief. Both knew the kiss felt right. But Claire, raised with a sense of propriety, couldn’t ignore the reality. “Whatever you were going to say, don’t. You must not say that to me. We can’t do this, Jake. It’s more than improper. This would be scandalous,” she said softly, her voice filled with conflict.

Jake’s voice was low, almost a whisper. “I’m so confused, Claire. I don’t know what to do.”

Claire took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving his. “I know you are confused and conflicted, which is why this here cannot happen again. We both need to think about this. Calmly and soberly. About everything. But know that I’ve never stopped caring for you. I feel the same way you do, but don’t make me say it. I can’t. And you can’t either. Not until you are certain about what you truly want. Where your heart lies. We must stop now, or we would create a terrible mess. For everyone.”

“I know,” he said, his voice filled with anguish. “I’m sorry I put you in this awkward situation, but this kiss… being here with you feels right in a way nothing else does. I can’t explain it, but I can’t ignore it either. I guess I missed you all along, just didn’t know that’s what it was. I suppressed thinking of you cos it just hurt too damn much, you suddenly being gone from one day to the next, and while I never really believed your parents when they said you didn’t want to see me or hear from me, it hurt so much. Swear to God, I thought you moved on, probably married to some cool rich royal dude, living it up on a yacht, traveling the globe or something.”

Claire took a step back, her hand covering her mouth as she tried to process what had just happened. “Jake, we need to think about this. We are both in a state of emotional confusion right now. We can’t just act on impulse.”

Jake reached out, gently taking her hand. “Claire, I’ve been living a lie. I realized that now. You are the missing piece. You are what has been wrong with me, you no longer being part of my life, losing you the way I did was traumatic, I guess that’s why my brain suppressed your memories so much, why didn’t I realize that? We never even got to say goodbye. One kiss, an innocent little kiss when we were 16, and that was the best and the worst moment of my life. One kiss and I never saw you again until now. Claire, I know how this sounds, but I don’t want to lose you again. Not now, not ever. I want this. You. Us. It’s never been clearer. I don’t know why I didn’t realize it before.”

Tears welled up in Claire’s eyes as she looked at him, her heart aching. “Jake, please stop. I am begging you. I… I don’t know what to say. This is all so overwhelming. This feels … wrong. Almost obscene. You are engaged to be married to Lady Dominique DeMercier. I shouldn’t even be talking to you about such … feelings.”

He squeezed her hand, his voice trembling. “Okay, okay, just promise me you’ll think about it. About us. We owe it to ourselves to figure this out. I will fight. But I need to know you want me. I don’t want to turn my life into a circus chasing windmills. Say you want me; that’s all I need to hear; Claire and I’ll do anything to make it happen. To get us the chance that was taken from us.”

“I can’t say that, Jake, don’t you understand? I have already said too much, I can’t be responsible for breaking you up. I have to go…” Claire turned, but he held her back, his eyes pleading.

“Stay, please… just a while longer,” he whispered, his voice filled with desperation. “No more kissing. I promise.”

Shaking her head, Claire turned to him, her eyes searching his face. “Jake, I can’t stay. But you must ask yourself one important question: do you love Dominique?” she asked softly, her voice filled with genuine concern.

Jake looked down, his hands fidgeting. “I… I don’t know,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “I thought I did. But now, I’m not so sure. Being here with you, it feels different, intense, it never felt that way with her, it feels… right.”

Claire’s heart ached at his words, but she needed to know more. “Jake, love isn’t something you should be unsure about. It’s either there or it isn’t. Do you feel passion, excitement, when you’re with her?”

He shook his head, a pained expression on his face. “No, not really. It’s comfortable I guess, but it’s not… it’s not what I feel when I’m with you. No, wait, I am lying again, to you, to myself. No, I do not love her. I like her, she’s sweet, and pretty and all, but … I don’t want to marry her. I proposed because I knew she and her parents expected it. I thought it’s what I was supposed to do. I didn’t know I could feel like … this.”

Claire sighed, her heart heavy with the weight of his confession. “Jake, you deserve to feel that passion and excitement. Don’t settle for anything less. Marrying someone without that will only lead to misery. I would know. My parents taught me that lesson very well.”

Jake nodded, her words resonating deeply. “I know you’re right. But it’s so hard. My parents, Dominique’s family… everyone expects us to get married. It’s like I’m trapped.”

She smiled, squeezing his hand. “You’ll figure it out, Jake. Don’t rush into or out of things, sit back and try to figure out what YOU want. And whatever you decide, I’ll be here for you. Well, at least until I can finally access my funds. Then I will most likely be somewhere far, far away from here.” she smiled, and even the corners of Jake’s lips curled up.

“Why are you so nice to me?” Jake asked, his voice trembling with emotion. “You should hate me.”

Claire looked at him, her eyes filled with compassion. “Jake, I could never hate you,” she said softly. “And I could tell you the same thing. It was MY father who pulled us apart. We were both minors, nothing we could have done about it. The rest is just… well, nobody’s fault. You had no choice but to move on, neither did I. You were just more successful.”

Jake shook his head, tears welling up in his eyes. “But I’ve hurt you. I’ve been so selfish, caught up in my own world. When I turned 18 I shouldn’t just have left for college, I should have tried to find you. But I didn’t. Head in the sand, doing what everyone expected of me. You deserve better. I should have waited for you, like you have for…” Jake realized his assumption was rude and could be wrong. Had she waited for him? Or just not found the right guy, as she said. He blushed deeply.

Claire noticed his discomfort and gave him a gentle smile. “Jake, it’s okay. I haven’t been waiting for you, not exactly. How could I? I thought you were long over me and had truly moved on. I had no idea you were conflicted. I just haven’t met anyone who felt right. My parents aren’t thrilled about it, but I’d rather be single than settle for someone who doesn’t make me feel… alive.”

He nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope. “You’re right. I know what to do now. I don’t want to make any more mistakes. Thank you, Claire!” Jake spoke with resolve, taking her gloved hands into his, kissing them, then smiled at her before hurrying off. Claire watched him with a concerned look in her eyes.

“Jake! Remember to think things through! Don’t do anything foolish on some whim! And what about my phone number?” she called after him.

Without stopping, Jake turned to her, moving backwards, waving.

“Don’t worry, I figured it all out now. I’ll come get your phone number in person!” he called back, then turned around and ran off towards his home, the Everwood Estate, looming in the distance.

She rubbed her horse’s face, planting a kiss on it.

“What do you think about this, Purs-y?” she asked the prized stallion, whose proper name was ‘Kensington Stables Hot Pursuit’, a former racehorse, still young, but now retired to being a pet and occasionally a stud. The horse nickered, nodding his head, making his owner laugh. “I agree. He’s going to do something impulsive and then probably feel bad about it. I knew I shouldn’t have stopped. I knew I should have just turned you around and we should have cantered off the other way. But if he had kissed you the way he kissed me… well, what am I saying? If he kissed a horse like that, we wouldn’t even be talking about it now. Joking aside, I know I am reading into this kiss. I know I am seeing something because I want it to be. Then again, he did say he loved me, but he was confused, so who knows? I hope he doesn’t do anything foolish now, which then somehow ends up being my fault. I want him to want me, I do, but I don’t want to break someone up. Oh dear…this is going to be a mess.”

Rosewood Manor, Henfordshire

A knock on the door halted Claire’s efforts. Before she could react, the door opened and someone slipped inside after looking back over their shoulder.

“Jake!” Claire exclaimed; her voice filled with surprise.

“Shhh!” Jake whispered, his finger to his lips, grinning at her. “I snuck in. Your terrace door was open, nobody saw me. Just your horses. Are they trustworthy?” he asked, his tone playful.

Claire giggled, putting her hands on her hips. “How did you know where my room was?” she asked, curiosity and amusement in her voice.

“I used to throw rocks up at your window. Has it been THAT long?” Jake replied, a nostalgic smile on his face.

“I could have moved rooms. Seriously! What are you doing here?” Claire asked, her tone shifting to one of genuine curiosity.

Jake stood there, dressed in a casual yet stylish ensemble that reflected his roots and his family’s modern wealth. He wore a fitted brown sports coat, a woolen brown vest the Ralph Lauren logo subtly embroidered on the chest over a simple white tee, paired with well-tailored cognac-brown chinos. His brown leather shoes were polished to a shine, and a simple leather bracelet adorned his wrist, adding a touch of laid-back sophistication.

In contrast, Claire’s wore a classic, tailored knit dress in a soft beige shade, the fabric flowing gracefully around her. Her shoes were elegant yet practical, designed for comfort and style, completing her refined look.

“Going somewhere?” Jake asked, pointing at the suitcase she was packing. Claire looked at it as if seeing it for the first time herself, then shrugged.

“Just a holiday. All this rain…” Claire said, trying to sound casual but failing to hide her nervousness.

Jake raised his eyebrows, causing Claire to stop and smile like a kid who knew they had been caught in a lie. “Fine, yes Jake, I am absolutely running away. A cowardly thing to do, I am fully aware,” she admitted, a mix of guilt and resignation in her voice.

“Running from what? Me?” Jake wondered, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

“In a way. More like running from memories,” Claire admitted, her voice tinged with sadness. “I know I said I would be here for you, but it turns out I am not that strong. Whatever you decide to do, I know it would come back on me. If you stay with her, it will hurt and be awkward between us, and if you don’t, well, it would be my fault, in a roundabout way. You were confused, I should not have added to the conflict. I should have kept my opinions to myself,” she added, her tone filled with regret.

Jake shook his head, then stepped closer, determination in his eyes. “No. We agreed, this is on me. My life, my choice. I chose. I made it right, Claire. You said we are no longer kids, we have a voice now, and I used mine. Surprisingly, my parents understood. Well, Dad did anyway. Mom freaked out, went to her best friend, who set her straight and now she’s all ‘I want my boy to be happy’ yada yada. My lovely little sister evidently never liked my fiancée as it turned out, Maeve had a lot to say about her. Everyone supports my decision, I feel nothing but relief and I have you to thank for it,” he said, his voice firm yet reassuring.

“Oh Jake, I can think of at least one person, if not an entire family, who most certainly does not agree with your choice and would like to see me burned at the stake for my involvement,” Claire responded, a hint of bitterness in her voice.

Jake chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. “Well, for that they would have to know about your involvement. I am not the sharpest tool in the shed, but I am smarter than that. I never even mentioned your name or that we ran into each other. So, where are we going?” he asked, curiosity piqued, pointing at her suitcase.

“Sulani,” Claire replied, a small smile playing on her lips.

“Ah?” Jake responded, slightly confused.

“Yes, I am going to Sulani to enjoy the carefree beach life,” Claire explained, her tone brightening.

“Oh, wow. And you already bought your tickets?” Jake asked, impressed.

“Of course. Leaving tonight on the red-eye flight out. I want to walk into my rental cabin among the beautiful sunrise,” Claire said, her eyes lighting up at the thought.

“In other words, that was the first flight with seats still available,” Jake teased, raising an eyebrow.

“That is the very unromantic version, yes,” Claire admitted, laughing softly.

“You really are running away. With all due respect, but you’re a little chickenshit, Claire,” Jake stated, his voice softening with concern.

“Yes, perhaps. Jake, … I know what I said, and I meant every word, but I need some time too,” Claire confessed, her voice trembling slightly.

They heard noises, and Claire remembered a meeting of her father’s hunting club, so she quickly ushered Jake back outside without being detected.

King Frederick International Airport, Henford-on-Bagley

The man in the seat next to Claire had been talking her ear off from the moment she sat down. She had inserted her ear pods, turned up the volume, and could still hear him. Her efforts to ignore him and send the right signal politely were foiled by him repeatedly tapping on her arm to ask more random things, while she stared out the window at the luggage and cargo being loaded on the plane, in the midst of the pouring rain. Autumn in Henfordshire. Pretty in the rare sunny moments, dreadful in the dulling rain.

The man now tapped her arm again. Claire closed her eyes, trying to keep her composure, when she realized tears had started rolling down her cheeks. He tapped her again. Angrily, she wiped away the tears, then snapped her head to him.

“Can you not take a hint? I am beyond fed up with your… oh!” Claire’s rant seized when she realized it was someone else.

“Jake?” Claire’s voice almost failed her. She didn’t even notice the heads turning of passengers also seated in the first-class cabin and those from other classes still pushing through to their seats.

Smiling, Jake was just about to answer when a flight attendant interrupted, eyeing both of them.

“Everything alright?” the flight attendant asked with a smile that didn’t match her tone.

Claire just continued to stare, while Jake smiled at the flight attendant. “Sure, I just startled her. Sorry,” he said, trying to sound reassuring.

“Miss?” the flight attendant stared at Claire for confirmation, so she nodded.

Jake was dressed in a casual yet sophisticated outfit that reflected his modern wealth. He wore a comfortable, fitted navy blue Henley shirt, paired with dark jeans and a lightweight, olive green bomber jacket. His brown leather shoes were polished, and a sleek watch adorned his wrist, adding a touch of understated elegance. Between his feet sat a cognac-brown leather duffel bag.

In contrast, Claire’s attire spoke of her long-standing noble heritage and the rainy Henfordian autumn she was leaving behind. She wore a tailored, cream-colored cashmere sweater, paired with high-waisted, dark green trousers. Her shoes were elegant yet practical, designed for comfort during the long flight, her long, blonde hair was styled in a loose, elegant bun, keeping it neat and manageable for travel while still looking effortlessly chic.

“What are you doing here, Jake? There is some annoying man sitting in that seat,” Claire asked, confusion and relief mingling in her voice.

“Not anymore. We swapped seats. Only took a spa voucher to convince him,” Jake replied, a hint of amusement in his tone.

“So, everything here is fine?” the flight attendant asked again, looking for final confirmation.

Claire turned her head to her. “Yes, thank you,” she said, her tone dismissive.

Once the flight attendant left, Claire stared at Jake. “How?” she asked, still in disbelief.

“Agh, ya know … Turns out fall isn’t high season for Sulani, especially not in First Class. I was due for some R&R. And you know I don’t connect with people easily, so I wanted to sit next to you,” Jake told her, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability, clearly only sharing a small part of the truth.

“I can’t believe you still have been able to get a room though. When I booked, they told me it was the last cabin. Apparently, they had some storms a few weeks ago, a lot of the tourist cabins and the hotel were flooded and aren’t ready yet,” Claire said, her tone a mix of disbelief and curiosity.

“Yeah, well, I didn’t get a room. I am officially homeless at this point. At least in Sulani. Maybe I could curl up on your patio chairs?” Jake suggested, a playful smile on his face, completely omitting his fallback plan, as his Aunt Mila and Uncle Blake, both retired actors, lived on Sulani and would definitely put him up if his plan to stay with Claire were to fall through.

Lady Claire laughed, shaking her head. “You assumed I would just let you stay with me. Jake, can you even imagine what my parents would say if they ever found out? Or yours? Or literally ANYONE back home? This would be beyond inappropriate, scandalous. We would be outcasts,” she said, her voice filled with a mix of amusement and concern.

“Oh no, that would be so terrible on me, since I have always fit in so nicely,” Jake replied, his tone oozing sarcasm beneath his smile.

“I have a one-bedroom cabin, Jake. And I am sorry, I am not that type of girl. This is a problem. You were impulsive again, when I told you not to be,” Claire said, her voice firm but tinged with worry.

“No, I told you I would come by to get your phone number. I did. I still don’t have it, so…” Jake gestured around them, grinning. “I had no choice,” he added, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

“You are… you are… well, you are still the same Jake. Oh goodness, if anyone hears about this, you know what they will think, what they will say. They will think you and I, that we, … that we have an affair. Jake… do your parents know where you went?” Claire asked, her voice filled with a mix of exasperation and affection.

“They know I went somewhere. They don’t know where. I left a note. Ya know, the usual balmy crap, not to worry, had to think, yada yada,” Jake replied, trying to sound nonchalant but with a hint of underlying tension.

“They’ll know. If they speak to my parents at all, and they mention I went away to Sulani, at just the same time as you checked out of your life temporarily, they will know,” Claire said, her voice growing more anxious.

“So, they’ll know. We’re both old enough. I am 24 years old; I was expected to get married. If I am old enough for that, I am old enough to go on a vacation with a childhood friend who just happens to be a girl,” Jake said, his tone turning serious.

“So, what about Dominique?” Claire asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jake shrugged. “I broke off the engagement, remember?” he confirmed, his voice steady.

“Yes, of course I remember, but this seems rushed, as if you acted on impulse and now are running into something. Headless,” Claire said.

“Nope. I am not the one running here, Lady Kensington, although I probably should. Let’s just say Dominique’s parents and big brother might put a hit out on me,” Jake replied, a wry smile on his face.

Lady Claire laughed, shaking her head. “Lovely. So you decided to drag me into this, to become another target? Jake, they will find out about both of us being in Sulani, you can bank on it, and you know it must look deliberate to them, as if you chose me over her. All I wanted was a nice holiday, and you turned it into a James Bond movie before the plane even took off,” she said, her tone a mix of amusement and exasperation.

Jake smiled at her, his eyes conveying more than words ever could. Claire’s laughter faded, her heart pounding as she realized Jake had made a choice. Not just to break his engagement, but to choose her. He really had chosen her over Lady Dominique.

Jake’s smile lingered, and Claire felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. She had always wondered what it would be like if they had a second chance, but now that it was happening, it felt surreal.

“Jake, are you sure about this?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. “This isn’t just another impulsive decision, is it?” she added, her eyes searching his.

He shook his head, his expression serious. “No, Claire. This is the most thought-out decision I’ve ever made. I want to be with you. I need to be with you. I’ve never been more sure of anything in my entire life,” Jake said, his voice filled with conviction.

Claire’s heart swelled with emotion. “I want that too, Jake. But we need to be careful. This isn’t just about us. There are so many people involved. We can’t just rush into something head over heels. Like it or not, you are part of a society I was born into. A Lady Kensington and a Lord Cameron don’t just run away on some lover’s retreat. We have to take it slow and be tasteful about it. My name still means something, even though my parents haven’t exactly been what each child dreams of,” she said, her voice filled with a mix of determination and caution.

“I know,” Jake said, taking her hand in his. “But we’ll face it together. No more hiding, no more pretending. Just us, being honest. Let’s give us a chance. If we try and it doesn’t feel right, then at least we’ll finally know. My parents chased each other for a while. My mom’s father was against their relationship for various reasons. I was conceived out of wedlock and born into a marriage my late grandfather arranged. Luckily, my dad took charge and fixed it. I’d rather not wait that long,” he explained, his voice filled with sincerity.

Claire nodded, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. “Jake, we’ve kissed a total of twice in our lives now. I can assure you there is no baby out of wedlock here. Oh boy, I sure hope I don’t have to explain that to you in greater detail,” she said, a playful smile on her lips.

They both laughed, the tension easing slightly.

“No, but I was hoping you’d at least trust me enough to let me have your couch,” Jake said with a hopeful smile, his eyes searching hers for reassurance.

Claire raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. “You just assume my vacation rental has a couch? I can’t say if it does or not,” she teased.

Jake chuckled, leaning in slightly. “Bathtub? With a pillow and a blanket, that sounds doable,” he suggested, his tone light.

Claire laughed softly, shaking her head. “I’m sure we’ll figure it out. Maybe I can request a rollaway bed for the living room for you.” Her expression grew serious, her voice softening. “But honestly, Jake, I can’t rush into something like that. The intimacy part, I mean. Not because I wouldn’t want to, but I really find that too fast. Not to mention you merely being here with me would be considered highly inappropriate, considering there is supposed to be a certain period after an engagement is broken in which no new relationships should be entered into,” she explained, her voice filled with a mix of concern and sincerity.

Jake nodded, his eyes filled with understanding and respect. “I get it, Claire. We’ll take it slow. I just want to be with you finally, this isn’t about me and some lame attempt to get into your pants, I promise you. I am not like that.” his voice grew louder and more passionate during his plea.

Claire glanced around to see if anyone had overheard, then leaned in closer. “Shh, Jake, keep your voice down,” she whispered.

His voice competed with the announcements through the plane’s intercom system as he continued, “All I’m saying is let’s go with the flow. Look, Claire, I’m not here because I want us to tear each other’s clothes off the moment we touch down in Sulani.” Jake noticed people turning their heads, so he lowered his voice and leaned in closer. “It’s not about that. It’s about me not wanting us to feel obligated in either direction. What if we walk along a beach at sunset or sunrise and are overcome by feelings? Should we really fight it again? We’re adults, why would we? Don’t we deserve happiness and bliss? I almost made the biggest mistake of my life, marrying someone I don’t love. I don’t want all those constant rules anymore. Forced to kiss when expected yet forced to suppress showing true feelings and emotions because of some stupid rules. We’re not kids anymore.”

“Jake, I still think you’re getting ahead of yourself. I’ll agree to testing the waters, but on both our terms. I’m most definitely not going to live out any deprived passionate fantasies with you. If you want that, to celebrate your newfound freedom, I’m sure you can find some willing ladies at a bar. I’m by no means a prude, but that loose behavior just isn’t me. You just broke off an engagement you have been in for almost 2 years, there is no way I would even consider engaging in anything intimate with you now, I believe that would be called rebound. I’m all for us exploring how deep our feelings for each other go, even physically, but only after we’ve sorted out where we really stand with each other. If I say we have to take it slow, I do mean it.”

“Yeah Claire, I heard you before, loud and clear. And you need to hear me, I mean it when I say I am here for it. If you want to take it slow, we’ll do that, but because you want that, not because you think someone else wants that.”

His words hung in the air, heavy with sincerity. She felt a rush of emotions, her heart pounding in her chest. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at him, her voice trembling with a mix of relief and hope.

“Jake, you have no idea how much that means to me,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “Alright, let’s go on a holiday together.”

As the plane began to taxi down the runway, Claire squeezed Jake’s hand, feeling a mix of anticipation and hope. Whatever challenges lay ahead, at the very least, they would finally get some answers that had been a long time coming.

Lord Jake and his ex-fiancée Lady Dominique DeMercier