Chapter 3 His Return

He had returned. From outside, for the wedding. But, deep down, to fulfill his fatal obsession. To complete what he left behind. To get what belonged to his... brother.

Meeting the attractive sapphire eyes and well combed black hairs, staring down intensely at her.

His eyes locked with hers, unable to look elsewhere.

Wearing a black shirt with two buttons opened and pants, sleeves rolled to the elbow perfectly. Along with a matching waistcoat to amplify his stunning looks.

One could tell from afar he was the foundation of this family, a power surrounded him.

Her throat dried as she instinctively pulled away from the intimidating man. Looking down quickly, holding her arm from embarrassment.

“William? Welcome home,”

Luke cleared his throat, coming in between instantly to allow Arabella to hide behind his shoulder.

“May I know what you guys are doing?”

William's hard, dominant tone came as he handsomely rested his hands in his pockets and took a step closer.

She didn’t look at him.

Holding Luke’s shirt from behind that caused William to narrow his eyes still carrying the sting he shrugged it off and placed his attention on his younger brother.

“We.. uh… just enjoying ourselves.”

Luke chuckled nervously, scratching his neck, averting his gaze to look at Arabella who felt awkward.

“Y-Yeah.” She stuttered, forcing a smile, “We were-”

But closed her mouth instantly when William sternly looked at her, scaring her by his presence.

The two second eye contact made her feel anxious.

“Of course, William. It’s a home of happiness, we were only playing around.”

Luke smiled, waving his hand to shrug this matter off.

Arching an eyebrow, William opened his mouth to question but Helena came.

Overly elated to see her brother and without a second thought, she jumped into his arms.

“Oh, you’re finally here!”

William discarded all his questioning gaze and embraced his sister, patting her head lovingly as a gentle smile crept on his lips.

“How's my princess?” He whispered, kissing the top of her head.

“I was waiting for you. Where were you? When did you intend to come? After my marriage, huh?” She whined, pulling away slowly and holding his arms.

“How can I miss this event? Don’t worry, I am here now. I completed my promise,” He soothed her, easing the couple’s moment as well.

Luke and Arabella glanced at each other for the next few seconds before turning back to the pride of the family.

“Why don’t you freshen up, William? Are you hungry?” Luke offered sweetly.

William turned to the pair before him, becoming assertive for a moment but exhaling his emotions in a sigh, he pulled away.

“Hmm.”

With a nod, he left for his room to freshen up after his flight, leaving them. Helena sighed after he left and turned to the couple.

“Ahem, if you guys are done too, then can we go back to decorating?” She called, snapping her fingers to break their keen eye contact.

“Can I borrow your best friend?” Luke asked in a gentleman style.

“No, Sir. This is my event and my bond is stronger. Best friends for eight years, lovers for two. I win. Let’s go, Bella.” Helena teased, giggling at her Brother’s desperation yet took her away.

“Sorry, Luke.”

Arabella laughed a little, waving her hand sweetly at him as the friends left.

From where Luke was staring affectionately at his girlfriend with his hands over his heart, drowned in her entirely.

The way those two stared lovingly at each other, brought a growl on his face.

“Fuck.”

Cursing under his breaths, he slammed his hand on the railing and went to his room to shift his mind from them with a frown plastered on his handsome features.

An unstoppable wrath.

He knew this would happen, he knew his emotions would slip in a heartbeat, he knew he would experience hellish envy.

He knew it all yet returned.

After having lunch, William saw his sister was busy talking with her soon-to-be husband, meaning her friend would be alone.

Providing him with a chance to catch up with her.

Searching for her desperately, he saw her in the lounge, imprisoned in his brother’s proximity. Hand in hand, smiling elegantly at each other.

It hurt, it fucking pierced. Bringing a scowl on his face yet to control his uncontrollable state, he curled his hand in a fist.

“So, are you free now?” Luke asked sweetly, kissing the back of her palm.

“Yeah, Hayden called.”

“Good. That would keep her busy for the next hour.”

He smirked, tracing his thumb over her knuckles, brushing it slowly, lovingly to pour his emotions in his actions before continuing.

“So, where were we?”

“Leave me. William is back now. What will he think?” She spoke worriedly.

The previous confrontation made her distressed to perceive if he would approve of her, being all strict and disciplined now- according to her.

Arching an eyebrow temptingly to hear his mention on ‘her’ lips, William entered, his anger vanishing immediately.

“What will I think?” His deep, powerful voice came, hitching her breaths.

Ripping her hand off from Luke quickly her body created a fair distance with an averted gaze.

“I.. Uh.. I should go and check up on Helena.”

Looking down, Arabella was about to leave but William extended his hand to stop her from running away.

Not parting his gaze also blazing with a craving she failed to notice- and how could she when she had never stared into his twinkling eyes.

‘Why won’t you look at me?’ William thought sourly.

“No. Wait, is there something I am missing?” He asked strictly, shifting his eyes from Arabella to Luke who was only indulging in his girlfriend’s shyness.

He loved it.

“Uh, why don’t you ask Luke. I-I will go.”

Speaking nervously, Arabella moved to the side and ran away from embarrassment, praying she hadn’t created a wrong impression.

She couldn’t utter a single sentence properly whenever he was there and always escaped him.

And her innocence attracted him more…