Chapter 152 Victory
The next morning, Liyah sat at the head of the table, tapping her fork impatiently, waiting for the ‘help’ or William to serve her.
Her patience broke when Arabella came and placed the tray of his fruits on the table, sitting beside him.
“I think am getting better,” She beamed, delightfully showing him the neatly cut fruits, feeding him one
“No doubt. They look much better than the first time,” He chuckled, pinching her cheek that deepened Liyah’s frown.
William failed to notice, he was too lost in his woman. But, she did.
Sensing the audience, Arabella let her fingers trail down the line of his jaw, her touch lingering until his breath hitched.
"Tomorrow, I will try those cookies you taught me," she smirked, "They won’t be as delicious as yours, but I hope they are passable."
“Anything made by you will automatically be a delicious masterpiece to me,” He hummed as he caught her hand, kissing her fingertips, completely submerged in her presence.
William, who usually waited for the cook to finish or for Liyah to demand her toast, was unaware of his world.
Liyah's patience broke. She lost it and slammed her hand on the table to break the rhythmic moment.
"William! I have been waiting ten minutes for-" Liyah began, her voice shrill, losing her breaths. She was disgusted by their display of affection.
Arabella didn't flinch, William did. He was about to rise and comply immediately, used to his fight or flight senses, but she pulled William’s face down to hers.
Her gaze shining with a devotion that dried his throat. He was hesitant, not wanting to disobey but Arabella’s smile grew.
“Relax, Liyah, We heard you, I will get it for you.” She said, getting up.
“You enjoy your breakfast, I will be back in a moment,”
She kissed his shoulders. But, it wasn’t a kiss. It was reassurance. That she was with him and there was no need to panic or obey mindlessly.
William slowly relaxed, a small, genuine smile breaking through. He nodded to her and returned to his fruit as Arabella served the food.
Liyah sat there, invisible, her plate full but her presence was utterly disregarded.
Later that week, on Sunday, William was with Liyah who was making another attempt to demean Arabella.
"William, come look at these. We need to decide which ones to frame for the gallery wall."
Before William could even glance at the photos, Arabella popped her head out of the room with a honeyed tone, looking helplessly elegant.
"William? Can you help me with my hook? My fingers are just... clumsy today." She held his gaze, a playful, challenging spark in her eyes.
William dropped the albums onto a side table without a second thought.
“William-” Liyah tried calling but he cut her off, “Just a second, Auntie,”
He left, ignoring Liyah who wondered: ‘Just what did she do in one month?’
He entered the bedroom, finding her with her back turned, exposed back that enticed him undoubtedly.
A tempting smirk spread on his lips as he reached for the strap of her bra, but instead of fastening it, he pulled her flush against his chest.
His breath was hot against the nape of her neck. Her back arch, nibbling on her bottom lip seductively upon sensing his lips against her skin.
“Clumsy fingers, huh?” he hummed, pecking her nape, trailing his fingers on her exposed back, “Do you think I don’t know what you’re doing?”
“Tell me, William,” Arabella turned in his arms, her expression turning serious, more demanding, “Upon whom is the foundation of this home built?”
“You,” he answered without hesitation, snuggling to her neck instantly, hooking her bra.
“From the scents in the air to the pictures on the walls... it’s all built to hold your presence.”
“Exactly,” she seemed pleased, her fingers on the side of his face.
“Then understand this: I have no intention of sharing the sanctuary created for me.”
William stared, her words inducing a strange feeling in his chest.
“Sometimes, I wonder, Arabella…” Holding her waist, he trailed off, breaking the gaze, “If you had done the same if it was someone else-”
“No. I wouldn’t.”
“Then why me?”
“I married you, not the world, not other men, you are the one I have chosen as my eternal compassion partner. No one can replace you, William,” She enunciated sternly, her fingers locked around his shirt.
“Do you understand that?”
All the events of his life flashed, the negligence, the loss, and it induced unstoppable hesitation. Not that he didn’t want to but he was terrified. He couldn’t.
His lips curled downward apologetically, “I don’t think… I do. Yet.”
“It’s alright.” She smiled beautifully, pulling him into a hug, “You will, one day,”
William and Arabella eventually emerged from the bedroom, his expression softened by the private moment with his wife.
"I have narrowed it down," Liyah said, her voice tight but controlled, pushing two pictures forward.
“One chosen by Arabella- the modern abstract piece. Other by me- the traditional, legacy one. Your call, William. Which one?”
William stopped, the weight of the choice hanging in the air. He looked at the abstract piece but the pressure caused his heart to sink.
"The legacy portrait," William said quietly. He turned to Arabella, his eyes full of apology.
Liyah’s shoulders dropped in a victory she didn't try to hide,.a smug smirk playing on her lips.
Arabella didn't even frown. She simply walked over, and stood beside William. She tucked her arm through his, leaning her head against his shoulder.
"Of course, William," She let out a beautiful murmur, "If that is what you have chosen, I wouldn't dream of objecting."
His eyes twinkled, her comment stunning him.
A brief smile tucked at his lips, scanning her with relief, squeezing Arabella’s hand.
"Thank you for understanding. I just didn't want to cause an argument." He whispered so Liyah won’t hear.
"I know," Arabella whispered back, "You are a man of peace, William. That’s why I am here, to make sure you finally get some."
By accepting the ‘defeat’ so gracefully, Arabella had stripped the victory away from Liyah. Liyah had the wall, but Arabella still had the man.
"Now," Arabella said, leading William away back to their room, "Since you have settled the past, let's go talk about our future."
They turned to leave but he stopped, “Wait, let me keep this piece safely. I will hang it in my office.”
“Of course~”