Chapter 3 His Return

He had returned.

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

To take what belonged to his... brother.

The attractive sapphire eyes and impeccably combed black hair stared down at her. He wore a black shirt with two buttons open, sleeves rolled to the elbow, and a matching waistcoat to amplify his stunning, powerful look.

His eyes locked with hers, unable to look anywhere else. One could tell from afar that he was the foundation of this family; a raw, dangerous power surrounded him.

Her throat dried. She instinctively pulled away from the intimidating man, quickly looking down and clutching her own arm from embarrassment.

“William? Welcome home,”

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

She was holding Luke’s shirt from behind, the vulnerable gesture that caused William’s eyes to narrow with a sting of jealousy.

“May I know what you guys are doing?”

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

“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 she closed her mouth instantly when William sternly looked at her, his gaze sharp enough to feel physical. The two-second eye contact made her heart pound with sudden anxiety.

“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 strict 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 ten 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.

Luke stared affectionately at his retreating girlfriend, his hands over his heart, drowned in her entirely.

The sight of their loving stare was sickening for William, releasing a silenced growl.

“Fuck.”

Cursing under his breath, he slammed his hand on the railing with a quiet thud and went to his room, trying to shift his mind from them.

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 he returned.

Later, after having lunch, William saw his sister busy talking with her fiancé, meaning Arabella would be alone. This provided him with a chance.

He searched for her desperately, only to see her in the lounge, imprisoned in his brother’s proximity again. 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.

Filled with mesmerization, he was drowned in the woman, eyes speaking words he was unable to confess, praying she would look back and understand- she didn’t.

‘Why won’t you look at me?’ William thought sourly, powerlessly holding his hand back in disappointment.

“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.

“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.

William was losing control, he knew he must make her his, as soon as possible.