Stand By Me Darling
Chapter 105: The Letter She Wrote

Chapter 105: The Letter She Wrote

For that he needs to step inside the Council.

But it is impossible.

Well, next to impossible. But there is a way.

And once inside, how will he find out who is truly loyal and who is not?

And for that, He needs to be the absolute scum there is and make sure everyone believe he is his grandfather ’the nasty Boswell’ and want the end of the Brunton family.

Arthur walked to the turret where the piano was and his hands gently traced the big black plank covering the keys. He hasn’t touched the piano for a while; this piano he bought for her. The last time he did was to learn a song for her.

She laughed hearing it... So sweetly and genuinely... Even though she didn’t say it, he knew she appreciated his efforts.

She never gave him an answer that day if she’d want to return but he could see the desire in her eyes. Desire to be here... With him.

She did agree to be here and when she agreed, it became too late.

He could have heard her playing this piano by now...

His fingers left the piano as his eyes darted outside and landed on the driver waiting for him. It seemed like he was talking seriously in the phone with someone.

Then there was the gardener... Fixing his hat, his eyes were lingering at the main door waiting for something.

In his short absence, it seems like a lot has changed in the Oakley Castle.

Many old and loyal helpers are replaced with new ones. It can’t be helped. Jerome Brunton is so loyal he kept his old staff for long, but he didn’t realise they got old and they themselves might want to leave for retirement. Or maybe someone is sending them away.

Sebastian, the butler has also gotten old and he doesn’t care much about the replacement of staff working outside on the castle grounds. He thought since they are not working inside the residence, the informations from the inside will not be leaked out.

Also Arthur had noticed the levels of security of the Oakley Castle have dramatically decreased after Talia left ten years back. Since then it was the Lockhart family looking after the security and they backed off from their centuries old tradition of protecting the Duke of Oakley.

Maybe Jerome feels like there is nothing to protect anymore after the departure of Talia and so he doesn’t care much about security anymore. He gave up his will to protect, probably.

Talia is Jerome’s everything - Arthur knew. Just like him.

Or he might think it is unnecessary to screen the ones who work outside since they won’t have contact with the ones working in the residency. But all they need is one person working in the inside who socialises well with the other loyal staff working inside the castle to gather information.

He won’t be surprised if Jerome’s illness is leaked to the Council by now.

Arthur closed the thick puddle drapes and walked to the closet. He felt empty not wearing the ring that was part of him for years. He felt uneasy. But some things have to be done for her safety.

He has vowed that when his Iris returns to Esteria, she won’t be a murder or an adulterer as that Prince claimed.

She will be welcomed as the Nation’s Princess, like she used to be.

He opened one of the drawers on the left end. This part of the closet is meant for him and the rest is for his wife.

His wife? Not anymore.

Arthur’s eyes swirled with emotions he couldn’t control. But he could not lose his composure now.

He picked a beautiful glass bottle of perfume kept safely in his drawer and smelled it. She used this perfume before when she was in school.

But she doesn’t anymore. She uses different perfume now. She’s grown up and became different.

She’s different yet same - if that makes any sense.

He picked up the envelop he kept safely like a treasure.

That day when he left her, he could sense a couple of men following him thinking they were discreet. To be safe, he decider not to visit her. Actually he also felt bad since he had hurt his hand hitting a person and he didn’t want her to think that he is some belligerent thug.

He decided to make her a call but then his phone fell on the pavement and broke.

Who knew his right hand would hurt that much and he couldn’t even hold a phone?

He decided to return home to make the call. And on the way here, he made an elaborate plan. When he returned, he saw the changes of personnel around him and decided not to contact her anymore.

Jerome was unaware of the changes either.

Arthur could only infer it must either be the Lockhart family or the enemies of Brunton family who did this.

Plus, he was extremely apologetic for everything he was going to do to her. She needs to be bashed heavily before welcomed with open arms.

What is he going to say? Iris, I’m going to throw you to the wolves but I will protect you before they bite you?

It is better if he kept quiet. At least his plans won’t be leaked if he kept everything to himself. Even Jerome only knows the outline. He’s going to get pissed after he executes his plans.

But...Will she be able to handle it? She must.

Please Iris... Trust me!

It was well known in the Oakley Castle that he left to bring their Little Lady Talia back. And everyone expected answers when he didn’t return with her.

But he only spoke to Jerome about his plans and didn’t want anyone else to know his plans.

Till now, the staff in the Oakley castle is believing that he and Talia had a fight and she refused to come back and so they are all a bit disappointed at her for not coming back even when she is informed that Lord Jerome is sick.

Arthur opened the envelope and inside was a neatly folded paper written by hand and as he placed it near his nose, the scent of the perfume she uses infiltrated his senses making him feel her presence.

He really was impressed when he opened his luggage after he reached home. Even Ms. Grey isn’t this skillful in packing luggage as Iris it seemed. There was no crease in any shirts and everything were exactly held in their place, neatly arranged.

He was impressed but not that surprised that she is good at packing.

What actually surprised him was the box inside. And this letter he is holding in his hand now was inside along with the ring she had in her keep.

When he saw the ring, he was stunned at first. He remembered she told him that ring is a gift for his wedding.

’Is she implying that I need to marry someone else because she is mad I left without saying goodbye to her? ’

He feared when he saw that ring. But only when he read the letter his heart got soothed.

He opened the letter and read the letter written using the neat and posh cursive writing she rarely uses.

[Dear Fred,

Thank you for protecting me today. I can understand you need to leave early and I really wish we could meet soon. I wish you well.

It’s odd, Fred... It’s been only moments since you left but I already miss you. Is it weird I still smell your scent in my room?

I was just in a life or death situation and was horrified. But Fred, the moment I entered this room with your scent lingering, I feel calm. Why is that?

I must have gone silly, Fred. Don’t you think?

I’m here, in front of the mirror looking at the me looking back at me and I can only be surprised. I look pretty and mesmerising. I realise that because I’ve never seen myself beautiful like this before. Except in the picture in my room.

You know why, right? Is this how I look in your eyes? I could only wish so.

Anyway, Jordan is hurrying me. I’m planning to find a way to return back to Esteria to meet my grandpa soon.

This ring is my token of love and nothing else. So I hope you’ll wear it if you accept it.

I will love you always, Fred.

With heart filled with love for you,

Your Iris.]

"What a cheesy narcissistic Princess!"

Arthur mumbled and safely stored the letter back.

’I know why you look pretty in your eyes. It’s because you are thinking about me and your heart is filled with love for me. I wish I could see that face once more. But, Forgive me Iris... I have to make everyone hate you first before they accept you. Only then they will never bring up your past.’

Arthur closed the drawer before wearing the ring on his right ring finger.

So what if he is not wearing his wedding band. This ring is much better than a wedding ring.

He smiled looking at the ring and left the room as he was hurried to leave to the Banquet Hall where the year end party is held.

Jerome took a separate car and on the way, Arthur’s eyes glittered with the lights on the sides of the road, in a festive spirit but there was a wave of determination swirling in his eyes.

At that time, his phone beeped with a notification and his lips curved up seeing the article’s headline.

["F*CK YOU ESTERIA" IS THIS THE REPAYMENT FOR OUR GOODWILL, LADY TALIA??

THE PRODIGAL "PRINCESS OF ESTERIA" REFUSES TO RETURN EVEN AFTER PRINCE EDWARD’S INVITATION!!!

THE REASON TALIA BRUNTON ATTACKED PRINCE EDWARD IS REVEALED BY SOURCES CLOSE TO THE PRINCE]

There was a picture of her sitting in front of Edward and her hands were photoshopped to make it seem like she was flipping.

"Well, so it begins!" Arthur mumbled.

’I thought these articles will be released pretty soon. But they took their time!’

Arthur closed his eyes leaning on the seat and he received a call from Jordan.

"The articles..."

"Leave them be."

"What? Arthur, you mean it?" Jordan was shocked. This is no good.

"Yes. And bring the annulment certificate with you. I might need it." Arthur ended the call.

Jordan who was already in the banquet Hall, loosened his tie as he felt suffocated.

What is going on?