Stand By Me Darling
Chapter 272: Surprised Couple

Chapter 272: Surprised Couple

Arthur closed his eyes and took in the scent of salt and vegetation. But another familiar scent that had intertwined with his being that was brought to him by the downwind, overwhelmed his senses; hers.

His eyes closed to the world, he could hear the distant sound of waves crashing on the rocks and the beautiful sound of the chirping birds and the swaying trees and another sound that was heard near him; the sound of her coat fluttering in the strong sea breeze.

Iris... My love.

-----

Arthur, ended the call with her, and still filled with frustration, he went to his office. The more he loved her, the more he felt his suffering was and never ending.

For years he’d been waiting to be by her side, but there is always something stopping them. He felt like he was the only one trying hard, to swim opposing the current trying to separate them, while she was just floating along with the current, away from him. He felt like she was somewhere distant from him and the more he tried to get to her, the more she floats away from him. Like an unattainable flower at the top of a steep peak, she rises up while he could never catch up to her as he slides down the steep rocks.

Maybe she is unattainable!. Maybe she won’t be suitable for him. Maybe she won’t even miss him when he backs off.

He let his insecurities get the better of him.

When he got back to his office,Jordan had a teasing smile and insinuated he had a night to look forward. When he probed him, Jordan told him that Talia was planning something as she had Jordan to clear his schedule for the evening. Jordan also told him to just hop on the helicopter that’s prepared for him.

She planned something for me?

He vaguely remembered her saying that she is going to help her friend and that Walter get together. And her leaving for the brewery in the morning made sense too. She had an excuse to leave the Palace and afterwards she could sneak out. It would be lot easier this way than leaving the Palace discreetly.

The pain he felt in his heart when he realised his blunder, could not be compared to the pain he felt when the King sneered at him saying that he is unsuitable for her. It was far worse!

She sneaked out trying to give me a surprise and I... Why didn’t I use my brain and blabber without restraints?

What if she cancels her plans after what I did? No! I will not let her plan go to waste.

He wanted to meet her immediately and tried to find out where she went. It didn’t take a long time as Mrs. Grey, the enthusiastic one had told him that one of the chef was sent to the Oakland Isles by Jerome Brunton. After some investigations, he found out she was indeed there.

He hopped on a helicopter and left immediately. When he entered, he felt a thousand knives slicing his heart seeing the pathway made of rose petals. He didn’t believe she did it, but still.

How much effort did she put for this arrangement?

And... Here he is; at the balcony where she is, breathing the same air as she is.

Seeing her standing there like a desolate flower, he didn’t know how to face her.

He felt moisture on his face and opened his eyes. With his defined finger, he traced over his cheek where he felt the moisture.

Is there rain?

But no, the sky was clear when he looked up. There was not a possibility for rain.

If so this droplet... Is she crying?

He looked at the back view of the woman in front of him, with her long brown hair with caramel highlights fluttering in the wind aimlessly. Was her mind wandering aimlessly too?

She’s hugging her coat around her and her head was titled up as if she was wanting a hug.

I’m sorry.... I’m sorry...

He took a step forward. No words came to his mind and he didn’t care. He was worried for her. He is standing this close to her and she still didn’t realise his presence. What if she was in actual danger and some dangerous man was behind her? Wouldn’t she get hurt?

Suddenly he felt like being a flower in the peak is not that attractive. She should be lonely at the peak and always in danger.

As he got closer, he felt her move and froze. He watched her getting her phone from her pocket and dialing someone. He feared she might be calling him and he pulled out his phone and saw many missed calls. He didn’t check his phone in a while. He gritted his teeth, angry at himself when he saw her missed calls.

"Amy, I’m getting Lord Ashwood myself. Prepare the helicopter." she said.

Right... I’m Lord Ashwood and she makes sure everyone knows that. Why did I think I’m unsuited for her again? Right, because some jealous King said so.

Idiot Artie!

Did she think I won’t come anymore and wants to fetch me herself? What am I doing to her?

Wait... She wants to come to Esteria to get me! But she cannot enter Esteria, can she?

And her bodyguards know I’m here.

"What do you mean I don’t have to? I have to meet him. Find a way."

Like the Princess she is, she ended the call after telling them what she wanted. She said it. And they will have to make it happen. Isn’t she amazing?

Talia after ordering Amy to find a way to get her into Esteria, let out a deep breath, not realising the one she wanted to look for is already standing behind her.

She felt relieved knowing she could meet Fred today and have a nice chat with him and express her heart, not knowing that he wanted the same and already took the first step.

Talia knew it might take some time for them to find a way to get her inside Esteria and so she decided to finish doing her hair and turned.

There he was... That attractive man ruling her thoughts and heart, in a red shirt with a navy blue blazer hanging casually on his shoulder.

Is that really him?

"Fred?"

She looked at him, with a smile breaking on her face, like a sudden flood.

"Iris," Arthur took a step forward. That smile... That surprised smile of hers... He always loved it.

Talia hearing his voice, couldn’t control herself anymore and ran to him and wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him.

"You’re here... How?... I wanted... Fred, I’m glad you’re here..." hanging on his shoulders, she gathered her thoughts.

I planned to surprise him, but he surprised me?

Arthur’s right hand gripped her by the back of her head and his left hand went around her waist. Her coat wasn’t buttoned and so his hand went inside her coat and he could feel the figure hugging dress she was wearing. And... Is there nothing on her back?

"I came to meet you," he held her close. Applying little force to his hands, he lifted her off the ground and carried her inside.

"I was going to surprise you," Talia didn’t mind the ground beneath her feet shifting as he carried her and held on to him. "You ruined it."

"I did," Arthur threw her on the bed making the petals on the bed scatter.

Talia fell on her back, and the petals got crushed under her, spreading a nice aroma and together with the aroma of the candles, the room smelt much more pleasant and romantic.

" I’m such a fool, aren’t I?" Arthur rolled his sleeves and lied beside her. "Such a fool to hurt you..." he stopped her from buttoning up her coat.

" You are..." Talia wanted him not to get distracted when they talked a out serious stiff and tried to button up her coat. When she planned the date, she had some other plans and she chose this dress, but now she was only in the mood to talk.

Suddenly she felt the bed by her other side sinking and saw Arthur balancing above her, with his palms planted beside her.

"Iris..."