Stand By Me Darling
Chapter 286: Troubled Hearts

Chapter 286: Troubled Hearts

"How did it go?" Celine’s voice was filled with concern and was low from the other end.

"So-so, " Talia really didn’t know how it went. But the way she behaved with Lord Lockhart, would have made him mad, and she wasn’t very optimistic.

As long as Cyrus doesn’t get dragged. He was her hero. He was her Knight in the eyes of others. That’s how he’ll always be.

"That’s...Not good, huh?" Celine took in a deep breath. Talia was touched by Celine’s care for her. Rebecca called her when they were having lunch and she kept on sighing too. In a way Talia felt bad for putting her friends through this. Rebecca who is pregnant shouldn’t be worrying for her.

"The Duke of Luxxenshire is rallying support against you. Today at the club, my father overheard him talking to Earl Harrows that his eldest son has a vendetta against him and he was the one who started this hate campaign against him joining hands with you - an Esterian loyalist. He wants to blame all his corruption on Walt- Lord Rodenberg."

" Ah... The crooked Duke doing crooked stuff! What’s the surprise there?" Talia chuckled. "Don’t worry, Your Walter won’t be implicated in any way. The Duke’s corruption would have left a trail and I’ve asked Raphael to track it. He’s smart enough to do it."

"He’s not MY anything, Talia" Celine’s voice was so low, Talia could only hear a whisper.

"Yet!" Talia spoke in a sing-song manner.

"Ta-Li-ah" Celine spoke gritting her teeth.

" Oh my! You’re with him, aren’t you?" Talia realised the reason for Celine’s reluctance to speak about Walter. " You had lunch together? Wow!" Talia really was surprised. "My goodness! You move real fast, Lady Celine. Is this date three? Have you kissed yet? When can I expect a baby? Will you get married before me?-"

"Talia!" Celine grumbled as she fixed her clothes bellowing in the wind. Of course they had lunch together and since the temperature was right, they came for a walk in the garden.

Walter wanted to let Talia know about the plans his father is making to turn the nobles of Rosandale against Talia, but Celine took charge. Well, she lied saying Talia won’t like him calling her in her private number and so she’d be calling her herself... Walter seemed a little disappointed, but...

Yeah, I’m a liar and a bad person! But all is fair in war and love, right?

"What? Am I taking too much of your precious time with Lord Rodenberg, Milady?" Talia giggled.

Usually it would be Rebecca who’d tease her. And Talia was pretty pleased she gets to tease someone else too.

"Talia!" Celine grumbled once more seeing Walter walking towards her. "And... why is there a rumour here that you had a secret meeting with the King of Esteria?"

"Secret meeting?" Talia smirked.

What is that old King planning? He called me to visit him and spread rumours that I had a meeting with him?

"He summoned me to meet him and I refused. I know the protocol, Celine. I won’t meet him without following them. Let those concerned know about it." Talia knew it is necessary to put these rumours to rest immediately or else it would bring troubles later.

"Yes, I’ll pass on that information." Celine spoke in a professional voice.

"Is he standing near you?" Talia couldn’t help but tease once more.

"Do you want to talk to Lord Rodenberg, Talia?" Celine asked looking at Walter who seemed expectant.

"I heard you taught Judith some lessons in a jewellery shop?" Talia giggled and leaned over Arthur’s chest. Apparently Judith was demanding she gets the latest design for herself although it was pre-ordered by someone else. She even demanded she will pay it later after she wears it for the Spring Ball. Celine who happened to be there, made sure Judith knows what her title actually entitles. Her title sure doesn’t give her the perks to call dibs on something that was ordered by others.

Talia ignored Celine’s question purposefully. Walter must be expecting to talk to her and so she didn’t.

She knew Walter has no intention of pursuing her, but he still had some lingering affection towards her since he still isn’t over her yet. He finds reasons to spend time with her, how little it maybe. She didn’t want to give him hope and so she decided to stay away from him entirely for the time being. She knew it would be better that way to maintain her friendship with Celine too.

"Walter, she’s asking if you have any other information," Celine shamelessly lied.

Talia hearing it, smiled. Arthur put his ear on her phone and started listening to the call and Talia didn’t mind. His hand wrapped around her waist and Talia felt comfortable in his embrace.

"... No, I just... Tell her that she’s really loved by the people and my father’s efforts won’t do anything to even scratch her credibility." Walter said and Talia could hear it. He sounded very genuine.

Ah, Walter! What are you doing in front of Celine?

Talia couldn’t accept Walter’s words filled with care. At that time, she felt the hand that was around her waist, getting tightened with each word Walter spoke.

"Hehe...Celine...You’re already in first name basis?"

Talia decided to pretend she didn’t hear Walter.

"She says ’Thank you’, " Celine’s voice although seemed polite as usual, Talia could sense the heaviness in them.

How hard it would be for Celine to see her love, caring for another woman?

Talia couldn’t concentrate on Celine as she felt Arthur’s slender fingers slipping through the gaps of her buttons into her chest. Talia protested and tried to catch his hand from moving further in, but it was all in vain. Unbuttoning two of the buttons his hand was already holding one of her soft mound and was gently fondling it. As if that was not enough, he started kissing her earlobes and his kisses trailed towards her neck.

As Talia was struggling not to moan while she was on call, Celine tried to hold back her tears as she saw the tall man with a wry smile turning to leave.

"I love you," Talia heard Celine say in a loud voice and she said nothing back. She knew that declaration is not for her. It is for the man in her heart.

Celine looked at the tall figure pausing his steps when he heard what she said and turned to look at her. Her heart slipped a beat.

"I love you, Talia. Be strong. You can get through this." Celine said and ended the call, smiling at Walter.

Walter smiled, "You two seem very close, Celine."

"We are. She’s a very good person. I hope all her troubles vanishes." Celine swallowed back her tears and spoke from her heart.

She really couldn’t hate Talia even after witnessing everything.

Fate is to be blamed.

Talia tried to wriggle out of Arthur’s hold. The buttons of her dress were all popped open by now and that guy refused to kiss her on the lips and kissed her everywhere else. It was torturous for her and for him, it seemed like a game.

"Fred..." she hissed, wrapping her hand around his neck and her chest curved up as his hand travelled south of her abdomen.

" Don’t be unreasonable. The door is not locked and Mrs. Grey might come in anytime." amidst her pleasures, Talia still had a bit of rationality left and she hissed, but to no avail.

" Let me kiss you." she begged, but he flipped her and pushed her on the couch. Lying on her belly, she clutched the throw as warm kisses trailed on her back.

The man on her back acted like a predator making its prey submissive while it stood on top, enjoying.

Time trickled away and the little place that used to be filled with the sound of piano if not with deafening silence now got filled with the soft moans of a woman.

At that time, another call came and her phone vibrated once more. It was her assistant and Talia stretched her hand to get her phone, but the sensations his lips and tongue gave made her giddy.