Stand By Me Darling
Chapter 318: Fickle Heart

Chapter 318: Fickle Heart

Arthur sensed that Talia doesn’t want to speak about it any longer and decided not to bring it up again. He knew she’d bring it up again every time there are articles criticising their relationship, just like how she still blames him for getting engaged with another woman.

I can live with that!

Arthur took in a deep breath. But then, he doesn’t have to take it all lying down. He had promised her that he will not let others speak badly about her anymore. He himself cannot be a reason for that.

King Titus was not against his decision to cancel the engagement during the summit at The High Council. He cannot change his decision just like that. He decided to give a nudge to make the King do what he promised.

"Hey Iris, Does your feet hurt? Shall I massage it a bit?" he asked, looking at the woman now savouring the cup of hot chocolate. Or is she simply pondering?

"NO!" her voice got a bit higher and he felt her leg jitter by his touch.

What is that about? She still is angry with me and doesn’t like my touch?

Talia was stunned hearing his suggestion. Him? Massaging her feet?

Although he has touched her feet plenty of times; mostly during intimate moments, she felt uncomfortable now.

What if my feet stink?

"I’m wearing shoes for a long time. My feet will stink," she explained the reason to the man who looked like he was wronged.

"I don’t mind! And it is your feet. How smelly can it be?" Arthur couldn’t accept her reasoning. Her feet never stink. What is she going on about now? What a silly and vain woman! Even if her feet stink, it’s not like I’d leave her!

"Ahh!" Talia yawned. "I’m so sleepy and it isn’t even midnight yet!" she sighed. "Wonder if grandpa left. He has to go to bed on time. He takes a lot of medicines. Gigi ma too..." she massaged her neck.

Arthur wanted to laugh at the woman in her mid-twenties getting this tired in a Ball even before midnight. Women her age would have their fun start at this time in nightclubs.

I fell in love with a grandma, he thought. But I don’t regret anything.

"I’ll check if grandpa has retired for the night. And Iris, close your eyes and take a nap for some time. I’ll wake you up," he held her hand.

"Ah, no! I can’t be gone for long. I have to be in the dance hall at all times." Talia shook her head and tried to get up.

Arthur placed his hand over her shoulder and stopped her. "Take a short nap, for ten minutes. No one will miss you in that short time. Come on... Close your eyes..." He gently ran his finger through her face and Talia’s eyes closed automatically.

"Wake me up in ten minutes." She opened her eyes with difficulty and seeing him nod, she closed her eyes back. "Just ten minutes," she stressed and dozed off immediately.

She was already tired and drinking the warm hot chocolate only made her sleepier. She really needed a nap if she has to keep herself awake for the rest of the night.

Arthur watched her dozing off like that and smiled. Even in that scarce lighting, she looked so alluring. The jewels and the beadings in her clothes glimmered and yet, he found her lips more attractive.

Can I steal a kiss? She won’t mind, right?

He looked around. This gazebo had a gentle lighting and the rest of the place only had the moonlight illuminating. There were some jasmines blooming and in the moonlight, they looked like they were glowing and the aroma was overwhelming. The other side of the tall hedges were brightly illuminated and even if there is someone at the other side, they cannot see anything here.

He saw slight movement from a higher plane and his eyes sharpened as he noticed the balcony of the dance hall. He stared at the balcony for some time, but then he didn’t see any movements there and the balcony was dark for him to see anything.

Could there be photographers snuck in there for pictures?

But then with the lighting here, they won’t be able to take clear pictures. Plus, he knew the photographers here belong to the Royal Rota and the Royal Family won’t let any picture published without their permission.

Although he relaxed, he decided to be prudent in this public place so not to create more troubles for her. Sitting beside her, he watched her.

What a shame! The situation is perfect for making out, and yet we can’t. Ugh! And look at this flower, not understanding my plight, sleeping comfortably...Wait! Is she comfortable?

Even with her feet up the ottoman, her skirt was longer, covering her shoes. He pulled her skirt up a little and removed her shoes and placed them properly by the side. Although she covered herself with a stole, the temperature still seemed cold. He removed his coat and bent down and gently placed the coat over her shoulders, covering her arms and chest.

Getting that close to her, her flowery scent made him sigh. What a torture!

Still holding back his urge to kiss her, he took his seat not before fixing her stray hairs falling on her face. He felt delighted seeing that little smile on her face and he watched her hugging his coat and lying on her side in that cushioned lounge chair.

Her little feet got exposed and he couldn’t help but touch it. He didn’t know why she wore pantyhose for this long skirt, but then again she wears pantyhose all the time. He gently massaged her feet and watched her smile even in her sleep.

Does it fell better, dear? Why should you deny something that obviously makes you feel better?

Arthur felt like he still doesn’t understand her.

-----

Celine, in the embrace of Walter, looked up to see the eyes of the man looking at the distance with concealed emotions. Hearing Talia’s voice, they walked to the edge of the balcony and watched the interaction between Talia and Arthur. Talia seemed angry at first, but calmed down pretty soon with just a cup of beverage and some explanation from Arthur. By their interaction, they can see how close those two are. They weren’t kissing or even touching a lot, but undeniably, there is more to their relationship.

As a friend of Talia, Celine felt happy that Talia’s love is working out for her.

Celine although was watching Talia and Arthur –seemingly, her concentration was on Walter to see his reactions. Oddly, she couldn’t see what he was thinking as he was eerily calm.

Just then they realised Arthur was looking around and it seemed like he made them peeking from the balcony. Walter pulled Celine closer to him and they hid behind a pillar. The sudden rush of adrenalin made Celine’s heart beat like crazy and she wondered if her heart would jump out of her chest.

Patting her chest that went red out of shyness, she looked up at the man who was holding her waist, endearingly. But her heart skipped a beat when she saw him looking at the gazebo with his neck turned uncomfortably.

And so, while Walter was watching the couple in the gazebo, Celine watched her first love pining for his unrequited love, with her heart full of pain.

Her heart felt suffocating and she wanted to gasp for air. She wanted to scream at Walter to look at her, and at Talia telling her to get lost.

Walter and she had a very pleasant moment just now and poof! Just like that it was gone and got replaced with heartbreak!

But are they to be blamed? Who is at fault here? No one!

Talia is minding her own business and Walter explained to her that he still isn’t over Talia. She should be bearing it, right? Don’t worry Celine... This will change soon. One day, there will be no one but you in Walter’s eyes and his heart.

Taking in a deep breath, she gently pushed Walter’s hands away. With a slight gasp, he let go of her. He was watching the pair in the gazebo and he could see Arthur is very much in love with Talia. Yes, there was a pang of pain in his heart, but there was a slight relief in his heart too.

I lost to a worthy opponent!

It was then he felt the soft woman in his embrace trying to get out of his hold and he felt like he was hit with a hammer in his head.

How did I forget about her?

He tried to hold her hand but she did a clever slip and walked to the edge of the balcony. He understood she was angry or sad. She is entitled to. He was being an a$$, forgetting what he said moments ago and went on staring at Talia.

He stood a couple of steps behind her and observed her side profile. Her eyes were glistening, probably with her tears she is holding back. Her lips seemed to be trembling as she stood there hugging his coat still hanging on her shoulder.

He felt her pain in his heart and his hand softly rubbed his chest. His heart that was hurting seeing the woman he loved with another man, now hurt for the woman in love with him.

How fickle is my heart?