𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙲𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚘𝚏 𝚊 𝙻𝚒𝚏𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 ✓ (𝟷𝟾+)

Fire forged couple

Roger

When you'd think everything you have planned was going well, life would toss a curveball in your path. It happened to me many times but when I saw the same happening to Arin, it broke my heart. She wasn't prepared for the aftermath of a bloodbath, Brandon planned for us.

We weren't prepared for his checker move. Being cornered from all sides, this was the make or break situation for us. Since the news of Arin's past work identity was released to the tabloids, it played counter for all of us. She wasn't welcomed to attend the board meetings anymore and Charles was in no condition to defend her daughter in front of oldies, who had already made up their mind about his daughter's character.

"Come on, get up..." I tugged onto Arin's quilt.

"I don't want to," she groaned.

A week had passed since the life-altering news broke. Arin remained holed up in the mansion, unwilling to meet anyone or talk to another being. It was only me, Charles and Xavier, she had encountered in the name of human interaction.

"Come on. We'll go out for some fresh air, darling." With a nod, followed by shoving the quilt over herself, Arin moved into a state of a burrito. "Look at me, will you?" Another nod, before she tossed me a look of despair, falling back into her saddened state. "Okay how about this? You get up and walk out with me for a few minutes and then I will give you the liberty to eat all the fried things."

At a snail's pace, her quilt slid aside. Her lips grew wider to encompass her happiness. Hopping off, Arin marched ahead into the garden with me trailing behind.

On the benches, we basked in the serene surroundings, listening to the bird calls on their way home. The silence was best enjoyed with people you love. It was true for us. We didn't need words to state our feelings. Even a mere handhold spoke for us. Turning towards me, Arin stared into my eyes as if seeking answers for her upcoming questions.

"How will I ever face them, Rog?" Her head slid towards her chest.

She was still reeling over the guilt of the tabloid leak. Placing my hand over her pale knuckles, I moved closer.

"You know, I remember this girl who wasn't afraid to call me out when I was too much for her to handle. I would love to meet her again." Pointing my hand at her, I spoke. I was reminded of the times when Arin didn't consider her designation to call me out on my tantrums. "Just because the whole of London knows, doesn't mean you have to be scared. There is no reason for that, babydoll. You are one very strong, brave woman who has done everything for your survival. Nobody has the right to look down upon it..." Holding her face in my palms, I continued. "I know this seems like the end of the world but trust me on this. It's the golden opportunity for you, for the Oswalds and for anyone who ever supported you."

With wide eyes and an unhinged mouth, Arin raised her eyebrows at me. "Are you saying that there is light at the end of all of this? Because from where I stand, I seem to have fallen into never-ending darkness. I'm still falling."

Her words reflected the fear growing inside of her, darkening its hold over her eyes, her mind. We didn't have enough time before the trials began but none of that worried me. I wanted Arin to be alright. Happy. For that, I was ready to sacrifice anything and everything. Even the whole of my business to Brandon, if that could get her back to her usual chirpy self.

"I know my words would seem like an outsider's but do you remember the time when Stella leaked your information and it only boosted your publicity. This is exactly the same situation, only better."