Partners In Crime

Chapter 13

I finally arrived back home. In spite of feeling tremendously drained, many questions flooded my mind, waiting to be answered. 

As I walked through our front door, I took notice of Sofia and Albert sitting near our fireplace, playing chess. SoSo and Sebastian were looking through piles of newspaper, which I presume to be their way of finding inspiration for the upcoming wedding, all while Claire was sitting in one of our offices, working on business arrangements. 

An ordinary night, only now we have more pawns for our chessboard. 

"Welcome home Lady Y/N." Suddenly Louis appeared in the center of my view.

"Perhaps we shall cease with the validating labels, and move onto something more appropriate for a family." I politely smiled at him.

"As you wish Y/N." He smiled back, his tone unbothered; however, I could distinguish slight relief blending in with his words.

"Have you seen William by any chance?" I took the opportunity to ask.

"I am relatively certain that he is in his office." He looked up at the ceiling, thinking.

"Thank you, Louis. Have a wonderful night." I bowed to him, making my way upstairs.

As I reached closer towards William's office, I struggled to sustain my calm demeanor. In the end, the memories of my parents' disciplines overcame me.

Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the door.

"Come in." 

When I opened the door, I witnessed William sketching red lines on a map of our city.

He looked up at me, moderately surprised at my presence.

"What may I assist you with?" He leaned back against his office chair, crossing his arms. 

At that moment, his eyes resembled those of a fox. Sharp and vigilant.

"Would you mind explaining the Masquerade Ball scheme? As far as I am aware, I have not heard a single mention of it during any of our conversations." I refused to let my fear beat me at my own damn game.

"What about it?" He asked.

Are you joking love?!

I rushed towards his desk, smacking my hands onto it while leaning closer to him.

"Why did no one bother to tell me?" I asked, my tone progressively rising, yet I was observant enough to prevent an outburst.

I will no longer stand it. All that he's done so far is being secretive, arrogant, and cold. That is no partnership. 

He did not answer.

I was growing exasperated by his secrecy, hence I chose to ignore the alliance, the way he did, and do the work by my own rules. 

"I see. In that case, I am afraid you leave me with no other choice." I stated while slowly regaining my composure. 

I slowly turned towards the door, not breaking eye contact with him, until the moment where it was impossible to go against my own body. 

I pulled my hair to one side, exposing my neck, as I slowly walked towards the door, merely placing my hand on the door handle. At that moment, I heard the creaking sound of his office chair, signaling to me that he shifted his position. 

From the sound of it, it appeared to resemble a movement of stiffness mixed with concern.

Wonderful.

"Where are you going?" He asked, his tone emerging into a deep, husky-like voice.

Fantastic Y/N.