Partners In Crime

Chapter 14

I walked towards the lecture establishment in a half-walk-half-dart manner.

Ellie's predictions inclined into reality as I have encountered about three, likely four, gentlemen, all asking for me to be by their side at tonight's evening ball.

I am a woman of my word, thus I will eventually fulfill my end of the bargain, despite the tedious actuality of being necessitated to attend the event in the first place.

Yet, bluntly deceiving myself by creating a simulation of the entire situation being uncomplicated... I will not do. 

Nonetheless, I found minimal room in my mind for compassion, as for I was the one who had gotten myself into this locality. 

If only I had accepted the first offer, I would not be put into a place where I was forced to neither reject nor accept further proposals.

A simple nod would've spared me of this dreadful feeling of liability towards each and every lad that proffered me to be their companion for the ceremony.

As I entered the room, I was stunned to see an empty classroom ahead of me. However, due to additional inspections, I witnessed William, alone, standing behind his podium.

Contrary to me standing rather awkwardly at the entrance, believably dressed in a befuddled appearance, staring at William, he reciprocated my every move.

"I lack the certainty of you being lost, hence I will take a wild guess and assume that you have forgotten. There will not be a lecture today." William put down his pen, which was previously located in his hand.

"How so?" I questioned.

"The ball." He replied.

"I see." 

I turned towards the exit, intending to leave, but I was shortly interrupted.

"May I have a word with you? Since we're both here." 

I shifted my body once again.

"I heard that you will be accompanied by Gregory Helton tonight." He got straight to the point.

I visibly cringed at his assumption which contradicts the truth. After all, I have not accepted a single offer today. 

"Not necessarily," I replied.

"Meaning?" He leaned against his podium in an attempt to get a clearer picture of me. "You look adequately tense." He examined.

"Unfortunately, I received multiple propositions this morning and I have yet to choose whom I wish to accommodate." I gave up.

There appeared to be a moment of silence, during which William smirked devilishly.

"I'm afraid you'll have to decline them all." He stated.

I narrowed my eyebrows, utterly confused.

"To briefly clarify, you will be attending the ball with me."

My eyes widened but latterly returned to their proper shape at the realization of the Moriarty family and the GS family soon to be one, big, happy, family.

"Granted, I suppose it is for the mere reason of our kinship," I said. 

"For the most part, yes." He replied. 

"What other factors contribute to the rest of the parts?" I asked curiously. 

What other reasons does he have for us to go together?

Without a reply, he proceeded to write in his journal. 

How dare you ignore me, William?