Arabella's and Hardin's story continues....
After almost three years of blissful marriage, and reigning as King and Queen, our star crossed lovers can't find a single fault in their perfection of a life.
Then, it gets even better with a special deli...
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The ball was a success, with the charity raising over a million in donations. With Marcellus gone from my life, it made the balls more comfortable and safer for me.
Hardin was conversing with a group of important Lords in the corner, and every now and again he would flash me a smile that caused my heart to flutter.
Rory and Wyatt stood quietly in the corner, looking happier than ever, as he whispered something into her ear and pressed his hand to her stomach. Wait a minute...
"I think she's up the duff." Flo murmured, placing her hand on my shoulder.
"Already? They only just got back from their honeymoon." I pouted.
She gave me a knowing smirk. "Making you broody?"
"Seeing Hardin hold Charlie makes me broody, extremely broody for that matter but we haven't discussed trying again yet. It feels too soon."
"It's only soon if you believe it's soon. Don't forget that the time is right whenever you're ready, no-one else, even Hardin for that matter. Of course he has a say but it's your body that will be carrying the baby." I smiled and patted her shoulder.
"Don't worry, Hardin wouldn't push me."
"I have no doubt about that, the man's the epitome of whipped." I laughed loud, earning a few dirty looks from my guests around.
"God, I missed you." I brought her in for another hug, my smile burning bright, but it quickly died out upon seeing Flicker approach us, a glum looking Xander trailing behind her.
"Arabella, I'm sorry but it's time. Xander has been a great friend to you both and I really think..."
"Flicker it's none of your business. I haven't chosen to forgive Xander yet but perhaps in time I will, I can't speak for Hardin but what Xander kept from us...it was not his secret to keep. He had a duty to us as his friends and his superiors, he failed us."
Arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me into his side. I glanced up to see a look of sheer hatred in Hardin's eyes. "Xander is lucky to still have his position as an advisor. I should have stripped him of it and I don't have the same forgiving nature as my wife, so I suggest that you leave right now."
Xander nodded solemnly, and grabbed Flicker's arm to drag her away. "For what it's worth, I'm truly sorry."
"It's not worth much." Hardin muttered, and Xander's head dropped as he walked away.
My heart clenched, though I knew that forgiveness was a long way away. He had lied, betrayed our trust and manipulated me to his advantage. The wounds caused from that took time to heal.
"I think it's time for our first dance, don't you?" My ever loving Hardin was back with a big grin on his face.
He loved dancing, as did I. It calmed me, soothed me and dancing with Hardin was even better. The way he held me, the way his eyes bore into mine were as if they were piercing my very soul.
