Sinful Desires (GirlxGirl)

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Serena sat in the middle of her study at her desk, which thankfully hadn't been damaged from her outrage. She appeared to be the only solace in comparison to the mess that was the room which was slowly being cleaned by some servants. She was consciously deep in whatever she was doing, quickly sifting through countless piles of papers and trying her hardest to pinpoint where she had placed the will.

She was so distracted by her search, she hadn't realized how many hours had passed and hadn't even noticed Henry when he entered the room.

"Holly Molly." He muttered, removing his top hat, staring at some shattered objects within the room that hadn't been cleaned as yet. 

"You really need to work on your anger."

He picked up a broken trophy, handing it to one of the servants who smiled at him. A beautiful brunette. He stared at her for a moment until he alas redirected his attention back to Serena who was still busily reading.

"Ms. Gregory."

"Serena!"

Serena's head shot up from the paper in her hand, eyes widened when she saw Henry.

"When did you get here?" She asks, placing the paper down and leaning back into her chair, taking the time to rub her eyes. They were getting tired and the sky outside was now dark, scattered with sparkling stars which showed how long she had been at this.

It was like finding a needle in a haystack. You would think that she was smart enough to put the will somewhere she could find it easily but clearly, she wasn't as genius as she believed. Instead, she had been too arrogant.

"A few minutes." Henry stated, picking up a chair from the floor and getting himself comfortable on it so he is facing her.

"So, what are we working with?" He asks, picking up some of the papers and starting to read.

Serena sighs heavily.

"Patriarchal dictatorship. Marriage. Incompetent parent. You know, the usual."

Henry nods his head, whispering under his breath. "Sounds like fun... What are we looking for?"

He pulls up his arm sleeves, fully prepared to help now that he was here. 

"Well, we can start with finding the will. After that, I'm not quite sure. Here." She slides the document she was handed by the policeman.

"Three months?" He scrunches up his face. "I've known you since we were kids, but I don't think I'm ready for marriage. In the nicest way possible, you aren't exactly my preference of woman."

This causes Serena to roll her eyes, throwing her hands up in frustration. "I'm not getting married and if I wanted to, it wouldn't be you!"

Henry leans back, giving a sigh of relief and Serena rolls her eyes again.

"Sooo... what are you going to do?" Henry places the document back down on the desk.

"I'll figure something out, just help me find this will and gather whatever information you think would benefit me on Luther."

✧༺♥༻∞

"You told your mother what?!" Edward gawked, nearly choking on his pastry he had been eating. Anna fiddled with her fingers. She figured that if she softened him up a bit with some sweets then he would take the news a little easier, but she had been wrong.

"You want to marry me? Since when? Did I miss something? What about Ms. Gregory?" He rambled on, placing the pastry down on the plate. He wanted to ask Anna some more questions even though he didn't give her a chance to answer the ones before but when he saw the somber expression on her face, he quieted down.

"I had no choice, Edward." She mumbled, her eyes tearing up. She leaned forward unto the table, looking down in shame as she began to rub her temples.

"My mother has me against the wall. It's very clear that she has favorites for Mr. Becklar but there's something strange about the man. You are also aware of my newly found affections for Ms. Gregory. It was all very overwhelming, so I said what I said."

Edward listened and seeing how defeated Anna appeared before him, he couldn't bring it within himself to scold her. Besides, at first his main goal was to court Anna but instead of developing intimate feelings for one another, something platonic was capable of forming instead.

Thus, Edward realized that right now, what Anna really needed was a friend and he was always there for his friends. He cleared his throat and adjusted his posture in his seat.

"Understood, you don't need to explain any further." He stated sternly. Anna looked up at Edward and he smiled, reaching into his pocket for a handkerchief to wipe away a stray tear.

"Oh Edward, thank you. I have to repay you somehow-" He scoffed, folding his arms. "Do I look that cheap to you Anna?... I mean I could use some extra pastries for the trouble." He grinned.

Anna shook her head and laughed. "You're something else."

"I try my best." He stated, however, the grin slowly fell from his face as he leaned unto the table with his hands clasped.

"Though I am alright with you claiming me in such a chivalrous manner. " He batted his eyelids and she scoffed, lifting up her teacup to take a sip of peppermint. "You made a very serious declaration, and I am certain that your mother is going to watch us like a hawk. If she notices that you lied, then there will be hell to pay, I am sure."

Anna nodded her head, her expression falling once again at the revelation. Edward stared at her for a while, in deep thought until an evil smile appeared unto his face.

"You know, this actually might not be a bad idea." He leaned back into his chair as devious ideas began to flood his mind. He started chuckling to himself and Anna looked at him awkwardly.

"What do you mean?" Anna asked, putting down her teacup.

"Well, my dear Anna, you might not have known this, but I have a bit of a background in the classic arts. Theatre and acting are my forte, if your mother wants a show then I can make a show." He puts up his hands.

"Just think about it... The soon to be Anna Beckham, the woman who has finally made her choice. Headline after headline. The paperboys in all of Greenwich will be sold out and everyone will think that you are betrothed. Even your mother and this allows you to spend as much time with Ms. Gregory under the pretense that you are with me."

Anna's eyes widened. "Edward! This is a great idea! However, what do you gain from doing all of this for me?"

"Well, you are my friend. I would hope that feeling isn't one-sided." He picked up a pastry. "There are also some things I haven't told you and there's a certain someone that I need to get back at."

Anna leaned forward. He was right. Although Anna knew the basics about Edward like the fact that he had siblings, was to be the head of his family soon as he was the oldest son and a few more things based on their conversations. She couldn't say that she fully knew who Edward was. It was the first time she knew he had a history in theatre, and she was actually shocked as Edward was from a well-known wealthy family. His participation in theatre wouldn't have been ideal nor appreciated by his parents. There was so much she didn't know about him.

"Who would that be?" Anna asked, curious and attentive.

"My previous lover."

Author's note

Happy Holidays to everyone!

Life has been very hectic and that's the reason for my lack in updates. I decided to upload this short chapter as my notification bar was full of comments on this book. You guys are hilarious lol. I hope you all enjoyed your holidays, and that your new year will be filled with great surprises. <3