Royally Bounded

Chapter 91

Hayden

"I'm stressed out," Ivor sighed as we walked around the flower store. The pungent scent was itching my nose, and I hated the damn smell that was incomparable to Clara. Her floral scent was different from this shit.

"Stressed out for what?" I scoffed dryly. "You didn't need to propose. Mother gave Runova the ring already. You only have the wedding to plan. It's nothing."

"Easy for you to say. You're timeline was weeks with both engagement and wedding."

I shrugged casually then walked ahead of him, a hand in my pockets as I scanned my eyes around. I picked on the red rose petals, and I held the stem, twirling it between my fingers. Dipping my nose down, I took the scent in, locking the scent in with Clara.

I called the sales associate over and handed her my black card before she took the roses to make a bouquet.

"You're buying one hundred roses for Clara?" Ivor stilled, his eyes widening at me. "I never knew you can be a romantic person."

"Why does everyone use that fucking word?" I scrunched my face with disgust.

He chuckled and headed over to review the flower decoration for his engagement party. My mother had Ivor do everything to show his sincerity for Runova. He accepted because of his stupid guilt to not be unfair to his future wife. The whole arrangement was only out of guilt for him, not a true love and effort from his willing.

The florist handed me the roses. Ivor and I drove to the wedding boutique, waiting for Clara and my mother outside the store. I learned against my Audi, my eyes over my phone, as I scrolled through the pictures. I pulled back the rising grin across my lips when I swiped through the images of Clara that I secretly took of her.

"Daddy," Xander called out. He ran up to me but stopped in front of me with his lips turning into a frown. I glanced over at him before carrying him in my arms.

He widened his eyes, blinking with curiosity, as if he was questioning my actions. A smile formed on his lips again, and he embraced me, his arms around my neck. Clara walked out with Rosie. Rosie instantly stopped at her steps when she saw my brother. Both of them stared at each other, and the silence just built between them.

My mother and Jo exited the boutique behind them. They came to greet Ivor and me before they went in his car. My mother was calling out for Ivor and telling him to rush home since Runova was waiting for them.

"I can drive you home," Ivor told Rosie, hopeful for her acceptance.

She shook her head, causing the disappointment on his face. "I'm fine. I still have some errands to do. Thank you though."

She turned around and left, waving at Clara first. Ivor stood there, unmoved, as he stared at Rosie, watching her leave.

Turning around, Ivor kept his head hang low, unlocking his car for my mother and Jo. Clara waved at them when they drove away. She walked up to me, and I grabbed her by the waist, pulling her along with me to the trunk.

"Take the flower for your mum," I told Xander when I lifted the trunk open. He nodded, and I bent down for him to grab the bouquet.

Clara let out an anticipatory gasp before a smile grew on her lips. "They're so beautiful. Did you buy them for me?"

"If you don't want it, then I will give it to someone else," I challenged.

Clara pouted her lips, displeased with my words. I wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her straight into a kiss with my mouth claiming hers possessively. As soon as I parted back, she dipped her head down, smelling the roses, and the smile grew on her lips.