Star-Crossed Lovers Of The 1850s (JJK ff)

CHAPTER 11

"I've noticed your lack of interest in me, Louisa, and I must say, it's not tolerable," Edward said, his voice firm but laced with disappointment. "Your behavior over the past few days has been...distracting. You've been distant, preoccupied, and utterly disengaged."

Louisa's eyes dropped, shame washing over her face. "I-I'm sorry, Edward," she stammered.

"Sorry?" Edward repeated, his tone incredulous. "Sorry isn't enough, Louisa. I need to know what's going on. Is everything alright? Is there something bothering you?"

Louisa hesitated, unsure how to respond. She couldn't reveal the true reason behind her distraction - her heartache over Jungkook.

"Nothing's wrong, Edward," she said finally, forcing a smile. "I've just been...tired."

Edward's gaze narrowed. "Tired?" he echoed. "Tired isn't an excuse for neglecting me, Louisa. I expect more from you."

The tension between them grew, heavy with unspoken expectations.

"Look at me, Louisa," Edward commanded.

Louisa's eyes met Edward's, her heart racing.

"I need to know that you're committed to this relationship, to our future together," Edward said. "Can I truly count on you?"

Louisa's response hung in the balance, her heart torn between duty and desire.

Edward's commanding voice cut through the silence, his words dripping with expectation. "Now, Louisa, I want you to eat your breakfast, and make sure it's a substantial one, as we have a long day ahead of us." His tone brooked no argument, and Louisa knew better than to defy him.

She nodded submissively, still reeling from the weight of their previous conversation. The tension between them lingered, palpable and unsettling. Edward's displeasure was evident, and Louisa knew she had to tread carefully.

"And I have to attend to some pressing matters at the market," Edward continued, his voice firm and authoritative. "We didn't finish our business yesterday because you told me you were tired." His eyes narrowed slightly, as if daring her to offer another excuse.

Louisa's gaze dropped, her eyes fixed on the floor as she recalled her hasty excuse. She knew Edward wouldn't tolerate any further procrastination. His patience was wearing thin, and she couldn't afford to test his limits.

"Let me make one thing crystal clear, Louisa," Edward said, his voice taking on a warning tone. "I don't want to hear any more excuses, any more procrastination. You need to be ready to accompany me to the market today, and that means being prepared to face whatever challenges come our way." His words were laced with a subtle threat, a reminder of his expectations.

Louisa's heart sank, her nerves fraying under Edward's intense scrutiny. She felt trapped, caught between her duty to Edward and her own desires.

"Look at me, Louisa," Edward commanded, his voice low and even.

When Louisa hesitated, Edward grasped her chin, gently but firmly tilting her face upwards. His eyes locked onto hers, piercing and unyielding.

"Get ready in exactly 10 minutes," Edward said, his voice leaving no room for negotiation. "Not 11, not 12, but in 10 minutes. I don't have all day, and I won't tolerate any delays." His gaze bore into hers, as if daring her to defy him.

Louisa's pulse quickened, her breath catching in her throat. She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes, Edward."

Edward's grip on her chin relaxed, his eyes still fixed on hers.

"Good. I'll expect you downstairs in 10 minutes. Be ready."