Arranged Marriage: Beneath The Rumors

Chapter 55: Why Do You Care

He turned to walk away,

Lisa's hand shot out, circling around his waist. She pulled him back towards her, his face inches from hers.

Lugard's eyes flashed with surprise and annoyance, but Lisa's grip on his waist held firm. She spun him around, her eyes blazing with intensity.

"You're not walking away from me," she said, her voice low and husky. "Not this time."

Lugard was surprised by her boldness, his eyes widening as Lisa pushed him towards her bed, sitting him down with a firm hand. "You're not going anywhere," she said, her voice husky and commanding. "You will do as I say tonight."

Lugard's face darkened, his jaw clenched in annoyance. Who did she think she was, ordering him around like a servant? But Lisa's eyes flashed with determination, her gaze holding his in a silent challenge.

She turned to lock the door, the sound of the key turning in the lock echoing through the room.

Lugard's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with indignation and curiosity. What did Lisa think she was doing? He was Lugard, the master of his own destiny, not some plaything for her to command.

He watched as Lisa locked the door and pocketed the key, her movements swift and deliberate. Her glare was like a challenge, daring him to try to escape, before walking into the bathroom.

Lugard's eyes never left Lisa's face, his expression unreadable. He was used to being in control, and this sudden reversal was both intriguing and infuriating.

As Lisa disappeared into the bathroom, Lugard's gaze flicked to the door, his mind calculating the possibilities. He could try to force his way out, but something about Lisa's demeanor told him she was not to be underestimated.

he look around the room.

Lisa's room is a vibrant, whimsical sanctuary that reflects her youthful energy and playful spirit. Soft, warm light spills in through sheer, pastel pink curtains, casting a rosy glow on the room's treasures.

The walls are painted a delicate, blush pink hue and adorned with a mix of framed posters, artwork, and inspirational quotes that speak to Lisa's passions and dreams. A plush, white area rug with a subtle, sparkly sheen adds a touch of glamour to the floor.

Her bed is a cozy haven, dressed in crisp, white linens, and piled high with plush, pastel-colored pillows and a fuzzy, faux fur throw. A delicate, string lights canopy adds a touch of magic to the bed, making it the perfect spot to curl up with a good book or daydream.

A stylish, white dresser and vanity sit against one wall, adorned with a collection of fun, colorful perfume bottles, sparkly jewelry, and Lisa's favorite makeup treats. A matching, plush ottoman and a fuzzy, bean bag chair create a cozy reading nook, perfect for snuggling up with a favorite book or laptop.

The room is filled with lush, green plants and vibrant, colorful flowers, adding a touch of natural beauty and fragrance to the space. A sparkly, crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling, casting a warm, twinkling glow over the room.

Every detail in Lisa's room reflects her bubbly personality, love of beauty, and zest for life, creating a space that's equal parts playful, peaceful, and inspiring.

The sound of running water and rustling fabric came from the bathroom, and Lugard's curiosity got the better of him. let's see what you are up to. he murmured.

She walked out of the bathroom with a water and clean white towel, her movements calm and deliberate. Her eyes locked onto Lugard's, her expression serious and unyielding. She walked towards him with a stubborn expression, her jaw set in determination.

"Don't move, be quiet, so I can wipe away the blood stains on your face," Lisa said, her voice firm but gentle. She stood before him, her eyes never leaving his, as she raised the towel to his face.

Lugard remained expressionless, his eyes fixed on hers, as she began to clean his face with slow, careful strokes. The cool water and soft towel were a stark contrast to the intensity of their earlier encounter, and Lugard's gaze searched hers for any sign of what she was thinking.

As Lisa gently wiped the blood from Lugard's face, she couldn't help but be captivated by his breathtaking features. His skin was a radiant, porcelain-like white, unblemished and smooth. His eyes, a deep, piercing blue, seemed to see right through her, their intensity softened only by the thick, velvety eyelashes that framed them.

His lips, tin and inviting, curved into a subtle, enigmatic smile, as if he held secrets he'd never reveal. The shape of his face, heart-stoppingly handsome, seemed chiseled by the divine hands of a master sculptor.

Lisa's gaze was transfixed, her touch hesitant, as if she feared that her fingers might sully the perfection of his features. She stared, entranced, at the face before her, her mind struggling to reconcile the ethereal beauty of this man with the harsh realities of their world.

Lugard's face seemed almost otherworldly, as if he'd descended from the realm of angels to walk among mortals. His beauty was mesmerizing, a siren's call that drew Lisa in, making her heart race and her breath catch in her throat. She felt herself getting lost in the depths of his eyes, drowning in their blue expanse, as she continued to wipe away the blood, her touch reverent, her heart awestruck.

"Have you not done staring?" Lugard asked, his voice tinged with amusement.

Lisa came back to her senses, her face turning red with embarrassment. She stared at him, her eyes flashing with defiance, and pinched his cheek lightly. "Be quiet, I am not staring at anything," Lisa said, pretending to be serious.

Lugard's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, his gaze never leaving hers. "How dare you pinch my face, you damnable woman," he thought to himself, but his expression betrayed only humor.

He chuckled, a low, husky sound, and Lisa's face grew even redder. She looked away, trying to compose herself, but Lugard could see the hint of a smile still playing on her lips. He knew he'd caught her off guard, and she couldn't hide her attraction to him.

Lugard's eyes crinkled at the corners as he chuckled, his gaze never leaving Lisa's face. "Oh, I think you were staring, troublemaker," he said, his voice low and teasing. "And I must say, I'm not flattered."

Lisa's face grew even redder as she tried to maintain her pretense of seriousness. "I was merely ensuring that I removed all the blood from your face," she said, her voice prim.

Lugard's chuckle deepened, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'm sure that's all it was," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "And I'm equally sure that the pinch on my cheek was just a coincidence."

Lisa's eyes flashed with defiance, but Lugard could see the hint of a smile playing on her lips. She was trying to maintain her tough exterior, but he'd caught her off guard, and she couldn't hide her attraction to him.

"Why do you care?" Lugard asked, staring at her beautiful face, his eyes searching for the truth behind her words.

Lisa's eyes narrowed, her lips compressing into a thin line. "That's because I don't want you to walk out of here looking like this," she said, her voice firm but with a hint of vulnerability. "It will scare the servants and butler, and they will think their young master is not strong and was beaten up by his wife. They will start looking down on you."

But in reality, Lisa felt terribly bad for what she had done. Hitting someone with good intentions, she felt sorry for him and wanted to take responsibility for her actions. She knew she had wronged him, and her conscience was eating away at her.

Lugard's gaze never wavered, his eyes boring into hers as if seeing right through her facade. "Is that the only reason?" he asked, his voice low and skeptical, his tone implying he knew there was more to her story.

Lugard's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he searched Lisa's face. "Is that the only reason?" he asked again, his voice low and skeptical.