Wilting Roses (Formerly known as Arranged)

Recovery and Dispair

Chapter Seventeen

The trotting of a carriage stopped him dead in his pacing and he looked beyond the large vast windows only to discover his anticipation wasted. There had been no news of her since three days passed. Dathan looked away in disappointment and began to pace his living room once again. He had been unable to stay put, to sleep, to eat. He feared maybe he was coming along with something but quickly disregarded the idea. His heart told him otherwise, and although he had accepted his feelings for her, he had not expected them to hit him so crudely.

Part of him wished to mount his stallion, ride the days' worth, and bring her back. However, what would he say when he arrived? He would feel a complete fool not knowing what to say to her in truth. He knew not her siblings to the extent of humiliation. Would they allow him to step a foot inside their home when he had forbidden that she seek them out? Dathan acknowledged that they would banish him without a second thought.

Many questioned flooded his mind as he rubbed at the stubble beginning to grow on his chin. Now that she was far from him there was no doubt that she was feeling more like herself. To be surrounded by family and loved ones that bestowed affection upon her without hesitating probably had Scarlett forgetting about him. The idea made his stomach coil in fear as he stopped his pacing and settled his hands over the open windowpane.

What will I do if she never returns? He thought to himself.

He scoffed at his thoughts and pushed away from the window slowly retreating from the front view of his home.

"She'll have to come back," he muttered.

He did not mean to be crude nor feel a bit prideful but how would she fair without her belongings? Scarlett would have to return at least for her things and the idea put his mind at ease. Yes, he would see her once again and when he did he would make certain to explain everything. He smiled, a faint smile, and slowly went up the stairs feeling his heart flutter at the thought of seeing her again.

There was a knock on the door and he stopped turning over his shoulder, his heart soaring and demanding attention. To his disappointment, a familiar oval face greeted him at the door. His grip fastened tightly around the banister.

"My love it is good to see you up and about," Camille sighed. She drew near and her closeness put him on edge as she reached to where he was. Dathan stopped her before her lips could touch his own and gently placed a hand to her shoulder.

"Come, we must speak," he all but muttered.

Camille smiled, wrapped an arm around his and leant into his embrace. Her touch frightened him suddenly and the realization of knowing he would never want her again surprised him. Once reaching his study Camille wasted little time to wrap her arms around his neck uniting their mouths into a passionate lock. Dathan groaned in disapproval as he took hold of her shoulders and straightened her out. He stared at her, his eyes exposing his disgust.

"Is something a matter?" she asked, her brow uniting in confusion.

Dathan brushed his knuckles over his mouth and took a small breath before he awkwardly pushed away from her seeking space between them. He decided to stand behind his desk finding comfort to speak then.

"Tell me what the matter is," Camille pressured.

He gathered the right words to tell her in his mind before speaking and when he felt ready, he lifted his head to talk. "This might not sound pleasant or truthful, but no matter what you may think it's the truth. Over these past few days...there has been a slight change of heart."