𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐎𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐄 ✔

ᴛʜʀᴇᴇ

𒊹︎︎︎ Consolations & Decision.

"Oh darling you are wrong" she heard a deep husky voice coming from the doorway as her breath hitched and her fists clenched.

Standing in front of her was a man she never saw but had god like feature. He was ruggedly handsome with light stubble and sharp jawline. He was standing in a white shirt with his sleeves rolled up, the top few buttons  were unbuttoned and a black suit hanging around his muscular arm.

His cold and calculating blue eyes fell from her eyes and fixed on William's hand on top of her. William quickly removed his hands and stood up while clearing his throat. "Inez this is Mr. Theodore Cunningham, your father's brother and your uncle" William said as Inez couldn't believe her ears.

Theodore took long strides towards her as his biceps flexed in his shirt, threatening to rip any second. "Adoptive brother" Theodore corrected as he stared at Inez who still looked confused and extended his hands for a shake.

Inez hesitantly put her hand over his as she could feel his piercing eyes over her. "But I have never seen you" she asked in a low voice to which Theodore nodded and sat on the bed beside her. Theodore snapped his head to look at Henry and then at William. They both nodded and left the room, leaving the two of them alone.

"I am sorry I couldn't make it on time, the flight was a long one" he answered nonchalantly as he rested his back on the headboard and closed his eyes for a second.

"That's not what I asked you. Who are you and why haven't I seen you before?" she asked again as his eyes opened in a start and he turned his head to stare at her.

"I met you during your grandfather's funeral don't you remember? but I guess not, you were just a kid back then" his voice deep as he looked around the room like he was reminiscent about something and sighed out "this used to be my room you know, for only a few years though" he said as he faintly smiled.

Inez's mouth was wide opened, she couldn't believe what this man was saying. He was clearly on to something "Look Mr...Cunningham, I don't care if this was your room or if you are my father's 'adoptive' brother. All I care about is I don't know who you are and I am not coming with you!" Inez yelled out as she threw the duvet from over her body and tried to stand up but stopped when her head spinned again.

Theodore grabbed her shoulder and held her down as he glared at her "Little one I think you should have said this to your parents, they were the one who trusted you with me in case something happened to them" he snarled with his jaw clenched.

"B-But I don't k-" Inez started as tears formed in her eyes as Theodore's eyes softened and he pulled her in a hug. His smell was comforting as his hug was warm and gentle "I am sorry I shouldn't have been so tough on you" he whispered in her ear as Inez sniffled and patted his back to let go of her now.

She didn't like when strangers touched her.

"Look, I know you don't know me but I know you very well. Your father was my brother, adoptive or not. I loved him just as much as you did. And I am sorry if you didn't see me because I was quite busy with my business and your father and I left things on quite a soar note" he completed as he pulled back and looked down, guilt, the most prominent thing on his face.

"But I am happy that he wanted me take care of the most important person in his life after him-" he said as he looked back up at her face and pulled both her hands in his "-you Inez, I will take care of you with my life" he said as he kissed her forehead, over the bandage  and finally sat at a distance.

"And as for your business, I can take care of it for 2-3 years and then I will hand it over to you. You can complete your college and learn how to handle business from me all at the same time. Doesn't that sound wonderful?" he said.

"Mhm" Inez whispered looking lost as she contemplated what he said "Can I really trust you? I don't have any family left on whom I can count on you know. So please don't betray me" she almost pleaded as she stared in his eyes.

He looked back at her with a small smile as he patted her head "Of course you can, little one" his british accent thickening with every word as he stood up while heaving a sigh and looking at her suitcases.

"I see, you are already all packed up" he said teasingly as he gave her a side glance. "It was probably Martha" she said sullenly, not wanting to talk to anyone anymore.

"That's good. We leave tomorrow" he announced as he already started walking towards the door. "But wait where are we going?" Inez questioned in anticipation, not wanting to move far away from her home.

His hand was on the doorknob as he stopped and looked back at her with raised eyebrows "Didn't anyone tell you?" he asked as Inez shook her head negative.

"We are going to London, love" he said as his words glided across her skin like smooth velvet causing goosebumps to form in surprise. "B-but that's so far" she said in disbelief as Theodore nodded in agreement.

"It is"

"But what about my college?"

"London also has universities you know. I have got my men to enroll you in one of the most prestigious colleges in the world and seeing your grades it can be arranged quite easily. You can join after a week" he completed as Inez bit her lips in anger because now she was out of excuses.

"Fine" her voice came out squeaky as he ran his hand through his dark hair "Now sleep, you need rest before we leave" he ordered as he looked at her one last time over his shoulder and walked out while closing the door behind him.

But Inez knew sleep was the last thing in her mind as she clutched her locket tightly.

_

(William Stewart)

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