My Lost Lover

Chapter 5

Victoria's POV

*A month ago...*

We sat around the lounge lazily. My father and the elder Finch Family Members drank wine gingerly, conversing about God knows what. Their hushed tones only seemed to bring my peaked attention to them further. What could they possibly be hiding and more importantly why?

My attention drifts back to the girl who is pulling on my arm, dragging me forcefully, yet with no real aggression in her actions. We close in on a brown leather loveseat, usually used to situate only one person, but she was convinced we could both comfortably sit there. Out of all the places to relax Eleanor chose the only one that made us remain in contact, it almost made me question if she wanted to be able to touch me, but I did not, it surely wasn't her main aim to do so. We are both women, nothing could happen between us, well...nothing should.

Eleanor elegantly placed herself on the small loveseat, pulling me closer into her embrace, gesturing for me to sit down with her warm eyes. "Come on Victoria", she breathed out just loud enough for me to hear. How was she capable of doing that? Causing the butterflies in my stomach to go into a frenzy just by uttering my name.

I moved my gown to the side as I sat with Eleanor, I was hanging off the edge of the seat, but I didn't want to make her uncomfortable by scooting too far into her personal space. I guess she had other plans, as she snaked her tan arms around my waist, pulling me flat against her side. Leaving no room between us. Eleanor's composure didn't falter for a second, but me? I must have looked beyond flustered.

Amber orbs crashed against my green ones, and I began to feel myself slip again, ready to fall into the safety her aura brought me. But her voice once again made reality come to me quickly.

"So my darling, did ya miss me?" Her words were followed by a laugh that made my heart ache.

"How could I not El? You were – are my best friend", friend it's like the word wouldn't get through my brain.

She jumped forward, pulling me further into her arms, a small yet somehow elegant squeal left her plump lips. Once out of her arms I realised the rest of our company drifted their eyes to us. "Sorry", she muttered to them.

Turning back to me she began, "Well I missed you too V, I have no clue where to even begin, a whole lot has happened in my time away, although I'm sure you've been more than busy yourself, speaking of which, I love this dress darling, yet its you who makes it this immaculate...". She enjoyed ranting but I wouldn't have it any other way, I could listen to her talking for hours if only I could.

"I'm sure it wasn't anything special compared to your time abroad." Gosh it was strange to how a single pet name could make me feel, whenever they left a male's mouth, such as Edward's, I felt beyond disgusted and objectified, but with Eleanor it felt different.

Just as she was about to continue there was a loud knock on door of the lounge, Margaret entered the room, minimally bowing to show respect, before reporting to the group that dinner has been served. As she spoke my stomach lowly rumbled, reminding me just how hungry I really was.

A bright blush almost as scarlet as my hair rose up my neck towards my defined cheek bones, it was quite embarrassing and as my father would say very 'unladylike' of me.

However, as I looked at Eleanor, there was nothing but a loving smile on her face. "Lets got some food in you, shall we".

She rose from her seat and presented her hand for me to take, her hand was covered in simple, expensive looking gold rings that illuminated in the light of the fire not too far away. She pulled my smaller frame into her for what seemed like the hundredth time that night, anyone who was paying attention would have noticed just how many times she had done the small action. They could also tell you just how strange it was for a woman to do it; it went against the power dynamic that everyone was so accustomed to.

The adults escorted themselves out the room, Eleanor and I going to follow before being interrupted by a gruff voice. "Victoria my dear, can I have a word with you", Edward began, "alone...". The word sent shivers down my spine even though it was not directed at me, his eyes held an irritated glance that only emphasised the underlying intimation found in his tone.

The warmth that Eleanor's hand brought, slipped away from mine, leaving me to face the cold storm in isolation. Walking out of the lounge she gave me one last reassuring smile before she was completely out of sight, the sound of her heels getting further and further away.

The cold gaze that Edward possessed never seemed to leave, his eyes never held any warmth or comfort, it was almost terrifying how truly harsh they were. He lifted two of his fingers and curled them, motioning me to come closer. Of course, why should he move even though he requested an audience with me, not the other way around. Nether the less I still cautiously walked towards his tall figure, it seemed as though he purposely straightened his stature, to emphasise not only the height difference but the power contrast.

His fingers were also adorned in rings, a sign of status and money, however in his case they were thick and very noticeable. What is wrong with me? Constantly comparing every aspect of the Finch siblings. Those long fingers crept their way into my hair, twiring a lock of my fiery hair, slightly pulling. A small whimper of pain emitting from me resulted in a sadistic smirk gracing his undeniably handsome face. His touch cascaded down my face, past my shoulders and towards my breasts.

Repulsed. Disgusted. Sickened.

There were so many effective ways of describing how his touch made my skin crawl. As his calloused hands reached for my covered chest, my instincts kicked in, I was not letting this man touch me in such a way. So, I did the first thing that came to mind, and looking back it may not have been the best idea.

I slapped him.

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Thank you for reading!

-Nik