Chapter 9 Falling into His Arms
1095 Words
In this world, there were people for whom every path was easy and every dream was possible since they were born.
Like the Brontes, with their wealth and power surpassing even some royal families. Or the Morrises, who came from an unbroken line of nobility.
"But I'm just Lily. I have nothing to do with the Bronte family."
Standing in front of the mirror, She lightly patted her cheeks. "If I want something, I have to work hard and earn it myself!"
She opened her laptop, and her heart sank a little when she saw her empty email inbox.
'Oh God, please let me get accepted into my dream university!' She prayed.
Then Lily pulled out a box from her closet. It contained her sketchbooks and art supplies. Seeing everything in good condition, she felt relieved.
"Huh, what's this?"
On top of the box, there was a black leather bag she didn't recognize. It looked luxurious. Lily struggled to pull it out and unzipped it, revealing a purple velvet gown inside. Attached to the dress was a card that read: "Tonight's ball gown – Arthur."
Arthur? He got her a dress?
She started to understand why Arthur didn't like her dress last night and guessed that the hot water in the bathtub was also his doing.
"Oh God, I need to apologize to him," Lily thought, regretting her harsh words from the night before.
She hurried out of the room and asked the butler where Arthur was.
"I need to speak with him."
"Mr. Arthur is very busy."
Seeing the butler ignoring her, she made a pleading gesture. "Please, it's very important."
The butler sighed and finally pointed in a direction. Lily thanked him and quickly headed that way.
…
"There's no harm in a marriage alliance with the Morrises," a voice said—it was Leto!
"I understand, Father."
As she passed by one of the rooms in the hallway, Lily overheard the conversation inside.
"Arthur?" Lily paused outside the door.
Inside, Leto sat at his desk, looking at Louis. His tone was more of a command than a suggestion.
But Louis, usually so obedient, was surprisingly firm. "But you know, I have no intention of getting married right now. My career in Central City is just taking off, and I've established good relations with the royal family. Trust me, I'll have better options."
Leto fell silent, but still not in agreement.
Louis looked at his father earnestly. As a lawyer, persuading others was his forte. "There are still two unmarried princesses. I can try with them, can't I?"
Leto considered this for a moment. Considering family interests, it was certainly an effort worth making, even if it meant putting up with some complaints from the Morris family.
"Explain it to Vivian yourself. For her father's sake, don't embarrass the Morris family."
"I will." Louis sighed with relief. "I see Vivian as a sister. I'd never want to hurt her."
…
Lily, standing outside the door, was shocked.
Love in high society could be a bargaining chip!? It was unbelievable.
She was about to leave when the door suddenly swung open, and she found herself face-to-face with Louis.
"Sorry, I was just passing by. I didn't mean to eavesdrop," Lily explained.
She looked so timid, like a lost swan, that Louis couldn't help but smile.
"No worries. This is your home. Nothing's off-limits for you here."He leaned closer to her and said in a low voice, "But this matter isn't public yet. Could you keep it to yourself for now?"
Lily nodded. "Of course."
Though she actually didn't agree with his plan, she understood that everyone has the freedom to make their own choices.
Louis smiled. "My father doesn't like people lingering near his study." He gently placed his hand on Lily's shoulder, guiding her to the end of the hallway. "Just keep that in mind."
Lily nodded, noting Louis's kind reminder.
"Were you looking for Arthur?" Louis checked his watch. "At this hour, he's probably exercising, not in his room."
"Or," he added with a sly smile, trying to charm her, "you could join me."
"Thank you." Lily stepped back cautiously.
Then Lily bid him goodbye and strolled around the manor. She checked the gym but didn't find Arthur there.
The midday sun was sizzling. Lily felt her body heat rising and her head starting to spin.
She wandered aimlessly until she stumbled upon an unfamiliar outdoor swimming pool.
To her surprise, she saw a familiar figure.
"Arthur!"
She gasped softly as a huge splash of water erupted. Arthur, having just finished his swim, rose from the pool. The sunlight glinted off his back, making his body shine like a diamond.
With a physique like that, he could stand out even in rags. And to think he possessed both looks and wealth—sometimes, life just isn't fair.
Lily was mesmerized, her eyes fixed on Arthur.
Her voice caught Arthur's attention, and he looked over, surprised to see Lily there.
He walked over to her. "What are you doing here? Were you looking for me?"
He's so handsome.
She could barely hear what he was saying.
Lily didn't respond. Her attention was entirely captured by his perfect body. Her face began to heat up. Even without a mirror, she knew her face must be bright red.
Noticing Lily's discomfort, Arthur figured she probably hadn't come looking for him on purpose and had just wandered in by mistake. She likely didn't know that this spot was usually his alone at this time of day—other family members would intentionally avoid the pool when he was there.
Without pressing her further, Arthur grabbed a towel, draped it over his shoulders, and sat down on a lounge chair by the pool.
Lily took a couple of steps toward Arthur, but her legs felt unsteady.
"Arthur."
"Yeah?" He hadn't yet noticed anything unusual about Lily.
"I want to..." Lily swayed and began leaning toward the pool.
Arthur quickly stood up, trying to catch her.
"Lily, are you okay?"
"I want to..." Realizing she was losing her balance, she reached out to Arthur, but before she could grasp him, she toppled backward into the pool.
The chill of the water quickly cooled Lily's overheated body. She couldn't swim and had no strength to struggle.
Before she closed her eyes, she noticed something massive sparkling in the sunlight.
"It's so big," she murmured.
Then someone jumped into the water. Before she lost consciousness, a strong pair of arms enveloped her.
"Are you okay?" a calm, melodious voice asked.
- Writer
