Bound by Hearts
Arthur’s Worry
Arthur slumped into his chair, gazing at the small statue gift Aelira had given him. Why can’t I stop thinking about her? The memory of her fainting in the fire and her relentless courage gnawed at him.
His chest tightened with worry. Without hesitation, he shoved aside the work on his desk and grabbed his coat. “Edwin, cancel everything for the day,” he muttered, already heading out.
Watching Over Aelira
Arthur quietly opened the door to Aelira’s room. She lay curled up on the bed, her breathing even, her face soft in sleep. He exhaled in relief, sitting on the chair beside her bed. She’s okay… just resting.
Hours passed as Arthur watched over her. When she stirred, he leaned forward, his gaze steady as her eyes fluttered open.
“Arthur?!” Aelira jolted upright, startled. “What are you doing here?”
He leaned back, a small smile playing on his lips. “Just checking on you.”
Her brows furrowed. “This… is highly inappropriate. You’re my boss!”
Arthur shrugged. “I don’t care about that right now. You’re coming with me.”
She blinked in confusion. “What? Why?”
“It’s my responsibility to take care of you,” he said firmly. “You didn’t hesitate to take care of me when I was in the hospital, did you?”
Caught off guard, she couldn’t argue. Her silence gave Arthur his chance. He grabbed her hand and pulled her gently from the bed.
“Wait!” she protested, but he wasn’t listening.
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“You’re staying at my house,” he said with finality, leading her out the door.
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A Room by His Side
Arthur led Aelira to his luxurious home and showed her a cozy room right next to his own. “This is yours,” he said, gesturing inside.
Aelira crossed her arms, glaring at him. “This isn’t necessary.”
Arthur leaned against the doorframe, smirking. “Humor me.”
The next morning, Arthur’s doctor friend arrived, carrying his medical bag. He greeted Arthur with a sly grin. “Is this the mysterious girl who’s caught your attention?”
Arthur frowned. “She’s just my employee. Don’t start.”
The doctor chuckled. “You sure about that? The way you’re hovering over her says otherwise. Think about it, Arthur—this girl might just be the best thing to ever happen to you. She’s already turned you into someone who actually cares.”
Arthur rolled his eyes. “Are you done?”
The doctor grinned and clapped his shoulder. “Just saying—don’t let her slip away.”
An Unexpected Chef
Arthur returned to Aelira’s room after the doctor left. “How are you feeling?” he asked, standing in the doorway.
“Better,” she admitted softly.
“Good. Let’s get you something to eat.”
She raised a brow. “What’s on the menu?”
Arthur hesitated. “Uh… nothing fancy. But I’ll make something.”
Aelira stared at him in disbelief. “You… cook?”
He disappeared into the kitchen, calling over his shoulder, “Watch and learn.”
Minutes later, he returned with a simple yet perfectly made omelet. He set the plate in front of her with a flourish.
“Impressed?” he asked smugly.
She took a bite, her eyes widening. “Not bad, boss. When did you learn to cook?”
Arthur chuckled, sitting across from her. “I’ve picked up a few things over the years. Don’t get used to it, though.”
The Escape Plan
That night, Aelira stared at the ceiling in her guest room, torn between her growing feelings for Arthur and the need to protect her mission. I can’t stay here. It’s too dangerous—for both of us.
She packed her bag quietly, slipping on her coat. As she turned to leave, Arthur appeared in the doorway, blocking her path.
“Going somewhere?” he asked, his voice low.
She froze. “I… I should get back to Nancy’s place. She’ll worry.”
Arthur stepped closer, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. “You’re lying. Why are you trying to leave me, Aelira?”
Her heart pounded. “I’m not leaving you. I just—”
Before she could finish, Arthur closed the gap between them, his hand gently wrapping around her waist. “Don’t go,” he whispered, his voice laced with emotion.
She looked away, trying to break free, but his grip tightened, pulling her closer. “Arthur…”
He leaned in, his forehead resting against hers. “You drive me insane, you know that?”
Her breath hitched as his lips brushed hers, soft and hesitant at first. Then the kiss deepened, a rush of emotions they couldn’t hold back any longer. Time seemed to freeze as they melted into each other, their hearts pounding in unison.
The Aftermath
Aelira pulled away abruptly, her face flushed. “I… I can’t do this.”
Arthur looked at her, confusion and hurt flashing in his eyes. “Why not?”
She shook her head, stepping back. “I just… I can’t.”
Grabbing her bag, she bolted past him, ignoring his calls as she ran out into the night. Her destination: Nancy’s place—a safe haven away from the storm raging in her heart.
Arthur stood alone in the hallway, staring at the empty space where she’d just been.
His fingers touched his lips, the memory of her kiss still lingering.
“Aelira…” he murmured. What are you hiding from me?
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