Chapter 30: Storm of Emotions
Arthur lounged on the edge of his swimming pool, his feet dipping into the cool water as the sun dipped below the horizon. His usually sharp gaze was clouded with a melancholy that weighed heavily on his shoulders. Lost in thought, he barely noticed Aelira approaching.
“Boss, why are you sitting here all alone? What’s got you so sad?” Aelira asked, tilting her head with a mix of concern and curiosity.
Arthur glanced at her briefly but remained silent, his jaw tightening.
“Alright, Mr. Broody,” she said, sitting beside him and splashing her feet playfully in the water. “On my planet, when someone feels down, we take a ride to nearby planets. Exploring something new always helps lighten the mood!”
Arthur turned to her, raising an eyebrow. “Stop, you sweet idiot,” he muttered, but there was a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Aelira beamed, proud of herself for breaking his silence. Without thinking, Arthur reached out, grabbed her hand, and held it tightly. Resting his head gently on her shoulder, he sighed and gazed at the stars above.
For a moment, neither spoke. The silence between them was comfortable, filled only with the sound of rippling water and the chirping of crickets.
“I always feel like I’m chasing something... but when I’m with you, it all stops,” Arthur whispered.
Aelira froze, her heart racing, but she quickly masked her emotions. “Boss, you’re being sentimental,” she teased, lightly nudging him.
As she got up to leave, her foot slipped, and she yelped, nearly tumbling into the pool. But before she could hit the water, Arthur grabbed her waist, pulling her close. Their faces were inches apart, and time seemed to stop.
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Without a word, Arthur leaned in, capturing her lips in a kiss. It was soft and tentative at first, but it deepened with every passing second. Aelira was too stunned to pull away, her heart pounding so loudly she thought it might echo through the night.
When they finally parted, she blinked at him, speechless.
“Goodnight, Aelira,” Arthur murmured, smirking as he turned and walked away, leaving her rooted to the spot, her fingers brushing her lips.
---
The Next Morning
Arthur stepped into the garden, sipping his coffee, only to find Aelira and Astron laughing and playfully shoving each other. She smacked his arm, and he retaliated with a flick of water from the fountain.
Arthur’s brow furrowed, a pang of possessiveness gnawing at him. Setting his cup down, he marched over.
“Astron,” Arthur called, his tone light but with an unmistakable edge. “Enjoying yourself, are we?”
“Hey, bro!” Astron replied cheerfully, oblivious to Arthur’s mood.
Arthur crossed his arms, cutting straight to the point. “What about your perfume project? Any updates, or are you just planning to flirt your way through research?”
Astron blinked, startled, then grinned. “Relax, big guy. I’m heading to France to meet a fragrance farmer. Aelira’s coming along to assist.”
Arthur’s expression hardened. “Aelira’s going with you?”
Astron shrugged nonchalantly. “Yeah, she’s a great help. Don’t worry, I’ll keep her safe.”
Arthur said nothing, his jaw tightening. After a moment, he spun on his heel and walked back toward his office.
---
Later That Day
Arthur paced his office, his mind spinning. He called Edwin. “Where’s Aelira?”
Edwin hesitated. “Uh, sir... she’s with Astron. They left for France this morning.”
Arthur’s grip on his phone tightened. Before he could respond, the weather forecast flashed on his TV screen: Severe Snowstorm Warning in France.
His heart sank. Dialing Astron’s number, he waited, but the call didn’t go through. He tried Aelira, but her line was unreachable too.
“Prepare the jet,” Arthur barked at Edwin. “I’m heading to France.”
---
In France
Aelira sat in a small hotel room, anxiously watching the snowfall outside. The wind howled, rattling the windows. Her assistant chimed in, “Aelira, the snowstorm is worsening. We need to stay safe.”
Aelira sighed. “I hope Astron gets back soon.”
Hours passed, and her worry grew. Wrapping a blanket around herself, she paced the room. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
“Finally, Astron,” she muttered, hurrying to open it.
But it wasn’t Astron. It was Arthur.
“What... What are you doing here?” she stammered, her eyes wide.
Arthur stepped in, brushing snow off his coat. “Do you have any idea how reckless this trip was? Why didn’t you inform me? And where is your boss Astron?” he added sarcastically.
Aelira frowned. “Astron went to meet the farmer. He’ll be back soon. You didn’t have to come all the way here, you know.”
Arthur ignored her words. His eyes softened as he noticed her shivering. Without a word, he pulled her into a warm embrace, wrapping his arms tightly around her.
“Arthur, what are you—”
“Shh,” he murmured, resting his chin on her head. “You’re freezing.”
Aelira stood still, her heart racing. His warmth seeped through her, and for a brief moment, the storm outside didn’t seem so scary.
The chapter ended with Arthur holding her close, the tension between them palpable, as the snowstorm raged on outside.