23 Bickerings

Just as the wedding ended, Hermione and her groom were ready to leave for their new home after spending an ample amount of time with her parent. The feeling of loneliness began to grow within her as she waved goodbye to her parents in the carriage.

'I'm going to miss all of you' she conveyed with bittersweet emotions as she waved non-stop, Her eyes were focused on her parents, who were hesitant to give her up, her brother, Celeste, and everyone who had been a part of her life.

Hermione was thankful that Lulu was with her and could help her navigate the unfamiliar world, otherwise she would have difficulty coping alone.

Not long after, the horses took a loping stride and the carriage began to move.

Hermione kept waving to her parents, brother, and best friend until they were completely out of view.

Now that they were surrounded by tall, lush trees and a smooth path, she swayed to one side and gave a melancholic sigh.

Hermione sank deeper into the carriage seat that felt soft beneath her bottom, and she felt the dress limiting her breathing, leading her to sit upright as required.

Her gaze fell on the man in front of her who kept a straight face to the window side, with such blithe unconcern.

Should she be troubled by the cold shoulder he had given her throughout the day?

Lloyd behaved as if he was in a forced situation, even if it was. Wasn't he supposed to say anything to her, especially to compliment her on her outstanding appearance on this beautiful day?

Hermione didn't receive anything, but she wasn't ready to declare her dissatisfaction with him just yet.

Even now, he didn't glance at her and merely leaned against the window, sensing the breeze on his face as he closed his eyes.

She had never been this ignored in her entire life!

There was a prolonged silence in the carriage carrying two people that was traversing a deserted path for an extended time. Hermione sensed a strong tension in the air, as though a dark cloud was right inside the carriage and lightning could strike at any moment.

Why was she feeling so uncomfortable?

Finally, the ever-so-unbothered man took the initiative to speak in a low voice without revealing his eyes to her, "One more stare and you'd be out the window" His deep voice pierced through her ears, sounding menacing and matching the ominous sensation surrounding the carriage.

She nearly jolted from her seat as she didn't anticipate him to speak.

Huh? How did he know that she had been stealing glances at him?

And was that a threat? She questioned herself with her eyebrows pulling together in a thoughtful expression.

Determined to keep the conversation going, she answered even when she wasn't obliged to. "I--I wasn't st-staring"

Hermione lowered her eyelashes, feeling anxious. To keep herself occupied, she began to play with a portion of her voluminous dress, even though her heart was going haywire in her chest at the moment.

"Care to explain the meaning of those looks, then?" He inquired, his eyes fluttering open. His narrowed gaze stumbled upon a nervous Hermione who was hoping to be occupied by her little meaningless work, she lifted her head to glance at him, and at the same time lowered her gaze as if she was spooked.

'Because you're attractive' she answered inwardly.

Hermione was like a moth that was attracted to him; a flame. She hadn't met anyone who captured her entire attention like this man did, it was impossible to not steal glances at him.

Receiving no response, Lloyd went silent again. It seemed like he was no longer interested in talking to her this time. Hermione wondered what was the sudden whim to ignore her.

She gathered her courage to speak, "C--can I say s-omething?"

He didn't give a response to go ahead but she spoke anyway. "Y---you are different today"

Hmm? Her statement caught his attention, prompting him to raise his eyebrows. "How so?" He questioned.

Lloyd had been sweet and touchy that day on the balcony. Why did he suddenly ignore her like she didn't matter to him at all? Although he stated that he had given his heart to her that day, today he appeared distant.

Keeping her gaze fixated on her dress, she continued to speak, "Y--you weren't cold to me at the b-alcony like you were to-today"

She then watched him narrow his eyes for a split second before a sardonic smile crawled over his lips. Without moving from his seat, the man, who was ever-so-composed, leaned closer to her and inclined his head.

Hermione caught sight of the mole beneath his thin lips. Without question, this is what has always made him breathtaking. He was an attractive man in general, but this black dot accentuated his looks. She wanted to touch him but could only refrain.

She swallowed hard on sensing his intense gaze on her, "I regret to inform you, princess, that we have not met since the day I brought you home." He said to her, an unapologetic look revolving around his face, creating a stark contrast to his statement.

He drawled, "So what balcony are you insinuating?"

Huh?

Hermione frowned. Is there any pleasure in trying to deceive someone who has already spoken the truth?

He was the person who was on the balcony with her, speaking words that caused strange things to happen to her body and kissing her before disappearing. She felt him and concluded that it was him.

He continued, "Why agree to go ahead with this marriage when you have an intimate relationship with my brother?" He inquired. Lloyd leaned back, where his head leaned against the carriage and his arms plopped against the window rail.

"You two were completely immersed in each other" He mumbled.

Lloyd remembered leaving his seat that day as his mind was troubled, to be precise, occupied by her.

He went in search of her as he couldn't hold back anymore.

Never had any woman planted strange feelings on him. He blamed himself for drinking her blood and craving nothing except it.

He arrived at the balcony later on and stumbled upon an ungodly sight. His gaze darkened.

He could've never imagined that she was involved with his brother. His eyes burned in anger as he watched her getting submissive to Damien's touch.

He was irked. If he hadn't controlled his emotions quite well, he could've gone berserk.

He couldn't watch anymore and just walked away.

Hearing those words, Hermione's jaw dropped and her lips parted, but she couldn't speak. She closed them, unsure of how to react to his claims.

She struggled to understand what he was implying and hoped he would clarify his sentences, but he didn't do so.

An intimate affinity with his brother? Hell!

Until today, she was unaware of his brother's existence, who appeared to be quite unwell in his head.

She recalled forcefully what had happened that day.

Lloyd's face vanished, and she was greeted by an unfamiliar face.

After her memory was clarified, she realized that it was another man who had kissed her and she had envisioned him as Lloyd.

They looked nothing alike. How could she have been so blind?

And Cherry had informed her that he was her mate!

Hold on! She had two mates?? What precisely was happening!?

How could she? Hermione felt her hand turn sweaty and she wiped it over her dress.

What had she done?

Over the years, she refrained from building a relationship with any other man except for that one person she always fantasized about.

Her abstinence had gone down the drain. Another man had stolen her first kiss, and what was worse? The man of her dream happened to witness the scene.

Hermione felt like a cheating wife. It was never meant to happen, she said to herself.

H--how was she going to explain herself, she pondered inwardly.

At least, she ought to clarify what had transpired between her and his brother. The person she wanted was Lloyd, and that kiss with Damien would forever remain a mistake, "I--I-"

Lloyd cut her short in an icy tone. "I have no idea what your plan is, but all I can tell you is that you'd never get anything from me. I'm neither a kind nor sweet man"

He felt his throat tighten at the thought that his brother had found another tactic to get on his nerves; this woman.

Lloyd was yet to get a whiff of what they were planning. And certainly, he must keep his distance from anything that had to do with his enemies.