26. The Toss Winner!

Author's POV

"Arabella, breakfast?"

Julie asked when she was walking out without having her breakfast.

"I am getting late, I'll manage."

Arabella quickly grabbed her phone and got on her way.

It was cold morning, her breathing was turning into smoke as she was walking towards her destination.

The weather was beautiful and she was loving it. The free and calm mornings always makes her happy.

"You have started smiling."

She froze in her place when she heard Brian who was standing between the path.

"Did you forget that you are not allowed to smile, kiddo?"

She stepped back in fear.

"Uncle Brian?"

He smirked.

"You have forgotten your reality. Remember who are you? The girl whose parents abandoned her. You are orphan and I gave you shelter."

He mocked.

"And look at you, acting all brat and ungrateful person..."

"You hurt me..."

She complained.

"Please leave me alone... I want to live for myself."

"Ohh, really... You are no human to live for yourself. You are a slave, my slave and I own you..."

He spat hatefully.

"Before I punish you brutally, come back. Wrap up your mess, I am waiting."

"I am not your slave!"

Her eyes watered.

"I see rebellion in your eyes."

He looked at her amused.

"From where you got so much courage?... You would happily work for criminals but won't come back to your lonely uncle."

"You are a monster."

She sobbed.

"You have two months, kiddo... You will be a mature girl after that. If you don't come back home then it will be your last birthday. I'll kill you."

He threatened.

"Your handsome criminals will left after their work, who's going to shelter you after that. This cruel word is not for you. Come, let's go home."

She shook her head in horror and stepped back when he stepped towards her.

"Do you even have a home, uncle?"

They heard a mocking voice.

Arabella's head snapped towards Oliver who slide down the hood of his jacket and revealed his face which had deadly expressions for Brian.

His attire told her that he was out for jogging, she never felt so relieved after seeing someone.

"This is a family matter."

Brian gulped and stepped back.

"Arabella, you are going to regret for this insult."

She was standing there horrified. Oliver saw her shaking and gulped down his anger, he couldn't afford to traumatize her more.

"Come here, Kitten!"

He extended his hand for her to take.

He was casually out for his daily routine but thankfully reached on the right time at right place. Arabella took his hand and he pulled her closer. He wiped her cheeks and glared at Brian.

"You are going to regret this."

He was about to step towards him but Arabella shook her head.

"I don't want anyone to die because of me."

She sobbed, scared that he will kill him.

Brian grabbed the opportunity and ran away from there.

Oliver sighed.

"Then why are you crying?"

"I am not!"

She sobbed and burst out crying.

He pulled her in hug and wrapped his arms around her protectively. His heart broke looking at her like this.

"Kitten!"

"He is a bad man!"

She sobbed harder while hugging him tightly.

His heart melted under her delicate hold.

"You don't even want me to punish him. Baby!"

He caressed her until she calmed down.

She broke the hug and wiped her cheeks.

"Sorry!"

She looked at his hoodie which got wet because of her tears.

He shook his head.

"That's not a problem."

He caressed her cheeks.

"You don't have to be scared of him, people like him can't do anything other than just blabbering rubbish. You are special and you look beautiful when you smile... Now show me that beautiful smile."

She forced a smile. He smiled and kissed her forehead, she was taken a back but didn't say anything. He chuckled at her cute reaction.

"Let's go!"

He grabbed her hand as they started walking.

Arabella looked at him as he led the way. She was getting weird sense of protection by his actions and she was liking it. A small wave of blush spread on her face when she saw her small hand in his big one.

"I thought you are scared of me more than anything."

He teased her.

"So I'll clear my doubts. Who is more scary, me or your dirty uncle?"

She thought for a moment.

"You are not scary anymore because you don't hurt me... He used bad words, I don't like him."

"So you like me?"

He raised his eyebrows amused.

Her face was in fire. She blushed and shook her head.

"No!"

"It means you hate me?"

He teased her more.

Her eyes widened and she shook her head furiously.

"No!"

"Then?"

He chuckled.

She blushed at his teasings and ran inside the house.

He laughed at her cuteness.

Arthur was watching them while standing in the lawn and his blood never boiled so much before.

But unfortunately, he couldn't do anything.

Arabella was serving them breakfast when Arthur noticed her puffy eyes.

"Did you cry, Dove?... Did someone hurt you?"

He looked at Oliver threateningly.

She looked at him nervously.

"No!"

"It's okay, kitten... Tell him who made you cry."

Oliver smirked.

"And who helped you."

Arabella could sense the tension between them.

"Uncle Brian caught me on my way here. Sir, helped me."

She informed.

Oliver smirked looking at Arthur's jealous face.

"See!"

Arabella went to kitchen to bring other stuff and Oliver frowned at Arthur.

"Did you forgot who won the toss last night, you can't talk to her today."

"We didn't talk about talking. I can't spend time with her but I can talk. Don't be childish."

He scowled.

"Someone looks grumpy today, what happened to emotions control?"

Oliver chuckled mockingly.

Arthur rolled his eyes and ignored him.

"Did you have your breakfast?"

Oliver asked her when she was pouring a glass of juice for him.

She nodded while avoiding eye contact.

Oliver pulled the chair for her.

"Sit down!"

She looked at him confused when he said that.

"Sit!"

She looked at Arthur confused but he was focusing on his plate. She sat down and looked at Oliver.

"You don't know how to lie, don't do it next time."

He tapped on her cute nose and filled her plate with food.

"Eat!"

She looked at men sitting at table nervously even though no one was looking at them. All of them were focused on their plates.

"I'll eat in the kitchen."

She mumbled nervously.

"Why, is anyone here going to eat you?"

Oliver teased.

She was feeling awkward. Arthur noticed it.

"Finish your breakfast here, Dove... It's fine."

He ordered.

She nodded and started eating. Oliver glared at Arthur who was smirking at him. His eyes were mocking him that no matter how much he tries, he also have an effect on her.

On other hand, Garry and Noah were watching everything worriedly. No one knows how this drama is going to end.

Noah's phone chimed and he saw Oliver's message.

"Target, Arabella's uncle... Feel free to do whatever you want but make sure he doesn't die."

He looked at Oliver who was admiring his kitten. He knows that obsession has just started, the peak is yet to be reached.