Chapter 198
Victoria casually picked up the remote and turned on some music, selecting a soothing and lively classical piece. The melodious tunes filled the room, adding a touch of warmth to this Easter evening.
William glanced at her, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You've got quite the sense of ambiance."
"With good food and wine, how could we not enjoy some music? You don't get it; this is an artist's pursuit," Victoria explained earnestly.
"An artist, huh?" William scoffed, taking a sip from his wine glass.
Victoria pouted. "Why can't I be an artist? Plenty of people like my paintings."
"Alright, enough bragging." William pushed a glass of wine towards her. "Try this."
Victoria inhaled the rich aroma of the wine and praised, "Smells wonderful!"
"Then drink up," William said indifferently.
Victoria took a small sip, savoring it before exclaiming, "This is excellent wine!"
They continued their dinner under the soft glow of the chandelier, which cast a gentle light over them, creating a cozy atmosphere.
William suddenly put down his utensils and looked at her. "Happy Easter."
Victoria was momentarily stunned but then broke into a bright smile. "Happy Easter."
"I didn't expect you to come, so I didn't prepare a gift."
"No worries, I did." Victoria pulled a small, intricately decorated Easter egg from her bag and gently slid it across the table. "Hope you like it."
William paused, his gaze fixed on the egg. It was the first time he had received such a unique gift.
He picked up the egg, examining it with curiosity. "For me?"
"Yes," Victoria replied, a bit shyly, lowering her eyes. She had thought that perhaps no one would give him an Easter gift, so she had impulsively bought the egg and kept it with her.
William carefully placed the egg in a delicate box and closed the lid. "It's just an egg," Victoria said, feeling a bit embarrassed.
He shook his head. "It's precious."
Precious enough that he didn't know what to give in return.
Soon, the distant chimes of a church bell echoed through the quiet night, completing the Easter evening tradition.
The two of them were so harmonious tonight, like old friends simply sharing a meal, that Victoria almost forgot the past conflicts she had experienced in this house.
As she was enjoying her meal, her phone rang.
She wiped her hands and answered, "Samuel, what's up?"
William glanced at her, his expression unreadable.
Samuel had just finished celebrating with his family and called her, wanting to hear her voice and chat for a bit. But after a few minutes, he was called away again.
"One of our family friends got drunk, and my dad wants me to drive them home," Samuel explained apologetically.
"Alright, drive safe," Victoria said, hanging up.
When she looked up, she saw William staring at her intently.
"What's going on with you and that guy?" he asked, his tone full of disdain.
"His name is Samuel," Victoria corrected seriously.
"Whatever his name is, it doesn't matter. Victoria, let me tell you, if a guy keeps giving you empty promises, you're not far from being let down."
"Don't talk about him like that. He's not that kind of person. He's never given me empty promises."
In fact, it was she who occasionally kept things from him, and she felt guilty about it.
Seeing her defend Samuel, William scoffed, his voice growing colder. "So what kind of person is he? Sneaking around with other women behind your back?"
Victoria was shocked. "How do you know?"
She regretted the question as soon as she asked it.
William glanced at her. "So you knew all along."
Victoria looked away, speaking softly. "We're all adults. We're not married, so we have the right to make our own choices."
"So, coming to see me behind his back is just following adult rules?" William asked, his tone mocking.
"You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?" Victoria glared at him.
"Victoria, are you really that naive?" William's deep eyes bore into hers. "He's treating you so poorly, and it'll only get worse."
"He..."
Seeing her about to defend Samuel again, William's anger flared. "The person I care about is being treated like this by him?"
Victoria was stunned.
She stared at him, momentarily forgetting how to react, and downed a large glass of wine in one go.
William wasn't one to mince words. He said what he felt without regret.
He even spoke with a hint of arrogance, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "Are you a pushover or just stupid? If you know he's seeing other women, why not confront him? With me here, what are you afraid of? The Brown family? I can crush them easily."
His words seemed light, but Victoria knew he had the power to back them up.
However, what shocked her the most was his admission of caring about her.
Victoria was reluctant to admit the complicated relationship she had with William.
She didn't have Stockholm syndrome or a masochistic tendency. She had once had a naive crush on William, harboring girlish fantasies about a future with him.
She hated his past actions but understood the reasons behind his change in behavior.
In those moments when she was almost swallowed by life's difficulties, it was often William who silently stood by her side, offering a helping hand.
So, she didn't want to face her growing feelings for William, nor did she dare to acknowledge the subtle, inexplicable attraction between them.
It felt like they were destined by fate to either be bitter enemies or strangers passing by.
If they tried to break free from this predetermined path and defy societal norms to be together, not only would others judge them, but she would also fall into deep self-loathing and disgust.
In the end, she pretended not to hear William's words.
After a suffocating silence, Victoria poured herself another full glass of wine and spoke firmly. "This is my personal matter. I don't want anyone interfering."
Her words were decisive, leaving no room for argument.
William let out a cold laugh, seemingly unconcerned with her opinion. He said nothing more and finished his half-full glass of wine.
The two of them, as if in a silent contest, continued to drink in silence, neither willing to back down.
The elegant piano music flowed, evoking a sense of tranquility, yet it only highlighted the tense atmosphere between them.
Time passed, and the food on the table remained mostly untouched, while three or four bottles of wine were emptied. Both of their faces were flushed, their eyes hazy and unfocused.