Chapter 192 A Cup of Warm Solace
"Why are you offering apologies?" William's brow furrowed in confusion. "You bear no fault in this. Her arrival was unannounced. Regardless of your presence, I would have insisted on her departure."
"Are you two close?" Ava inquired, sensing a harsh undertone in William's interaction with his sister.
A smile of resignation played on William's lips as he responded, "She's nothing more than a pampered child, constantly at odds with our parents. Don't waste your sympathy on her. You'll understand her true nature once you've spent more time in her company."
"I see," Ava murmured.
"Let me show you to your room," William offered, gathering Ava's luggage and guiding her up the staircase.
They stepped into a pristine guest room, meticulously arranged with a grand floor-to-ceiling window that framed a breathtaking view.
"Achoo!" Ava's sneeze punctuated the silence, her hand instinctively reaching for her nose.
Without missing a beat, William extended a handful of tissues towards her, "I'll fetch you some cold medicine."
As he prepared to exit the room, a thought struck him and he turned back, "Ah, of course, you're expecting. It's likely best to avoid medication."
Ava offered a weary smile, "I'm alright, I'll just have some warm water later. Don't worry."
"Alright, I'll bring you some hot water. Just give me a moment," William assured her, his concern evident.
After his departure, he quickly descended the stairs and filled an insulated kettle with hot water from the dispenser.
Victoria sauntered up to him, a casual air about her, "William, are you and Ava just friends? Don't attempt to deceive me."
"Who's attempting deception?" William's frown deepened, "I'm cautioning you, Victoria. I don’t want to see you and your dramatic antics around her, understood?"
"You speak as though I'm some petulant child," Victoria grumbled, arms folded, leaning nonchalantly against the nearby wall.
"Are you not?" William shot back.
"Fine, have it your way. Is that hot water for her?" Victoria inquired.
"She's come down with a cold," William replied, his tone matter-of-fact.
"Interesting. William Bennett personally attending to a lady friend, that's not a courtesy you extend lightly," she observed, her words laced with insinuation.
Once the kettle was filled, William secured the lid and selected a clean cup.
"Victoria, I don’t want to hear your idle chatter and jokes in her presence. This isn't a gentle reminder. It's a stern warning."
With that, he exited, kettle in hand.
A curious smile danced in Victoria's eyes, "Such concern for her? I must talk to her and see what makes her so special."
William returned to the room, bearing the hot water.
He placed the kettle and cup on the table, "This kettle is insulated and filled with water. If it runs out, let me know and I'll refill it."
"Thank you, this should suffice," Ava responded, her hand absently rubbing her slightly reddened nose.
"Here's the remote for the curtains. If you wish to close them at night, simply press the button."
Ava hummed in acknowledgment.
"Would you like me to draw a bath for you? A soak might be beneficial," William suggested.
"William, I can manage on my own. It's late, you should rest as well. I plan to retire now," Ava replied, her exhaustion evident in her voice, a clear desire for solitude in her eyes.
Ever perceptive, William understood Ava's need for privacy.
"Alright, rest well. I'll be just next door if you require anything."
Ava hummed once more, "Goodnight."
William paused, his gaze lingering on her for a moment, "Goodnight."
As he began to retreat, he clumsily collided with the door, exiting the room in a somewhat flustered manner.
Ava watched him leave, a puzzled expression on her face, as though she felt William had momentarily lost himself in thought.
