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“Mostly landscapes. And the stars. I love painting the stars…” she gazed up at the sky with glazed, happy eyes as she thought over her paintings. “I have a few that are coming with me when I move into your home… I will show them then.” She said softly, smiling at him and deciding to heck with it she wanted to hold his hand. So she did.
Mal's eyebrows slightly went up in surprise when she held his hand, but he didn't say anything. He held her hand back and tried not to let his smug grin be seen. "I'm sure that they look great!" He exclaimed. Mal had an appreciation for the effort behind the art. If something took hours to do and didn't look as great as it could have, he considered that to be better than a great looking 10 minute sketch.
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Arabella shifted slightly so her jacket sleeve covered her free hand. She looked up at him again and hummed softly, acting a little childish as she balanced along a row of rocks and hummed a small tune. “I do love my art. To me it’s special.” Her eyes lit up.
“Especially all of my bigger canvases. I have some beautiful mountain ranges and wonderful sunsets painted!”
(How fast do we want them to fall for each other? XD)
(Ooooh, we could make it a slow burn and have it be all angsty. It's up to you! My character already kinda likes her, so it's up to you-)
Mal watched her act like an smol bean innocent child, and the way she spoke so passionately about art made him smile. How cute. He suppressed vocalizing his admiration for her. "I can't wait to see them."
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(That’s what I was thinking to. Do we want it angsty or should they fall for each other rather quickly? I don’t mind at all I was just wondering.)
Arabella came alive when she was allowed to roam free. Her eyes traveled across the scenery, which filled her up with a joy unmeasured. She liked the outdoors… she loved the forests and trees and gardens… she loved the smell of fresh air and feeling of sun - and even rain - upon her fair skin. It was invigorating to her. For once her small, skeletal frame seemed strong and healthier.
She was a free bird who didn’t like to be cooped up. She didn’t like how her wings were clipped but she could still glide every now and then. She hoped Mal would let her out…
“I’m excited to show you them. Don’t be upset when they’re not good, however, I have had to teach myself how to paint…”
(Well I personally enjoy angst. A bit too much, but that's a whole different story. So that's my preference-)
"For me, art is about the effort." He smiled as if he were remembering a fond memory. "The hard work behind the art really shows you how hard the artist tried, and how determined they were." He leaned over a bit, so that his face was next to hers. "That's why I know your art will be good."
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(I freaking love angst too!! Should we have some huge thing happen that forces them apart even more so than being forced into a marriage?! Like some sort of ‘scandal’ the news made up?)
She blushed and turned her face away from his. He was close enough she could smell his hair. It was wonderfully enchanting. She shivered and smiled brightly.
“Thank you, Mal, you are very kind.”
( Y E S )
He returned to his normal stance and smiled at her sincerely. "Of course, Arabella."
A gust of wind suddenly came over them, and a rather large storm cloud started to block out the sun. He frowned, wondering where the cloud came from. "We should head inside. It might rain…" He started to lead her indoors.
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(Ahahaha so that’s a yes XD what should happen?)
She pulled her jacket around her small body and shuddered. The gust of wind was freezing. “As much as I love the rain and being out in it, I think you’re right…” she said softly, looking up at the sky as she turned to follow him. “Maybe we could check out the pool or hot tubs or something?” She offered softly, looking around.
(Maybe… Mal gets caught "cheating" on her?)
"They have both of those indoors," he grinned. "Did you pack a bathing suit?"
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(Oooh I like the idea! It goes up in flames and Arabella had just barely started to like him. She sees this ‘cheating’ and it destroys their relationship.)
Arabella flashed him a cheeky grin. “Of course, Mal. I always bring a swimming suit with me places.” She joked with a small giggle. She did have her swim suit in her bag. She knew there was going to be at least some sort of hot tub or pool. There was probably a hot tub in their room she had yet to discover.
(How quick do we want this lil' scandal to blow up? Cause I could make it happen right now, heh-)
Mal's eyes lit up when she made her cute joke. He always had an intense admiration for witty and humorous people. He opened the door to their room, holding it open for her once more.
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(Heck yeeee Let’s do it!!!)
Arabella thanked him and smiled around the room. It was warm and cozy. It was made for romance and comfort so it was no secret that the place was well decorated and lit beautifully.
Her eyes turned to him, admiring how well he seemed to fit in with the comfortable place. She was probably a stark contrast to it all.
(Also?? I highkey want to incorporate his sister into the story. Maybe she could be the one that Mal is "cheating" on with Arabella? But Mal doesn't want to admit that he has a sister because their father will do something or something like that? I've thought about this way too much.)
Mal's phone rang. He read who it was and looked up at Arabella, putting on a fake smile. "I should probably take this…. You get dressed. I'll be out in a second."
He went outside to the balcony and took his call.
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(Oh heck yiis! How do have such amazing ideas!? That’s brilliant! Let’s do it!!)
She blinked lightly and tilted her head. “Oh, alright. I’ll be right here!” She said, slipping to the bathroom to change. Arabella pulled up her hair, deciding she was going to grow it out super long. She slipped on a nightgown and beamed at her reflection. She looked rather pretty at the moment. Even she had to admit that.
(oH- Thank you!!!)
After a while, Mal walked back inside, visibly distressed. He patiently waited for Arabella to come out of the bathroom while he nibbled the skin on his knuckles, making them bleed.
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(I love it! :3)
Arabella sighed, exiting the bathroom and stretching out her arms. She felt much better now, still distressed and depressed over their wedding but much more alive.
She caught sight of him and pulled his hands away from his face. “What’s wrong?”
"I'm sorry Arabella, I-" he looked down at her and what she was wearing. "Wow. You look really lovely in that." He said, not realizing he was speaking his mind.
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She tilted her head when he paused, only to flush a bright red when he spoke again. “Oh… thanks… it’s really nothing. I was never allowed to wear nightgowns so now I’m being a rebel.” She giggled softly.
Mal blinked a few times. "Well, you're a very pretty rebel." he commented.
He stood up and sighed. "Well, I'm very sorry, little rebel, but there's something urgent I need to do. It'll only take a few minutes, ok?" He ruffled her hair again and made his way to the front door. "Try not to go too crazy, miss rebel." He winked at her and left.
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She blushed a deeper red and bit her lip, smiling as she looked away. “Thank you Mal…”
She looked to him and nodded very gently, giggling softly at his words and the ruffle of her hair. She couldn’t help but to like him. This won’t be bad at all. He’s such a charmer. “I won’t. I’ll be perfectly fine doing rebel things like jumping on the bed and raising my voice and wearing my nightgowns and being messy and making my own little nest with all the blankets!” She beamed and waved him goodbye, humming happily.
She had thought she would hate his guts for the rest of their lives together but he was so fun. She was just starting to like him. Sure she didn’t like she was forced to marry him but the bitterness was melting away as she became friends with him.
Mal didn't return for a half hour.
Ding! There was a report, no, a scandal about Maaleshiira and some lady! A picture of the two were shown in the report. In the picture, Mal was just outside the hotel, wearing the same exact clothes as he was earlier today. The photo was taken only a few seconds ago (dont ask me how the report was written so fast-). A rather pretty lady was crying and hugging Mal, and he seemed to be comforting her. The report suggested an affair between the two.
About another 10 minutes later, Mal returned. He looked 10 times worse than before, but he tried to hide that with a smile. "Sorry that took so long."
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Arabella had busied herself by making a small little blanket next for herself. She was curled up in it when the report pinged on her phone. It was the name that caught her attention first. Maaleshiira…? My husband…? Scandal? her mind twirled in confusion and some emotion she couldn’t describe. Her eyes scanned the report, but it was the photo that proved her suspicions.
Her heart shattered.
He had promised her he wouldn’t go out with another woman… but had he been lying the whole time? They were barely on their honeymoon! He had another lover already?!
Tears pricked the corners of her eyes as she read the article again and again, each reread only shattered herself more. She stood quickly when Mal entered, her vision distorted by tears that hadn’t yet fallen. They felt hot, like they were burning her eyes. She wanted to let them go but she couldn’t break down yet.
“I can’t believe I let myself trust you…” she whispered, clenching her fists and teeth. “Of course an arrogant brat like you wouldn’t keep your word… I should have known better.” Her voice raised an octave but she cleared her throat and brought it back down.
“Everything you’ve said has been a lie, hasn’t it?! Just some stupid lie to keep me happy and oblivious to the fact you’ve found someone else already. Fine… go with her. I don’t want anything to do with you Maaleshiira… I never wanted his marriage, I never wanted you.” She spat, hurrying out of the room, hot tears streaming down her face. Why she felt so betrayed she didn’t know. She shouldn’t be so upset over this… he didn’t love her and that was obvious, of course he would have some other woman to run off to when she wouldn’t give him what he wanted. All rich snobs were like that…
She ran until she came to the gardens, collapsing onto a bench hidden by trees and sobbing into her hands. The cold air stung her cheeks and bare skin; the light rain that had started to fall chilled her bone. She had left both her jacket, and her phone back in the room…
Her phone just happened to still be on the article, the photo center-screen.
(JESUS, READING THAT BROKE MY HEART seriously, im actually tearing up. I applaud you)
Mal was utterly shocked while she was busy snapping at him. Arrogant brat? Jeez, I wasn't even gone for an hour. He let her continue her rant though, hoping she would feel better afterwards.
His eyes twitched when she mentioned another woman. Who's her supposed to be? He bit his tongue though, despite how badly he wanted to jump in.
However, when Arabella left the room, he did wish that he jumped in. "Arabella?" He whispered, speechless. His mind was in a state of panic. What did I do?! He looked over at her phone, and saw that it was still on.
He read the article, fuming. "Really? People can't leave me alone for one second?!" He screamed, starting to get angry. He was more angry at himself than anyone else though. He took her phone and rushed outside, trying to find her.
Eventually, he found her. His heart broke in two when he heard her crying. I did that. That there is my fault. He hated to see anyone, let alone the woman he adored, be in pain. He slowly approached her, trying not to make noise.
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(Ooof Thanks fam xD)
She sobbed into her hands for what seemed like forever. When she finally started to calm down she was a wreck, her hair falling out and frizzy from stress; her eyes swollen and face puffy and red; she looked quite awful.
Small sobs still wracked her body. Her eyes moved to look up at the sky, closing when she felt the rain begin to fall harder. Arabella would stay out here even if it made her sick. She didn’t want to go back into the room with him… she didn’t want to sleep in the same bed. She’d sleep on the floor if she had to.
God she was so stupid. How could she have even thought that he was starting to like her? Let alone loved her. She was a fool for thinking otherwise. All she was was a trophy wife he could show off and ignore.
Mal had approached her, and he was closer now. "Arabella…" He spoke quietly and hesitantly, hoping he wouldn't upset her. "This is all a misunderstanding."
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She jumped when he spoke her name. She stood quickly and whirled around to look at him. “What do you want?! I clearly stated I didn’t want you.” She growled, her eyes angry and her stance defensive.
Mal put up his hands defensively. "I want to explain myself. What you saw was not what it seemed." Seeing her face, and seeing how sad she was put a knife through his heart. He wish he could go back in time and make sure he met his sister in a different place. He wanted Arabella to be happy.
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She bared her teeth at him, scowling slightly. “What do you have to explain? I understand everything. Of course you’d have some other lover. I know you don’t love me and I know you can’t… you could have just told me instead of lying straight to my face.” She seemed to falter, her eyes filling with tears once again. “I would have understood, Maaleshiira. I would have understood completely.”
"She's not my lover!" He defended himself, trying to remain as calm as possible. "I would never cheat on you! Ever!" He seemed almost desperate as he ran his hands through his hair.
