Chapter 155: Excitement.
Lawrence.
She wants me.
Those three words echoed over and over inside my head, each repetition stirring a different emotion within me—disbelief, joy, excitement and hope.
My heart pounded so loudly that I could barely hear anything else around me.
What exactly had I done to deserve this?
Why me?
Out of everyone she could have called...out of all three of us...she had chosen me.
The thought alone was enough to leave me completely overwhelmed.
A small smile tugged at the corners of my lips before I could stop it.
For as long as I could remember, I had never been the one girls looked at, not really because compared to my brothers, I was always the easy one, the childish one and the playful one who never seemed serious enough.
Whenever people compared us, I always came last.
Lurgard carried himself with confidence and authority and Leonard had that intimidating presence that naturally demanded attention.
And me?
I was simply Lawrence.
I had long grown used to it. It no longer surprised me whenever people’s attention drifted toward my brothers instead of me.
Yet, here she was, even while resting in Lurgard’s arms only moments ago...even with both of my brothers standing right there...she had called my name.
It felt unreal, and surely...I had to be dreaming.
There was simply no other explanation.
How could someone like Theresa, someone so beautiful, so stubborn, so incredibly precious...
Choose me?
Before I could question myself any further, her voice interrupted the whirlwind of thoughts racing through my mind.
"Lawrence, you are keeping me waiting."
Her tone was firm, carrying just enough impatience to snap me completely back to reality.
I blinked.
Once, and then twice.
The haze surrounding my thoughts disappeared instantly. I wasn’t dreaming and this was real.
She was waiting...for me.
A grin spread across my face before I could suppress it.
Without wasting another second, I walked toward her, every step felt lighter than the last.
When I finally reached her, I gently took hold of her arm, careful not to grip too tightly.
"My lady," I said with a playful bow of my head, unable to hide the happiness bubbling inside me, "I’m at your service."
The words came out jokingly, but my heart meant every bit of them. I couldn’t remember the last time I had felt this happy.
It was as though the weight I’d carried for years had suddenly vanished.
Without another word, I gently led her toward the door.
As we stepped out together, I couldn’t resist stealing one quick glance behind us.
The expressions on my brothers’ faces were absolutely priceless.
I almost laughed. No...I wanted to laugh.
Their stunned looks were worth remembering forever.
A smug satisfaction settled comfortably inside my chest.
I couldn’t wait to remind them of this moment. I wanted to enjoy the victory.
Hadn’t they always acted as though no girl would ever choose me unless I happened to be standing beside them?
Hadn’t life always proven them right?
Well, not today.
The realization filled me with a quiet sense of pride that refused to fade.
My smile only widened as I looked ahead.
With that thought lingering warmly inside my heart, I continued leading Theresa forward.
Together, we walked straight to my room.
The moment we stepped into my room, Theresa didn’t hesitate. She walked straight toward my bed as though she already knew exactly where she wanted to be.
Without a word, she lowered herself onto the edge of the mattress and settled comfortably, her movements calm and completely natural.
Meanwhile...I remained rooted to the spot near the door. My hand was still resting against the doorknob, but I had completely forgotten about closing it.
I simply stared at her.
My mind refused to process what had just happened. Those words continued to echo inside my head, refusing to leave.
I want Lawrence.
The memory alone was enough to send another wave of excitement rushing through me.
My lips parted slightly as I continued staring at her, still struggling to convince myself that this wasn’t another one of my ridiculous daydreams.
"Would you keep standing there?"
Theresa’s voice suddenly cut through my thoughts.
I blinked rapidly.
Her words pulled me back to reality so abruptly that I almost stumbled over my own feet.
"O-Oh..."
Without another second of hesitation, I shut the door, and hurried toward the bed.
My heartbeat refused to slow. It only seemed to race even faster the closer I got to her.
I sat down beside her, leaving only a small space between us.
I tried to relax—I really did but it was impossible, as my legs refused to stay still.
I shifted slightly, while I rubbed my palms against my trousers before absentmindedly scratching the back of my neck.
A few seconds later...I scratched it again, as I couldn’t even keep my eyes in one place.
Every few moments, I found myself stealing another glance at her, and then I quickly looked away only to sneak another look moments later.
I was far too restless to sit properly.
The excitement bubbling inside me refused to settle.
Finally...I couldn’t keep my thoughts locked away any longer. I slowly released a deep breath, hoping it would somehow calm the storm raging inside my chest.
It didn’t.
Turning fully toward her, I met her gaze.
My excitement was impossible to hide.
"Theresa..." I began carefully, as my voice carried an unmistakable note of hope "Does this mean..." I hesitated for a brief moment before forcing the question out. "Does this mean you chose me over my brothers?"
The words left my mouth almost too quickly.
"I mean..." I added with an awkward smile, "you said you wanted me."
Hope flickered brightly inside my chest.
Theresa simply stared back at me.
Her brows slowly drew together in confusion, as though she couldn’t understand how I had reached that conclusion.
"Don’t get it all wrong, Lawrence," she said firml, and the smile on my face faltered. "I did not choose you." She added, as she emphasized every single word, making sure there was no room for misunderstanding. "I won’t choose from amongst you!"
Each sentence landed heavily against my heart.
Before I could respond, she rose gracefully from the bed.
I instinctively looked up at her.
She stepped closer until she was standing directly in front of me. Without warning, her fingers curled around the collar of my shirt.
She gripped the fabric firmly and gently pulled me toward her, as our faces were now only inches apart.
My breathing caught in my throat, and unable to look away, I remained completely still as she leaned in.
Her lips stopped just beside my ear.
"You are all mine," she declared confidently.
A brief pause followed, and then, in a softer voice that sent a shiver racing down my spine, she whispered,
"All three of you."