Not Yours (BL)

William arrived at his father's grand mansion, stepping out of the carriage with practiced ease. Every movement, every breath he took, was deliberate—controlled. It was the performance of a noble son, a role he had mastered long ago. As he entered the estate, the butlers bowed in greeting.

"Welcome, Lord William. Your father is in his office."

Without a word, William strode through the familiar halls, his polished boots echoing against the marble floors. When he reached the office, he pushed the door open, his gaze immediately landing on the unfamiliar figure seated comfortably on the sofa.

Gottfried.

The man was engaged in conversation with his father but paused as soon as William entered. A pleased smile curled his lips.

"Ah, here he is—William, your eldest son."

Gottfried stood, extending a hand toward him. William took it with a firm grip, his expression unreadable—just another act in the ongoing theater of nobility.

"I am Gottfried."

"Nice to meet you."

His father, Lord Charles, gestured toward the chairs. "Come, son, sit with us." His tone was unusually warm, though William remained cautious.

Settling into the chair opposite Gottfried, William studied the man as he spoke.

"Lord Charles," Gottfried said with an easy smile, "your son is quite striking—just like you. That dark indigo hair and those golden eyes… Truly a commanding presence."

Lord Charles chuckled, leaning back. "Of course, after all, he is my son."

But then, the mood shifted. Gottfried's expression darkened, his tone laced with something almost cruel.

"But…" He tilted his head, feigning pity. "It's a shame. His mother was nothing more than a commoner, wasn't she? And she burned along with the house—what a painful death."

Silence settled in the room, thick and heavy.

William's jaw tightened, but he didn't allow the rage to crack his carefully composed mask. Emotions were a performance—one he refused to let others control. His golden eyes, once calm, now held a sharp glint of warning.

Charles's expression darkened for a brief moment before he straightened, his voice unwavering and firm.

"She was a beautiful woman," he said with quiet confidence. "No matter her status."

Gottfried raised his hands slightly in a gesture of mock apology. "Oh, Lord Charles, my sincerest apologies if I offended you. I was merely speaking my mind."

Silence hung in the air. Charles said nothing, his piercing gaze enough to make Gottfried shift uncomfortably.

Sensing the tension, Gottfried forced a polite smile and stood. "Well, I believe I should take my leave. I have a bit of business to attend to."

Without waiting for a reply, he exited the room.

As the door closed behind him, Charles turned his attention to William. "Where is Walter?"

William leaned back slightly, arms crossed. "I don't know. He came to me, said you called for him, and then left."

Charles frowned. "I also called for him. I assumed he had already come to see me."

A flicker of suspicion passed between them before Charles exhaled sharply. He turned to the butler standing by the door.

"Bring Walter here. Now."

The butler bowed and quickly left to carry out his orders.

Charles leaned forward, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of his chair, his sharp golden eyes studying William.

"Do you want to marry Gottfried's daughter?" he asked, his tone calm yet heavy with expectation.

William scoffed, adjusting the cuff of his tailored coat. "No. There is no way I'm marrying her. Gottfried is nothing but a greedy man—he only wants to expand his trade business. That's all this is about."

Charles hummed in agreement, rubbing his chin. "I know. It's best to stay away from him. I don't trust that man."

Before William could respond, the door swung open. Walter strolled in with his usual carefree energy, followed by the butler, who looked far less amused.

"Father, you called for me?" Walter asked, flashing a lazy grin.

Charles's gaze darkened. "Where were you?"

Walter opened his mouth, hesitating just long enough for the butler to step in.

"He was outside the mansion, with the ladies. Flirting." The butler's tone was laced with mild disapproval.

Walter let out an exaggerated sigh, rolling his eyes. "Oh, Father, it was nothing. The girls just wanted to know a little... information."

William smirked, sipping his tea. "Information, huh? I'm sure they were very... thorough in their questioning."

Walter shot him a glare before flopping onto the couch, stretching his arms.

The butler cleared his throat. "Lord Charles, should I prepare the dining hall?"

Charles waved a hand dismissively. "Later. First, we settle this matter."

Just as he finished speaking, a loud crash echoed from outside the office.

The room stilled.

Then, hurried footsteps. A voice shouting in the hallway.

Charles's jaw tensed. William and Walter exchanged a glance before both stood up.

The butler turned toward the door. "I'll check—"

Before he could reach it, the door burst open.

William leaned back against the chair, crossing one leg over the other as he watched Walter with amusement.

"Hey, Walter, who were the ladies?" he asked, tilting his head slightly.

Walter froze, his expression going blank for a moment before he forced a casual laugh. "Ah... um..."

William's smirk deepened. "Come on, don't tell me you forgot already."

Walter rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding eye contact. "It's not important."

"Oh, but it is," William teased, his golden eyes gleaming. "I mean, if Father called you here, but you were off charming the ladies... well, they must've been quite special, right?"

Walter shot him a glare. "Shut up."

The butler cleared his throat, trying to suppress a knowing smile.

Jonathan, still standing near the doorway, sighed. "If you two are done playing around, I suggest you focus on the real issue at hand."