Neil Lewis Core

neil lewis core

Secrets and Broken Hearts

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Chapter 2

Thomas Shelby x (Writer) Reader

Ms. Bennett goes around to look for information. Shall she finally quench her undying curiosity before it eats her alive?

A few days passed, and she spent her time working with William at the shop. They stole kisses and glances from each other even before the shop opened. After a bit, she left with the excuse of having running an errand. When William proposed to walk with her and help, she refused, insisting that she could handle herself when, in truth, she wanted to find new 'inspiration,' so she called. She needed information on what to write next.

With a smile, she walked around town. Everyone knew her as a nice young lady, humbly working at her William's, sometimes even catching he going for drinks here and there. No one could find her doing anything wrong, she had befriended families and neighbours alike, sometimes people wonder how a girl like her could live in a town so sinful as this.

Hearing murmurs around town, the gears in her head began to turn. Making a detour, she walked inside a bar called the Garrison, somewhere she would frequent. She went inside, men and women seeing her yet not paying any attention, she was always here after all. Sitting down in a corner no one would bother her, it was the the early mornings, though it would be preferable to go here at night where men were drunk, their lips as loose as the stitches she would make back at the shop, but she didn't want to risk it, she knew the risk of staying late, especially in a place full of drunkards.

She was good friends with the owner, staying quiet when he saw her at his pub. He made his way to give her a gin before quietly going behind the bar as she thanked him.

"This should be it..." She said, pretending to be busy with writing something on her diary. A few minutes passed by, and all she heard were useless or mundane conversations. Nothing that heed her attention. Sometimes familiar faces would greet her, but nothing more. Smirking internally when one of her acquaintance told her the coppers found a criminal that hid in Small Heath, hiding in a house near the heart of the very town, he even posed as a Baker in one of the market shops. Turns out that man killed his aunt, went to start a new life while his aunt decayed at the house she lived in back in London, the family jeweles being the one reason she was even identified.

"Oh really? That really is something... wait, the bakery down the street?" She said, 'worry' plastered on her face, she was happy that man got arrested, though now she had to act as if she didn't know any of this, unbestknown to the tranquil she faces underneath, the person she was talking just gave a nod. They talked for a few moments before she was left alone once again, nursing the gin on her hand.

When she was about to leave the door of the pub opened, looking at the person from the corner of her eyes, she found out it was no other than Thomas Shelby himself. Holding her breath, she silently watched him take off his peaked cap as he made his way to the bar, throwing the said cap on the bar as Harry approached with a bottle of whiskey.

"On the house Mr. Shelby." Harry said, uncorking the bottle before placing it in front of Thomas with a glass. Thomas gave no reaction. Still, he placed two coins down for Harry.

Deciding to stay, she continued to busy herself. She then saw Thomas and Freddy look at one another before Freddy made his way towards Thomas. This is it. Maybe they know something, she thought.

After Freddy got his drink, he took it and drank. "Cheers, Thomas, good health to you." Getting no reaction, he took the peaked cap on the bar to examine it.

"The crown of a prince. Soon to be king, I'd bet."

"You don't bet."

Finding this conversation fruitless, she bit her lip, nails digging and scratching her thigh above her skirt, a habit she'd come around with since she was a child whenever she was getting restless or anxious The two men kept talking, and finally, after a bit, she heard something useful come out of Freddy's mouth. She rested her head on the palm of her hand whilst re-reading the same lines on her diary to look like she wasn't listening.

"One of my Union comrades has a sister, works in the telegraph office at the NSA factory."

He went on to continue, saying how over the past weeks they'd have messages coming up from London to the brass from Winston Churchill himself. Her breath hitched when she heard, Freddie made his way closer to Thomas, and her voice lowered, but still, she heard him as clear as day.

"Something about a robbery. A robbery of national significance."

She kept her face neutral, letting the information sink in. But Freddie kept talking, saying that his and Thomas' name was on the list. After those words, she didn't listen any longer. Muting everything to formulate a plan to begin her new investigation, risky as it is, her pamphlets earned enough to have her save money for her own future endeavors, no doubt the coppers themselves paid her through the printing shops that would publish her work, thankful that both the coppers and the men at the shop didn't bother knowing her name, that much was enough to keep her going.

Her thoughts were once again interrupted when the door slammed open, a man going hysterical. It was Danny, the woman jumped out of her chair quickly as Danny began to turn and toss everything he could get his hands on. She looked more worried than frightened, those men that fought in war, those lucky enough to come back home, they were no longer in France but different fight brews in their mind. The trauma they have to live with must be difficult. She moved to the side as Thomas And Freddie put him down, when they deemed him back to his own self again, they stood up as Thomas reassured him, saying for him to go home to his wife. When Danny was gone, the woman began helping around to fix the tables. That was the least he could do for her friend Harry.

"Mr. Shelby, you have to do something about him."

Harry said as he pointed at the door with his hand, Thomas and Freddy walked back, Freddy agreeing with Harry. The woman watched them, wondering how Freddy could go around taunting Thomas. He sure does have some confidence in him. Continuing with her thoughts, she frowned when Freddie kept talking.

"Maybe you should put a bullet in Danny Whiz-Bangs head like they do with mad horses... maybe you ought to put a bullet in my head someday, too..."

Having had enough of this already, the woman went to leave. She turned to bid her goodbye to Harry, who quietly thanked her for trying to help. Her eyes locked onto Thomas and then Freddy, she looked uneasy in their eyes, both men thought that she wasn't used to these kinds of things happening close to her. It is ironic as the town itself reeks of such impurities. The men in front of her are one of the many reasons. Oh, how wrong they were. She gave them a nod of acknowledgement before leaving with her diary. Once she reached her flat, she slumped on the chair in the kitchen, grabbing a drink as she thought to herself.

One thing was on her mind. She needed to know about this robbery.

"Surely if it's of national treasure someone competent would go looking for it..."

She picked up her pen, and maybe getting her head stuck in this problem was not ideal? But with the mind of a woman like her, how can curiosity be quenched if something like this is laid on before her? Maybe for her sake, she won't publish the information, write about something else for the moment, still she wanted - no needed to find out.

"Should I start with Mr. Shelby, then..."

The Unexpected Visit

Thomas Shelby x Reader

This is part 2, by the way! Check out part 1 first!

Part 3

Summary: Ada gets married, Thomas takes a Barmaid to a Derby, Thomas, and (Y/N) gets closer.

Word counter: 2,056 words

"Should I be crying? You look like an angel, Ada," I said wholeheartedly, helping her with the veil as I admired her through the reflection in the mirror. My words brought a chuckle from her, filling the room with a lightness.

"Do you think he'll like it? Freddie, I mean," she asked, seeking reassurance.

"Of course he will. Ang ganda mo kaya," I replied

"Ganda mo kaya?" Ada questioned, curious about the meaning. I explained, "It means 'you're beautiful.'' With her heart full of love, she left the house early in the morning.

Later that day, Pol asked me to run some errands around town, buy a few things at the market, though I knew she wanted me to take a breather from everything that's been happening, that I was thankful for. As I walked, the mud stained my shoes, and the smoke filled the sky, reminding me that this environment was vastly different from what I was accustomed to. I veered towards a less crowded section of town, continuing my walk, when suddenly, the sound of a gunshot pierced the air. My body froze, and my head snapped in the direction of the noise. In the distance, I spotted two figures—a man and a woman. Without daring to investigate further, I swiftly turned and ran, paying no mind to the mud splattering on my skirt. At that moment, running was the only important thing, outfit be damned.

"Jusko po..." I gasped, leaning my back against a wall once I deemed myself far enough from the commotion. I panted heavily, resting my hands on my knees to catch my breath. People cast strange glances in my direction, but I paid them no mind. No one could know what I had witnessed.

After calming myself down for a while, I realized I couldn't simply return home. Walking down the familiar streets, I made my way to the market and purchased the items on my list. Once back home, I placed them on the kitchen table before heading upstairs to change. Convincing myself that the gunshot from earlier were just friendly fire, that utbjust happened on accident.

As I descended the stairs, I overheard the boys conversing amongst themselves. Arthur now owned the Garrison, and Tommy had made an attempt on Ada's husband. They were planning to attend a Derby.

"So, you're taking the pretty barmaid, eh mate?" John asked. I paused for a moment at the bottom of the stairs, realizing that Tommy had a date.

Peeking my head around the corner, I caught sight of John and Arthur snickering to themselves.

"Whoa, Thomas has a date?" I exclaimed, capturing the attention of the three men. John was the first to respond, saying, "Of course he does."

"And she's a pretty one too, works at the Garrison!" Arthur chimed in. Unbeknownst to me, Thomas had been watching me the entire time, and as our eyes met, I gave him a thumbs-up.

"Good luck, treat her right," I said, my smile turning into a more serious expression. I was well aware of how women were often treated by men during these times.

"It's just business," Tommy replied dismissively.

"Everything is always business to you, Tommy," Arthur groaned, earning a glare from Thomas.

"It'd be nice if you take yourself a woman, eh?" John teased his brother, getting him a smack in the back of his head by Thomas which made me chuckle.

"Well, I heard you own the Garrison now, Arthur!" I interjected, walking over to join them.

"Been eavesdropping, eh, love?" Arthur said with a toothy grin, causing me to blush in embarrassment. When I tried to explain myself, he waved a hand in the air, assuring me it was alright, and mentioned that they would be celebrating at the Garrison. He then began pulling John along with him, leaving me alone with Thomas.

"I heard you tried to shoot Ada's husband. Did you apologize?" I asked, concerned.

"He's not dead."

"Did you apologize?" I repeated, but was only met with silence, I let out a sigh.

"Well, you should. If you're going on a date, you need to show respect to your sister before other women—"

"It's just business."

"Even so, Thomas. When's the date?" I inquired.

Thomas pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing, as I continued referring to his "business" as a date.

"Tomorrow"

"Since you guys will be busy, I'll go out and find a library. Maybe they'll have something that can help me go back. I'll finish my work today and even do some extra to make up for it," I declared, informing him, knowing he won't stop me. When he only nodded, I took that as my cue to leave. Going inside the betting shop to officially start the day.

///

When tomorrow finally came, I went down to find out the boys have left already. I didn't see where Polly was but Finn was in the kitchen, he threw something in the fireplace.

I walked over to him, my curiosity peaked. "Hey, what was that, hm?" When I crouched down, it was a cigarette.

"Finn?" I held it out, wanting him to explain but were just met with a guilty look. I was aware enough that children from these times smoke and drank alcohol, Finn himself wouldn't be an exception, it shouldn't have had surprised me, especially since Thomas and the others smoked quite often.

"You're still young"

"I'd turn 11 soon,"

"Well, you're still 10. Do it when you're old enough to make decisions for yourself, I've got to go somewhere, but no more of this, okay?" He nodded, which made me smile, patting his head.

"Good, if Pol asks where I am, I'm off to the library"

To my surprised, when I left there was a Peaky Boy by the door, when he approached me, he said that Thomas asked him to escort me to the library since it was far away.

///

"Seriously? Still nothing?"

It has been hours and I still haven't found anything concerning time travel. Though this was expected, it still quite annoyed me. I felt hopeless, feeling tears start to make their way to fall down my cheeks.

"Ma'am, shall I take you home? Its getting quite dark." The Peaky Boy said which stopped my train of thoughts. Quickly wiping my eyes, I looked up at him and forced a smile.

"Yeah, sure." After finishing up, we began to walk our way towards town, it was quite silent so I tried to make conversation with the guy.

"So, what's your name?"

"Charles, Ma'am." I nodded in acknowledgment by his answer, chuckling a bit.

"You don't have to be so stiff, call me (Y/N)," he smiled at that and after we continued to walk with comfortable silence around us, letting me forget my frustration for a moment.

"Thanks for escorting me, by the way"

I bid him goodbye before walking inside the house. Once inside, no one was there, guess everyone's out. I went to Thomas' room, which can be considered mine for the time being.

Feeling a sense of boredom, I picked up a sketchbook and some pencils that Arthur had given me. The pages were already filled with a few sketches done by both me and him. Reflecting on the events of the day, I attempted to draw my brother, trying my best to capture his face. I couldn't help but worry that if I stayed here any longer, I would forget—forget my friends, my family, and the cherished memories we shared. It dawned on me that while I'm here they're probably looking for me.

Deciding to create a comic strip depicting my memories and descriptions of my family, I couldn't help but tear up a little. I had already forgotten my mother and brother's voice.

"Ma, miss kona kayo ni kuya... Mama..."

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts, and I quickly composed myself before inviting the visitor in. It was Polly.

"Pol..."

"The boys are at the Garrison, celebrating. I came to pick you up. Are you alright, love?"

I smiled and nodded. "I'm alright, Pol. It's nothing, just a bit of homesickness. I'll stay here for the night. Do tell them I said congratulations." She nodded, relieved that she didn't pry any further, and left, bidding me goodnight.

///

Unable to sleep that night, I found some peace in my drawings. I kept a candle by my bedside to provide light, sitting with my knees drawn close to my chest and my back against the wall, facing the door with the notebook resting on my thigh.

After a while, I could hear the sound of people talking downstairs. It seemed like Arthur had indulged in a few drinks as he kept yelling, something about a man called Kimber. When the commotion subsided, there was another knock on my door, followed by Thomas' voice asking if I was still awake. I replied affirmatively, and he took it as his cue to enter. Closing the door behind him, he remained silent, prompting me to break the silence.

"So, how was the date? Did it go well?"

"I told you, it's business, eh?" he chuckled, walking over to sit beside me.

"What brings you here?"

"It's my room."

"Fair enough. But why are you here?" I asked. However, instead of responding directly, he asked a question of his own.

"How did your visit to the library go?" I sighed, playing with my hands as I slumped my shoulders.

"Terrible. I feel like I'm trapped here forever. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to be with you all, but I had a life back there, you know? If I stay here any longer, I'm afraid... i just miss my mother, brother, and my friends."

"You have a brother?" he asked, glancing back at me. I nodded, slightly distracted by his question.

"Yeah, he's annoying but caring. We used to play games together."

"Oh, really? What kind?" he inquired. I smiled and lightly punched him on the shoulder.

"Are you just trying to distract me?" I teased. He shrugged, pursing his lips in an attempt to suppress a smile, though I could see it in his eyes.

We continued our conversation, and somehow, before we knew it, we found ourselves lying in bed, facing each other. I kept talking, and he listened.

"Are you sure I'm not bleeding your ears?" I asked, squinting my eyes at him.

He shook his head and encouraged me to keep talking by gesturing to the side.

"Where was I again?" I questioned, testing if he was genuinely paying attention.

"You were talking about your dog named 'Dog,'" he replied.

"Ah, right."

As I was drifting off to sleep, I noticed him getting up, trying not to disturb me.

"Hey, Thomas..."

"Hm?"

"If I met you in my time, siguro nahulog nako sayo"

///

Those were the words that left (Y/N)'s lips. Thomas, though not fully understanding the context, couldn't help but smile nonetheless. He bid her goodnight before leaving to sleep downstairs.

Only he knew the true reason why he had sought her out after returning from the Garrison. Somehow, being with her made him feel like his former self, the boy he was before the war. She brought a genuine warmth to his life, treated him like a normal person and not something broken, not someone without a heart, and not someone that killed so many in the name of war. When she looked at him, he feels like she sees the boy he was, coaxing him to come out little by little, and that comforted him because she sees him, sees someone he thought he can never be again. What began as fascination had blossomed into something deeper. He yearned to know more about her, to delve into the stories and memories she shared. Her voice brought him a sense of comfort. In his own way he wanted her to feel heard, wanted her to know he was there, with her, with everything she will do while she's here.

But deep down, he knew she didn't belong here, and that she would eventually have to leave. So, as much as he wanted to make her stay as memorable as possible, if he could be selfish with her, he hoped against hope that she would choose to stay.

Secrets and Broken Hearts

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Chapter 1

Thomas Shelby x (Writer) Reader

Ms. (Y/N) Bennett goes around to her normal, everyday life, a happy life with her lover, William Carter. Everything is good. A happy life, yes. Truly, she's happy. Right?

CONFESSION:

To cause a strain in marriage through infidelity, hurt as it is, could there be more?

...

Brumi, around 11 p.m. found drunk, a married man coming out of another woman's home, a place near the heart of the city in London, as his wife heart to him

I confirm, with a heavy heart that should his wife leave him, it would probably be best, sometimes those we love, be it family, jewelries or the pastry shops around town rots from within, bread and blood. Shall the day come?

M.D.

A woman sat snuggly on the couch of her shared flat with her lover, reading a pamphlet. It was her day off. Surely, she could just lounge around without care of the world, right? Her thoughts were interrupted the moment the front door creaked open.

"Will! You're home!"

The woman shouted, running towards her lover with the biggest smile known to earth. It had been days since she last saw him, said he had an important work that needed to be held in London. What does a simple tailor need to go to London for? She thought, though it was interrupted once her said Lover just chuckled, wrapping his arms around her whilst spinning her around.

"God's I missed you"

"As I do, how'd the business go?"

She asked, which made the man put her back on her feet. She tilted her head, waiting for an answer before he let out a cough. Kissing her temple before making his way to the kitchen to grab himself a drink, whiskey she presumed it to be.

"William?"

"Mhm? Oh, yeah. It went well dear, no need to worry your darling head." He reassured her, walking over to sit on the couch before patting the space next to him, signalling for her to sit beside him.

"S'your day off?" He asked, drawing the previous conversation to an end. Walking over to him, she nodded.

"Yep, I had Catherine handle the shop for today since it's Wednesday. Business would be slow anyway." She explained, snuggling close to him on the couch while he nodded in acknowledgement.

William had a shop down in Small Heath. She would help around as he tailored suits. Usually, she would stand as a cashier, help with the numbers, hang suits, and dresses. Though it was a bit inconvenient to own such a store in this smoke polluted town, William believed that everyone should have the chance to wear such clothing if they wanted to. One of the many qualities she loved about him.

The next day came by quickly. After breakfast with William, they both headed out for the shop. William opened the door for her like the gentleman he is, giggling at his actions she walked inside before earning a wink from him.

"Catherine, you're here early, noh?" She smiled at the woman who was currently occupied with hanging the newly tailored suits that were to be picked up.

"Oh! Ms. Bennett and Mr. Carter, what a pleasure to see you both." She said, putting a halt to her actions before making her way to the couple. Catherine May currently works as an apprentice for William. Even though the couple insisted on being called their first names, she would always refuse. In time, the said couple had just let her be.

"Love, why don't you handle the shop for today, hm? I have business with Ms. May over here, I need her assistance with a wealthy client down by the block." William said, which made his lover nod. Giving him a quick kiss before sending him and Catherine off by the front door.

Going over to finish what Catherine was doing before, she made sure everything was up and ready before officially opening the shop for the day.

In the afternoon, she was occupied at the counter when she overheard two women gossiping as they were picking out dresses.

"Have you seen the newest pamphlet given this morning?"

The first woman with blonde hair spoke as her shorter friend then continued

"I haven't got the chance to! I've been caught up with my husband these past few days. After the war, everything seemed to turn for the worse."

As the conversation of the ladies went on, they continued their chatter to Ms. Bennett, after picking out their newfound dresses, ready to pay for them.

"I still wonder how no one has been able to identify this writer..." The shorter one said.

"Writer? You mean 'M.D.' By any chance?" She spoke, which instantly caught the attention of both women.

"You read his stories too, Ms. Bennett?"

"I have only ever heard it," She answered with a smile, which made both women in front of the counter raise their brows in acknowledgement. Giving the two women their dresses in a bag after they paid. They chatted for a bit before they left the store

M.D. the infamous writer going about his day to write gossip around every nook and cranny in this town. Of course, she not only read his stories, she knew them by heart even before he went and published them. M.D. which stood for 'Morris Dawn' is a part of her, after all, her very own secret life. Besides, who would even suspect a nice woman living a double life as a writer? The coppers themselves wouldn't dare touch her, afterall her pamphlets coincedentally gave out information of criminals and thugs alike enough as it is vague. Vague but still there, enough to keep their mouth shuts and not find out who this writer was, after all the writer wasn't doing anything wrong. Her thoughts were completely stopped when she heard the bell of the front door ring, signalling someone had entered the shop. Looking over, she saw who it was. Those three brothers she went to school with. Smiling, she greeted them.

"I'll go get the suits, please wait a moment."

"No need to be so formal, love. S'just us, hm?" The youngest one chuckled, a toothpick between his lips. She just chuckled along before making her way to bring them their suits. She was acquainted with Jon and Arthur, though she could never get a read on their other brother.

"I'd prefer it that way, though." She shrugged, which caused a smirk to be placed on the oldest.

"Would you like to try them on? See if it's tailored to your liking?" She asked the three of them before, which caused Jon to shake his head.

Bidding goodbye, the Shelby's went out the store. Their suits are free of charge, per the request of William. Thinking the lot went away, she began to organise the rack when she heard a coin being placed on the counter. Turning her head, she saw the second oldest. Thomas was looking at her quietly, smoking his cigarette.

"For the trouble." Was all Thomas said before heading out the shop where his brothers waited for him.

Secrets and Broken Hearts

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Chapter 4

Thomas Shelby x (Writer) Reader

"I am a woman in love, I wear my heart on my sleeve and smile with not a single thought. I am a woman in love, happily content to where I shall be and where I shall go, as long as I am with him."

Authors Note: I made this story with not much thought, but I wanted to portray the reader and Tommy living their separate lives to have you, readers, have a gist on what its like, to make the character, Ms. Bennett feels real. I don't really know if that makes sense or if I'm doing it correctly, but please enjoy :)))

Two days and six hours, it's been exactly two days and six hours since I've started this investigation that I burdened myself with. All I've been getting are bits of information from the men and women. Women loved to gossip, so much so that they became one of the sources of said information. These missing wives, they had nothing in common with one another. They were just normal working women before they got married and settled down. What would society even do with them? I feel like a jester, juggling my social life together with this secret double life. I never really got used to such taxing activities mentally. This whole investigation, could it be some murderer? Human Traffickers? Surely, this culprit had a motive, a reason, something these women had that they wanted, something these women can give, choice or not.

"Why does everyone call you by your last name?" Andrew suddenly asked, which made me look over at the small child playing by the racks of clothes in William's shop.

Tilting my head, I seem to not know the reason behind it either. Andrew is the son of the man I visited to get close to have more information about the missing wives rather than relying on gossip alone. The child himself was quite entertaining to be around. He spoke so freely about his mother, telling stories of how loving the woman can be.

"Well, if you want, you can call me by my first name," I said with a smile. Walking over to crouch down to his eye level, I gave him a pat on the head, which earned me a smile in return

"Isn't this a sight, hm?" I heard the familiar voice of William from behind. He was at the back with Catherine earlier, presumably sorting out fabrics and dresses.

"C'mon, I've only offered to let this little guy stay here while his father worked, for the assurance that nothing will happen," I said softly though assuming from their reactions, it wasnt taken quite kindly. The statement itself was considered a lie. I lied. Lying straight to the face of the man I love, like how I would every day to everyone, including this child.

"So you don't want me here... Ms. (Y/N)?" Andrew asked me, his face looked sad, eyes like melting glaciers about to fall.

"Of course not, I just meant that I couldn't risk you being alone without your father, even though -"

"So you care for me.. right?" The little child said, hopeful, which made me think, how can he care about my feelings towards him in such a small amount of time we've been together? Children truly are innocent, things to be kept safe from the world we live in. Furthermore, care. To care is to help, a genuine action done out of the kindness of one's own heart. I do that, correct? I think for a moment, my actions, words, and emotions all contradict one another. Both men in the room seemed to take notice of my silence, which in turn made me aware. Aware that they can never know these thoughts, to Bury it, to hide. Breaking from my thoughts, I smiled at the child.

"Of course I do, but later your father will pick you up, I'll have William stay with you since I need to go for a bit, yeah?" Standing back up, I walked over to William. He then wrapped his arms around my waist, leaning against him while I looked back at Andrew. Understandingly, the child nodded, which made me smile.

"Eh? Where will my heart go? Guess she'll leave me alone once again..." William joked, kissing me on the cheek, which made me chuckle.

Seeing the display of affection, the child grimaced and then ran off to play somewhere else, which made me and William laugh.

"I promised you a date. Therefore, you must let me go for a while to prepare," I giggled. Going to dates on Friday was kind of like our tradition, a simple act to show love and to feel it radiate from each other. Feeling his lips on mine for a brief moment, I smiled.

"Alright, I'll pick you up at our place," William smiled. He's always such a loving man, doing more than beyond.

"See you later, love," I said, parting with a kiss before I headed out. Love was something I wasn't familiar with, which sometimes led me to be confused on how to act around William, though lucky enough that he guided me through it.

Walking down the street, I'm greeted with familiar faces. Some I can't remember the names. The smoke filled air, and the mud on my shoes did little to dampen my mood. Suddenly, people started to run about, screaming and shouting.

Confused, I slowed my footsteps. There, on a shop, a lifeless man was dead with Danny holding a bloody knife. My eyes widened, I tried to move, but nothing came out, I held my breath, and though I investigated crimes like this, I never saw a man dead right in front of me. From this day, I'm sure I'll never get used to this.

Someone passes by me, but it can be considered more like shoved. It was Thomas Shelby. He went over, took the knife from the man's hand, and calmed him down. The scene deescalated just as quickly as it happened. Once Thomas got Danny to go away, coming with some surge of confidence, I began to walk towards him with his hack turned to me.

"Mr. Shelby..?" I said softly as to not startle the man, whipping his head back, he looked at me without uttering a word, he simply raised a brow which I took as a cue to keep going.

"What will happen to Danny now..? He just -" stopping myself to look at the dead body in front of us, he followed my gaze and just shook his head. Taking a cigarette, he lit one up and placed it on his mouth, blowing the smoke in the corpses' direction. "Mr. Shelby, I worry for him and his family.."

"Don't stick your nose into others' business, saves you the trouble, eh?" He said, as he was about to walk past me. He took my hand and gave me a few quids, which caused me confusion. Was this for my silence? Though that seems rather odd since a quarter of the town already saw what happened, or was it so I'd stop with being so nosy?

"For the bread."

"Bread? What bread?" I asked, my brows furrowed as I looked up at the man. The more he acted, the more he perplexed me. Seeing his face, he tilted his head as if he should be confused

"You dont remember, again?" I shook my head, remembering what he gave me moments ago, i tried to have him take the money back, but he refused, saying he already gave them, so it'll be no use. In the end, he walked away and left me be, confused, I placed the coins inside my coat pocket before walking home. What did i forget again? No matter what I have other things to do at the moment, I need to get the memory of the dead body out my head.

After preparing for my date, at eight o'clock sharp there was a knock on the door, I smiled and opened it. William appeared with a bouquet and fresh smile, I'm taken back to memories when he was still courting me.

"Flowers for the beautiful lady?" He asked, which I gladly took. Holding up his hand, I held them. I locked the door, and we began to walk towards the pathway to a small restaurant.

"Thank you for this, for everything, Will," I said while we kept walking hand in hand.

"Then I should thank you too"

"For what?"

"For letting me love you"

"Then, you're welcome."

With that, we spent the rest of the day together, I told him about what happened earlier, and he's told me of stories he heard and so on. Everything feels nice. It feels like home as we both made it out to be.

...

That night, Ms. Bennett was content with her lover. Everything played out perfectly. She lived a good life and was happily in love. Maybe fate can say the same for the man she bumped into earlier as he's inside the Garrison, enthralled by the singing Barmaid before him. Surely both Ms. Bennett and Mr. Shelby will live their lives with love found in someone else's eyes.

Secrets and Broken Hearts

--------------------------

"Why did you do that?" He said, voice unnervingly calm. Silence. Everything was silent for a few moments before she broke it with a sigh, "I told you. I stayed because we had a deal." She looked up at him, his stark blue eyes looking at her, searching for lies.

"You said you love him."

"I do"

"Do you still?"

As those words escaped his lips, her breathed hitched, 'love him, still?' Avoiding his gaze, she shook her head, finding no meaning in this conversation. "Love him or not. The deal is still ongoing. Once your 'love' comes back, I'll leave"

___________________________________________

Ms. Bennett, a woman of humble background, hides something from others. Though what would happen once faced with the mobster, Thomas Shelby himself? Time passed by, will striking a deal to get what they want help? Shall they stay or leave once their plan goes accordingly? After all, business is business. Vague as everything is, should the day come and everything will come to light.

Materlist

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5 (coming soon)