Arthur was left with no words as William's question settled, the silence stretching just long enough to make the tension between them feel heavier than before.
"Tell me…" William pressed, his voice low but firm.
Arthur exhaled quietly, running a hand through his hair before answering, "She didn't know my background, Will…"
"I know," William cut in without hesitation, his gaze still fixed on him. "But what does that have to do with you being friends with me?"
Arthur held his stare for a moment, as if weighing how much he should say, before letting out a faint breath.
"I was worried… in case she dug deeper and found out about it."
William's gaze didn't shift. "So you kept it hidden… to protect yourself?"
Arthur didn't answer immediately, his gaze steady as it held William's, the silence stretching just enough to make it clear he wasn't someone who needed to rush his words.
