Arranged Marriage To Another Juliet (GxG)—[ENGLISH VERSION]

Chapter 14

I’m in the kitchen right now, cooking for Veronica. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suddenly turning into the perfect wife or anything. I’m just… making up for what I did. Because if I really think about it, I was kind of awful to her too. I decided to keep things simple. I fried some hotdogs and a tilapia. After setting the table, I figured fried fish would taste better with dipping sauce, so I grabbed some onions and chili and started slicing them.

“Wow. You made all of this?”

“A–ah! Ouch!” I jumped at the sound of her voice and accidentally sliced my finger. It stung badly, and before I knew it, blood was already pooling.

“Are you okay?” she asked. She moved fast, one second she was behind me, the next she was holding my hand.

“Why do you have to sneak up on people like that?” I snapped. I was the one who cooked, but I was the one who got hurt.

“I didn’t mean to,” she said softly. I let her wash my hand with water, but then she suddenly lifted it and sucked the blood from my finger. For a moment my heart skipped. My dream flashed through my mind.

I pulled my hand away immediately. “Tsk. J-just—stay there.”

I stormed out of the kitchen and went straight to my room, leaving her behind. Argh! What is wrong with me?! This isn’t me. I don’t do things like this, cooking for someone just to apologize or whatever. I rolled around on my bed, burying my face in my pillow.

And honestly, when did I ever tell her to suck my finger?!

It was so embarrassing. So frustrating. I threw the pillow in annoyance, and it hit something.

Someone.

Not the door.

—but Veronica.

“What are you doing here?” I blurted out.

“I’ve been knocking,” she said, closing the door behind her. “I heard you shouting my name. I thought something had happened to you.”

Wait.

Did I really shout her name?

Oh my God!!! Zyhra, you’re so embarrassing!

Heat rushed to my face, spreading all the way to my ears. I shot up from the bed, clutching the pillow to my chest like it could shield me from the humiliation.

“I—I wasn’t shouting your name,” I blurted out. “You must have heard it wrong.”

Veronica raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. The corner of her lips twitched, like she was holding back a smile. “You were very loud,” she said calmly. “Very… passionate.”

“What?!” I squeaked. “No! I was just—talking. To myself. People do that.”

She crossed her arms, amusement dancing in her eyes. “And you always say my name when you talk to yourself?”

My mouth opened, then closed.

Great. Absolutely great. “Get out,” I snapped, pointing toward the door. “Get out of my room. Right now.”

Her smile widened. “So you were thinking about me.”

“I was not!” I threw the pillow at her. It hit her shoulder this time, thankfully. “Stop imagining things!”

She laughed, actually laughed, and that only made my embarrassment worse. “Zyhra,” she said gently, still smiling, “I was just worried.”

“Well, don’t be,” I muttered, refusing to meet her eyes. “I’m fine. Very fine. Too fine. Now leave.” She took a step closer instead.

I felt my heart jump. “I said out!” She stopped, hands raised in surrender, though her eyes were still teasing me.

“Okay, okay,” she said. “I’m going. But next time, try not to scream my name so loudly. The whole house might start getting ideas.”

“That’s it!” I grabbed another pillow and threw it at her again. “Out!”

She caught it easily and laughed on her way to the door.

“As you wish,” she said, opening it. “Good night, Zyhra.” She paused, glancing back at me. “And for the record,” she added softly, “I don’t mind hearing my name on your lips.” The door closed behind her.

I collapsed back onto the bed, burying my face into the pillow and groaning.

Why did she have to say that?

Why did my heart react like that?

And why—of all names—did I have to shout hers? A knock interrupted my thoughts. I expected Veronica again, probably to tease me—but it was Manang, holding a tray of food.

“Your wife sent this,” she said gently. “She said you should eat.”

“T-thank you,” I replied, taking the tray. “Did… my wife already eat?” Wife. Wow. I really said that.

“Yes. She’s still in the kitchen. She enjoyed your cooking very much.” My stomach fluttered.

“Thank you, Manang.”

After eating, I changed into my two-piece swimsuit. I needed to swim, to clear my head, to wash away this stress. The kitchen was empty when I passed by. Veronica was probably in her room already. Good.

I walked straight to the pool. Thankfully, it wasn’t hot, the pool had an automatic roof that closed when the sun got too harsh.

I swam for a while until my body grew tired. As I climbed out and sat on the edge, I noticed Manang approaching with another tray.

Then I saw who was walking behind her. Veronica.

And wow—she looked… unfairly sexy. Still. I’m sexier. She smiled and waved, took the juice from Manang, and walked toward me like she was on a runway. I froze, unable to look away.

She noticed—and grinned mischievously. I quickly turned my gaze to the pool.

I felt her fingers on my chin. “Careful,” she teased. “You’ve been staring. You might start drooling.” She laughed loudly.

I wanted to throw her into the pool and feed her to sharks. Too bad there were no sharks.

“By the way,” she added, “Thank you for the food. You’re a good cook.”

“I didn’t cook it,” I lied. “Manang did.”

“Really?” The teasing in her voice was unbearable.

I grabbed the juice she handed me. “Fine. I fried it. Happy?”

I jumped back into the pool, but she followed me. Everywhere I swam, she was there. That stupid grin never leaving her face.

“Dad and the others are coming,” she suddenly said.

“What time?”

“They were already on the way earlier. Probably soon.” She hugged me from behind. My breath hitched. Her skin against mine felt like electricity—like the water itself was charged. She rested her chin on my shoulder.

“Dad’s here,” she whispered. “Don’t turn around.” I did what she said and wrapped my arms around her, pretending—no, actually hugging her.

“You’re so shameless,” I murmured.

“But you like it.”

“Want me to punch you?”

“Want me to kiss you?”

I froze.

Our eyes met.

Zyhra, stop.

You don’t like her.

You will not fall.

I pulled away.

Mr. Yuw was there, smiling and waving.

I quickly grabbed a white bathrobe and covered myself. Veronica followed, moving annoyingly fast, and grabbed my hand as we approached her father.

“How’s married life?” he teased.

“Where’s Tito?” Veronica asked.

“He’s on the way—with Mr. Tesco.”

She turned to him. “Dad, go inside first. I’ll ask Manang to prepare coffee.”

“Just coffee,” he replied.

“We’ll change into something presentable,” Veronica added. “We’ll be right back.”

“Don’t take too long, sweetie,” he said, winking. I almost choked. Veronica laughed and pulled me upstairs, her hand firm on my waist. She was seriously taking advantage now.

“Don’t take too long, sweetie,” he said, winking. I almost choked. Veronica just laughed and pulled me upstairs, her hand firm on my waist. Way too firm. She was definitely taking advantage now—and she knew it. She went into her room first. I rushed into mine, closing the door a little too hard behind me, my heart still racing for reasons I refused to name.

I leaned against the door and exhaled. Get it together, Zyhra. I slipped out of the bathrobe, my skin still warm from the pool. My reflection stared back at me, hair damp, cheeks flushed, eyes unsettled. I didn’t recognize myself. I looked… nervous. Annoying.

I grabbed a simple dress, nothing fancy. Just something decent. Presentable. Safe. My fingers trembled slightly as I buttoned it, and I cursed under my breath for letting her get into my head.

Why should I care what she thinks? Still, I adjusted the fabric, smoothed my hair, checked myself one last time, and then checked again. Just in case.

When I opened the door, Veronica was already there, leaning casually against the wall like she had all the time in the world.

She had changed too. And damn it. She wore a crisp shirt tucked neatly into dark slacks, sleeves rolled just enough to look effortless. Calm. Collected. Powerful. Like she belonged everywhere she stood.

Her eyes lifted the moment I stepped out. She didn’t say anything at first. She just looked at me. That alone made my pulse jump.

“What?” I snapped, suddenly self-conscious.

She smiled slowly. “Nothing. You look… fine.”

Fine? I scoffed and walked past her. “You don’t know how to give compliments.”

“Or maybe,” she said softly, falling into step beside me, “I’m trying not to make you nervous.” Too late.

“Why didn’t you knock?” I asked, needing something—anything—to distract myself.

“Thought you’d throw another pillow at me.” I ignored her and quickened my pace down the hallway.

She caught my hand. My breath hitched. Her fingers curled around mine—firm, warm, certain. She leaned in just enough for her words to brush against my ear.

“Stay close to me.” There was no teasing in her voice this time. Only intention. And as she guided me forward, hand still holding mine, I realized something unsettling— No matter how fast I walked, I wasn’t trying very hard to pull away.

When we went down, everyone was there.

Then I saw him.

Yaul.

My stomach twisted as I saw him. My heart… I didn’t know what it was doing. Beating too fast? Freezing in place? I wasn’t sure. I just knew I felt… confused. Why is he here? Why now? And why does my chest feel like it’s being pulled in two directions at once? Veronica’s grip on my hand tightened. Her fingers pressed just a little harder against mine, and I realized she was aware.

“Nice to see you again, Zyhra,” he said, smiling. I blinked. Did he really just call me Zyhra? So casually? So… familiar? My mind scrambled. I opened my mouth to answer, but nothing came out. Words failed me, like my body didn’t know how to respond to the sudden surge of emotions—surprise, confusion, and… something else I couldn’t name.

Veronica’s presence was a tether, holding me steady, but at the same time… I couldn’t stop noticing him. The way his eyes lingered for a second too long. The way his smile made my thoughts scatter.

Confused doesn’t even begin to cover it.

“Yes… you too, Yaul.” I replied.

“So you already know each other?” Tito asked.

“Yes,” Yaul answered. “We met in Tagaytay.” He didn’t take his eyes off me.

“And Veronica?” Tito continued.

“Of course,” Yaul replied. “Who wouldn’t know Ms. Veronica Yuw?” So they knew each other.

“My daughter runs Yuw Enterprises,” Tito said proudly. “And the final decision on our partnership rests with her.” Veronica looked calm and professional.

Then she turned to me. “I want my wife to decide.” I wanted to smack her.

“Why me?”

“Because you’re my wife.”

“I’m your wife on paper—not your business advisor,” I snapped. “I’m out.” I left. In my room, I played Helix Jump, imagining Veronica’s face as a ball. I don’t know if she really likes me—or if she’s just playing. Whatever. I’m sexy. That’s enough.

She walked in again. “I’m sorry earlier,” she said. “I wanted to sound sweet… but I messed up.” I ignored her. “What’s mine is yours,” she added. “I need your voice too—as my wife.”

“I’m your wife in public,” I said, eyes closed. “Keep me out of your business.” She lay beside me.

“Why are you here?”

“Dad’s staying for a week. They can’t know we don’t sleep together. I sighed.

“Sleep,” she said softly. “I’m your pillow.” She pulled me close. Her scent—strawberry and menthol—wrapped around me like a warm hug, grounding me in a way I hadn’t expected.

“Veronica?”

“Hm?”

“I… I can’t breathe.” Her hands froze for a moment, and panic flashed in her eyes.

Then she kissed my forehead, soft and steady. “Shh… just relax,” she murmured. I shouldn’t fall for her. I know it’s wrong.

But just for tonight… I’ll let myself stay.

Her arms tightened around me, and despite my better judgment, I leaned into her warmth. My cheek pressed against her shoulder, her steady heartbeat soothing the chaos in my chest.

Minutes passed, and sleep began to creep in—but so did the dangerous thoughts. Her hand brushed my hair, her thumb tracing lazy circles. My resolve wavered. I wanted to pull away, but I couldn’t. I didn’t want to.

She shifted slightly, and I felt the soft press of her lips against my temple. My breath hitched. My body betrayed me. I didn’t move, didn’t protest, just let the warmth and closeness wash over me.

Her voice, a whisper against my ear, broke the silence. “Good night, Zyhra. Sleep well… I’ll be right here.”

I swallowed, heart pounding. I wanted to tell her I couldn’t… that I shouldn’t… but my voice failed.

And so I let myself drift, safe in her arms, even as my thoughts tangled with confusion, desire, and the unspoken truth I couldn’t yet admit:

Was I falling for her? My chest ached at the thought, and my mind screamed that this was wrong—so wrong. But every beat of my heart seemed to answer differently, drawing me closer to her warmth, to the steady rhythm of her heartbeat beneath my ear. I wanted to pull away… but why did I feel like I never wanted to let go?

Wrapped in her embrace, the world faded away. Outside the room, life went on—rules, obligations, and reality—but here, in this quiet moment, nothing else existed.

Not Yaul. Not our arranged marriage. Not my doubt.

Just her.

And maybe… that was enough for tonight.