chapter 2
940 Words
The sound of rain pattering outside was still clear in the quiet night.
Ayria snapped out of her thoughts, planning to take a shower first. Just as she unbuttoned her shirt, a sleepy voice from behind said, "Star."
This was Ayria's nickname, known only to family.
Ayria's hand stopped, and she turned around.
Richard, just waking up, had his short hair tousled, unlike the neat style in the videos. His eyes fell on Ayria, starting from her face and moving to her chest.
She was wearing a light blue shirt with two buttons undone, revealing her white neck and collarbone, and the edge of her white bra. The unintentional exposure was more alluring than any deliberate seduction.
Richard's eyes flashed with desire.
He lifted his head slightly and, in a hoarse voice from just waking up, said, "Come here."
Ayria looked down, noticing her exposed chest. She quickly pulled her shirt together but was a bit too slow, the scent of her body filling the room.
Richard threw back the covers and got out of bed.
Standing up, he seemed too tall for the room.
This apartment was an old one assigned to Ayria's grandfather from his work unit, in a prime location in California but too small for developers to bother with. The rising property prices had dashed any hopes of relocation for the residents.
After her grandmother moved to the nursing home, Ayria lived here alone. Even after marrying Richard, she insisted on staying here, and he often joined her.
This was one reason why the elders of the Tully family disapproved of her.
Richard walked over to her. Ayria looked up, studying his face. He had been away for work, first in the US for half a month, then in Hong Kong for another half month. They hadn't seen each other for a month.
Richard wasn't one for texting or chatting, so their messages were limited to "good morning" and "good night."
Richard took her wrist, frowning as he noticed how thin it was.
"Why have you lost so much weight?" he asked.
Ayria had lost ten pounds from a viral fever while juggling work and emergency room visits, but she hadn't told him. He had his own responsibilities, and she didn't expect him to drop everything for her.
She replied, "Doesn't it look good?"
"Too thin." Richard's voice was firm.
Ayria smiled at his straightforwardness.
"I think it looks good. Others struggle to lose weight and don't get these results."
"Don't follow their example," Richard said plainly.
She laughed, pushing him lightly. "I feel sticky. I'm going to shower."
Richard didn't object.
Ayria took her clothes and went to shower. She also washed her hair, and because it was so thick, it took half an hour to dry halfway.
When she returned to the bedroom, Richard was already asleep again.
She quietly turned off the light and slipped into bed. The bed, which had felt spacious when she was alone, now seemed cramped with another person.
Richard disliked the sound of air conditioning, so Ayria didn't use it when he was around. The September nights in California were still warm, even with the rain outside.
Ayria couldn't sleep, tossing and turning until Richard, at some point, wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. She soon fell asleep in his embrace.
By morning, the rain had stopped, and the sun turned the city golden. Even the normally cramped alley looked bright.
Outside, morning noises included parents urging children to hurry to school, complaints about dripping clothes, and birds chirping.
Ayria sat up abruptly, checking her phone. It was 7:30.
Relieved, she got up and went to the bathroom.
She opened the door and saw Richard standing in the living room. He was wearing dark trousers and a crisp light blue shirt, perfectly put together.
She leaned against the doorframe, watching him.
Richard sensed her gaze and turned, smiling softly.
"You're awake," he said.
Remembering she hadn't washed up, Ayria quickly went to the bathroom. "I'll wash up first."
"Come have breakfast first," Richard said.
"I'll be late," Ayria sighed.
"You won't," Richard said confidently.
Ayria sat at the table. Breakfast was already laid out, the aroma filling the room.
"Did Donald bring this?" Ayria asked casually.
Donald was Richard's assistant, always on call.
Richard frowned slightly. "I asked him to prepare it."
Ayria paused, wondering if he was seeking praise.
After breakfast, Ayria started to clean up, but Donald arrived with the driver to take care of it.
"Go change. I'll take you to work," Richard said.
Ayria didn't refuse. When she came out, Richard held a tie.
She took it and tied it for him.
She had learned various knots and now could tie a perfect one quickly.
Looking up at him, Ayria studied his face from his hair to his eyebrows, nose, and lips.
Richard noticed but didn't ask.
Ayria couldn't help but smile. "Last night, I dreamt of you while napping at the nursing home."
Richard listened quietly.
"Your face was blurred, like it was pixelated. I couldn't see clearly."
Richard was surprised, and Donald couldn't help but smile.
It was rare for Richard to personally drive Ayria to work, but she always had him stop a block away to avoid being seen by colleagues.
As they neared the usual spot, Richard said, "Give me your phone."
Ayria hesitated but handed it over.
Richard entered his birthdate as the password and made a few quick changes before returning the phone.
Ayria looked at the screen. The wallpaper was now a photo of Richard, taken candidly.
"It won't be blurry anymore," he said softly.
- Writer
