Touch Of A Burning Flame

Chapter 13

Husband

Penelope's pov

"Where are you going?"

I heavily sigh. I looked back at Pierre. He was there in our living room. Our maid informed me, but I don't have time to entertain him or whatever. I don't want to face him because every time I see him, it reminds me that he's going to be my husband. And I don't like it. It horrified me.

After my father's announcement, I hated him more. Because I couldn't accept that of all men in the world, why him? Even though I already had the idea and accepted that I would marry someone disregarding my feelings, whether I liked i or not, I couldn't accept that he was the man with whom I was bound to end up.

Just the thought of walking in the aisle while he's waiting for me at the end irritates me. It should be a special moment, but because he is the supposed man, it disgusts me. All the more that I know, people who would attend won't be happy. They will only think that we are sort of a laughing stock, especially my friends.

"Why are you always here? What do you want?" I said as I stepped in his direction.

He slowly stood up. Just like usual, he couldn't tower over me.

Damn that height. Damn his thick glasses and expression. Damn this sh*t.

"I can be your driver..." he replied.

I snorted.

After that day, he would always go to our house. He would always guard me, and it annoys me a lot. I know my father told him to do that, but it's too much. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't even go to my friends because he would tail me every damn time. He wouldn't let me go alone.

I crossed my arms. "i***t. You know that you don't have to follow my father's request or whatever, especially now that he's not around. Just lie to him. He will believe you."

His face crumpled. "This is not about your father's order. this is my own decision." He cleared his throat. "And I am not a liar." He said it firmly to my face as if he were telling me that I should be ashamed of my suggestion.

I rolled my eyes. This man. I don't know why he didn't argue with his parents or with my father. He should have stopped them, but he didn't say anything.

"I have nothing to do today, so...it won't hurt to drive you on your activities, and I heard that your drivers aren't here today. They went along with your father."

My mouth formed a big 'o' from what he just said.

"W-what?"

He just nodded without expression. I immediately went outside, and it's true, there wasn't any car other than his old Bugatti.

My mouth parted. I have a singing and piano lesson today. Also, I need to check my dress for my debut. How can I do all of my activities today if I have no car and no driver? I still don't know how to commute. I never did that even once, so it won't count as a solution. Hell, I won't do that.

Andrei, be better be free today." I blurted unconciously and was about to call him, but I heard Pierre's footsteps coming from behind me.

"Your cousin is busy today." he said, but I didn't listen to him.

I don't need his opinion. I heard him sigh when I still called my cousin, but what he said was true. My shoulders drooped as my cousin replied to my request.

"I'm sorry, Eris. I need to do something. I cannot drive for you. I'm about to board today to Japan." I could hear the sincere apology of my favorite cousin.

"B-but Andrei, I need you today. Please?"

He sighed. "I'm sorry I really can't help you. This is about business, Eris.Why don't you just ask Pierre? I know he's free today. It's summer, Eris. You can ask his time. He will surely help you. Besides... you're bound to--" I cut him off before he could say it.

I looked at Pierre with piercing eyes as I ended the call.

"I won't come with you. I'd rather commute!" I said, even though I wasn't sure about it.

He smirked. A taunting smirk, and it boiled me over with irritation.

"I'm doing you a favor, Eris, but if you just turn it down, then do what you want. I hope you won't get lost because, as far as I know, you didn't commute before, even once."

"J-just get lost! I don't need your help!"

His brows twitched. "fine, good luck."

I protruded my lips when he really turned his back to leave. The arrogant even played his car keys on his hand. When he reached his car, he glanced at me once before he maneuvered it out of my sight.

The bastard really left me.

"Aren't you going to come with her, Eris?" The stern-headed maid asked, who suddenly appeared beside me.

I pouted and shook my head. "No way."

She chuckled a bit. "Your future husband is a good person, Eris. You should give him a chance."

My eyes widened. Nice person? Is this old woman kidding me?

"Correction, he's ugly and arrogant. There's nothing nice about him."

Her face crumpled before she hit my head. "Don't say words like that. It's not appropriate. And surely your father would be mad once he heard that from you."

She planned to scold me more, so I hurriedly went out.

Why does everyone think that nerd is nice? I can't see it.

Just as I went out on our gate, a familiar car pulled back in front of me. I winced when Pierre's face appeared as he rolled the window shield of the old classic car.

"You're going to be late. Your piano lesson is in fifteen minutes. If you will commute---"

I harshly opened the car before I sarcastically smiled at him.

"Okay, okay, whatever. Just drive." I said as I sat down.

I saw him smile in my peripheral vision, but when I looked at him, he immediately looked in front so I thought it was just my imagination.

"Okay, fasten your seatbelt."