Chapter 20
1234 Words
Geraldine’s Point of View
I immediately let go of Rafayel’s hand, my cheeks heating in embarrassment. Wow, even his name sounded angelic, and it matched his face so perfectly.
But then, there was the exception standing right in front of me. Michael. His name might carry the sound of an archangel, but his attitude was anything but divine. Tsk.
“Michael,” Rafayel greeted warmly, flashing a brilliant smile. I swore that smile could land him a toothpaste commercial any day.
Michael’s gaze darted straight to our hands, his expression hardening. “What’s going on here? Why were you holding her hand?”
My pulse raced. Before I could think of an excuse, Michael had already closed the distance between us. One second he was in front of Rafayel, the next he was suddenly beside me, and I found myself stepping back until I was nearly behind him.
“Ah, she almost fell earlier when…” Rafayel began, but I quickly signaled him not to tell the whole truth—that I had just slid down the stairs like a careless child.
“…when she was coming down the stairs. She didn’t seem steady on her feet. Are you sure you’re really okay?” he finished instead, his voice calm, kind, protective.
Relief washed through me. Waa, this man really was like an angel sent from above.
“I’m fine now. Please don’t worry about me,” I assured, giving him a polite smile.
But Michael was still frowning, his sharp eyes drilling into me. “Does it still hurt?”
He started to step closer, but instinctively, I retreated another step.
“It doesn’t anymore,” I lied quickly. “I should go ahead and start cooking. Do you have anything in particular you’d like to eat?”
Before Michael could reply, Rafayel’s gentle voice filled the silence. “You cook?”
“Uhmm… yes. I’ve been assigned to the kitchen for now,” I answered softly.
“Ah, then could you make adobo? That’s my favorite. Don’t bother thinking about this one,” he said, motioning toward Michael with a playful smirk. “Nothing ever tastes right to him anyway.”
I couldn’t stop the small smile tugging at my lips as I nodded in agreement.
“Alright, order up. I’ll take care of it.”
Both men gave me a nod, and I quickly slipped away toward the kitchen. My steps were lighter now, inspired by the thought of cooking something delicious.
Inside, the familiar smell of garlic and soy sauce filled the air. “Girlie, are you sure you’re alright?” Ate Chef asked, worry lacing her voice as she glanced at my injured leg.
“I’m perfectly fine,” I answered, forcing a bright smile.
“But you were limping earlier. Are you really sure?”
“Don’t worry, it’s nothing serious. It’s far from the stomach,” I joked lightly. “Besides, our special for today is adobo. Our guest requested it.”
Soon, the adobo was simmering, but I couldn’t help myself. I prepared a few extra dishes too. Cooking felt strangely satisfying, like I was more than just a maid. For a fleeting moment, it almost felt like I was… a housewife.
Housewife. My stomach twisted. Why did I have to end up married to that infuriating man? And worse, he had stolen another kiss earlier. Damn it.
But then, an idea sparked. Maybe this wasn’t so bad. If I was his wife, it gave me freedom to enter his room whenever I needed to. No locked doors, no restrictions. I could gather intel much easier this way. Why didn’t I realize that sooner?
“Ugh, I’m so slow,” I muttered under my breath.
“What’s loading?”
I froze. That voice. Slowly, I turned, dread crawling up my spine. And there he was. Michael.
“M-Master,” I stammered, trying to compose myself. “What are you doing here?”
“This is also part of my mansion. Am I not allowed to be here?” he shot back casually.
This man!
I glanced around, relieved to see no one else was present. My pulse slowed as I tried to keep my cool. “It's fin—”
“Get me some water.”
I blinked at him, stunned. The refrigerator was literally right beside him, yet he dared to command me?
He leaned back, waiting, his eyes glinting with challenge. “Serve me.”
“Fine,” I muttered, stomping my feet like a child as I filled a glass and shoved it toward him. “Here. Your water.”
“Why does it seem like you’re angry, wife?” he asked casually.
My eyes widened. Wife. Did he really just say that out loud? In a place where anyone could hear? Panicked, I slapped a hand over his mouth.
“What are you doing? Someone might hear!” I hissed, my voice a sharp whisper.
His gaze narrowed, those piercing eyes locking onto mine. “Your hand.”
“No. If I let go, who knows what nonsense you’ll say next.”
Slowly, deliberately, he leaned closer. My back pressed against the cold counter, my palm still covering his lips as he closed the distance. My heart hammered.
“Okay, fine! I’ll let go!” I panicked, pushing him lightly as I released his mouth. I tried to slip past, but he slammed his hand against the counter, trapping me in place.
“Never, ever cheat in front of me,” he growled low, his voice a dangerous warning. “Try it, and you won’t leave our room able to walk. I’ll make love to you all night long, my dear wife.”
My eyes flew wide open. What the hell? Was he seriously implying I was flirting with Rafayel?
“Are you threatening me?” I snapped, trying to cover the sudden rush of heat in my cheeks with indignation.
He raised a brow, leaning in until our foreheads almost touched. “I’m warning you. Don’t test my patience. I saw the way you looked at him earlier. You’re married to me. Never forget that.”
I clenched my fists, meeting his gaze stubbornly. I wanted to argue, but the truth was, I couldn’t risk ruining my plan. For now, I had to play along.
With a heavy sigh, I relented. “I’m not cheating. That’s not who I am. I was only surprised when I learned you had a best friend. And what you saw earlier—when he held my hand—it was just because I almost tripped.”
“Why? Was it because of your leg?” he pressed.
“Huh? N-no. My leg’s fine. My knees just felt weak. But please, can you step back? If someone sees us like this…”
“Why should I keep my distance from my wife?”
His words hit me like a tidal wave. My eyes widened, my pulse racing uncontrollably. Waaaa!
“I already told you. No one should know I’m your wife,” I reminded him, trying to steady my voice.
“And what if someone finds out?” he countered.
I frowned, but before I could answer, movement caught my eye. My heart dropped when I saw Manang standing at the doorway, frozen, staring at us.
No. No, no, no!
She had heard everything.
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