The Shadow Husband

CHAPTER 5 MISUNDERSTOOD SILENCE

"Personal affairs, is that right? Including the fact that your husband might be a criminal like you are thinking now?" Julian asked as he signed the contract draft Claire had handed him, without a moment’s hesitation.

Claire was stunned for a moment before finding the courage to respond. "That is not what I meant. I only heard from Arthur that you have certain medical conditions. Something about being asexual. So, I thought this contract would make you feel more comfortable being around me."

Julian paused mid-sip of his whiskey. He looked at Claire with furrowed brows, then a short, sarcastic laugh escaped his lips. "Asexual? So that is what my bastard cousin told you?"

"He said you hated women and would never touch me," Claire whispered, her face flushing with embarrassment at discussing such a sensitive matter on their first night together.

Julian leaned back in his balcony chair, fixing Claire with an unreadable gaze. "Interesting. If that is what makes you feel safe sleeping under the same roof as me, then let the rumor stand as true. I agree to your contract, Claire. No physical contact. No interference."

Claire let out a relieved breath. "Thank you, Julian. I appreciate your cooperation."

"But listen to this," Julian cut in, his voice heavy and serious again. "Starting tomorrow, I will be responsible for all your living expenses. Including your tuition for next semester and monthly allowance for personal needs."

Claire jumped in surprise, her eyes wide with disbelief. "What? That is not necessary, Julian. I heard from Father that my financial support has been cut off, but I still have savings and my part-time job at the café. You do not need to strain yourself."

"Strain myself?" Julian scoffed quietly. "You are my wife now. I will not let a woman bearing my last name work until her hands are raw just to pay tuition."

"But where will you get that much money?" Claire asked with genuine concern. "I mean, if you only work odd jobs, I do not want to be a burden to you."

Julian rose from his chair, walking closer to Claire until the shadow of his tall frame engulfed her smaller form. "Why? Are you refusing my support because you hope Arthur will bring you a check? Are you still thinking of going back to him so you can keep living in luxury?"

"What? Of course not!" Claire protested angrily. "Why would you say such a thing? I only do not want to trouble you!"

"Then do not argue," Julian cut in coldly. "Tomorrow I will transfer the funds to your university account. If you refuse, it means you are truly waiting for an offer from another man."

Claire pressed her lips together tightly. Her chest rose and fell with restrained emotion. This man was truly sarcastic and skilled at twisting words.

Still, Claire decided not to prolong the argument. In her heart, she was certain the money Julian would provide must come from secret subsidies from Grandfather Silas. Maybe Grandfather feels sorry for me and gave Julian funds so he would not seem lowly in my eyes, Claire thought to herself.

"All right," Claire finally said in a resigned tone. "If that is what you want. But in return, let me handle all household chores. I will cook and clean this apartment as repayment."

"Do as you wish," Julian replied shortly before turning to go inside.

The next morning, the atmosphere at the dining table felt painfully awkward. Claire, who was used to waking early, had prepared a simple breakfast of toast and black coffee. Julian emerged from his room wearing casual clothes, though his presence remained intimidating.

"You will have a longer commute to campus now that we live in Namba," Julian said as he sipped the coffee Claire had made. "I will buy you a vehicle. What kind of car do you want?"

Claire, who was washing dishes, nearly dropped a glass. "A car? No, Julian. That is not necessary. I will take the train instead. The station is not too far from here."

"Trains are crowded during rush hour, Claire. I do not like my wife jostling with strangers," Julian said in a softly commanding tone.

"I am used to it. Besides, having a car near campus will only draw unwanted attention," Claire insisted. "I am more comfortable with the train. Please, do not waste any more money."

Julian stared at Claire’s back for a moment, then let out a short breath. "All right. But if you feel tired, tell me. I do not want Grandfather accusing me of mistreating you."

Their ten-year age difference created a wide communication gap. Julian’s quiet, cold nature often made Claire feel like she was talking to a very handsome stone wall. They eventually agreed to split responsibilities and set basic rules: each would have full privacy in their own rooms, and guests were not allowed without permission.

As she was getting ready to leave for campus, Claire’s phone buzzed. A message came in from a number she knew well.

Arthur: Claire, I know you must be crying in Namba right now. Julian will never give you happiness. You know why he agreed to marry you, don’t you? Because he is asexual. He will never be able to touch you or give you ‘satisfaction’ on your wedding night. Come back to me before you truly waste away there.

Claire squeezed her phone with mounting anger. "That man truly has no shame," she hissed. She quickly turned off her phone roughly and slipped it into her bag. Her face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and irritation at the mention of their wedding night.

She did not notice Julian standing not far behind her, about to hand over a spare apartment key. Julian had caught a glimpse of the name "Arthur" on Claire’s screen before she hurriedly turned it off.

Julian’s jaw tightened. He watched Claire’s flushed, uneasy face after reading the message. So that is why, he thought bitterly. She gave me a marriage contract and forbade me from touching her because she is still waiting for that bastard? She hid his message from me because her heart is still with him?

"Here is your spare key," Julian said in a voice far colder than before, setting the key down on the dining table with a sharp clink.

Claire turned, surprised by the sudden change in his expression. "Oh, thank you, Julian. I am leaving now."

"Wait," Julian held Claire’s arm for a moment, but quickly released it as if remembering their "no physical contact" contract. "If you feel the need to meet someone from your past, do it outside this home. I do not want my name dragged into your cheap scandals."

Claire furrowed her brow, confused by the sudden accusation. "What do you mean? I have no plans to meet anyone."

"Keep your lies to yourself, Claire," Julian replied coldly before walking into his study and slamming the door.

Claire stood frozen in the living room, her chest feeling tight. "Why is he suddenly angry?" she whispered softly. She left for campus with a heavy heart, realizing that even though they lived in a luxurious apartment, the wall between them was growing higher and thicker by the moment.

Inside his study, Julian clenched his hands on the desk. He turned on a hidden monitor displaying security cameras around the building. "Marcus," Julian spoke through a concealed communication device. "Keep an eye on my wife at campus. If Arthur Blackwood gets within one meter of her, teach him a lesson he will never forget."