I sat on a kitchen chair and silently scooped my food while I was surrounded by six maids, waiting for whatever I might order for them to get.
While chewing the food in my mouth, I couldn't help but keep an eye on my husband's scattered armed personnel. I let out a wry smile and gently shook my head.
Like I said, this is not new to me. Valjerome is the boss of a mafia group, so he has so many staff here in the mansion—protectors and killers.
"Be ready."
My husband's voice caught my attention. I turned to him and saw him seriously walking towards my seat. He was now well dressed in a white V-neck shirt and faded denim pants. I still wanted to laugh because he acted like he hadn't done anything wrong to me.
I continued eating my food. "For what?" I asked lazily.
He sat down in the chair next to me and started getting his food. "It is my parents' anniversary. There will be a masquerade ball, and they want us to be there," he said formally and started eating.
I just nodded and quietly followed his lead. This is how we are when we are together. We seem like strangers to each other even though the truth is we're married.
"I'll deliver to your room what you're going to wear later." Valjerome looked at me as he wiped his lips.
I just nodded briefly and then drank water. He was about to stand up from his seat when I lazily leaned against my chair and spoke.
"Are we going to pretend to be that lovey-dovey couple again?" I asked sarcastically.
I saw his jaw clench as he looked at me. "We're leaving at 11 p.m.," he said instead of answering and then left me alone in the kitchen.
Yeah, they were like that—celebrations at midnight.
I faked a laugh and shook my head. "I hope there's always a party," I whispered to myself as I thought that it was only there where he treated me nicely.
WEARING a gold backless dress with a plunging neckline paired with my silver stilettos, I walked down the staircase confidently. Downstairs, Valjerome was waiting, staring at me intently. If I didn't know him, I would think he was mesmerized by my aura.
I cleared my throat when I was finally in front of him and averted my eyes. Awkwardness suddenly filled my thoughts.
"Let's go," I said in a straight voice. I was about to pass him by, but I was startled when he carefully held my arm.
I glanced at him. He was staring at me as if he were memorizing every side of my face. I held my breath as he slowly approached and pulled a few strands of my hair away from my neck. I stiffened even more as he slowly tilted his head towards me.
What is he doing?
I couldn't help but close my eyes when his breath hit my neck. There's something tickling my system that gave me goosebumps. I only opened my eyes when I felt something a little cold above my chest—a necklace.
I blinked several times and stared at it in disbelief. Valjerome distanced himself and looked at me, emotionless.
"W-What's this?"
His forehead knotted as he glanced at the necklace he had just put on me. "You do not know what that is?" he asked in a sarcastic tone.
The nervousness and awkwardness I felt earlier gradually disappeared. I rolled my eyes at him and stared at the necklace again.
"Thanks," I said simply despite my hundred thoughts.
It was just a simple diamond infinity necklace, but it really meant a lot to me.
This was the first time he had bought something for me in all the years that we'd been married. He usually just deposited money into my bank account and let me buy what I wanted.
"Erase that smile of yours. Do not misunderstand that thing. I just bought that to grab attention and show them that I'm giving you gifts as my wife. Let's go."
My smile faded so quickly after hearing what he had said. I watched him walk out of the mansion. I laughed and looked up to hold back the tears I was shedding.
"Yeah, right, Jazzie. What do you expect from your ruthless husband?" I murmured to myself and followed him after I composed myself.
We had a quiet journey in his limousine. Both of us looked out the windows and did not bother to touch each other.
"Do not go away from me when we get there," he said coldly as he kept his stare outside the window.
"Okay," I instantly replied and leaned back on the seat.
I was still tired, but I needed to do this for his parents. I couldn't help but smile to myself as I remembered how good his parents were to me. I am an orphan. My father and mother died in a car accident. Valjerome's parents were the ones who adopted me—fed, clothed, educated, and cared for me in many other ways. I have never been ignorant of the organization they are running. Even if it is bad for others, I can't look at it that way. How can I do that when they are the ones who saved me and gave direction to my life?
We finally arrived at the event hall a few minutes later. I put on my gold mask, which hid only half of my face, before I even got out of the car. Valjerome did the same, then we made our way in together. His right hand was wrapped around my waist possessively as if he were showing everyone that I was his. Our faces might not have been seen entirely, but we still caught the attention of the audience. Maybe that's how strong his presence was. From the VIP seats, Valjerome's parents, especially his mother, quickly stood up and greeted us.
"Hija!" she called joyfully, then kissed me on the cheek, not even paying attention to her son next to me.
"Happy anniversary, Mom," I said softly and smiled back at her.
"Thank you. You are so sexy and gorgeous, hija. No wonder the men stare at you so intently," the lady teased in amazement.
I just joined in her laughter even though I could feel my husband's dark aura.
"Dyrhaia, why don't you offer them seats first so they can eat already?" Valjerome's father whispered and nodded at me gently.
I bowed my head in respect and smiled a little.
"Why did you take so long? I thought you weren't coming," Mom said to Valjerome.
He let out a chuckle and kissed his mother's cheek. "I'm sorry, Mom. I let my wife rest before we came here. She just finished her photoshoot earlier," he explained calmly and then tightened his hand around my waist.
I tried hard not to roll my eyes.
"We're still not late after all. We just missed your speech," he added, teasing his mom.
I always saw this side of him every time we were with his parents, but I was still dazed every time he smiled.
"Alright. Sit down and eat," Valjerome's father invited.
We immediately followed his wishes. We sat down and ate light snacks while telling stories about our life as a married couple. As usual, my husband and I were asked about our lives.
"When will you give us a grandson, hija?" Valjerome's father said with a curious smile, causing me to choke on my own saliva.
Valjerome quickly handed me water and gently caressed my back.
"Are you okay, hija?" Mom asked worriedly.
I nodded and tried to smile. "I'm okay," I replied and sat properly.
"Oh God, Civor? You're surprising the kids," Mom scolded Dad.
Dad's lips parted slightly. Valjerome and I looked at each other. I did not know what my husband's reaction was. All I knew was that he was watching me even though I wasn't looking at him.
"They've been married for more than two years, dear. It's time for them to give us a grandchild," Dad teased.
I blushed because of that.
"Next month."
We both looked at Valjerome as he spoke seriously.
I raised an eyebrow at him.
What is he talking about?
I was caught off guard when he suddenly pulled me by the nape for a deep kiss. It was as if my heart would explode from the speed of its beating as Valjerome's lips touched mine—insanely exhausting.
He slowly broke the kiss and sharply looked around before sitting back in his seat. "Expect your grandson next month," he whispered as if it were a very easy thing, and then scooped up the dessert on his plate.
My mouth parted in disbelief. My face grew even hotter at the thought of what he had said.
Oh God! Tell me he was just acting.