Ties Of Marriage

BEHAVE

Chapter 8

Charles' eyes were cast downwards. Realization stuck in my mind, and promptly I held his chin so that I could look at him in the eye. “Don’t you dare look down,” I growled.

“Or what?”

“Or…” I leaned towards him. Seductively, I caressed his face with my bare hands until it reached his chest.

He tensed, oozing a restrained desire. Just then, I pushed him hard. I scurried into the bathroom, not before getting my clothes.

Ha-ha! I laughed along the way. He deserved it.

After a while.

Once again, I entered the bedroom, but he wasn’t there. Good! I was too exhausted to care about anything else. Hence, I dozed off quickly.

The next morning,

I woke up to the ringing of the phone. I looked out to see it was very early. Charles got up to pick up the call and went onto the balcony. I lazily rolled on the bed.

“It’s still early, get some sleep.” He came to lay beside me.

“No, I don’t feel sleepy.” I said, trying to get up, but he restrained me.

“Sleep.” He closed his eyes. I couldn’t even move as I was caged in his arms. i***t!

The next time I woke up to the giggles of Emma and Joe.

“Good morning!” they gleamed.

“Good morning sweethearts.” Emma came over to kiss my cheeks.

“Aunt Jenny, your cheeks are so soft and smooth.” She poked my cheeks.

Ah…this girl!

“Are they?” Charles' voice could be heard. I blushed. What the hell are they talking about?

“Yes, now they have turned pinkish.” She giggled.

“I want to touch it too,” Joe chimed. Just as he could touch my cheeks, Charles held him and reprimanded, “you are a boy…you cannot touch a woman there.”

This man!

“Why?” he pouted, feeling wrong. I couldn’t see it and went to carry him instead.

“Joe, it’s alright…you can.” Joe smiled and looked towards Charles as if seeking his permission. But Charles, being Charles, shook his head.

“Mr. Hawking,” I frowned. He gave me a look and went out with Joe. He is so childish!

“Aunt!” Emma held my hand.

“Yes?”

“Get ready fast, the party’s about to begin.” In the morning?

“Wait.” She paused, trying to remember something.

“Hmm?” I raised my eyebrows.

“Yes, Mommy gave it.” She pointed towards a bag.

“Alright.” I smiled and patted her head. She went away giggling. I took the bag. It contained clothes with a pair of undies.

Thank God!

*****

I was walking downstairs when Selina called out. She stood downstairs with the baby in her arms.

“Hey, you look beautiful.” She complimented.

“Ahh…thank you.” I shyly responded. I held the baby. I swirled her as she broke into a babyish smile.

“Well, is the party…now?” I inquired, remembering Emma’s words. Now the baby played with my hair. She is so tiny. How endearing!

“No! Who told you that?”

“Emma.”

“That little munchkin, she's so excited that it might have slipped through her mind. It's held in the evening.”

“Oh!”

We entered the dining room. Along the way, I didn’t get to see anyone else except some servants. Strange!

Sensing my doubts, Selina replied, “all is in the backyard.”

“Let’s feed ourselves and this little bunny, then join them.”

I smiled at her. We chatted for a while till the baby fell asleep. I came to know that Andrew and Charles didn’t get quiet along with each other. Strange! But who knew there was a more story to it?

After brunch, we went out.

“Aunty!” “Mommy!”

Joe and Emma dashed towards us. Kids!

I chuckled and greeted everyone. Emma held my hand and made me sit beside Charles.

I raised my eyebrows and in return she just giggled.

“Sister-in-law, how was your night?” Thia teased me, making my face go red.

“Hey, don’t trouble jenny.” Rita scolded her.

“Look, Charles can’t even take his eyes off you, so cute!” Sarah chimed.

Oh god!

Charles scowled at her.

“Alright, since everyone is here, we should get going anyway, it is getting late,” Andrew interrupted.

Where to?

Charles took me towards his car while Sarah and Thia followed.

As he was about to sit in the car, I immediately went forward to ask him.

“Where are we going?” I questioned in a hushed tone.

“Airport.”

Airport? I wanted to probe further but seeing his impatience, I did that instead. I was beyond annoyed with this man.

After a long time passed, Charles still didn’t start the car.

“Drive?” Sarah asked, completely pissed.

But Charles kept on staring at me. I just ignored him.

I sat in the back along with Sarah and Emma, while Thia sat in the passenger seat.

“Uncle, why don’t you drive?” Emma asked. Charles gave me a long glare before he finally started the car.

“My dear brother has already fallen for you!” she snickered.

I rolled my eyes. Impossible!

I looked outside, lost in thought. Ignorantly, my eyes fell on Charles. I peeped at him through the rear mirror. He looked so focused and…hot!

I blushed, surprised by my thoughts. I seem to be attracted to him. But this can’t be love!?

No, no it can’t be. My ability to love had been long-lost. I sighed, feeling the rush of unknown emotions.

Yes, it’s just a little healthy attraction, nothing more. And it would be better if I didn’t raise my expectations or else, I would be the only one to get hurt…again.

Suddenly our eyes crashed. I was dumbfounded to see his meaningful eyes.

“Aunt, again your cheeks are so red,” I could hear Emma's curious voice. This girl!

I was so embarrassed that I shook my head and gazed out of the window, while the rest of everyone chuckled.

*****

At the airport.

I got out of the car dazedly.

“Aunt Jenny, have you met great granny before?” Emma prompted me.

“Yes, why?” i asked back.

“Hmm…it’s the first time I will meet her.” She replied with a serious face.

“Little girl, didn’t you meet her like last year?” Sarah interrupted.

“I was so small; I don’t remember anything!” she made a pitiful face.

I laughed at her antics. She is a complete drama queen!

We walked towards the entrance where everyone else stood.

I haven’t seen granny Laura in the past few years. In my memory, she has always been the most gentle but kind lady. And her friendship with my grandma was the most adorable one!

I used to visit her with my grandma. But after her death, everything changed.

“Jenny.” Charles called out, breaking me out of my thoughts.

“Stay beside me.” he ordered. As if I will listen to you! I walked forward with no intention of obeying him. I wasn’t his pet to follow orders. Just as I walked a few steps, he pulled me by my waist. God!! Doesn’t this man have any shame?

“You…” I glared at him.

“They have arrived.” Thia cried out in excitement.

“Behave.” He whispered to me as we followed others. Huh, when have I ever behaved recklessly?

After a few moments, I was greeted by the sight of Charles' entire family.

“Relatives.” noticing my confused gaze, he replied. He took me to greet grandma and grandpa hawking. As soon as her eyes met mine, she gave me a bright smile followed by a warm hug.

“You have grown up to a beautiful lady sweetheart I am so happy to see you here.” She uttered, melting my heart.

"Grandpa.” Charles greeted. He just gave me a glance and indifferently nodded to Charles.

Grandma held my hand all the way to the car so that I couldn’t even greet the other members.

We settled in the car, which was completely different from Charles’s.

“Are you fine with this marriage, dear?”