Chapter Six: Awkward moments
1231 Words
Awkward moments
"I'm going to sleep." She stood up and turned to run.
But Dan grabbed her arm. "You don't want to drink water?"
She was so thirsty that she licked her lips unconsciously, but shook her head. "No."
However, he did not let her run away in the end. He pressed her to sit on his lap with a tough attitude, poured another glass of water and brought it to her delicate lips.
She drank the whole glass of water in small sips, and only then did he let her go.
She returned to her room, locked the door, and lay on the bed for a long time, feeling emotionally charged and drained at the same time. Her heart hammered against her chest like the drums of hallelujah. She had never felt this way before. Could this be the legendary heartbeat?
"No!" She shook her head and tried to get rid of the idea in her mind.
Reason told her that although she married this man, it was only a matter of rights and interests. She could not possibly be married to a man who worked as a gigolo in a nightclub.This kind of man was likely used to pleasing women, just like Kevin, her ex.
It's enough to suffer a loss once, but there must not be a next time. She tried to counsel herself as reason battled against the emotional flame that was slowly creeping through her heart.
* * * * *
In the next room, Dan took a cold shower in the bathroom to wash away his inner hunger. No sooner had he come out than Bob Fox's video invitation popped up on his phone's screen.
After a little hesitation, he still clicked the accept button.
Bob's face depicted someone who was thirsting for gossip. His curiosity could not allow him to dilly-dally and he went straight to the point.
"Young Master Panter, you got married! You got married so casually. Tell me more about it. What were you thinking at the time?"
"I didn't think about anything." Dan was as precise as ever.
Obviously not believing it, Bob pressed on.
"You stood up at Roslyn's wedding today and you have been photographed by reporters. If this incident is on the news, think about what the consequences will be..."
Dan frowned. There was no need to think about it. He already knew that the consequence would be trouble, big one.
It was trite knowledge that some people in the Panter family did not want him to get married, and they were even more afraid that he would have his own children. Consequently, before those undercurrents of danger were lifted, he could not let those people know about his marriage.
Fortunately, he knew that before Bob would video-call to ask, he would have already dealt with the reporters in question. He therefore called to show off his ability and ask him for service fees.
Bob was not only his legal advisor, but he also doubled up as his personal assistant.
Sure enough, before he could speak, Bob boasted proudly.
"I have settled the reporters at the first time and asked them all to sign a confidentiality agreement. There are a total of six reporters. The hush money for each person is 300 dollars. You transfer to me the cumulative total of 10 k."
"What makes you think that I am not good at math?"
"Don't pretend to be confused when you know the truth. The rest is of course my payment. You go out and ask about the professional charges of lawyer Fox. You should know that it's a family tradition that I have charged you just a few dollars..."
He was interrupted by the sound of a notification of a text message from his mobile phone indicating that twenty thousand dollars had been deposited into his bank account.
"As expected of Mr. Panter, you are always generous... Hey, didn't you sleep together?" He probed, beaming with joy due to the generous gesture.
"What do you care?"
"I'm not caring about you, I'm concerned about you. Although the Brandon family is rich, it's still a far cry from you. Thinking that the couple actually doubted your motives for being their son-in-law! Word is that Brandon and his wife are investigating you. If you don't want to expose your identity, you have to take action now. Do you want me to provide them with some false information?"
"Yes, go ahead and do it fast!"
Dan hung up after giving the go-ahead. He had said everything he needed to say. If he continued chatting, it would just be gossip.
Bob Fox was the best lawyer in Boston. His main business constituted a top law firm, while his side hustle was running a bar, and yes, he loved gossip!
Whether it was his main business or side business, it all had to do with satisfying his gossipy heart.
After a moment, he called again via video, but Dan declined to answer it.
He then sent a message on WhatsApp
"You must have fallen in love with her, right?"
Faced with his friend's aggressiveness, Dan did not deny it, nor did he admit it directly.
"Nosy," he responded.
"Call it whatever you want, but if your grandfather knew about this, he would be very happy!"
"I adjure you not to tell my grandfather! I mean, you can't tell him about this for the time being."
It so happened that the old man of the Panter family was eagerly looking forward to his most promising grandson getting married and having children as soon as possible!
In the eyes of outsiders, the Panter family was mysteriously reputed, but kept a low profile.They were rich enough to rival a country, and they were not a monolithic entity. Dan did not want his little woman to get involved in the mess at home.
'She did perform well at the wedding today, but in the Panter family, I'm afraid that her current ability will be eaten up without leaving any bones.' He reflected.
He wanted to protect Roslyn, and Bob saw it.
"Oh, you protect her now? It seems that she has a very important position in your heart. Did you fall in love with her at first sight?"
"Well, mind your own business, will you? Anyways, send some clothes and items for the girl tomorrow morning."
"Okay! My God! Master Panter, you must be out of your mind. You always consider others. It's over. Our Master Panter has been smitten with love!"
Afterwards, Dan skillfully put Bob on the blacklist.
Early in the morning the following day, Bob, dressed like a colorful magpie in a flowered shirt, a white suit, and shiny red leather shoes, rang the doorbell of Dan's house.
"Ding Dong!"
The doorbell rang for the third time. Dan opened the door in his pajamas, with obvious dark circles under his eyes.
"Didn't you sleep well last night?" Bob smiled ambiguously, fishing for gossip.
"Get lost! Did you just wake me up to inquire about my sleeping status?"
"Don't be like this, tell me more, don't be so stingy..."
Dan took the bag from his friend and slammed the door.
So stingy, whatever you want. He swore under his breathe.
"Did someone just come now?" He turned only to meet with Roslyn who had obviously been woken up by their whispered jokes.
- Writer
