Part 77

77

Vano simply nodded, unable to utter a word, as he knew that his father was right. Marriage was not something to be taken lightly, even if it had been rushed. He feared that Celine might return and plead to continue their marriage.

And indeed, as the afternoon approached, Alexa came to Chelsea's room to bid farewell to everyone before heading back to her rented place. Although she hadn't fully accepted the marriage, she still considered Vano her husband, so saying goodbye to her husband and in-laws was not a bad thing. However, upon entering the room, she was surprised to see a girl kneeling in front of Vano, begging him to continue their marriage.

"Excuse me, but I am already married to someone else. I've been in a relationship with her for a while, even without an official status, but I feel she's suitable to be my wife," Vano stated as he looked at Alexa, who was hesitating at the threshold of Chelsea's room.

"Darling, come here. You don't need to hesitate like this. You're my wife. In fact, not only for entering this room, but even going back home, you are already worthy of that," Celine said, turning towards the entrance as Vano began speaking words that pierced her heart.

Alexa appeared even more hesitant as she took steps toward Vano, but he approached her and embraced her, guiding her closer to Celine, who was still kneeling. "Let me introduce you. This is Alexa, my wife."

Celine quickly shook her head. "No, this can't be. You couldn't have married someone else so quickly. She must be—"

Celine's words trailed off as she saw Vano grip Alexa's nape and passionately kiss his wife. He also closed the distance between her and Celine, proving to Celine that Alexa was indeed his lawful wife.

Carlos and Chelsea could only smile, observing their son's actions, as Alexa was indeed Vano's wife. Therefore, they had no right to interfere in the intimate moments of the married couple, not even when they exchanged kisses and saliva right in front of them.

After a week in the hospital, Chelsea was finally discharged and brought home. As they packed up her belongings, Vano and Carlos faced a dilemma. While in the hospital, Alexa had returned to her rented place. She said she couldn't live under the same roof as Vano, especially since there was no one else at home except the housekeeper. With no Carlos and Chelsea around, Alexa was afraid of unwanted situations arising between her and Vano.

It was quite amusing because they were legally married, and Alexa shouldn't have been concerned about living with her own husband. Nevertheless, Vano had to be patient as he didn't yet have a strong reason to bring Alexa home. Whether he liked it or not, he could only shuttle her back and forth between her rented place and the hospital.

Unbeknownst to Vano, his new activity had piqued Celine's interest, prompting her to follow him wherever he went. She began to have her doubts about the legitimacy of Vano and Alexa's marriage, as she believed that no married couple should live apart. To escort Alexa from the hospital to her rented place should have been a straightforward task for Vano. However, in the world of dramas, there had to be some form of proof.

In Celine's eyes, this situation was quite comical because Vano had to go to such lengths even though they had no real relationship.

"Today, Mama needs to talk to Alexa. She has to invite her to come home with us because it's impossible for me and her to stay separated all the time. I am her husband, after all. What husband can be at ease if his wife has to live in a cramped boarding house, free for visits from other men? Honestly, I would not accept it if Alexa were to make me feel like I'm being cheated on."

Chelsea and Carlos could only laugh in response to Vano's words. It wasn't that they were mocking what he said, but it was the umpteenth time Vano had expressed this to them. They had already agreed to Vano's wishes, especially Chelsea.

His persuasions were bound to bring Alexa home with them. However, Vano, who was both impatient and stubborn, continued to repeat the same question to his parents.

"Say it like this again, and you'll earn yourself a beautiful plate. Count how many times you've said this to both of us," Chelsea quipped, curling her lips slightly to show her displeasure with Vano's persistent nagging.

"Well, because Mama's son-in-law is stubborn. Just like Mama," grumbled Vano as he carried Chelsea's suitcase out of the room. Meanwhile, Carlos put his arm around his wife's shoulder and led her out.

"When it comes to Mama, you don't need to worry. She is a woman who takes full responsibility for every word that comes out of her mouth. The proof is, until now, she has never once betrayed her words to Daddy."

"That's to Daddy. Of course, she would. Because Daddy is the man she loves. But what about me?" Vano retorted, not wanting to be outdone by his father.

"Who are you, anyway? You're Carlos and Chelsea's child."

"Well, let's hope so."

"Vano..." Carlos chided. "Don't act like a child."

"Who made Mama and Daddy treat me like a little kid? Without you realizing it, you've treated me like an elementary school child, showering me with abundant love and attention. Things that I've been missing all this time. So, it's only natural that I have this uncontrollable spoiled side of me."

Chelsea and Carlos could only chuckle softly in response to Vano's words because that was indeed the case. Chelsea's care was the kind of attention Vano had yearned for since he lost his mother. All the love and attention were suddenly given to him in full, without any limits. So, it was natural for Vano to revert to his old self, like when he first lost a mother's love.

"That's Alexa," Chelsea pointed out as Alexa approached them. The girl seemed busy with her work, but considering the time and the day of Chelsea's return, Alexa politely asked for permission to mark the departure of her in-laws.

"Sorry, sis, I'm late coming to your room," she said as she reached for Chelsea and Carlos's hands in turn and kissed the back of their hands as a sign of respect.

"It's okay. This is more than enough because we know you're very busy here."

Alexa rubbed her neck. "Thank you, Sis, for your understanding. Oh, yes, don't forget to take your medication regularly. I hope you recover quickly."

"It can't be like that. You have to come home with us."

"But Sis, Vano and I..."

"You and Vano did get married without love as the foundation, but you have to remember that the bond of marriage is sacred, and God despises divorce. Both of you have no one else in your hearts or any other commitments, so there's no harm in trying to build this marriage. Don't think that I'm forcing you to live with Vano. No, but try to accept this with an open heart while waiting for love to grow. Come with us, and you can also take care of me as a personal nurse. What do you say?" Chelsea offered, trying to convince Alexa as she had promised Vano.

"Don't worry; there are many rooms in the house where you can choose. You and Vano don't have to share a room. Just one roof slowly, and I believe that love will eventually grow in both of your hearts. Don't rush it, just go with the flow," Chelsea continued.

Alexa nodded. "Okay, Sis. Could you send me the full address of the house? I'll go there."

"No need," Vano interjected. "I'll pick you up as usual."

Alexa shook her head. "No, I have overtime today, so I might come home late at night or even later. I'm afraid..."

"No husband feels bothered to pick up his wife from work," Vano interrupted her.

"Vano is right," Chelsea said, patting Alexa's shoulder. "Just wait here until your husband comes to pick you up. In that case, Daddy and I will head home. You can continue working, and Vano will return to campus after dropping us off at home. Remember, don't go home alone late at night; it's dangerous, especially for a young lady."

"Alright, Sis," Alexa replied, giving a slight bow as a sign of respect to Chelsea and Carlos. She couldn't argue anymore with her in-laws' request, especially since the incident when Vano touched her for the first time was truly exhilarating. When Vano's wet lips touched hers, it was an experience she had never had in her entire life. It was thrilling and made her feel hot and cold at the same time. If there hadn't been anyone around them that day, she would have likely fainted in Vano's arms.