Chapter 6
I was dumbfounded when Canon said that. I can't describe how I felt. I felt like my heart was broken into pieces. I know he's rude but I sometimes wish that he will eventually change his personality. I know I needed to endure the pain I'm feeling right now.We rode back home in his car, and none of us talk for the whole ride. I just kept my mouth shut, I don't have any strength to keep up with his rudeness right now. I just sit there while looking through the car's window. I'm sightseeing the view outside, there are different lights from the stores and buildings we see along the way.I smiled to myself when I remember my precious time with Daddy. We used to stroll around the road at night and look for cheap food. I can remember how simple our life is, now we can't predict what will happen next.I lose myself and drown in sleep. I was awakened by the man's voice.“Wake up!” He shouted. I was shocked by the tone of his voice. It was none other than, Canon. He left me there the moment he saw that I'm already awake. I didn't immediately follow him. I don't want to eat dinner with him.I just sat outside in the garden. I took the flowers I plant last week. They were growing beautifully. I want to plant, it gives me a chill. The thought of them growing healthy and beautiful makes me feel at ease. I smiled while touching their petals.I heard Tessa call me so I came inside the mansion. I met the familiar gaze, Canon look at me blankly. I shifted my gaze and look away. I immediately go to my room. I just took a bath and fall asleep. I didn't bother eating dinner. I'm sure Canon is there.I woke up around 6:00 am. I switch off my alarm and ready myself for work today. I know Canon will go to work around 7:00 am since he's in the gym right now. I quickly changed and came early to the office without him. I also switch off the phone he gave me. I continue all the paper works I didn't finish yesterday since Canon didn't let me.“Hi! I'm Janice!” A fine lady came in front of me and wave his hand. I quickly extend my hand.“I'm Mallory, nice to meet you!” I also introduced myself. She sat in the vacant sit in front of my desk.“I heard that you're the new secretary of Mr. Stutter. How was it? He's scary isn't he?” She excitedly asks. I didn't feel any awkwardness. She looks nice.“Yes, he's rude.” I honestly answered. She snapped her fingers.“Right! That's what I expect!” She said as if she knew it already. Maybe, she does know Canon as their boss who's rude and demanding. I can't blame them.I received a call and she told me that she will be back to work.“Hello, Mallory speaking,” I answered through the telephone.“Come to my office. NOW.” Canon commanded. I felt my body tremble at the tone of his voice. I sighed while walking to his office. I'm scared, I know that he's different when he's mad. I knock on the door and I came in.“You didn't bother to wait for me. You came alone or does Elvis pick you up?” He accused. My eyes widen in disbelief. How could he accuse me like that?“You and your false accusations! I'm a married woman and I know my limitations. Even if this is just a marriage for convenience I still value my dignity as a woman!” I said angrily. You can be rude to me all you want but I will never tolerate such acts without any valid evidence.I left his office and continue my work while crying. I'm such a crybaby even though they knew me as a strong woman. I did experience many difficulties in life but never did I let anyone degrade me just because of my status in life. We don't need to drag any person down because you're fortunate enough to live your life. You have everything that other people dream of. You must know how to put yourself in someone's shoes. You must understand them.“Lory! Are you alright?” Elvis asked. I wiped my tears away and smiled at him.“I'm fine as hell! I just watch a movie and I can't myself but feel emotional. What are you doing here?” I asked while smiling. Pretend.“Are you sure? I can't see any happiness in your eyes.” He said as if examining my face.“No! I'm really fine! I am easily attached to movies so much. I love watching movies.” I said. He nodded and smiled eventually.“So can we go out for a movie night?” He asked while smiling. I felt sad because I will get more accusations from Canon. We didn't do anything bad so we aren't deserving of receiving such words. I declined his offer and he looks so sad.“Maybe next time?” He asked. I just nodded even if I don't think I can come with him. I'm trying to keep my promise to Canon that I will never cheat while we're still married. I don't have any rights yet to flirt with any guy.“Are you single? I'm sorry but I think I might be crossing the line?” He asked sounding apologetic.“Yes, but I can't accept any relationships yet. I'm just starting to build my career.” I said. I lied because Canon doesn't want others to know about our arrangement. I will be keeping this a secret since I'm being paid. Maybe in two years, we will eventually part ways.He smiled and bid his goodbye since he has some errands to do. I immediately saw Canon standing right after Elvis left my office.“Why did you reject his offer?” He asked. I gasped at the sudden question he asked. I don't know how to answer it.Chapter 7I gasped. I shook my head and just ignore his presence. I have the right to remain silent. I'm still mad at him, he's been pissing me off lately. I might do something that will also passim off.“Answer me.” He said. I just continue what I'm doing right now even though my hand is shaking. I can feel his gaze towards me.“Look at me.” He demanded. I didn't follow what he said. He touched my chin and let me look at him. My eyes widen when I smell his breath. He's too close! I examined his face, he looks so beautiful with that pointed nose, thick eyebrows, long eyelashes, kissable lips, and soft yet manly skin. I smell his scent. “Why are you looking at me like that?” He asked and he immediately let me go. He felt the awkwardness between us. I don't even know how to speak a word to him.“I rejected him because I'm already married,” I said. He look surprised by what I said. Does it sound surprising? Isn't it the proper way to do it in a marriage? I can stay loyal to him even if h
Chapter 8I can't forget what happened yesterday. I hope Canon will eventually change himself so I will no longer need to deal with his rudeness. I quickly changed and ready myself to work. I went downstairs and I didn't see Canon. A driver also approached me that he will send me to the office since Canon go to work early.It's unusual for him to go to work early since he usually goes to the gym first to work out before he ready himself for work. He has a healthy lifestyle and he always disgusts me whenever I ate in-can food. He always eats a salad which is food for animals. Sorry to offend you guys but Canon looks like an animal. I laughed at my thoughts and the driver look at me as if I'm a mental hospital patient.I immediately look for Canon in his office but I didn't see him. Where the hell he is? Janice approach me as always, she clung herself to my shoulder.“Let's go to the mall later! I want to buy new lipsticks!” She said cheerfully, I just agreed since it's been a long time
Chapter 9I felt awkward when I realized what I have done last night. I had some guts to stare at him while sleeping when in fact he's rude when he's awake! What the hell is wrong with my eyes?I saw Canon eating some breakfast and I immediately sat in front of him silently. I only heard our spoons and pork hitting our plates while eating, we didn't speak any words to each other. I hate this silence. I was about to greet him a good morning but he stood up and left me there alone. He also signals that we're going to work already so I immediately ready myself. AThroughoutour the ride heading to the office, none of us speak a word. We just listen to music and felt the breathing of each other. I don't know if he's acting the usual since he's always silent, second if he knew that it's awkward for me as if he does care about what I feel or he hates how annoying I am. The latter is the most accurate though.We finally reached the office and I headed first so that no one can see us together.
Chapter 10I'm just silent while eating our lunch, he keeps stealing a glimpse of me. I don't know what's up to him. I didn't bother to ask, I don't want things to get more awkward. We finished eating and we headed back to the office.It was indeed a tiring day, I felt like all my energy was drained. Janice approached me and sat in front of my desk. She said she needed to say something.“You know what, Mr. Stutter's girlfriend will come to this coming event! OMG, she looks like a supermodel. Her body figure will make you think of why life is so unfair!” She dramatically stated. I felt like my heart was gripped so hard, I felt the pain in my chest. I don't know why, do I care for him?Maybe, I'm just hurt that we're married but he's still in contact with his girlfriend. I'm such a fool for believing that he doesn't have any hookups with any other woman except me. We're just married in papers, we haven't done any intimate or romantic moments together. We just keep annoying each other and
Chapter 11Everything happened so fast. The lights are illuminating my sight but I can see clearly that Canon punches Sean in the middle of the dance floor. What the hell! It created a scene, the music stops and the people around us were looking at us as if we are playing a role in a certain film. This is so embarrassing. What's more surprising and scary is the look on Canon's face. I can see his veins and his dark face while looking at Sean. I'm so shocked that I couldn't react immediately. I heard Elvis and Rehan come to the dance floor and stopped the commotion, I felt Janice and Kally's hands, and they dragged me out of the scene. I felt Canon's presence behind my back and I'm not wrong when I think that he will grab my arm and pull me out of this bar. He's dragging me and I can feel his firm hold in my hand. I can sense that my hand right now is so red. We reached his car and he furiously open the door and let me inside. I can tell that he doesn't want to talk right now. He'
Chapter 12I heard a knock on my door and the maid told me to go down to the dining hall to eat lunch with Canon. I immediately prepared myself and went down. I saw him freshly showered sitting in the dining hall while the food is being prepared. I can't stop myself from smiling at the fact that the ambiance today is so light and I can't imagine that this day would come. "Hi." I greeted him with a smile and he just nodded and ask me to sit down. We silently eat our lunch, and all I can hear is our movements. "Do you wanna go somewhere today?" He asked. I was shocked at first that he asked me so I couldn't respond right away. "Oh, I might visit my parents today. I haven't seen them yet these days. I will them some food." I told him. "Do you want me to come with you?" I immediately said no, and I can feel the different emotions he showed in his eyes when I told him that. "I mean, they don't know about us yet. I can't tell them right now, they will be stressed about it, especially
Chapter 13I can't believe what I just discovered. Did he wait for me? Canon Stutter? Seriously? I was left dumbfounded and I also don't know how to approach him right now. I can't stand it. I feel bad for making him wait. I told him that I can do it myself. I was hesitating if I should go to him and apologize for what I did to him. Well, technically, I do not expect him to wait. But, it's still my fault, I should have just checked my phone. I go upstairs and I was just staring at his door. I don't know if I should knock or not. I find myself knocking on his door, I will not be able to sleep if someone is mad at me. I usually just apologize. He opened the door and I'm mesmerized by how beautiful he is. He's just wearing pajamas and a basic shirt but he looks so damn fine. I was just staring at him that's why he was about to close his door again. "Wait, I'm sorry. I should have texted you if I will be going home by myself. I made you wait." I said. "I did not wait for you." Afte
Chapter 14We are okay now, at least I know we are on good terms. My office mates asked me why I did not go with them for lunch. I just made an excuse that I don't feel like eating today. They just shrugged it off and I think they believe it. I finished some work today and I plan to go go to the bookstore today. I don't think I have to tell Canon about it, or should I? Fine, I'm going to tell him about it. I clean my table and decided to leave the office and went to Canon's. I knock on his door and I saw him still working, he was talking to someone on the phone. He look so stress and he did not even pay me attention. "I told you to check the items before shipping them, and you did not do your job so this happened. You're fired." He ended the call and he looks so furious right now. "What happened?" I asked. He looked at me and I feel like I'll melt from where I'm standing right now. He massages his head as if he's trying to ease his stress. "There are just some issues with the pr
Chapter 24I am still confused about why Caliber has to bring me with him. After I gathered all the data he needed, he let me go home to pack my things. I still have no idea but I just follow him since we might meet Canon there. I badly wanna see him. I am concerned about his well-being. I started packing my clothes and I forgot to ask how many days are we going to stay there but I packed clothes for one week to be sure. After I packed my things, I stay in the living room to watch some news while waiting for Caliber to pick me up. I wonder what kind of relationship Canon and his brother have. I opened the television and what is more surprising is that the news is about Canon. They focus the camera on Canon while he was walking out of the restaurant, maybe he had a dinner meeting with his business partners. I was positive about that not until an elegant lady clung to his arms. I felt a pain in my chest when I saw them. All this time, I worry about him and yet he was with another wo
Chapter 23The whole ride was just silent when Caliber drives me home. I had no choice since I think he let my driver go home first. I had a feeling that he wants to tell me something. "Mallory, how long do you know my brother?" He asked. I was caught off guard. I will just tell him what we talked about. "We know each other for a year now." I lied. We just know each other for two months now. "Oh, so my brother was just keeping your relationship a secret?" He said while laughing. "Nope, it is my choice. I want him to hide it for now." I said. He just went silent while driving. "You know, my brother has not moved on yet from his ex." He said and I think he was just testing me. "I don't believe that he loves me and he does not care about his past now," I said confidently. He nodded while grinning as if he was not convinced by what I just said. I did not mind him. I think he wants the inheritance of their parents as well, so he was trying to find out if we were just faking our marri
Chapter 22We go outside the car after we hugged. I feel a little embarrassed that I did that. I hope he does not think about it in a bad way. I just want to comfort him. We entered the house and we were just silent the whole time. "Thank you." He said and I just smiled at him. "Good night, Canon," I said and he nodded. "Good night, Lory." He replied and we parted ways. We go to our rooms. I immediately rest that night. I can still feel his embrace. I wish he will get better soon. I woke up feeling a lot better this morning. I prepared for my work today and I guess Canon is already in the dining hall having coffee or tea. I went downstairs and I did not see Canon in his usual spot. I was confused for a second and the maid told me that he left so early in the morning. I just shrugged it off maybe he has a lot of work to do in the office today. I decided to leave after I had my breakfast. I arrived at the office and Jane greeted me. I smiled at her and greeted them back. "Is Mr
Chapter 22We arrived at his parent's house and I feel so nervous like what I felt the first time I met Canon's Mom. This is all new to me, I have never been introduced to my partner's parents since I never had any relationship. The moment we enter his parent's house, the maids instruct us to proceed to the dining hall where his parents are waiting. The table is full of different dishes. Gosh, so many foods. I want to taste them all. I saw Canon's Mom and she smiled at us when we are walking towards her. I saw his father and I can feel that he is also strict like Canon. I guess, I have to try my luck tonight and do my job. His dad looked at us and I vow my head a little in respect to him. He just nodded in response. "Son, it's been a long time. I am glad you have a lovely wife now. She is so gorgeous." His father said and I blushed with his compliment. Gosh, I did not expect that. "Yes Dad, she's the most beautiful woman in my eyes," Canon said while looking at me. I can feel tha
Chapter 21I went downstairs after I took a shower and made myself look decent when I am about to meet Canon's Mom. I saw them in the living room talking about something. I sit in front of them but Canon tapped the seat beside him, I saw how his Mom looked at us. I went beside him and I was just silent. "Good afternoon, Ma'am. I'm very sorry that you saw that situation earlier." I apologize to her. She just nodded in response. I am so intimidated by her. "Son, why you did not mention you getting married?" His Mom said. I was just listening to them. I can't interfere. "I'm a grown man, I can't decide for myself. We want to keep our relationship private for now. The media might target her when they discovered about my marriage." Canon said. I just nodded as a response that I agree with him. I caught his mom's attention and I instantly stop myself from nodding. Gosh, this is the worst. I feel like his Mom will never accept me as his son. Well, it's not my problem anymore. I have to
Chapter 20We went to the grocery store to buy some groceries and ingredients for my baking. He came with me and I still remember how he compliments me today. I always blush whenever I think about it. He's just wearing basic clothes today and he looks so dashing. Some of the women here can't avoid his presence, they all look at him. He always catches everyone's attention. We pick up some groceries and he just follows me while pushing the cart. We look like a real couple. I sighed and just ignore my delusions. I was shocked when an old lady came near us. She was staring at us intently. "Are you a married couple? You look great together. I hope your love for each other will grow stronger." The lady told us. I can't seem to respond since we are not a real married couple. I heard Canon just vow his head in respect to the lady. I felt awkward when the lady left us. "See? We look good together." He boastfully said. I just rolled my eyes on him. He laughed when he saw my reaction. We
Chapter 19We dance that night and he chuckled when I do the goofy dance in front of him. He looks so stunning under the dim lights. I wish we could stay like this forever. I do not worry about everything else. I do not worry about Jean and Elvis looking at us. They are too drunk to notice that we have something. I wish we have something in between us. However, life is not that fair. We have to accept what's written in our fate. I grabbed Canon at our table and Jean was shocked. Her eyes widen that our boss is here with us. Canon also let me go since he knew I do not want them to know about us. Especially, that something between us will end in two years or less. They greeted Canon and gave him a drink. They talk about life but they still feel awkward around Canon. Who would not be if he is this intimidating? We bid our goodbyes when it is late at night, we have to rest too. It's Saturday tomorrow so we can rest for tonight and we don't have to wake up early. We arrived home, I w
Chapter 18I decided to pack my things the next day. I also told my parents that I have to go back to my work. I kind of miss Canon, I want to surprise him. He expects me to arrive after a week but I will be home now. "Call us when you reached your work." My father said. I nodded and hug them both. I will miss them. I bid my goodbye and asked our driver to pick me up but I told him not to inform Canon about it. I was on the way home when I decided to buy some groceries to cook something for Canon. I will cook spaghetti and lumpiang Shanghai today. It is a very Filipino dish so I want him to taste it. After I bought some groceries, I went back to the car. I reached home and the maids helped me carry my stuff. They don't expect me to arrive today so they were really surprised. I asked them to help me read the ingredients. They want to help me cook but I want to do it for Canon. I was happy while cooking. I have never done it to Canon before so I hope he likes what I'm going to cook
Chapter 17We left the restaurant and we get into the car. Both of us were just silent the whole ride. I don't feel like talking. I know the terms before I even enter this contract but I can't help to feel sad and hurt at the same time. I guess I have to put boundaries and don't expect anything from him. That's the right thing to do. I can feel him staring at me. I chose to ignore him and just close my eyes, pretending to sleep. I can feel that we arrived at our house but I did not open my eyes. I thought he was going to wake me up but I was shocked when he carried me. Damn, I don't know how to react. "Please read her bed." He commanded the maids. I can feel his heartbeat near mine. I wish it is beating for me. He was just carrying me to my room, he put me in bed and removed my heels. I thought he was living but I felt a cotton rubbing my face. Is he removing my makeup? My heart is beating so fast. How can I not fall for him if he's acting this way? He seems to care for me when I