XIX

"You took so long to reach out to me, huh? Where have you been? And it seems like you've suddenly changed in my eyes," Franklyn asked, furrowing his brow.

I had decided to meet up with Franklyn. News about my marriage to Yohan had already spread throughout our company, and I didn’t want him to hear about it from someone else. Franklyn was my only friend—he deserved to hear the truth from me first.

I went to his company, knowing how busy he was. Besides, I didn’t want to stay at my own company for now, especially since I would soon be transferring to Yohan’s. What was the point of lingering there? It felt suffocating, and I wasn’t ready to face Dad just yet.

"I have something to tell you, Frank," I said seriously.

He raised an eyebrow, sensing the shift in my demeanor. "O... kay? What is it, Princess?"

Taking a deep breath, I met his gaze and told him the truth.

"I'm already married to Zion Yohan Warren, Frank."

"W-What?!" His eyes widened as he shot up from his swivel chair, placing his hands on his waist, looking at me in utter disbelief.

"I know it happened so fast. It feels like just yesterday I was telling you I didn’t want to marry him, and now… I’m already part of the Warren family."

Franklyn blinked, still trying to process my words. I had expected this reaction—honestly, I could hardly believe it myself.

"Why wasn’t I invited? I’m your best friend, for God’s sake, Cosette!" Franklyn grumbled.

I couldn’t help but laugh at his frustration. Walking over, I hugged him to ease his annoyance.

"I’m sorry, okay? You know I didn’t want that wedding in the first place. You didn’t need to be there, Frank. But here’s the deal—when you get married, I’ll make sure to be there and not miss it," I said affectionately.

He was still frowning, but when he looked at me, he couldn’t help but smile. "Fine! You really know my weakness, huh? You better be grateful that I love you!"

Laughing, I quickly kissed his cheek. "I love you more, Frank!"

Since we had a lot to talk about, we decided to visit our favorite place from our college days—an amusement park. The moment we arrived, it felt like we had stepped back in time. We eagerly hopped on the rides, momentarily forgetting all the burdens weighing us down.

For the first time in a long while, I felt free.

When our stomachs growled in protest, we headed to a restaurant inside the park, reminiscing about the carefree days of our college years over a hearty meal.

"Oh, God! I missed this," Franklyn said with a grin.

I glanced at him, smiling as I felt the same way. Taking a deep breath, I leaned my head on his shoulder.

We sat on a bench, watching the sun dip toward the horizon. The amusement park was near the sea, giving us the perfect view of the sunset—something Franklyn and I had always loved doing together.

"I wish it could always be like this, you know? Just… happy. No problems," I murmured, my gaze fixed on the fading sun.

I felt him squeeze my hand, and when I looked at him, he was already watching me with quiet understanding.

"I know you have problems, Setta. I sensed it the moment you walked into my office."

I bit my lip, feeling exposed. Of course, he knew. He always did. That’s why he was my best friend.

Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes, letting the moment linger just a little longer.

"You know I never run out of problems, Frank," I said softly.

"Yeah, they never seem to go away. But what do I always tell you, Setta? Fight. Don’t give up on life," Franklyn said seriously.

I nodded and hugged his waist while he wrapped an arm around me.

We sat there for hours, watching the day fade into night. Eventually, Franklyn offered to drop me off at my new home, and I agreed, considering I had hitched a ride with him earlier.

It wasn’t until we were on the way that I realized something—I had completely forgotten about Yohan’s words from earlier. He had told me to come home early and cook for him. Even though his demand annoyed me—treating me like some kind of servant—I still had to follow through. I was his wife now, after all. It was part of my duties, and I needed to deal with it.

"Franklyn, you can drop me off here," I said as we reached the main entrance of the subdivision.

Franklyn glanced at me with confusion.

"Huh? You’re walking in? That’s dangerous, Setta."

I turned to him and smiled reassuringly.

"Our subdivision is safe, Frank. The streets are well-lit, and the house isn’t far. Just drop me off here, okay?"

He sighed but eventually nodded. Before getting out of the car, I hugged him and said my goodbyes.

As I stepped out, I noticed Franklyn lingering, watching me from his car. I gave him a small wave, signaling for him to leave. After a moment, he finally drove off.

I started walking towards the house, my heart hammering in my chest.

Please don’t be home yet, Yohan. Let me have enough time to cook dinner so you won’t notice I came home late.

But just as I turned the corner, I saw his car parked in the garage.

I let out a silent curse. Great. Is this going to be our first argument as a married couple?

I hesitated before stepping inside, taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly to steady myself.

Maybe he won’t be mad. I’ll just tell him I got caught up at work and lost track of time. Yeah! There’s no way he’d find out I wasn’t actually at the office, right?

Good luck, Cosette. You can do this.

The moment I stepped inside, the clinking of utensils echoed from the dining area. My heartbeat pounded louder in my ears as I slowly made my way toward the sound.

When I entered, I found Yohan sitting at the table, eating in silence while scrolling through an article on his iPad.

"Y-Yohan?" I called out hesitantly.

He stopped eating and looked up at me. His expression was unreadable—cold, composed.

I swallowed hard, gripping my bag tightly.

He raised an eyebrow. "Good evening, Cosette. Why are you just getting home now?" His voice was calm, but the seriousness in his tone made me even more nervous.

Why does he seem scarier when he’s calm?

I almost wished he would yell at me—at least then I could yell back. But no. Damn it.

"U-Uhmmm... I was busy with work since I was gone for a long time, Yohan. I had a lot to finish, and I lost track of time. I also forgot what you told me earlier about coming home early. I’m sorry," I said, trying to sound as composed as possible.

Yohan nodded slowly, as if considering my words.

Did he buy it?

I let out a breath, relieved.

"Don't worry. I’ll come home early tomorrow and cook your favorite meal. What’s your favorite dish? I’ll make sure to prepare it," I added, forcing a smile.

But instead of answering, Yohan stood up.

I frowned in confusion as he took a step toward me.

Then, to my surprise, he wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me close. His piercing gaze locked onto mine.

"Do you really think you can fool me, Cosette?" he asked, his voice cold.

My breath hitched.

"I know you left your company earlier and never went back."

My eyes widened in shock.

How did he find out?!

Oh. My. God.

He caressed my cheek and leaned in, his lips brushing against my ear.

"I always know what you're up to, wife. You can’t lie to me," he murmured. "And because you lied and disobeyed me, you will be punished."

A shiver ran down my spine, my entire body tensing at his words.

"Y-Yohan, I’m sorry. I won’t do it again," I pleaded, my voice trembling.

He let out a low chuckle, his lips grazing my cheek as he nuzzled against me.

"Oh, mi esposa... you’re going to love your punishment."

Before I could react, Yohan suddenly lifted me, placing me on the dining table—right where his unfinished meal still sat.

"Y-Yohan! Not here! Your food is still on the table!" I protested, panic rising in my voice.

But he only grinned, casting a brief glance at his plate before turning back to me, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, Cosette. My meal is right in front of me."

"Yohan—"

My words were cut off as he crashed his lips against mine. His grip tightened around my waist, pulling me flush against him.

A soft whimper escaped me.

"Hmm…"

His voice dropped to a husky whisper, his breath warm against my lips.

"This is your punishment for lying to me, Cosette Blanche Warren." His eyes darkened. "I’m going to f*ck you until you can’t walk."

I won’t be able to walk after this.