Chapter 5 Knight

"I'm sorry for the delay," Ares apologized.

"Did you wait long? I didn't even notice you..." Kia wondered.

"It's windy outside, and I don't want you to catch a cold. Come on, let's go inside," Ares suggested.

Kia was left speechless, simply gazing at Ares.

Why didn't I find him this attractive this morning... I didn't expect him to be this handsome... Wait, why am I blushing?! Kia pondered silently.

Ares approached her slowly, and when he was close enough, he gently took hold of her waist, pulling her closer. "Honey, promise me you won't leave my side. Mhm?... Let's... get married!" he softly uttered, sending shivers down Kia's spine.

So, this is the marriage certificate. I can't believe I got married like this... It feels like a dream... Kia thought as she held the paper certifying her and Ares' marriage.

Ares parked his car in front of a modest house. He quickly got out and helped Kia out.

"I'm sorry it took so long... The traffic was terrible earlier. Let's go home," Ares said.

Kia didn't respond immediately, seemingly lost in her thoughts. He's going to be my husband now... Seriously, he's so good-looking... Kianna Myst Saavedra, did you forget you just got married on a whim!

"What's wrong?... Mhm... I bought this car on a loan, I hope you like it," Ares said, a bit uneasily.

Why is she hesitating? Damn it! Isn't this car affordable enough... Doesn't she think I'm just a secretary or an office worker? Ares voiced his thoughts.

"Well, I'd like to properly introduce myself to you. I work for a major corporation, and as I mentioned earlier, I'm an assistant to the customer manager. Our company offers great benefits, and we can get interest-free loans, which is how I bought this car and this house on a loan... I hope you don't mind me being just a regular office worker..." Ares confessed shyly.

"Hey, that's more than fine... It's actually impressive... I took up a lot of your time today, so maybe come in after lunch; otherwise, your employer might scold you..." Kia expressed concern.

Seeing that he had reassured Kia, Ares smiled. "Don't worry... I requested a day off today; let's go pick up your luggage."

Kia agreed with Ares and nodded. They got in the car and drove to Kia's former residence, the Saavedra family home.

Ares noticed Kia's melancholy as they approached her place. He became concerned when her facial expression suddenly changed. Ares asked, "Is this your home?"

"It used to be... But I can't call that place home anymore... I-I'll go get my things," Kia replied as she exited the car.

Is she on bad terms with her family? No, it doesn't seem so. It's complicated. Ares muttered to himself. "Do you need my help? Let's go together," he offered to Kia.

"No... Please wait for me here. I can handle it on my own. I'll be right back." Kia smiled and left the car to enter her family's house.

As she entered the Saavedra family home, Ares stood there, observing her. This woman is quite complex. Is she trying to hide her emotions? I really can't figure out what she's up to.

…

I decided to take a detour around the back of the house to avoid running into anyone I knew. Fortunately, my room was nearby, and I had already prepared my luggage. I quickly packed it with my belongings and clothes.

Finally, I can say goodbye to the place I've called home for the past two decades. I wiped the sweat from my forehead once I finished packing.

It's finally done. I need to learn how to live independently and support myself from now on. I know it won't be easy, but hasn't life always been that way? You have to work hard before you can achieve success. I promise myself that I won't give up until I can shoulder all my responsibilities on my own. The timid me from the past is gone!

"Hey, Kianna Myst," a voice called out from behind me as I was about to leave the house.

It was my stepmother, the person I despised the most in the world. "Where are you going with your luggage? You're really pushing your father's buttons, aren't you? Not only are you upsetting him, but now you want to run away from home," she said with a smirk.

To add to my irritation, my step-sister, Asteria, chimed in, "Tsk, tsk, tsk... Mom, where does she think she can go now? Find a man to rely on?" Asteria was the woman who had flirted with my boyfriend, Vincent Rivera.

"Is meddling in my life the only thing you two can do? What's your talent, aside from stealing other people's boyfriends?! Those smug looks on your faces are disgusting!" I grumbled.

My words immediately infuriated Asteria, and it seemed like a wake-up call for her. "Don't act so high and mighty, Kianna! You're getting on my nerves! You're no longer part of this household; you're nothing but a beggar!" Asteria yelled.

"Boring! Talking to you is a waste of time," I remarked as I turned away from them.

I was about to leave when Asteria suddenly grabbed my arm. "You're not going anywhere!"

"Let go!" I exclaimed angrily. "I'll smack you in the face with this luggage if you don't release me," I threatened.

She quickly let go and scurried back to her mother's side. She was easily intimidated. It was a complete waste of time. I heard her say something as I was leaving the house.

"I'm telling you, Kianna, I'm not afraid of you no matter what. Just remember, this is my home, not yours. Got it? I won't say it again!" Her voice was so loud it felt like it might burst my eardrums.

I continued heading out the door, ignoring her. I took out my phone to check the time... darn it! It's been half an hour...

…

I had practically become a human statue while waiting outside. This is the first time I've ever had to wait like this as a president. Tsk, Kianna, you owe me for this...

As soon as I heard the squeaky wheels of her suitcase, I looked ahead. She's finally coming out! She seems a bit down.

"I'm ready. Let's go," she said in a cold tone.

Is something bothering her? She doesn't seem to be in a good mood.

"It's freezing outside; get in the car; I'll handle the luggage."

"Alright," she replied and got into the car.

She didn't say a word about what happened inside her house. Well, I'm a patient person. One day, she'll open up to me... but for now, I need to understand what she's been through all these years.

As I got into the car, I suggested, "By the way, Kianna, since it's getting late, why don't we grab dinner before heading home?"

When I glanced at her, she was sound asleep. She must be exhausted... Alright, get some rest.

I moved closer to her and gently placed my hand on her cheek. I was surprised when she suddenly started crying...

"Don't worry, honey, we're married now. I promise I'll protect you forever, and no one can harm or bully you from now on... Trust me," I whispered before kissing her lips.