CHAPTER 3. THE EAT OUT.

I laid in bed digesting all what Chris had said earlier. He was right though maybe I shouldn't even be searching for a job when I already have a place in my dad's company, but at the same time, he is the reason I'm in this mess; The forced marriage.

The next morning, as usual, my alarm woke me up. I yawned as I stretched. Chris was still laying there. I resisted the urge to wake him up to prepare for work. 

I got up to wash my face, but by the time I was back, he was already up.

“Don't you have work today?” I asked. 

“Nope… Today's my day off” he muttered, rubbing his eyes with the back of his palms.

I sat at the edge of the bed, tying my hair into a ponytail.

“Anywayyyy, we should have a couple's day. We've never had one” Chris said. I raised a brow.

“Whatever it is you're trying to do, it's not gonna work!” I said. He stood up and came over to the side of my bed. 

“See…” He breathed in.

“I know I've done numerous terrible things. I am trying to make this work” he continued. He grabbed my hands, I jerked them away.

“ I understand I never treated you the way I should, and I'm trying to amend thin…" I cut him off.

“It's too late to amend anything. You killed my innocent child” I closed my eyes, rubbing my belly softly.

“You ruined my life. At this point, I still don't even understand what my dad saw in you” I continued.

“ Can we just attempt to work this out before next month, but then if it doesn't work out we go on with the divorce papers."? He looked at me, but I looked away, staring at our well-designed walls. The color combination was top-notch, whoever designed them was too good with his works. 

“Are you even listening to me?” Chris's voice ordered me back into reality.

“I'm sorry…" I shook my head.

“It's okay. So, I was saying, how about I take you out officially for a dinner date. Just the both of us for the first time?” He said with a small smirk.

“ It doesn't change the fact that we're still carrying on with the divorce papers when it's ready, ” I responded.

“We'll see about that. That's a yes, right? You better don't be late” with that he stood up and walked downstairs.

I sat there completely frozen. For the first time in two years, I wasn't scared of my husband's presence. I took a deep sigh and followed him downstairs. Whatever this man has in mind, I hope he's aware I'm not falling for any of it.

The rest of the day continued in silence. I was reading books to keep myself busy. I spoke with my mom for a bit and also watched some TV shows.

“By the time I'm out of the bathroom, you better be done preparing” Chris had informed me before entering the bathroom. I was confused about what to wear. I wanted to avoid dressing too expensive yet, I would rather not look too simple.

“Uh, uh! That's where the red dress comes in” I muttered to myself as I brought it out. I did a simple makeup and applied lip gloss and I grabbed a matching purse. 

Few minutes later, Chris came in with a messy hair and wet body. He had the towel wrapped around his waist. My gaze traveled from his messy hair down to his wet body. At this point, I wondered if girls outside look at him the way I'm looking at him right now and thought he was hot because damn he's fire! Our eyes met. I felt embarrassed. He looked like he was already reading through my thoughts. 

“You look beautiful” he complimented. I just smiled back. 

The restaurant was peaceful and calm. It smelt expensive. I walked hand in hand with Chris while I endured all the stares. We ordered for different meals. I would randomly steal gazes at Chris while I watched him enjoy his dinner noiselessly. We didn't speak much, but we would randomly lock eyes.

“ What the heck?!” He exclaimed as soon as we got out of the restaurant.

“What's going on?” I asked seemly, a bit concerned. He stared at his phone and back at me again. I was losing it at this point. I hate suspense.

“ Lucas's birthday is today. I can't believe I forgot!” He responded as he scratched the back of his head. I was confused as to who Lucas was. He noticed it and quickly added, " He's my colleague at work”.

“I could still make it to his birthday, but can you get home yourself?” He asked. 

“Are you insane????” I responded. 

“It's late already. I'll come with you” I answered.

His worried face beamed into a small smile, like I just said exactly what he wanted to hear. I got into the car and we drove off.

The party was lively. Chris kept introducing me to his colleagues who were around. It was a nice experience as they kept complimenting me and all that.

“If this isn't my main guy!” A voice said from behind us as we both turned abruptly.

“My guy!” Chris chuckled as they both clashed their hands for a shake.

“I knew you'll make it here. I'm so glad” At this point I knew this was no other person than the mighty Lucas.

“This is my wife, Aria” Chris spoke. 

“Aria… This is my colleague I've been talking about; Lucas” Lucas smiled and brought out his hand for a shake as I shook them.

“It's pleasant to finally meet you, Aria” Lucas said. His voice was a lot deeper. He was a very tall man. 

“Chris has been telling me so much about you” he quickly added. 

“Really?” I smirked. My gaze turned to Chris.

“I'm joking… I almost thought he was single all these while” Lucas said amidst laughter as we all joined him.

After all the drama, Lucas excused himself, leaving Chris and me together.

“Okay, I want you to sit right here, I'll be back in a minute. I have some catch-ups to do” Chris informed me as I nodded.

I brought out my phone and began surfing through the net until a masculine voice approached me.

“Are you alone, pretty?” My eyes met the voice. He looked scary with tattoos all over his body and a nose ring. In his left hand, he had a glass of liquor the other hand, he had a stick of cigarette.

“ No… Actually… I came with someone” I managed to say. He was slightly drunk, and I was scared. 

“But he is not here right now, right?” He asked. My eyes searched around for Chris, but I couldn't find him. I got up, but he dragged me back to the seat and touching me inappropriately. I pushed him away. 

“Stay away from her!” someone ordered. I turned around, it was a familiar voice. Chris. 

The stranger raised his hands up in defense. “Chill bro. I didn't know she was your girl” then he walked away. I looked back at Chris. He was totally pissed. We stood there until the man disappeared.

“Can you imagine?” He finally looked at me, pointing at the direction the stranger went. I didn't say a thing. I was just glad that Chris was able to make it here on time.

“Let's go home” He grabbed my hands and led me out.