06

I sidewardly glance at Clark who’s currently sitting opposite me in the car, part of me is debating begging him to let me spend some days at my own home and the other is considering leaving in the middle of the night, either way I won’t be spending the night in his house.

I sigh for the sixteenth time in a row, and Clark throws an annoyed glance at me, “the way you keep sighing people will think you won’t be living in a state of the arts home”

I roll my eyes, “I was already doing that at my brothers place, where I had my comfort” I say, pointedly. “And besides I didn’t realize getting married, also meant that I had to live with you. There are many couples who live separately nowadays”

He nods, “that’s great for them but it’s not for us. When I took my vows I meant every word of them, meaning you’re my responsibility and I intend on us living together till we die”

I roll my eyes once more, “thank you Mr Clark but I don’t need anyone to be responsible for me, I’m a grown woman” I say with a forced smile, “and besides you can’t keep me in your home without my consent”.

He sighs, “alright I understand” he says, turning to face me, “how many days do you intend on spending in your former home before getting ready to live with me”.

I smile knowing that he’s ready to give in, “ten days”. His eyes widen with disbelief and his blue eyes strengthen with resolve, “2 days” he replies firmly.

“Five” I say, negotiating with him, “two” he says, maintaining his stand. “Five” I say, trying to maintain my stand, “two or nothing” he says, crossing his arms over his chest.

I sigh, feeling too tired to negotiate even further, “alright two” I say, “you drive a hard bargain, I hope in the future you’d be kinder towards me” I pout.

He nods, “great. Head to Lai’s home” he instructs the driver. The driver takes a u- turn towards Oakley bridge as he makes his way to my once beloved home.

“Thanks” I mumble under my breath, “what?” He asks, clearly hearing me, “did you say something, cause I didn’t get that”. I force a smile, “thank you for only giving me two days out of the ten days I requested for. At least I get two days away from you” I mutter under my breath, out of the driver's earshot.

Clark chuckles, “what do you mean time away from me? I intend to spend the two days with you” he says, squeezing my hand.

“Thanks, but no need” I say, removing my hand from his grasp. He smiles, “no need for thank you, I want to spend all the time that I have with you” he teases.

“Sure” I say, feeling deflated as I watch the car speed past other cars, “at least I’ll be home and will have my bedroom to myself, that counts for something” I sigh.

In ten minutes, we arrive at my brothers place of residence. Clark instructs the driver to bring down our luggage, apparently he envisioned this and planned this ahead just in case I insisted on going back home, such a wonderful husband I have.

I slide my card on the door, and it clicks open. Without looking to see if Lai is back from our wedding party I head straight upstairs to my room, feeling the immediate need to get out of the wedding gown.

I stand in front of the mirror, trying to figure out where exactly the zip is due to the seamstress using an invisible zip line. After trying for the next five minutes, I give up and head downstairs in search for Clark.

“Clark?” I call out, as I walk into the lounge area. “Yeah” he calls out from upstairs. Grabbing a handful of my gown in my hands, I head straight upstairs.

I place a knock on the door of the room he usually stays in, when he sleeps over. He immediately pulls the door open welcoming me inside, “thanks” I say, walking into the room.

“Did you miss me?” He asks, I shake my head, not in the mood for his sarcasm or teasing, “can you help me with my dress. I can’t seem to find the zip and the gown is absolutely itchy”

“It’s a matter of urgency” I say, “if not I would have asked one of Lai’s home keepers to help with the zip, but I can’t seem to find any of them”

Clark lips form into a frown showing his displeasure, “there’s absolutely no way that I’ll let another man touch you” he quietly says. I shrug, “it’s not another man, it’s just one of the workers in the house”.

He shakes his head, “absolutely not, Lai’ only has male help, you know he doesn’t have any female help because of what happened the last time”

I shrug once more, “I don’t see the big deal in asking them to help with the zip, it’s not like they’re going to see me naked”. He shakes his head, “absolutely no one will be helping you with your zip”.

“Here or in our home, whenever you need help just come straight to me” he says, placing his hands carefully on my waist as he tries to help with the zip.

I shake my head, “you’re quite possessive for someone who’s in a contractural relationship with me. I think you forget that we are not a love match”

“Doesn’t matter, you’re mine now and no one can touch what’s mine now. We don’t have to be in love for that to be made clear” he says.

I feel the gown release slightly and I can tell that he’s been able to find the zip, “thanks” I say, clutching the back of the gown as I walk towards the door before stopping midpoint.

“I need a change of clothes, seeing that you’ve emptied my room” I say, carefully eyeing him. He pulls out the luggage and places it carefully on the bed. In brief seconds he pulls out a pink night gown and hands it over to me.

“Thanks” I say, walking out of the room and into mine. I quickly take a shower feeling relieved to have discarded the wedding gown before changing into my comfortable pink nightmare.