Chapter 4

After days of preparation, Ethan and Amelia finally got married. There wasn't a lavish celebration. The wedding was simple and only attended by family. After the wedding ceremonies were over, one by one, the family members began to leave the venue.

Accompanied by Flora, Amelia walked to the bridal room on the hotel. Meanwhile, Ethan was still in the ballroom, engrossed in a conversation with some relatives who hadn't left yet.

"If you have some free time, take a trip to Dubai. Bring your wife to visit our house there too."

Ethan just nodded when one of his cousins invited him to visit. Previously, he had indeed planned to take Flora on a honeymoon to Turkey or Dubai.

However, the plan fell through when his wife had to undergo intensive care at the hospital for several days. The doctor even advised that Flora shouldn't travel far until her condition was completely improved and stable.

"Oh my God, Khalid, your invitation won't happen. Forget about visiting Dubai, even traveling out of town seems hard for Ethan."

Evan Sanders, Ethan's talkative cousin, finally chimed in. No one was surprised that he had a habit of mocking anyone he talked to.

"Why is that? It sounds strange," asked Khalid, puzzled. He found it odd hearing what Evan had just said. "Wasn't Ethan always fond of traveling, especially abroad?"

"Yes," Evan nodded. "That was before. When he was still single. It's a different story now. Ethan must be confused and stressed about which wife to take with him."

Ethan had to admit that what Evan said was true. Before marriage, he indeed enjoyed traveling from one country to another. His hobby paused when he married Flora and had to focus on her condition.

And now, when there's an opportunity to travel, Ethan has to think twice. Since he now has two wives, both of them should go with him. It's impossible to leave one of them behind.

"For now, I think it's best not to travel anywhere. Besides a busy practice and surgery schedule, I also have no experience on how to take two wives on a long trip."

"If you're confused, I can help," offered Evan.

"Help how?" Ethan asked.

"Help by escorting one of them. So you can focus on going with Flora. I'd gladly take your place to accompany Amelia."

"You're crazy!" Ethan exclaimed, making Evan and Khalid burst into laughter.

"Come on, Amelia is so beautiful. Why did she even marry you? She should've married me, the single one here. After all, if we talk about looks, I'm better looking than you, right?"

"What's the use of being good-looking if no one wants you? Besides, when it comes to fate, you've always had bad luck," Ethan retorted sharply.

There was nothing more to say. From their childhood until now, Evan's fate had often lagged behind Ethan's. Who knows what past sins Evan might have committed to always be at a disadvantage compared to his cousin.

"Alright, I'm going back to my room. I need to rest. You guys should leave soon. Don't stay too late."

"You're in such a hurry," Evan chided. "Just admit that you can't wait to enjoy your second night with your new wife."

Ethan just scoffed. Not wanting to respond, he chose to really say goodbye and then headed to the bridal room prepared by the hotel.

Meanwhile, in the bridal room, Flora was helping Amelia change out of her wedding dress. She removed all the accessories and then suggested Amelia take a shower to freshen up.

"Your pajamas are in the closet, Amelia. Everything is ready there. It's best if you shower before bed so you don't feel hot."

Amelia nodded. She walked to the closet, took a neatly folded pajamas, and prepared to go to the bathroom.

"Are you sleeping here?" Amelia asked, then quickly regretted the question.

"No, Amelia," Flora shook her head. "Tonight, I'll be sleeping at home.”

"Why don't you sleep here instead?"

Flora smiled. She had deliberately chosen to go back to Ethan's apartment to give some privacy to the newlyweds.

"I don't want to disturb you and Ethan. I want you two to really enjoy this night alone without any interruptions."

Amelia just nodded, unsure how to respond. She wasn't sure if she was ready to spend her first night with Ethan. The answer was probably no.

Amelia kept wondering what she would do after meeting Ethan and sharing a room with him. She was sure it would feel very awkward.

"Alright, you should hurry up and shower, or you'll catch a cold," Flora urged when she saw Amelia spacing out.

Nodding, Amelia then stepped into the bathroom. Slowly, she removed her makeup first, then took a shower.

After 30 minutes, Amelia decided to come out. As soon as she opened the door, she was surprised. Ethan was already standing near the closet, while Flora was nowhere to be seen.

Ethan was casually leaning against the wall, seemingly waiting for Amelia to come out of the bathroom.

Luckily, Amelia was fully dressed. Otherwise, she would have been embarrassed in front of the man who was now officially her husband.

"Do you want to shower?"

As she walked out, Amelia mustered the courage to ask, trying to appear as casual and friendly as possible to cover up her nervousness.

"Yes," Ethan replied briefly. He didn't say anything else.

"Sorry if I took too long. I'm done now."

Ethan just nodded. He grabbed a towel from the closet and then walked into the bathroom. Meanwhile, Amelia chose to sit on one side of the bed, feeling confused about what to do next.

Her internal struggle wasn't over when she was startled again by what she saw. Ethan, having finished his shower, casually came out of the bathroom shirtless.

Although he was wearing pants and only his upper body was exposed, the sight made Amelia feel flustered. She had never in her life seen a man, especially from such a close distance, displaying his body like that.

Amelia could see with her own eyes how Ethan's chest and abdominal muscles looked firm, indicating that he maintained a good and healthy lifestyle.

As he dried his wet hair with a towel, Ethan walked back to the closet to get dressed. After putting on his clothes, he turned and walked towards Amelia, who was sitting on the bed.

This, of course, added to Amelia's surprise. Various thoughts swirled in her mind. She kept asking herself if Ethan would claim his marital rights tonight and whether she was ready for her duties.

"Amelia."

The call suddenly snapped Amelia out of her thoughts. She looked up slightly to see Ethan standing close in front of her.

"It's late. You should rest and go to sleep."

"Sleep?" Amelia repeated.

Ethan nodded. He reached out, took one of the pillows from the bed.

"Yes. You can sleep comfortably on the bed. I'll sleep on the sofa."

Amelia's eyebrows knitted together. So, Ethan didn't even want to sleep with her?

"Why are you sleeping on the sofa?"

"It's okay," Ethan replied gently. "I know this marriage makes us both feel awkward. Even though I have the right, honestly, I'm not ready to touch you right now."

Ethan's statement made Amelia silent. There was nothing she could do but let Ethan go to the sofa and rest there. Who knows what other surprises Amelia would encounter after living with the man who was now her husband.