Chapter 8

Early in the morning, after showering, Amelia decided to head to the kitchen because she intended to prepare breakfast. She had been thinking about Flora’s advice from the night before about blending in and starting to consider the house she was staying in as her own.

It was the third day that Amelia had been living in the Ethan household. There was no harm in occasionally helping to make and prepare food for everyone in the house.

With the help of the housekeeper, Amelia opened the refrigerator and took out the various ingredients that were well-stocked inside. She was grateful that everything she needed was available without any shortages.

“What’s Mrs. Amelia cooking this morning?” asked the housekeeper, who was assisting Amelia in the kitchen.

“Since it’s rainy today, I think it’s perfect to make chicken porridge with soup,” Amelia replied.

“Ah, right. Mr. Ethan really likes soupy dishes, especially with lots of vegetables. In that case, let me help with the porridge.”

“Sure,” Amelia nodded with a smile. Moments later, she handed over a bowl of chicken that she had previously diced. “Please boil the chicken I’ve prepared in hot water until it’s cooked.”

They both then carried out their respective tasks. Amelia busied herself with making the seasoning and started chopping all the ingredients she had sorted and chosen earlier.

Once the chicken was cooked, Amelia quickly added the seasoning and diced potatoes and carrots. She measured and added flavorings like salt, sugar, and pepper until she achieved the desired taste.

“Should we serve this on the dining table right away?”

Amelia, who was putting porridge into each bowl, nodded in response. “Yes, just arrange it neatly on the dining table so it can be enjoyed immediately.”

When all the dishes were neatly arranged on the table, Amelia decided to leave the kitchen. She walked towards her room to prepare herself before heading to work.

At exactly 7:30, Amelia, now ready, decided to go back downstairs. When she arrived, she found Ethan and Flora already enjoying the chicken porridge she had prepared.

“Amelia, did you cook all this breakfast?” Flora asked as Amelia sat down in front of her.

“Yes. I cooked and prepared it all. Sorry if it doesn’t match the taste here.”

“No, Amelia,” Flora replied. She then glanced at Ethan, who was enjoying his breakfast with gusto. “Actually, chicken porridge is Ethan’s favorite. Plus, you added soup with lots of vegetables. How did you know El likes this kind of food?”

Amelia just smiled at Flora’s comment. After all, who wouldn’t enjoy chicken porridge with warm soup on a cold day like this?

“It’s just a coincidence.”

“But seriously, this is Ethan’s favorite. Especially—”

“Honey…” Ethan interrupted. “Can we discuss Ethan’s favorite foods later? Aren’t you in a hurry to leave this morning?”

Flora turned and, hearing Ethan’s words, remembered that she had an appointment she needed to get to. “Oh my gosh, darling. I almost forgot. Good thing you reminded me.”

They all decided to enjoy and savor their breakfast. Once done, Flora was the first to get up. She looked ready to leave.

“I’ll take you,” Ethan offered, also standing up and preparing to go.

“No need,” Flora declined. “I usually go alone. It’s better if you take Amelia instead. She might be late for work.”

Ethan shook his head, indicating his disagreement with Flora’s instructions. Besides, he didn’t want his wife to go alone as usual.

“No. I have to take you this morning.”

“Ethan, poor Amelia. Besides, you’re going in the same direction. If you take me, you’ll go way out of your way.”

“I’m fine with it,” Amelia interjected. She felt uncomfortable seeing the couple argue over something trivial so early in the morning.

“Don’t, Amelia. Let Ethan take you.”

Amelia shook her head. Being used to being independent and handling everything herself, she didn’t mind whether she went to work with someone or alone.

“I’m really fine, Flora. I usually drive myself or take a taxi,” Amelia said, trying to assure them that she would be okay even if she wasn’t accompanied.

“Let me have a driver take you, Amelia.”

In the end, Ethan spoke up again. Instead of letting his second wife take an online taxi, he instructed Amelia to go with the driver who was originally assigned to take Flora.

“Alright then,” Amelia nodded. She was reluctant to argue further as it would only lead to a lengthy and uncomfortable situation.

After finishing breakfast, Amelia quickly got up. Grabbing her sling bag, she walked over to Ethan, who was waiting for Flora.

As usual, Amelia extended her hand to shake hands and say goodbye before heading to work. Flora, who was grabbing vitamins from the fridge, observed from a distance.

“I’m off to work now.”

“Okay, be careful.”

Arriving at the boutique, Amelia saw Clara busy arranging some of the latest dress models in the front display. What caught her attention was Asher, who was there as well.

The heart surgeon seemed to be helping his wife set up hangers for the clothes. It was unusual for the busy man to take the time to visit so early in the morning.

“What are you doing here, Asher?” Amelia asked as she walked over to Clara.

“I’m helping Clara replace the latest dress collection. Just checking the quality too,” Asher replied.

Amelia nodded. She quickly put down her sling bag and joined Clara and Asher in organizing and arranging the dresses in the display.

Once everything was displayed neatly, Amelia checked the stock of incoming and outgoing items. Meanwhile, Clara checked which clothing collections needed to be added or changed.

In between their tasks, Asher, who had finished helping, sat down. While observing, he chatted with his wife and sister-in-law.

“How are you, Amelia? Is Ethan treating you well?”

Amelia turned and smiled. At that moment, she replied, “I’m doing well. So far, Ethan has been treating me well.”

Amelia wasn’t exaggerating. In the three days she had lived in the Ethan household, the man had indeed treated her well.

As for the fact that he wasn’t ready to share the bed yet, Amelia could understand. It probably took time for her husband to fully adjust.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Clara, having finished her work, asked to directly confirm how her sister was doing.

“We’ve only been living together for three days.”

“But he’s fair, right?” Asher asked again.

“Yes. So far, the sleeping arrangements have been evenly divided.”

“How is it divided?”

“Well, like this. From the first night of marriage until last night, I’ve had the share of sleeping with El. And for the next three nights, it’s Ethan’s turn to sleep with Flora.”

Clara was a bit surprised by Amelia’s expAmeliation. But thinking about it, the division seemed fair. However, a question suddenly popped into her mind.

“So, who gets the fourth night? Since there are seven days, dividing by two means someone gets four nights, right?”

Amelia laughed. It wasn’t surprising that her sister was confused.

“The fourth night is on a rolling basis. If it’s my turn this week, then next week it will be Flora’s turn. And so on.”

“Oh my gosh, having two wives really is complicated,” Clara said with a shake of her head.

“It does require more calculations when deciding to have more than one wife. Fairness is the most important. You don’t want to aim for paradise but end up in sin because one heart feels hurt.”

“But you don’t plan to have another wife, do you?”

Clara’s eyes narrowed. Knowing her husband had above-average looks and financial resources, it wouldn’t be hard for Asher to find a new woman to be a second wife.

“Oh God, Clara. Even having just one like you is more than enough. Besides, I’m not even satisfied with just showing affection to you.”

“Oh my… you must have picked up Rayhan’s way of being sweet-talking.”

They all laughed together before Asher eventually said goodbye to continue his work at the hospital.

Before he left, he once again reminded Amelia to be open if anything happened in the future.

“If anything happens, talk to Clara, Amelia. Remember! Don’t keep it to yourself. I’m sure Ethan will treat you well, but we can’t predict what will happen in the future. If something bothers you or doesn’t feel right, speak up quickly.”