CHAPTER 3

When he pulled me gently I just let go. I was just dumbfounded until we got in front of his car.

I looked at him when he opened his car door for me. I slowly got in there and put on my seatbelt. He turned around in his car to get to the driver's seat. I sit there like a statue, not wanting to move nor talk. I just look outside and refused to look at him.

“Your things are already in my house,” I just turned to him when he spoke.

I nodded and just covered my mouth before looking away from him. He started the engine of his car before speaking again.

“You don’t have to worry about household chores, I have enough house helpers in my house. They can also help you if you want to learn some things. Just asked them away.” I shut up when he finished speaking before looking at him.

“Uhm... I also have a work. But... I'll try to cook you breakfast... That's only if you want. But if you don't want it, you can't do it." I took it back because it looked like he didn't expect what I said, my offer.

His eyes widened and bit his lower lip then he nodded, “it’s fine. You can cook me breakfast or not if you’re busy. Where do you work, by the way?” he didn't turn to me because we were already on the road and were taking the road to his house which made me nervous.

“I’m an interior designer in Vegas’ Lux.” he arched a brow when he heard what I said.

“An interior designer... Interesting.” My heart beat faster because of that.

Interesting. Never did I imagine someone will find my job as an interesting job. It’s not as interesting as other profession but I love what I’m doing. So it was new for me to hear that word... Especially coming from him.

“You love designing houses and buildings?”

“Yes,” I answered breathily.

“That’s good to hear, then.”

I didn't speak again and just remained silent while he drove the car. I was silent the whole time until we reached our destination. He stopped his car meters away from the stair. My jaw dropped when I saw the whole place. It was like... A palace. A huge mansion.

I look outside to see the view but it was just short lived because someone pull the car’s door beside me. I bit my lower lip and saw Callum went out of the car, so do I. I took a deep breath before looking around.

I was amazed because of how spacious, beautiful, and clean the whole area was. I felt like I had been to a Palace because of its beauty and extensiveness. I look at the tall pine trees surrounding whole place, it’s all well maintained and green. And the two fountain in each side, left and right, were so fantastic. The whole place look so luxurious. You will be really ashamed to step on any band.

You can only really step on concrete here in the front and there are large burns with beautiful plants that can be seen on each side of the mansion. It's not like we have bermuda grass beautifying our mansion. In some area, it must have been on purpose because there are probably many people who come here and it is right that there are no grass scattered because the tires will only step on them.

“Let’s go inside,” said Callum bringing me back to reality.

I nodded and followed him who went up the stairs first. When I stepped on the last step, I immediately saw a line of maids and other guardians standing on both sides of the door. I gasped because of the number of them. I didn't get a chance to count those when Callum spoke. And because the mansion was so quiet, it was as if he was wearing a microphone that everyone could hear.

“I want you all to meet my wife, Hailey Avery Villanueva. I want you to respect her like how you respect me here.” I frowned slightly but also looked at those around us, they were bowing and paying respect.

“Welcome home, Ma’am Hailey.” they chant like they practised it all. I fulp and did not move an inch.

“T-Thank you,” I only said before looking back at Callum who was by my side.

“I want a maid or two to attend my wife’s everyday needs.” his calm voice is kind of authoritative.

I looked at him, "huh? N-No need, Callum. I can be alone every day. I don't need–”

“You will follow what I’ve said.” he said dismissively. I pouted, not wanting to argue more.

“I will always have Iska and Marina with Ma'am Hailey, Callum." an old woman spoke not far away.

Her uniform is a different color and she is also old. Maybe she is the butler of the house, based on his conversation with Callum.

“She’s Mrs. Juliet, the butler here. She's been here since I was in pre-school and she knows everything in here. If you want to learn something, you can ask her guidance.” I looked at the old man and smiled, the old man did the same while turning to Callum.

“I've tidied up your room, Callum. As well as your office because you said you're going home here." I didn't show my frown at them. I’ve got confuse at her statement.

Isn't Callum coming home here? Oh, I forgot, he's a bachelor with so many activities in life as a bachelor in the City. Maybe he doesn't come home here because he has a house in the city? Or have a condominium? Most bachelors and businessmen were having their own houses or condos in the City near their work, so maybe that's why he doesn't come home here.

“Yes, Mrs. Juliet We’ll stay here for just three or six months. I have some business meetings that will be needed out of town so I‘d rather leave my wife here so that she won’t be alone in a house.” The old woman nodded at what Callum said.

“That's right and so you can be complacent. Oh hey, come on in. I prepared a little party, as you said last night. So after that you can already rest.”

We followed the old woman, so did the maids who looked like the others were going back to work. I wander around his large mansion. Just looking at it, I knew I would love the furniture in his house. As well as bases that are huge and scream luxury.

They brought us in the dining area full of different dishes on the table. I look at Callum who walked towards the table. He pulled out a chair for me and gestured for me to sit there. So I did. He sat in the capital.

“You can join us here,” Callum's baritone voice broke the silence that enveloped us all.

Only Mrs. Juliet speaks because she is giving orders to the maids. I looked around to see what’s going on. But all I can see was fear and hesitation from their faces. I look at my side, where Callum is seated. He’s just sitting there formally and calmly. He really looked so intimidating and so authoritative.

He’s ruling this place. He’s the boss so all of us should be intimidated by his presence and we need to please him. I look away when he suddenly look at my side.

I pouted when a maid put a dish on my plate. I immediately stopped it.

"I can do it. Thank you.” the woman who must have been in her twenties or older bowed because she looked young.

She excused herself and left my side. I bought what I wanted and that was put on my plate. I looked at Callum who was just watching me silently and not moving in his seat. It's rude that I'm just the one enjoying all these. That's why I offered him.

“Uh... Do you like this?” I asked him while holding a bowl full of Menudo. He just nodded.

That's why I put the right amount on his plate. I looked at another dish and saw tempura there. I looked at him again and pointed the tempura on his left side.

"Do you want it?” I asked while still pointing on it.

“You, do you want that?” I shook my head quickly.

“I’m allergic to shrimps,” I informed him, he nooded.

“Alright,”

He’s too stiff and too intimidating!

It was almost embarrassing to move because I felt like he was watching my every move. I'm shy that's why I eat slowly. When I run out, I just take another dish.

The other maids who were there also joined us because Mrs. Juliet forced them to eat as well. It's still early for a dinner but just perfect some occasions. That's why it has become a snack for everyone. The people there started to make a bit of noise because they seemed to have forgotten about Callum's presence in the entire dining area. I was just quietly observing everyone there.

“Tony bought a cake earlier, Callum. I will bring it out for you to taste." Callum just nodded at what Mrs. Juliet said.

I drank some juice and looked at the other dishes. I can't eat that because the others have mixed shrimp. Especially the noodles mixed with giant prawns.

“You done eating?” Callum’s baritone voice filled my ear that I almost jump.

I looked at him and was surprised that he came close enough to whisper in my ear. I swallowed hard before nodding. I couldn't speak because I was conscious of him. He looked down at my plate when he saw that I’m not eating anymore. He nodded slowly.

“We’ll eat the cake then go upstairs after.” I just nodded because I didn't know what to answer.

When Mrs. Juliet brought out the cake she gave me my share, the same to Callum who just watched it silently. I started eating it and when it tasted good, I enjoyed the food. Mother Juliet even sat next to me and talked to me in the middle of the meal. He just made a simple conversation, just asking questions until Callum said goodbye that we were going up.

“Thank you very much for the food!” I said happily before Callum gently pulled me by the hand up to the room.

I just followed him while he’s holding my wrist firmly. Not tight, not too loose, just right for him to carry me where we're going. I wander my eyes around the corridor and just saw some expensive paintings hanging on the wall and some expensive vases in their right places. He stopped in front of the brown door and opened it.

“This is our room,” I realized just now when he said that and when we were alone in the room.

I look at him and blinked twice, still can't believe that we will actually sleep in the same room. This will be my first time!

“T-This is my f-first time sleeping with... someone in the same room. More so with a guy.” I really chose to say that without looking awkward even though I stammered.

He looked at me seriously. His eyes never failed to change its expression; still intimidating and ruthless. I gulp and looked away.

“It’s fine. We’re married, anyway. You’ll be used to it someday. We won’t touch each other in that large bed.” he even looked at the bed indicating that I should look at it.

It’s really a cream colored king sized bed. I know, just by looking at it, we won’t touch each other as we sleep there. I'm not a bad sleeper either, so I'm sure we won't get to touch each other while sleeping. Both side of the bed has a bedside table with lamps. This room screams luxury. A large painting at the wall right at the top of our bed. Our bed. Damn, I think I really should be used to it now.

I’m married now. I’m his wife now so I should be used to it and live a normal life with him like a normal husband and wife does.

“This is our walk in closet. Your things are already here and already set up. Only a few suitcases were sent because I said you don't need your old clothes anymore. I will buy you new clothes and new things that you will need.” his authoritative voice almost flowed through my system.

His voice was very cold and his expression did not change; calm and scary. I didn't dare to speak and just let him speak because I felt that if I spoke he would get angry.

“If you have something you need, you can ask Nanay Juliet to buy it for you.” I turned to him again and nodded.

“By the way... I'll be working tomorrow. Uh... There's a taxi outside this subdivision, right?" I asked carefully.

His forehead creased. “I’ll give you a driver. That's what will take you to work every day if we don't coincide with our schedule. And also I’ll be out of the country the day after tomorrow because I need to attend an auction and a meeting.” I nodded at what he said.

“I... I’ll stay here, don’t worry.” he faced me and spoke. The voice he used was so cold that it almost made my hair stand on end.

“You really should. Because the moment I found out you had a man or flirting a man, I will make sure that your life with me will be a living hell.” I swallowed hard at what he said and didn't move.

A strange fear crept into my system causing my body to stiffen. I didn't immediately move and process what he said.

“So you should behave like a faithful wife does.”