"Hey, wake up, Sleeping Beauty." Alana could hear someone trying to wake her up, but the drowsiness urged her to keep her eyes closed, ignoring the sounds she heard.
"In the count of three, if you don't wake up, I'll splash you until you're soaking wet." Again, Alana ignored the voice. And in a few seconds...
"Aaaaaa...!!!" Alana's scream echoed throughout the room. Alana quickly sat up and wiped her face, which was now completely wet.
"What are you doing?"
"Waking you up, what else," Leo casually answered, making Alana shift her gaze to the clock on the nightstand, then back at Leo.
"You poured water on me and woke me up in the middle of the night?"
"So, what if I did?"
"If you need something, at least wake me up gently, like giving a kiss on my forehead or stroking my hair."
"Are you still dreaming? Your talk is nonsense. Quickly get up and get out of my bed," Leo said, making Alana look at him with a question mark.
"Why? What's wrong?"
"I've been tortured enough sleeping in the same bed with you for this week. Tonight and onwards, I want to sleep soundly. So, get out quickly," Leo explained, making Alana grumble in disagreement.
"What's wrong with my presence? You're exaggerating. Every morning when I wake up, I see you sleep very soundly. Even if there's an earthquake, I'm sure you won't wake up."
"Of course, because I can only sleep after midnight due to your sleeping style. So, get out!"
"Why do you have a problem with my sleeping style?" Alana continued to ask, unwilling to back down.
"You always hug me tightly, and your legs never stay still. Do you think I'm your pillow?" Leo, irritated, explained, though not everything. It's not just that which prevents Leo from sleeping. He doesn't want to keep looking at Alana's face while she's asleep. He doesn't want to give his heart even a tiny crack for Alana because, to Leo, Alana and his stepmother are the same. He just wants Alana to die quickly and inherit all the wealth left by his father.
"It's normal; I'm sure every wife in the world hugs her husband like that while sleeping," Alana said.
"Yes, but they will sleep gracefully next to their husbands, not like you who snores loudly," Leo quickly replied, making Alana startled and laugh, surprising Leo.
"Hahaha, what are you saying? I snore? That's impossible; I can't be like that."
"How do you know you're snoring when you're asleep?"
"Anyway, I don't want to move. I'll keep sleeping next to you," Alana answered, then turned around, facing away from Leo, and went back to sleep, while Leo tousled his hair in frustration. It turns out the woman who officially became his wife a week ago is not only wild but also very stubborn. Leo slightly regrets accepting this marriage.
Finally, whether he likes it or not, Leo gives in and struggles to move his own body onto the bed. Alana immediately turned around when she felt movement next to her. Alana saw Leo beside her with sweat dampening his temples. Alana knew Leo must have struggled to move his own body onto the bed.
"Why don't you ask for my help?"
"I can do it by myself."
"At least, I can help by holding your hand," Alana whispered because Leo had never asked for her help unless Alana insisted persistently.
"Look, you're sweating," Alana said, wiping away the sweat on Leo's temples, making Leo quickly push away Alana's hand.
"Don't touch me randomly."
"I'm just wiping away your sweat. What's wrong? You won't die just because of my touch."
"Yes, I know because it's still early. I already know your wicked plans with that sorceress. After our marriage has been a few months, I'm sure you'll start plotting my murder," accused Leo, making Alana sigh heavily.
"It's up to you. Are you into watching thriller movies now? I suggest starting to reduce watching things like that. It affects your brain."
"Did you just lecture me?"
"No, forget it. I'm still very sleepy, so let's end the debate for tonight," Alana surrendered because this time her eyes were really heavy.
"Fin..."
"Yes, okay, good night, my husband."
Kiss
Alana then kissed Leo's cheek and went back to sleep with her back turned to her husband. Meanwhile, Leo, once again, fell victim to Alana. Leo has lost count of how many times Alana easily stopped his heartbeat. Leo is sure Alana doesn't need poison or sharp objects to slowly kill him. With her carefree attitude, Leo has felt his heart almost stop several times.
"Are you okay?" Pedro asked, looking at his boss intently.
"What's wrong with me?" Leo replied, still focusing on the laptop in front of him.
"Is your insomnia acting up again?" Pedro asked.
When alone, Pedro and Leo often chatted casually like close friends, but Pedro would turn into a submissive subordinate in front of others.
"No, but someone really makes it impossible for me to sleep."
"Is it your wife you're talking about?"
"Yes, who else. I want her to stay away from me tonight. I want to sleep soundly, Pedro," Leo said with a tired look in his eyes.
"Is her performance in bed so great that you can't match it?" Pedro guessed, immediately receiving a pen thrown at him by Leo.
"Watch your words. I don't even want to touch her, so I don't care about her Leong-Leong in my room today either!" Leo ordered firmly.
"Haven't we tried that method several times but failed? She'll come back to sleep in your room."
"In that case, make sure she doesn't get a duplicate key to my room. I'll lock myself in the room after coming home from the office."
"Ah, we've tried that method too," Pedro replied, trying to remember the methods they used to keep Alana away from Leo, but the results were always the same, and it made Leo frustrated.
"Ck, you can even conquer our competitor company, but you're defeated by a woman like Alana. I really question the effectiveness of your performance this time, Pedro," Leo said with a mocking tone, making Pedro grumble.
"It's your wife who is too slippery to handle, so don't blame my performance. Moreover, during this week, I've been observing her, and she hasn't shown any signs of danger at all. She's really learning how to be a good wife for you. Even from the reports of several cooks, she's willing to spend a long time in the kitchen just to make your favorite food."
"Ck, ck, ck. Now, even Pedro, the untrickable secretary, has started to be fooled by that snake-like woman, and I won't let myself be fooled by her like you, Pedro. I'll make sure her disguise and that sorceress are exposed. Just wait and see," Leo said, convincing himself.
"Well, it's up to you. I'll just keep an eye on her. If anything suspicious happens, I'll report it to you."
Alana continued stirring the food in front of her while occasionally turning her head. She had been waiting for Leo for more than ten minutes, but her husband seemed to linger in his office, of course, with his faithful servant, Pedro. "Ugh, my stomach won't stop growling," Alana grumbled. However, afterward, Alana saw Leo coming out with Pedro, who was pushing his wheelchair towards the dining table where Alana was. Pedro placed Leo right next to Alana, making Leo look at Pedro with irritation. Pedro, realizing his mistake, was about to pull Leo's wheelchair back, but Alana stopped him first. "It's better if you stay here so I can serve you more easily," Alana said, holding the side of Leo's wheelchair. "I don't need your help. Pedro will___" "Mr. Pedro, I'm sure you haven't had lunch either, right? Sit with us," Alana said with a threatening look in her eyes, and Pedro understood what it meant. It was Alana's way of politely asking him to leave. "Oh, no, thank you, ma'am. I'm m
Leo felt the fear slowly infiltrating his heart. That was the fitting expression crossing Leo's mind right now. Surprisingly, Alana could evoke a much greater fear, something Leo never expected.Leo gazed at Alana's sleeping figure beside him. Leo wasn't sure what he felt towards Alana. Leo knew that since Alana first appeared in his life, he perceived her as a threat. However, inexplicably, over time, that sense of threat eroded, and Leo began to worry that Alana might truly invade his heart.As in the park some time ago, Leo felt confused about his feelings. For a moment, he experienced a carefree life as he looked at Alana's peacefully sleeping face and gently touched her cheek. That simple event allowed Leo to momentarily forget the anger and pain in his heart.Leo's reverie was interrupted when Alana changed her sleeping position to face Leo. Like in the park, Alana slept with a serene expression. Leo felt the urge to stroke Alana's cheek again but stopped when his gaze fell down
Occasionally, Leo gazes at Alana, who is engrossed in reading a magazine in her hands. Leo senses that Alana isn't just reading, but rather observing him or perhaps lost in thought. Squinting his eyes, Leo attentively observes his wife not far in front of him.What's going on with her? It's rare for Alana not to disturb him when they're alone in a room. At least this time, Alana isn't incessantly talking about unclear things. Maybe since she returned late this afternoon, Leo doesn't know where Alana spent the whole day, coming back with a disheveled face, and Leo doesn't care. However, her contemplative mood this time is a bit unsettling, making Leo worry that the neighbor's chicken might suddenly drop dead because Alana is lost in thought."Did she eat something wrong?" mumbles Leo softly, continuing to watch Alana. "Please fetch the book from the shelf over there," Leo says, returning his attention to the book in his hands. Alana looks over with a blossoming smile but doesn't get up
"Morning!!!" A greeting in the morning makes Leo immediately blink his eyes and turn to look at his side. Even though it's been over a week, Alana's presence next to him when he first opens his eyes still feels unfamiliar to Leo.Now, with Alana sleeping on Leo's arm and holding him tightly, Leo doesn't know when their positions got this close. Before going to sleep, Leo usually limits the distance between them with a bolster and some pillows so that Alana doesn't get too close, although Leo is not sure if that method would work.Leo's reverie is interrupted when Alana rises from her sleep and puts on her bathrobe. Leo remains silent, continuing to observe Alana who is tying her hair. Unconsciously, his eyes scan Alana from top to bottom. Leo misjudged Alana when he first saw her; Alana is not cute, but she's attractive. That's what crosses Leo's mind now."Do you want to take a shower now? I'll prepare the warm water," Alana says, making Leo quickly avert his gaze and awkwardly clear
Slowly, Alana exits the car and stands in front of a not-too-large cake shop. The shop seems devoid of customers. Alana contemplates, perhaps it's too early, or maybe it's already noon, while the cake shop is usually bustling. Is this what Pedro meant by saying the shop is almost bankrupt?"Huff," Alana exhales a long breath. Why did she agree to manage this shop? She herself doesn't know much about the cake business."Alright, Alana, it's already done. You can handle it," she says to herself while patting her arms. Alana steps towards the shop, slowing down as she stands in front of the glass door with a sign that says "open."Before opening the door, Alana takes a breath and opens it carefully. "Good afternoon, can we help you?" greets a waitress after Alana enters.Alana observes the not-so-spacious room. "Oh, I'm Alana, the wife—""Are you Mr. Leo's wife?" the waitress interrupts, making Alana nod, and the waitress stumbles."Sorry, ma'am, I didn't recognize you," she apologizes.
"Pedro, is it true what I heard?" Leo asks to confirm. After Alana complained about the condition of the main cake shop owned by his late mother, Leo immediately sought confirmation from Pedro."Yes, that's true," Pedro replies."Why didn't you tell me?""I reported it to you, and you approved it.""When?" Leo asks with a slightly raised tone because he doesn't remember Pedro reporting about the chef's duties."I already mentioned that the chef who manages the shop is the old reliable person. Didn't you disagree with handing it over entirely to someone to manage the shop? You said you didn't trust it.""But you-""And you said it's better to trust that old person. Therefore, I entrusted everything to that one chef because he's the only old person we can really trust. Besides, his ability is quite good," Pedro interrupts Leo when he tries to interrupt the explanation."So, should we provide a fair salary for him?" Leo asks."Of course, we pay him higher than the average chef. Initially
"Ah, I should've called a masseur," Alana exclaimed while stretching her arms, catching Leo's attention momentarily from the laptop on his lap. However, it only lasted a few seconds; afterward, Leo refocused on his work, which irked Alana."At least offer to help me or inquire about my well-being after working all day," Alana grumbled, directed at her stoic husband. Leo, who actually heard his wife's complaints, remained silent and showed no intention of responding. Leo seemed accustomed to Alana's protests about his seemingly indifferent and unromantic demeanor."I've said it before; I never forced you to work, right? I can still provide for you," Leo said, prompting Alana to pout, which amused Leo. It was evident from the corners of her mouth that always lifted, creating a smile when he successfully teased his wife. However, the situation reversed when Alana displayed a mischievous smile and walked closer to Leo, instantly putting him on guard. Leo didn't know what crazy thing Alana
Leo was disturbed from his sleep when he felt someone continuously pressing their face against his chest. Blinking a few times to clarify his vision, Leo glanced to his side to find Alana still sleeping curled up tightly, hugging her body. Slowly, Leo lifted Alana's arm that was wrapped around his waist to avoid waking her, but as it lifted a few inches, Alana released her grip and hugged Leo's waist even tighter, causing Leo's body to tense when Alana's legs pressed against a sensitive area."How can she sleep like this?" Leo muttered, shaking his head in disbelief at Alana's sleeping habits that took up quite a bit of space. Despite having a Kingsize bed, Alana always seemed to occupy Leo's side, even though there was ample space on the other side.Leo attempted to free himself from Alana's embrace once again but, for some reason, was unsuccessful. He sighed heavily, realizing the only option left was to wake his wife. Leo intended to gently pat Alana's cheek, but his hand froze whe