Chapter 4

I felt warm and secure when I woke up. The blanket is warm, the cushions are silky and fluffy, the bed is comfy, and there's an inviting smell. A soft hug around my waist, a soft touch on my head, and a relaxing manly scent. The feeling was pleasant, with a slow and calm breathing atop my head, and a weak snore.

Hmm. Wait what?

I jumped out of bed when realization hit me, and just as I thought I was sleeping with a man. It was Aiden; it's not like he was crossing a line here because he is now my husband, but he should have slept in a different room. But who am I to complain? This is part of the arrangement, to live in his world as his devoted wife. I'd heard a lot about arranged marriages, but I never imagined that such an arrangement could have a lovely and affectionate side to it; I assumed it was all about papers and legal terms with no strings connected, but Aiden's agreement has a hole that may pull me in if I'm not cautious. Who would have thought of making an agreement to exhibit affection while remaining free to fall in love? He is a strange man indeed.

Now I'm dizzy, my head hurts, and my eyes are slightly puffy. I've been crying all night, and Aiden left that night, possibly because he was annoyed to see his wife crying over another man. I never imagined he'd return home the same day, so I slept in his room believing that was the case. Because of my carelessness, we wind up sleeping together in the same bed.

"He looked calm and relaxed when he's asleep. Quite the opposite when he's awake, gloomy and seems to despise the world. If he would smile more often, he would be a drop dead gorgeous that no woman could resist," I said inadvertently.

I snapped when I realized how ridiculous I was saying. I even slapped my mouth shut.

“That includes you?”

My heart jumped when I heard his cold, baritone voice.

He's awake!

I gulped as I saw him open his eyes and smirk.

"What do you mean?""I tripped and mumbled when I asked that question.

I flinched when he raised his one hand, but he laughed quietly when he observed my reaction. I trembled again as his hand approached my side, only to make a fool of myself when he grabbed his cellphone, not me. I can feel my face getting hot.

"Well, you said if I smile often no woman can resist my charm," he added with a smile.

I've seen him many times, but I never imagined he might radiate such a light aura. When he's not in his comfort zone, he exudes a dark, sinister vibes. And now I see a different side of him. But I shouldn't confuse myself, right?

"I think you're still half-asleep, you're hearing things that never even said."

His laugh was soft. As if he's a new man, like a calm storm staring at his phone.

"Why didn't you wake me when you got home?"

He shifted his gaze to me, wrinkled his brow, and curved his lips.

“What? Are you genuinely taking up your wife's responsibilities? Wow, I had no idea you'd put in that much effort.”

I sprang up and slammed the bed; he was so stunned that he nearly fell on the other side of the bed.

"As if! I was thinking that if you had woken me up, I would have been able to move to a different room."

"What for?" You were sleeping quietly and appeared to be comfortable in my bed. In fact, you made my bed look great; you're an excellent display."

I threw a stern glance at him, and he merely laughed and shook his head.

"Still! Anyway, I'll be sleeping in a separate room later," I stated.

"Why? We have already slept together; do you believe I will do something to you?"

I was taken aback by his statement.

"It's not that, well it's possible."

"Young lady, as much as I want—after all, I am your husband and it's part of a wife's duty—I don't want to ruin a student's career over a tiny desire."

After hearing what he was saying, I was able to understand a word. Since I'm still in my final year in college, I never imagined that he would take it into account. I thought he was a crazy, twisted man when he asked my hand to my father in exchange of keeping our business alive. Because why would someone ask for a lady's hand in exchange of something? What else, besides lust?

“Well, it's better to be safe than sorry.”

He looked at me after dropping his phone.

"It is not possible for me to allow you to sleep in a separate room; or we will consider our agreement void," he uttered.

Then his attention was back on his phone. I don't know why, but is my heart racing? Am I anxious? or something else?

I shook my head to put my anxieties aside.

"When will our marriage be deemed valid?”

He abruptly got up and straightened his clothes, which made me blush. Next, he proceeded in the direction of the door.

"Until death do us part," he murmured, leaving me speechless.

I let out a long sigh as he left. That ill-mannered bastard even slammed the door shut. Until death do us part? How I wish he died already, or shall I murder her? No, I will not become a criminal for that reason alone. Consider hiring someone to assassinate him. That would be the same as labeling myself a criminal.

What am I even thinking?

It's Saturday, and I have no classes today. I wish I had classes on weekends so I wouldn't have to stay in this place for too long. Well, I heard he's a workaholic, so I might not see him around, which is better. His presence is making my heart act strangely, and I'm not liking it.

When I heard my phone ring, I grabbed it from underneath the bed.

“Come down and eat.”

It was Aiden, and what kind of rude behavior is this? Asking me to eat over the phone when we are on the same roof? He should have made an effort at reaching me personally; yet, I believe it is better to avoid excessive interaction. What was I thinking? It still bothers me knowing that I would be sleeping in the same bed with him every night? I mean, I am his wife, which is reasonable but this is an arranged marriage for Pete's sake! What should I do?