Chapter 8

"I also want you to be aware that I won't be able to assist you with our wedding preparations," Jaxson continued. "I assume my father won't settle for a simple ceremony, so that would be a huge preparation you have to deal with. Meanwhile, I have to go to Ruegold because, of course,  I can't just stay here at the manor and carefully plan my wedding. I should be out there, making sure that none of them forgets my name."

I was just staring blankly into an empty space as I listened to Jaxson's words entering my overly exhausted brain. I picked up at least a few things he said, but I'm just not in the urge to talk because every time I open my mouth, I become even more desperately hungry. My stomach has been churning for hours and it doesn't feel good.

"They should never neglect that I am still the Madrigal's successor, and certainly not my nasty little brother Lance."

Being with this man all day is undoubtedly more difficult and tiring than being with my grumpy college professor. He just kept giving me commands like he never would have run out.

I really hope I can still make some time for my studies and call mom.

"You might get an appointment from a wedding coordinator tomorrow. But for now, all I ask you to do is fix yourself up and get back out there so I can properly introduce you to everyone," he let out insistently, which I barely responded with a stern bob of my head.

I'm not sure when I'll be able to eat today due to the sheer volume of tasks I have to do. Fingers crossed that Jaxson will realize that I am a human too who needs to fill my stomach before I can mend my face. I'm afraid I'll pass out from hunger any time.

I couldn't find the right timing to tell Jaxson that I am extremely famish because I am frightened he'd become infuriated and back out of our deal. However, if I hurry up and fix myself, I ought to be able to get out of there before the food runs out, right? I also noticed that affluent people ate less because when I saw the food earlier, it is barely even touched.

"Uh, by the way, where can I get extra clothes and shoes?" I asked, almost in hushed tones. "I already made this dress that Aunt Elsie handed me, stained. So I have nothing left..."

"On that,—"

My mouth hung open, wondering why Jaxson didn't finish what he was about to say. For a short time, he remained silent and seemed to be pondering before roaming his eyes across the room.

I couldn't help but imitate Jaxson's action and started to roll my eyes as well.

I didn't get a chance to see his room last night because I was so weary and engulfed by lethargy.

His place had such a nice and plain color scheme, but there were so many objects hanging around that I couldn't tell what they were. His room is very odd and there are so many stuff to comprehend. Especially, above us. I didn't realize that his room's ceiling was likewise extraordinarily high.

He doesn't turn into a monstrous creature at night... Does he?

This bedroom is far too big for a normal person to use.

A huge portrait set in a golden frame captivated my gaze as my eyes gradually fell down. It was perched on his bed's front wall.

I caught a glimpse of a familiar woman with Jaxson in the picture, his ex-fiance Daniella. She was somewhat leaning back, holding a glass of wine and facing away from Jaxson. While he was standing in front of her, staring at her face intently. If I will judge it base on what surrounds them, this shot appears to have been taken at a party.

I'm not sure if they were aware that the photo was taken because they weren't both looking at the camera.

Because of how Jaxson's eyes glistened in adoration for Daniella, it's remarkable to see the complete picture. Anybody can trace how passionately he admires her just by looking at this.

"Put this on," Jaxson broke the silence that brought me back to reality.

I was genuinely astounded to see him carrying a crimson dress which seemed familiar to my eyes.

To my surprise, I quickly turned my head up back to the big portrait and saw the exact same dress that Daniella is wearing.

I glanced at Jaxson almost in disbelief.

"Perhaps it's best if I just borrow from Lovely once more." I grumbled. "Using that dress without the owner's consent is just as humiliating,"

"This belongs to me, Cattleya. You can wear it. After all, I paid for it out of my own money. So, that means I'm the owner, right?"

"Still, it is wrong to-"

"Enough with the nonsense. This is what you're going to wear," he snarled, raising his right hand and point to the small room. "For your shoes, you can take anything from there."

The abrupt, raucous noise that came from behind us startled me. When Jaxson walked past me on his way to the door, I instantly spun around to see what it was. With my sight following his movements, I saw that he pressed a little screen on the side of the door, which popped out the personal guard I had just met.

I started to notice that the man was completely quiet and appeared to be waiting for Jaxson, so I decided to approach the screen to see him and hear what he had to say out of my curiosity.

He suddenly brought up both hands, holding two plates full of food, when he glimpse me on the screen.

The moment I saw what he was carrying, my eyes lit up and I felt my cheeky grin form on my lips.

I instantly turned to Jaxson, expecting him to unlock the door, but all he did was meet me with his creased frown and raised eyebrows.

"W-why?" I stammered as my voice quivered.

I waited for what he would say but he just averted his gaze again and started to apply his hand on the large door to open it.

When the doorway eventually unlocked, it spewed out a hefty man carrying plates, which caused my feet to dash as swiftly as they could in his direction.

I caught a glimpse of Jaxson silently walking out of the room, as well as Gunther bowing to him, but it was the food in his hands that sparked my attention.

I felt like a prisoner being fed in a cell. I extended my hands in front of him, offering to help in lifting the plate, but he simply went past me, not wanting to hand it over.

Because of what he'd done, my lips couldn't help but curve into a pout. "Are you not going to give me..? I thought you brought it for me–" I came to a halt as he suddenly dragged the tiny table closer to the bed and took a chair that was placed near it.

Aunt Elsie may be quite cruel. Given the fact that this room had a normal chair, she chose to introduced me to the creepy couch!

"What are you waiting for? Christmas? Don't you have to hurry and go out to introduce yourself to the guests?" He stated coldly. "You will not see a single person out there if you stay here for a long time and have a staring competition with the food."

I was utterly shocked by the words that came out of his mouth, as well as the tone in which he addressed me. He didn't sound like he did earlier in front of Jaxson.

I took small steps closer to the bed, sitting quietly in front of him. Without taking my eyes away from him, I cautiously brought a plate towards me.

"It's nice that I can finally eat! I was starving to death earlier," I murmured aloud in hushed tones before beginning to eat.

I was in the middle of enjoying my meal when I realized how uncomfortable it is to eat in a complete silence. I can already hear myself swallowing because neither of us is speaking.

My actions were sparse as I lowered my cutlery and lifted my eyes to him.

I simply sat back and watched him eat, before I took a long breath to speak.

"Yum?"

The first word that sprang to mind made me want to leap out the window.

But I waited to see whether he'd feel more at ease chatting to me.

He paused from eating for a moment, and switched his solemn glance to me before withdrawing it.

"Aren't you really a talkative person? Whenever you move, you seem so much like a robot that's solely powered by a battery. But I can't claim you don't have a heart though, because you are kind. You even brought me food!" I kept talking. "How did you figure out I was hungry, by the way? Jaxson can't even spare a minute to ask me."

My shoulder sagged faintly as he ignored me and just kept his attention on the food.

"Mr. Madrigal asked me to bring you these foods."

I was astounded by his words. "Wait, are you telling the truth? But I thought..."