Irene quickly turned toward Isaac, who had released her without her realizing it and stood there, looking all-serious.It was as if she was the one brazenly trying to kiss him."Mr. Jefferson." The employees at the door greeted Isaac just then."Yeah," Isaac replied flatly. "Come in."He took Irene's hand then and stepped outside, not forgetting to introduce her as they went. "She's my wife. Greet her properly the next time you see her.""Yes, Mr. Jefferson." The employees all agreed with one voice and turned toward Irene. "Hello, Mrs. Jefferson.""Hello." Irene smiled politely, but she loathed Isaac just then for making her look like a fool.First impressions were vital, and what were the people in this building going to think of her now?Isaac had completely ruined her image! Once inside Isaac's office and the door closed behind them, she grabbed Isaac by the collar down to eye-level. She had no choice since he was too tall—it was the only way to look into his eyes with
Irene forgot how to react right then as she spaced out, allowing Isaac to kiss her as much as he wanted.Irene slowly softened, her temper calming.After a long while, Isaac released her, and her lips were bright red like peaches that were just soaked in water.She lowered her gaze. "What time will you leave work?""Maybe later. I have a meeting at six," he said.Irene checked her wristwatch—it was almost six. "I'll wait.""Okay," Isaac said. Irene then settled herself on the couch and started reading a book she picked randomly.Isaac picked up his coffee and sat beside her. "Let's salvage your image on another occasion."Irene hated the mere mention of that. "Fine," she said, seemingly resigning herself since it was pointless now. "Though they'd think less of you since I left a bad impression, believing that you have poor taste, picking a woman who only thinks about getting frisky. I'm no domestic goddess anyway, so they can say whatever they like." "That's the spirit." Is
Isaac pursed his lips. "What? Why would you ask that?"Irene released him then and straightened herself, looking serious as she voiced her hunch. "Nothing good ever comes out of your lips."Isaac smiled despite his irritation—what did she really take him for? Had he really never said anything nice?!"That's slander."Irene snorted. "Fine, then tell me: what makes me a good wife?"Isaac replied solemnly. "You're a domestic goddess.""Why does that sound ironic in my ears?" Irene leered at him, but she did not press the issue. "Whatever. I'll believe you for now."They returned home later, and Mrs. Watson was taking care of housework while Sheryl was caring for the children. Irene thought then that although she was a wife, she really had not done much for her family, and so decided to cook. She should at least do that once in a while!Still, when they sat down for dinner and Tommy had a bite from Irene's boiled egg, he pouted. "Mrs. Watson's looks better."Irene had a taste an
They opened the front doors to reveal a grand hall with a tall ceiling and two separate curved staircases on both ends—just like the castles one would see in movies.There were up to eight Franconian servants, standing in a row and adding to the classical presence the castle carries. "Mr. Jefferson," Pierre greeted Isaac. He was the butler, a tall and slender man dressed in a fine suit, and he appeared rather advanced in age. Isaac introduced Irene. "This is my wife. We will be staying here for a couple days.""Ma'am," Pierre greeted her respectfully, while introducing the servants and what their job entailed. "However, they would mostly stick to cleaning the building as it isn't usually unoccupied. I'll have them prepare your room."As Irene nodded in understanding, he deftly directed the other servants to work, since he knew best what they were good at and what tasks they were best suited for. Naturally, the castle was kept flawlessly clean despite its size."I shall have a
Irene rarely took the initiative, but he was barely finished when she wrapped her arms around Isaac's neck and kissed his lips. Her lips were soft and sweet, and it caught Isaac off guard.Still, he soon came to his senses and responded with passion, and he carried her over to a table as they continued to swap spit.As Irene's shoulder strap slipped off and revealed her fair, beautiful skin, Isaac's breathing turned ragged and he suddenly paused, staring at her in confusion. "What…"Irene held his gaze, but eventually gave in and burst out in laughter. "I'm on my period."Isaac was left speechless—he knew something was wrong since she was always shy, getting passive when things began to get frisky. Why would she suddenly behave like that? Although he took a moment to calm down, his voice was still hoarse, "Was it fun, messing with me?"Irene nodded repeatedly. "Yeah. It really is."Annoyed but having no choice, Isaac straightened her close. "You better pray your period last
While Isaac walked over to her, Pierre was going to pull out a chair when Irene smiled. "I'm fine on my own here. You can go about your other work."Taking his cue, Pierre kept his head lowered as he left, while Irene pulled out a chair for Isaac.As he sat down, she stood behind him and said, "Try it. I made it, and you know I rarely cook.""Indeed."She would always be in a hurry to get to work in the mornings, so it was Mrs. Watson who prepared breakfast, and they would be out of the house once they finished breakfast.Isaac naturally humored her and had the eggs first. It was just plain scrambled eggs and hardly as good as Mrs. Watson's cooking, but he found it exquisite.Wrapping her arms around his neck from behind, Irene asked mildly, "Is it good?""Yeah," Isaac replied. "You have to eat breakfast no matter how busy it gets, or it'd be bad for your stomach," Irene told him.Isaac turned and put his hand on hers. "Got it.""You should leave if you're finished. Don't
The building was at once grand and stylish. It was only natural since they were in Franconia, a city where the old met the new and where innumerable historical events occurred. Such a place of romance naturally would leave people forgetting to leave. Still, they were not visiting some famous tourist spot, but attending a banquet held by the Gallads, an influential dynasty.Everyone attending was rich or important, and Isaac already told Irene about the situation. Isaac wanted company because Stan had received information that this was not the usual social occasion attended by high society. Rumor had it that the Gallads were out looking for the right suitor since the family business was in the midst of a crisis, and they were planning to arrange a marriage that would get them out of a bind. Those who were aware naturally did not want to be picked—they had every right to refuse, but that would be a slight to the family.All Irene had to do was play the role of a wife, which s
Isaac actually wondered if Irene had crammed Franconian just to attend this event with him.Still, it was just two days, and there must be a limit to what she could learn.Even so, he admired her attitude."A doctor? May I ask what your specialty is?" one of the Franconians asked."Cardiovascular diseases. I'm working at a research center, however, not a hospital.""Oh," the man murmured, and shrugged. "I wouldn't have been able to tell."He meant that with Irene's pretty face and her stunning figure, it was reasonable to assume that she was a trophy wife.Still, her having a career surprised him, and then there was that fluent Franconian.Isaac studied her then—her Franconian did not seem crammed in a couple days, let alone novice. He was certainly surprised! As they spoke further, more came to speak with Isaac about business and economic trends. Irene simply could not keep up, and she stuck out since it was the men's playground anyway. Also, her leg was starting to ac