Chloe repeatedly blinked as she woke from sleep. She was squinting one eye, trying to guess what numbers were listed on the digital clock on the nightstand. Then she looked to the side. But did not find Edward’s figure in her bed. Then, where is that man so early? For a moment, the blonde-haired woman squirmed in her sleeping position. She was stretching her body’s muscles before finally choosing to sit and get ready to get off the bed.
As she was about to get up, she heard the bathroom door open. A bare-chested figure of Edward so casually flashed in front of her. Like on purpose. As if taking revenge for what Chloe did last night. “You can take a shower now. After that, we have breakfast together and then go to my house.”
Chloe reached for the bathrobe that Edward handed her speechlessly. “Your house?” Edward nodded. “Yeah… we’re married. So, it’s only right that you live with me.”
“I thought you lived in an apartment. It’s not that single men prefer to live there.” Edward chuckled lightly. Seeing Chloe’s face, which was so curious, became a pleasure. “I used to live in an apartment. But now we are married, I will take you to my house.” Chloe got up.
The woman responded. “Okay, it’s up to you.”
Then walked effortlessly to the bathroom. So after finishing breakfast, Edward immediately brought Chloe to his residence. He was carrying the woman to one of the housings in the middle of London. Chloe was led to enter a two-story minimalist design house getting out of the car. There were already maids who greeted the two of them.
“Welcome, Mr and Mrs Cullen.”
Edward flashed a smile. He was always polite to everyone. Do not care about relatives, co-workers, friends, or subordinates. “Is the master bedroom ready?” he asked as he walked in.
Lucia, the housekeeper who looked the oldest among the workers, nodded. “Yes, Mister. We have prepared everything as ordered before.”
“Thanks for the help. Then my wife and I will go straight to our room.”
Chloe continued to follow where Edward was walking. Finally, the two arrived at a room whose position was close to the balcony. Entering the room, she was presented with a view of a room designed specifically for a man. Dominated by white and Mocca, many miniature weapons and characters from several animated cartoons are neatly arranged on a glass-lined shelf.
Chloe was a little impressed with Edward’s collection on this one. In my heart, I did not think that the man was the same as men in general. Have a hobby of collecting toys like a child.
“All your clothes are there.” Edward pointed to the walk-in closet’s white cupboard. The man then stepped forward. Open one of the cupboard doors that are there. “Number one is for formal wear. Number two is for everyday wear. Number three is for bags and shoes. And in the little drawer in the middle is a collection of watches. I’m not sure what your tastes are. But if you don’t like my choice, you may replace it.”
Chloe nodded and then replied. “So we sleep together?”
Edward laughed. The look on his face was like someone who was about to mock. “What kind of question is this, Chloe? Of course, sleeping in the same room. In case you forgot, we’re husband and wife now. There’s no such thing as sleeping separately,” said the man.
“And you think I agree with your decision to share a room?” Edward approached. He looked at his wife’s face and smiled.
“Agreed or not, this is my house. So you have to follow my rules,” he said emphatically. There was an aura of intimidation tucked into his sentence. “Let’s say… this counts for three months of trying to make you fall in love.
Who knows not only your heart that I will get.”
“You mean?”
“Yes, it’s possible that I will also have offspring from you shortly. No one knows what will happen tonight, tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, or the next day.”
Chloe gaped. She wanted to protest. But Edward didn’t give her a chance. The proof was that the man was talking again. “Don’t worry,” said the man. “I told you to last night. I won’t touch you until you ask me yourself. So, there’s no need to worry or be afraid.”
Chloe took several deep breaths. She was trying to calm herself down and have a child with you. Seriously! How could I bear the child of a murderer like you! Formed a sweet smile. And, yes… a bit of a mockery. The man then approached Chloe. She reached out her right hand. She gently touched her cheek. “Of course. I can’t wait to see you begging and begging me to be touched.”
Chloe’s eyes blinked. However, Edward’s words made her chest heat up. But she tried to remain calm and then responded again. “Don’t dream!” Edward laughed loudly. Once saw the irritated expression on his wife. “Don’t refuse me too hard. I’m afraid you’ll even be really into me.”
Instantly Chloe wanted to throw up. It was good that the man wished she was crazy about him one day. How could it be possible to fall in love with a man who caused her sister to die? Just as she wanted to argue, Edward’s cell phone rang. The man hastily picked it up. “What’s the matter, Nick?”
“I have sent all the market data recaps as requested. And one more thing, Mr. Tanaka, the owner of Tanaka Japan Holding, would like to greet you via a teleconference call. He wants to congratulate you on your marriage, Mister.” Edward responded to Nicholas’ news. “Okay, I’ll move to the study first. Thank you for the report you provided.”
Edward hung up the phone. The man’s gaze returned to Chloe. “I have to go to my study. Please rest. If you need anything, call the maid downstairs using the intercom.” Chloe chose to remain silent. She didn’t say another word. After ensuring Edward was out of sight, she left the room. Down the stairs, he was meant to go around the house. As Cullen’s new mistress, Chloe must know the layout of the house she will be living in. Her feet continued to walk and then stopped in the lounge not far from the stairs. Sitting there, a maid immediately came over. “Mrs Chloe need something?” the woman offered. She was judging from her age, probably the same age as Chloe.
“I’m Leta. An assistant specially assigned to attend to all of your madam’s needs.” Chloe smiled kindly and then replied. “For now, I don’t need anything,” she replied. “But… can I ask a question?”
“Of course.” Leta nodded. Full of confidence. How could she forbid the madam to ask? “Does Edward spend a lot of time here?” Leta immediately shook her head rhythmically. “Mr. Edward always came back here. But recently, he’s been spending more time in his apartment. He visits this house now and then.”
“Ehm…” Chloe cleared her throat and nodded understandingly. “Earlier, did Edward often bring women back to this house?” Leta’s brow furrowed deeply. ever brought her date home?”
Chloe nodded. “Yeah, that’s what I meant,” Chloe replied. “No need to be awkward or cover up. Just tell me everything. I just wanted to know what Edward was doing before marrying me.”
“Back then…” Leta began. “As I recall, Mr. Edward often brought his date home. I even know who the women are.”
“Did they stay overnight?” Leta shook her head. “Mr. Edward liked to bring women home. He was even changing partners. But no one ever stays overnight.”
“Oh, yeah?” Chloe confirmed. She didn’t believe anything Edward said that she’d never slept with a woman other than herself. Men always do, don’t they? he was eyeing. “Sorry if I’m being presumptuous, madam. I didn’t mean to look face. Everyone knows Mr. Edward is Playboy. But as far as I can see, he is a man who is polite, responsible, and doesn’t like to play with women’s hearts.”
Chloe subconsciously giggled amused. For some reason, hearing the argument that her husband was a responsible man made her doubtful. Her common sense refused to accept it. believe it. In Chloe’s mind, if Edward was like what Leta mentioned, he shouldn’t have left Nathalie. She was moreover, doing physical acts that caused her older sister to lose her life.
Thinking of Nathalie, Chloe suddenly remembered something. Hurry up she grabbed her cellphone. Opened the gallery feature. Looked for the photo of her sibling and showed it to Leta.
“Have you seen this woman? Has Edward ever brought the woman on the phone home?” Leta rolled her eyes. Trying to remember if Edward had ever brought the woman in the photo home. She was pensive for a long time before finally answering. “I don’t. never seen this woman before, madam.”
“Are you sure? Take a good look at his face.” Leta responded again. “I’m pretty sure. Mr. Edward never brought even the woman you pointed out.”
Chloe nodded weakly. Thought it was possible that Nathalie had never been invited to the house but to the apartment. Who knows, right? “Okay … I think my question is enough. Thanks for your time. You can go back to work.” They both stood up and prepared to leave the lounge. Leta went back to her duties. While Chloe, went back around before deciding to go into the room.
****
After dinner, Chloe chose to hurry back to her room. While Edward continued to work in his room. Waiting for bedtime, Chloe killed her boredom by reading various titles of novels. While taking a sip of the chamomile tea that Leta had prepared, she tried to enjoy the first night staying at Edward’s house.
A few hours had passed. again finished the book she was reading, from the doorway he saw Edward come in. The man went straight to the walk in closet to change clothes. Chloe thought Edward would come out wearing pajamas. In fact he didn’t. With his shirt on, the man was so casual passing in front of Chloe . Crawled up onto the bed. Then deliberately reprimanded.
“Why are you looking at me like that? I’m not a ghost, honey.”
Chloe grimaced. Lazy to respond. “Do you want to sleep?”
Edward nodded. “Of course. I have to rest soon because tomorrow is back to work as usual. “Tsk…” Chloe chuckled loudly. “That’s not what I mean.”
Edward frowned in surprise. “Then what do you want to ask?”
“I mean, are you really like that? Sleeping shirtless? Topless? Aren’t you afraid of catching a cold?” said Chloe. She bombarded her husband with so many questions. This one made Edward want to laugh. “Not really. When I married you, I did this.”
Chloe frowned. “Hah?”
“Yeah, I did this on purpose. To show you my burly body.”
“You are crazy!” Chloe exclaimed in annoyance. It’s also wrong why you have to ask. Even if he wants the man to be naked, he shouldn’t care. Not wanting to be involved in more conversation, Chloe tightened the blanket and closed her eyes. Hoping tonight can sleep well without getting disturbed by the annoying man beside him. However, he had only been asleep for a few hours.
Edward, who was also asleep, finally woke up because he felt something was disturbing his sleep. And more than that, he also felt that someone’s hands were struggling against his body. Opening his eyes, Edward noticed how restless Chloe looked in her sleep. The woman even raved. Calling someone’s name repeatedly.
“Sis… Sis… I’m sorry.” Edward immediately straightened his body slightly. Patted the cheek of the woman next to him gently. “Chloe… Hey… Honey…”
“Sis, I swear I’ll kill that guy.” Edward was getting more and more confused by every word that came out of his wife’s lips. “That man must die, Sis!” Edward was forced to shake Chloe’s body a little. I hope she wakes up soon. “Chloe… wake up, honey.” Then, Chloe’s eyes slowly opened. Her breath sounded so ragged. Sweat dripped down her forehead and chin. Her eyes immediately fell on Edward. Empty and so sad.
“Are you okay? Do you have a bad dream? I see —”
The woman hugged her husband’s body without hesitation. Act like someone is scared. It was 100 degrees different from Chloe’s usual blatant disdain for Edward.
“Relax. It was just a dream.” Edward continued to soothe. “You’ll be fine.” Slowly, Edward loosened his wife’s embrace. I tried to see the woman’s face, which was filled with tears.
“Why do you have to cry?” he asked. “You were just dreaming.” Full of tenderness, Edward caressed Chloe’s face. He wiped the trail of tears that ran down her cheeks. “Is it so bad that you’re crying like this?”
Chloe was stunned. She was staring at the gentle glint in Edward’s eyes. But after a moment, he let go of the hug. Turn around, then pull the blanket.
“I want to go to bed.”
Edward sighed softly. I don’t understand Chloe’s changing attitude. What exactly happened to that woman to act strange now? “Okay, I won’t bother you. But if you need anything, I’ll be by your side.” Edward then kissed Chloe’s hair briefly. Turner lay down and let his wife rest again.