Waking up at 7 in the morning, Edward seemed to be already up despite it being a Sunday. He uncovered the blanket, giving a quick peck on Chloe’s cheek as she was still sound asleep. Then he got up slowly and headed to the bathroom.
He took quite a while to get ready. After dressing neatly, he returned to the bed and pulled a small chair, sitting not far from where Chloe lay.
Edward’s hand reached out, brushing aside the strands of hair covering his wife’s cheek. He gently caressed her, whispering her name softly.
“Chloe… wake up,” he commanded. “Wake up, my love.”
The one being awakened blinked her eyes repeatedly, gradually gathering her senses until her eyes opened fully. Grumbling lazily, Chloe responded.
“What else do you want to wake me up for this early?” she protested, tucking herself back under the blanket. She deliberately covered her face. “It’s a holiday. Can’t I just rest peacefully?”
Edward approached, using his right hand to stroke Chloe’s hair. Then, he slowly tried to pull down the blanket covering her face.
“I’m going hunting today, and after that, I’ll attend a private barbecue party hosted by Mama. So-”
“Goodness…” Chloe interrupted her husband. “Am I obligated to come along?”
Edward nodded rhythmically.
“Of course. As my wife, you should come along. There’s no way I’ll go alone or with another woman. What would my friends think?”
Chloe sighed heavily. Swearing for anything, her life was becoming more and more chaotic. Edward had so many demands. Just yesterday evening, she had to accompany him to a dinner party, and now, on her day off, she had to give up her leisure time to accompany her husband for a workout and then go to his parents’ house.
“Now, hurry up and shower. Or do you want me to carry you to the bathroom?”
Damn it!
Why did I marry such a forceful man?
Chloe cursed in her heart. As always, she could only regret her decision to follow Samuel’s advice and become Edward Martin’s wife. Used to being dominant and disliking being forced, this time Chloe had to comply with all her husband’s orders.
“Chloe!” That call inevitably snapped Chloe out of her reverie. “It seems like you’re asking me to carry you.”
So, before Chloe could digest the words that came out of her husband’s mouth, Edward had already scooped up her petite body. He carried her and quickly made his way to the bathroom.
How did Chloe react?
Of course, she was furious. She tried her best to throw a few small punches at Edward’s chest and arm, forcing him to put her down.
“Edward! Put me down right now!” she shouted angrily.
“Alright,” Edward replied. He promptly placed Chloe on the floor next to the bathroom sink. “Now, hurry up and shower, or I’ll be the one to bathe you.”
If you already feel threatened like this, of course, Chloe can only surrender and obey her husband’s orders. After completing all the preparations, Edward proved his words to take Chloe to the shooting range this morning. Upon arrival, Kenzi was already there with his wife, Alma, Richard with Kimberly, and, not to forget, Kaivan with Hans.
Since Chloe still seemed lazy, she chose to sit with Alma and Kimberly, mingling and getting acquainted. “Chloe, are you okay?” Alma asked, handing her a bottle of drink. “Your face looks a bit pale. Did you not get enough sleep?”
Chloe accepted the drink from Alma, politely smiling, and replied, “It seems like I didn’t get enough sleep. I had some work to do last night, and it kept me up late.”
“Goodness, Edward,” Kimberly exclaimed, “So, he forced you to come along?”
Chloe nodded quietly but still smiled, “It’s okay. It seems interesting to join him today,” she bantered, even though she was quite angry as she had to sacrifice her sleep.
“Chloe, you’re really lucky to be married to Edward,” Kimberly continued. Being someone who knows Edward the best, she knew his nature well. “Edward is a good man, and he’s also very funny. I can imagine that your marriage is filled with laughter. Isn’t that right?”
Chloe winced. Why did Kimberly’s expectations differ 100 percent from the reality of her life? Every day, her marriage with Edward was marked by coercion, protests, and even fights. Although she acknowledged that she often initiated conflicts, Edward always acted as he should. Nevertheless, Chloe didn’t like how he always forced her to do things she didn’t want to do.
“Yes, Nath. Among all of them, only Edward understands a woman’s desires,” Alma added.
“You know, Kenzi is often insensitive to my needs-”
“Especially Richard!” Kimberly energetically interrupted Alma. “You know how prideful and reserved Richard can be, Al. I even have to protest to him frequently.”
They all burst into laughter, including Chloe. Should she feel proud now hearing the two women praise Edward?
“But seriously, when I had conflicts with Richard, the ones who played a significant role in bringing us together were Edward and Marco. Edward even cared deeply when I was in distress. I think he really understands women.”
“Is it because he’s a playboy that he knows better how to make a woman comfortable?” Chloe questioned, unsure if her remark was correct.
Kimberly chuckled, “Could be. But regardless of his playboy status, Edward is a good and genuine person. Once again, you’re lucky to have a husband like him.”
“Who’s lucky?” Edward suddenly appeared, approaching them without hesitation and giving a tender kiss on Chloe’s forehead.
“Chloe…” Kimberly said, “She’s lucky to have a husband like you.”
Edward smiled, running his strong hand through Chloe’s auburn hair gently. “Not Chloe, but I’m the lucky one to have a wife like her. You both know how hard I fought to become her husband.”
Kimberly and Alma laughed together, well aware of Edward’s frustration in the past when he pursued a woman who clearly rejected him.
“Are you bored?” Edward’s attention shifted to his wife. “If so, we can leave now.”
Chloe shook her head.
“If it hurts, we better go home,” Edward asked shortly after he and Chloe had entered the car, getting ready to go to Alexander’s house.
“Hush…” Chloe hissed, turning to face Edward. “No need for all the small talk. Why didn’t you let me sleep from the beginning, huh? Why do you only realize now that I’m not feeling well?”
Instead of feeling guilty, Edward laughed.
“Oh my… you really are easily angered. Ah… I guess you’re also vengeful.”
Chloe sharpened her gaze even more.
“You, yourself, are too forceful!”
“Oh my goodness, Chloe. I’m sorry, my love. Perhaps my actions today made you uncomfortable,” Edward spoke with regretful eyes, truly sincere. “Alright, I’ll just take you home first. After that, I’ll go to my parents’ house alone.”
“And you’ll let me become the subject of your family’s gossip? What kind of husband are you?”
“Oh God…” Edward sighed in frustration. Why was everything so complicated now? “So what should I do? Don’t you need some rest?”