“Instead of making people disappear, I can’t bear to hurt women. There’s no need to go far, when I feel a need, why would I bother looking for someone else when you willingly gave yourself to me.”
“I could have taken advantage of you last night while you were unconscious. But, once again, I want to emphasize that I’m not a wicked man like you imagine.”
Those sentences kept replaying like a broken cassette in Chloe’s mind. What Edward said last night managed to disturb her thoughts.
Chloe was clearly torn. On one hand, she felt Edward was being honest last night, but on the other hand, all the evidence she had received from Nathalie before pointed to her husband. So what should she do now? Should she continue with all the plans she had prepared, or should she stop and learn to make peace with the deep-seated hatred she had all this time?
Chloe actually aspired to live a normal life like an ordinary person. However, when she remembered Nathalie, an aura of pain and vengeance instantly engulfed her heart. It seemed difficult to live in peace until her sister’s case was resolved.
“Sweetheart, are you daydreaming?”
Realizing that Chloe had been silent throughout the journey, Edward immediately spoke up. They were currently on their way from Erkilet International Airport after leaving Istanbul early in the morning, heading to Cappadocia by air.
Edward argued that it wouldn’t be a complete trip to Turkey without visiting Cappadocia and experiencing the hot air balloon ride. Initially, Chloe refused, but after several persuasions, she finally agreed to go.
“No…” she replied. “I was just enjoying the scenery along the way.”
Edward pulled Chloe closer, having her lean against his chest.
“Have you been to Turkey before?”
Chloe shook her head. “Actually, this is my first time setting foot in Turkey.”
“It’s a shame I can’t stay here longer with you,” Edward said with regret. “But I promise, once the project with Emaar Properties is completed, I’ll take you anywhere you want to go.”
Chloe smiled faintly in response to Edward’s regret. After all, whether this trip was long or short, it didn’t really matter to her.
“So, are we going back to London today?” she asked, just to confirm. Even though it was more of a formality.
Still hugging, Edward responded, “I should have taken you to Dubai. But since his business meeting got postponed until next week, it’s better if we just go back to London tonight.”
Chloe nodded this time. “That’s okay. Besides, we still have plenty of time, right?”
“Of course. Especially if you’re willing to stay forever as my wife. I assure you there will only be happiness in our marriage,” Edward said.
Chloe cleared her throat to dispel the awkwardness between them. “No need to exaggerate. Just prove everything you said earlier. Let’s see if, in these three months, I will really be content as your wife or maybe the opposite.”
Edward chuckled in response. “Honestly, I don’t want this marriage to stop halfway. Although I’ve changed partners frequently, when it comes to a household, I only want it once in my lifetime. Moreover, I’m still confident that you will truly fall in love with me. And when we’re apart, you’ll feel uneasy.”
They then fell silent again until they reached the hot air balloon attraction. A giant hot air balloon tour that became the highlight of their visit to Cappadocia.
“What do you think?” Edward asked as they were inside the balloon. He had intentionally booked a special balloon for just the two of them.
“I never imagined the view would be this beautiful,” Chloe gazed in awe at the vast array of giant rocks before her. “This time, it seems I’m lucky to be wherever you take me.”
Edward smiled meaningfully. Without asking for permission, he embraced Chloe from behind, and together, they enjoyed the view of Cappadocia from above the hot air balloon.
“This is just a small part of the many fortunes of being my wife. Perhaps between the two of us, you’re the one who sees this marriage as just a mere game,” Edward joked casually. “But you should know, I never play or joke around in a relationship, especially in a marriage.”
Chloe was taken aback by Edward’s string of words that were so sharp. She wanted to believe, but her heart kept resisting.
“I also want to make sure that all the negative assumptions you have about me are not true. I’m not as bad as you think,” Edward continued earnestly, as if he could read everything Chloe had accused him of.
Chloe chose to loosen Edward’s embrace intentionally and turned around to see his face as she spoke, “Alright, I will try to believe that you’re not a playboy like many I’ve encountered before. And from now on, I will try to accept all your kind deeds without prejudice.”
Then, without hesitation, Chloe drew close again and boldly reached for the back of Edward’s neck, landing a deep kiss on his lips. She wasn’t sure if she meant every word she said or if this was all part of the plan she was executing.
****
“What are you doing?” Edward asked amid his wife’s activities in the kitchen.
“Preparing breakfast for you,” Chloe replied without looking back. She was busy with what she was doing.
After returning from Istanbul, Edward and Chloe resumed their routines as usual. They were both engrossed in their respective work.
The good news was that Chloe’s demeanor had warmed up. She was no longer as brusque, though she still occasionally protested.
This morning, for example, before leaving for work, they had breakfast together. Chloe even intentionally prepared breakfast for her husband to enjoy.
“I don’t really know your taste. But I hope you like what I cooked this morning,” she said, serving a plate of pasta carbonara to Edward.
“I’m not a picky eater. Whatever the maids prepare, I’ll finish it,” Edward smiled, accepting the plate.
Chloe, who had just sat down, glanced at him and responded, “Oh, really? Because most men are picky when it comes to food. I’ve met guests at my hotel, who are mostly men, and they love to complain to the hotel’s chef when they’re served something they don’t like.”
While eating, Edward sighed softly, “I’ve told you before, don’t compare me to other men. I’m unique. You can call me a limited edition. If you don’t believe it, just ask Leta. She’s the one who always takes care of my needs.”
Unconsciously, a beautiful smile graced Chloe’s lips.
“Yeah. I believe you. You don’t need to keep repeating it. I’ve memorized that sentence of yours.”
The two of them resumed their breakfast. After finishing everything, Edward immediately took Chloe to drive her to work. He was determined to do whatever it takes to win her heart and make her surrender to him.
“I’ll pick you up later in the afternoon. So, if I haven’t arrived yet, don’t go anywhere,” he said while helping Chloe unbuckle her seatbelt.
“Don’t worry, for the next three months, I’ll be an obedient wife,” she whispered confidently.
“Don’t want to give me a farewell kiss?” he asked before finally letting Chloe go.
Edward grinned mischievously. There was a playful glint in his eyes, clearly an enticing seductive aura.
“Men are so typical!” Chloe said with a slightly annoyed tone. But the next moment, she boldly reached for Edward’s neck, planting a brief kiss on his lips as she whispered, “You better pray that I truly fall in love with you.”
Edward’s wide laughter accompanied Chloe’s departure as she got out of the car. He kept watching his wife until her figure disappeared from sight, only then did he leave for the Quantum building.
When Chloe entered the hotel, she was welcomed by Samuel, her favorite assistant, who seemed eager to hear what stories his boss would share today.
However, just as they were about to step into the elevator, a man’s voice from the hotel lobby called out to Chloe. Instantly, both Chloe and Samuel turned their heads toward the source of the voice. There stood Damian Dimitri, smiling widely and waving, asking the woman to come over.
“Mr. Damian, what brings you here?” Chloe asked politely.
Damian stood up and extended his hand for a handshake, inviting her to sit with him. “I’m here to demand an answer to your previous question,” he said.
Chloe nodded in understanding and then shifted her gaze to Samuel. “Sam, please leave me alone with Mr. Damian. We need to talk privately.”
“But, Madam—” Samuel hesitated, not wanting to leave. However, Chloe raised her right hand, gesturing for him to comply with her request. “Don’t worry, I can handle this.”
Reluctantly, Samuel complied. He didn’t choose to leave entirely but rather stood a little further away from where Chloe and Damian were sitting.
For a while, Samuel observed, trying to eavesdrop on their conversation this early morning. He even brought some drinks, attempting to gather some insights into the topics they were discussing-Chloe and Edward Martin’s cousin.
“So, do you agree to collaborate with me?” Damian asked.
Chloe didn’t immediately answer Damian’s question. Instead, she glanced towards Samuel, signaling for her assistant to move away.
“Damn it!” Samuel cursed repeatedly. His plan to eavesdrop was foiled again as Chloe asked him to leave. From a distance, he could see Chloe’s meaningful smile. They even shook hands, but he couldn’t tell whether it meant an agreement or if there was some other intention there.
Oh no! This could be dangerous.