At the outset of his arrival in Paris, Edward admitted that he thoroughly enjoyed every moment he spent with Julia. Like a couple on their honeymoon, they spent a lot of time together.
Every day, Julia took Edward around, visiting several romantic places they had visited at the beginning of their marriage to foster intimacy and rekindle their relationship.
Edward admitted he was happy. Delighted to be able to enjoy quality time and be affectionate with the woman he loved so much. So happy, in fact, Edward even planned to extend his vacation time.
However, the intimacy Edward felt didn’t last long. On the sixth day in Paris, Julia received news that the workshop she was supposed to attend the following week was rescheduled to start two days earlier.
“Don’t be mad, Darling. This wasn’t my decision.”
Julia snuggled close to Edward, who was sitting on the edge of the bed. She squeezed his arm while occasionally giving him sweet kisses.
“You’re the one who asked me to take a two-week break. It’s only been six days. And now? You’re being asked to go back to work?”
Edward was certainly annoyed. He hated it when his wife brought up her job that never seemed to respect boundaries.
“Oh, Honey, don’t worry. You can still stay here and wait for me. Besides, the workshop I’m attending is only three to four days. After that, I’ll have about two more days off. We can go out again, spend time together when I’m off.”
Edward remained silent. As usual, he looked irritated.
He stayed silent, not responding to Julia’s suggestion.
“Come on. Don’t you want to spend time with me again?”
Julia coaxed, trying her best to persuade Edward not to be angry with her.
“After thinking about it, it seems like you don’t love me 100% like you used to.”
Julia immediately squinted. She grabbed Edward’s chin to make his handsome face turn towards her.
“What did you say? Don’t love you anymore?”
Edward nodded lazily.
“Is that it? I, even as a big businessman, am not as busy as you. I can still manage my time for you. And you? Look. You seem busy with your own affairs.”
Julia sighed. She knew well that Edward was angry and annoyed with her. Besides, this wasn’t the first time her husband had complained to her.
“It’s not comparable, Darling. You’re a businessman and a company owner. You’re free to take time off whenever you want without anyone getting angry or protesting. While I work under the agency. All my work is arranged by the brand.”
“And how long are we going to be like this? Honestly, I’m fed up.”
Edward pushed Julia’s hand away from his chin. Trying to get up, but his wife quickly stopped him, then pulled him back down onto the bed. Without giving him a chance to speak, Julia quickly crawled onto Edward’s body. Locking both of Edward’s hands, while her head moved closer, approaching her husband’s face.
“I beg you to be patient. Just a little longer, after my contracts are finished with some big brands, I promise to slowly reduce my busyness and focus on taking care of our future baby.”
Julia then planted a kiss right on Edward’s lips. Devouring them eagerly and aggressively. Intentionally teasing until Edward melted and finally responded, enjoying what Julia gave.
“Will you wait for me, won’t you?” Julia asked again as she unraveled her kiss.
Edward nodded.
“Alright then.”
A smile immediately spread across Julia’s lips. She planted another kiss before slowly descending from Edward’s body.
“Well then, we better get ready for breakfast now. Besides, I’m already hungry.”
Edward happily followed Julia’s invitation. Holding hands affectionately, they went to the restaurant on the ground floor of the hotel.
While enjoying breakfast, they discussed Bella’s pregnancy and the various preparations they both had to make. Until not long after, a handsome man approached their table. He greeted them and then engaged Julia in a serious conversation for a few moments.
“Darling,” Julia called out to Edward, who had been waiting while she was talking to another man. “Let me introduce you, this is Arron Carter, whom I’ve often told you about. He’s the Head of the Agency and also the new manager who replaced Lucas.”
Edward nodded. He accepted the handshake from Arrow.
“Edward Darkwood.”
“Arron Carter. Pleasure to meet a big businessman like yourself.”
“So, you’re the one taking over Lucas’ duties for the past year?”
Arrow nodded.
“Talented women like Julia need handling from more skilled individuals. It’s evident that Julia’s career has been on the rise in the past year, hasn’t it?”
Edward didn’t react much. In his heart, he didn’t like it because as Julia’s career improved, he often felt neglected.
“Edward, there’s something I need to tell you,” Julia then took over the conversation again. Her cheerful face now turned slightly serious. “Earlier, I need to apologize to you. Arrow just informed me that there’s a pre-workshop today at the convention hall. I need to be there briefly to check the venue and determine the costume. I hope—”
“You’re leaving me?”
Julia’s face turned uncomfortable.
“Just for a little while. I promise I’ll be back in the room by three o’clock and ready for dinner with you.”
Julia looked closely at Edward’s expressionless face. Putting on a pleading look, hoping her husband would give her permission to go.
“Okay. You can go. But if you break your promise, don’t expect me to forgive you.”
Given the green light, Julia didn’t waste the permission Edward gave. She hurried back to the room to get some supplies, then left with Arrow to the convention hall.
Meanwhile, after finishing breakfast, Edward chose to check on some work Axel had sent via email. He had a discussion with his assistant, and even managed to contact Clara to check on Bella’s condition in London.
At exactly three o’clock, Edward intentionally waited for Julia, who had promised to come back on time. Patiently, he waited until 60 minutes passed, and his wife still didn’t come.
Feeling disappointed, Edward chose to return to London without informing Julia. He contacted Axel and asked his assistant to arrange his return as soon as possible.
Fortunately, the distance from Paris to London wasn’t too far by plane. Around five o’clock, he arrived in London and went straight home.
Upon arrival, Edward decided to go straight to his room. Overwhelmed with anger, he deliberately turned off his phone in hopes that Julia couldn’t reach him.
Still feeling upset, Edward chose to swim as usual. He always thought swimming was an effective way to calm his emotions or anger that often surrounded his heart.
Changing clothes, Edward then walked leisurely to the pool. Just as he arrived, his eyes were inadvertently treated to an unusual sight.
From Edward’s eyes, he could see Bella wearing a swimsuit, rinsing her body. For heaven’s sake, Edward felt hypnotized. He couldn’t take his eyes off Bella’s sexy body. In fact, he was so captivated that Edward didn’t even realize that Bella had turned around and was now looking in his direction, puzzled.
“Mr. Edward.”
Edward then snapped out of it. Blinking for a moment, he tried not to look nervous.
“You’re back already?”
Edward nodded casually.
“Yeah.”
Realizing he was still wearing an open outfit, Bella quickly grabbed the bathrobe hanging on the chair. Covering her body immediately, she then spoke to Edward again.
“Sorry I didn’t notice your arrival.”
“It’s okay.”
“Anyway, I’ll excuse myself now. Please, feel free to swim. I won’t disturb you.”
Initially, Bella intended to leave immediately. Just a few steps forward, she accidentally slipped and fell because she was too rushed.
Fortunately, Edward was there. Swiftly, he intended to help by catching Bella. But because he couldn’t balance, they both fell. Unfortunately, Bella’s body pinned Edward’s, and her lips accidentally landed right on Edward’s lips.
A few seconds passed. They both froze, their eyes locked in a gaze. Until shortly after, Bella, feeling nervous, pulled away and tried to get up from Edward’s body.
“Sorry, Mr. I didn’t mean to.”
After successfully standing up, Bella, embarrassed, decided to leave in a hurry. She left Edward, who was laughing at his own funny behavior.
***
Recalling the incident earlier in the pool, Bella felt like dying. So embarrassed because of her carelessness, once again she accidentally kissed Edward.
“For heaven’s sake, Bella. Why is your life so unlucky! If this continues, you might go crazy.”
Bella grumbled about her foolishness.
“If only Mr. Edward were still single, I might consider pursuing him or trying to melt his heart. But unfortunately, he’s already married.”
Bella sighed for a moment. Feeling so embarrassed, she chose not to go to the dining room because she didn’t want to run into or have dinner with Edward.
Choosing to give in, Bella decided to wait. But, who would have thought that she would fall asleep due to exhaustion.
Being hungry because she hadn’t eaten anything, Bella woke up in the middle of the night. She forced herself to go back to sleep, but it was difficult.
Glancing at the clock on the wall, it showed two in the morning. Since hunger couldn’t compromise, Bella decided to go to the dining room. She remembered the pasta she cooked earlier in the afternoon had not been touched at all. Now she just prayed that the food hadn’t been eaten up or at least still had some leftovers.
Leaving the room and descending the stairs, Bella walked quietly to the dining room. Approaching the dining table, searching for anything she could eat to alleviate the hunger that was currently plaguing her.
“What are you doing?”
Bella jumped in surprise when she heard a man’s voice reprimanding her. Turning, she found Edward, who might have come from the kitchen carrying a plate of food in his right hand.
“I-I’m thirsty and want to get a drink.”
Edward just nodded. He allowed Bella to take a glass and pour herself a drink.
Meanwhile, Edward chose to sit down, ready to enjoy the carbonara pasta he had made at some point. From the appearance and aroma, it aroused Bella’s appetite.
“Have you eaten?” Edward suddenly asked when he noticed Bella staring continuously at his plate. “Do you want to try some?”
“No, Sir. Thank you. I’m already full.”
Bella lied. There was no way she would admit that she was currently hungry.
However, it seemed that fate enjoyed playing and embarrassing Bella. At the same time, Bella’s stomach grumbled. Unfortunately, Edward heard it, and he couldn’t hide his laughter.
“Come here,” Edward called out. He then took the plate next to him and moved half of the pasta from his plate to give to Bella. “Try it.”
“Thank you again,” Bella refused, feeling uncomfortable.
“Don’t be shy. Maybe you’re already full. But, it seems like the baby in your belly is hungry and wants to taste the food I made.”
Bella was extremely embarrassed. But because she was seriously hungry, she accepted the pasta Edward gave her.