“For God Shake, Kairos. Why are you so happy to be at my house this early in the morning?”
Edward grumbled irritably. He had intended to relax and enjoy his day off this morning while planning to have breakfast. However, instead of tranquility, he found Kairos casually seated in his dining room. His friend seemed quite comfortable enjoying breakfast with Bella.
Damn!
“Edward…” Kairos called out. His hands were busy slicing and scooping up some meat sandwich in front of him. “It’s still early. Why are you already grumbling?”
“Of course, I’m annoyed! It’s a holiday. But here you are, disturbing my peace.”
“Who’s disturbing you?” Kairos retorted, not accepting it. After all, he hadn’t done anything. Just making a fuss for no reason. Why did Edward feel bothered?
“Of course, it’s you! Who else? Besides, why did you come here? I don’t think there’s any work or business I have with you.”
Kairos laughed. He couldn’t care less if Edward got angry or threw a fit.
“Why ask? Obviously, I’m at your house because I want to have breakfast with Princess Bella.” Kairos then turned to Bella sitting across from him. He flashed a sweet smile. “In case you forgot, I also have to give some special gifts I bought for this beautiful lady.”
“Don’t overdo it! Weren’t you complaining of tiredness and wanting to spend time resting?”
Kairos nodded.
“I am tired. But, after thinking about it, it’s good to meet and give gifts to Bella first. Besides, Bella is my inspiration. Proof is, after meeting her, my tiredness suddenly disappears.” Then Kairos turned to Bella, smiling, seeking support. “Isn’t that right, Darling Bella?”
“Nonsense!”
Edward pulled out a chair and sat down, looking annoyed. After a few seconds, Julia entered the dining room looking very neat.
“Darling…”
Julia approached. She grabbed a glass of orange juice, drank it all, then returned to Edward. “I’m going out. I have practice today until late evening.”
“Aren’t you going to have breakfast first?”
Julia shook her head. She seemed to be in a hurry. Perhaps she was reluctant to join breakfast upon seeing Kairos there.
“No. I’m still full.”
“Still full or do you have an appointment for breakfast with another man?”
Kairos said casually. His statement loaded with accusations certainly provoked a reaction from Julia, who had been indifferent until then.
“Kairos… it’s still morning. Don’t just speak recklessly!”
“Who said it’s already night?” Kairos replied nonchalantly.
“Can’t you refrain from causing trouble for once? Moreover, why are you causing a commotion in my house early in the morning?”
“Your house?” Kairos raised an eyebrow, his smile dismissive. Julia’s presence meant nothing to him. “This is Edward’s house, Julia. Not yours. Besides, I don’t need your permission to visit or stay here.”
“What?!” Julia was obviously displeased. How dare Kairos imply that the house she currently occupied was solely Edward’s? “I’m Edward’s wife. Of course, this is my house too. I have the right to welcome or expel you from here.”
“Unfortunately, I don’t care.” Kairos replied with a laugh. “Even if you try to kick me out, I won’t leave. Unless you actually fulfill your role as a good wife.”
“What do you mean?”
“Figure it out yourself.”
Julia turned to Edward, hoping for assistance and defense. “Darling… look at your friend. He’s being disrespectful to me.”
“Enough, Julia.” Edward sighed lazily. He was tired of seeing Kairos and Julia bickering every time they met. “You better leave now. I’m worried you’ll be late for your practice.”
Julia frowned more when Edward didn’t offer any defense. Even when she tried to bid farewell and give him a kiss, Kairos managed to irk her even more.
“Oh dear, Julia. You really don’t need to kiss me. I’m afraid Edward will feel nauseous and start vomiting again like yesterday.”
“You-”
“I’m just being honest.”
Frustrated, Julia decided to leave. She vowed to herself that one day she would retaliate against what Kairos had done to her.
Meanwhile, Bella, who had been treated to a drama worthy of a telenovela in the early morning, could only watch. As an outsider, she couldn’t possibly intervene in matters that weren’t her concern.
However, she was quite sure Kairos seemed to know what was happening with Julia. Frankly, Bella was also annoyed and eager to report what she had witnessed during Edward’s absence.
“Bella…” Kairos called out. After finishing breakfast, he went to the living room to grab a large paper bag, then handed it to Bella. “This is a souvenir for you. I purposely bought it when I visited Switzerland yesterday.”
Bella felt both happy and awkward. She had just met, and they weren’t even close, yet she was already receiving all sorts of gifts from Kairos.
“No need to bother.”
Kairos smiled.
“Don’t hesitate. I intentionally bought this for you. Besides, a beautiful woman like you deserves gifts like this.”
“You’re such a Crocodile!”
Edward’s retort was clear. While spooning his food, his face looked sour.
“There’s no crocodile in this world as handsome and wealthy as I am, Ed.” Then Kairos approached Bella. He then asked her to accept his gift. “Take it. I’ll be happy if you wear the dress and some gifts I’ve bought for you.”
Bella got up from her seat. Finally, she politely accepted what Kairos gave her.
“Thank you very much again for what you’ve given.”
“With pleasure. My day is already bright because I can meet you. Since my task is done, I’ll say goodbye now.” Kairos then spread his arms, intending to give a farewell hug before leaving.
However, instead of a response from Bella, Edward seemed to rise from his seat, then slipped between Kairos and Bella. He then pushed Kairos away.
“No need for hugs.”
“Edward!”
“Go home quickly. I’m sick of seeing you.”
Kairos laughed. Whistling, he decided to leave immediately. However, before getting into the car, he decided to approach the security guard who was on duty.
“Can I help you, Mr. Kairos?”
Kairos smiled.
“Yes. Edward ordered me to check the CCTV. Can you show me the CCTV recordings from the past few days?”
The security guard nodded in agreement.
“Of course, Sir.” He then escorted Kairos to the control room. Allowing Kairos to check what he was looking for. “Please.”
Kairos then sat in front of the row of surveillance camera monitors. He checked each recording one by one but didn’t find what he was looking for.
“Why can’t I find the recordings from the past two days?” he asked, curious.
The security guard remained silent for a moment. Clearly unsure of how to answer.
“Were some recordings deleted?” Kairos probed as if deliberately interrogating.
“I-I’m not sure, Sir. But, as far as I remember, the CCTV has been having issues for the past two days.”
“Oh, really?”
The security guard nodded.
“Having issues, or deliberately made into an issue?”
“What do you mean?”
Kairos smiled meaningfully. He patted the swivel chair next to him, asking the security guard to sit beside him.
“I have a good offer for you, and I don’t think you’ll refuse the collaboration I’m about to offer.”
Kairos then engaged in a serious discussion with Edward’s security guard. Whatever he planned, he believed it would help him and benefit him in the future.
Meanwhile, Edward, who had finished his breakfast, was sitting watching Bella who was busy swimming from behind the window of his room. He waited patiently. And for some reason, Edward didn’t feel bored at all.
Edward enjoyed every passing moment. Until he realized that Bella had finished swimming and was preparing to return to her room.
“Bella.”
Edward’s call stopped Bella as she passed by his room. Turning, she nodded.
“Yes, Sir?”
“Wait a moment.”
Edward went back into his room for a few moments. A few seconds later, he returned holding something in his hand.
“This is for you.”
Bella was momentarily confused, a mix of surprise and awkwardness as she received the gift Edward handed her.
“W-what is this?”
“It’s warm clothing.”
Bella was even more puzzled. “Warm clothing? Did you buy it for me?”
Bella certainly couldn’t believe it. Why would the once cold man who was so blunt to her now appear so kind? And even go to the trouble of giving her a gift.
“Yes.” Edward replied confidently. But shortly after, he gave an explanation. “But, don’t get the wrong idea. I bought it for you so that our baby in your belly won’t feel cold.”
Bella didn’t care. Whatever Edward’s intention was in giving her the gift, the important thing was she liked what he gave her.
That’s why Bella reached for the paper bag Edward handed her. She was so happy. She deliberately shook Edward’s hand and squeezed it gently.
“I’ll wear it, Sir. Thank you very much for the gift.”
Bella then hurried into her room, leaving Edward who was frozen in place.