“Julia, do you not suspect anything at all?”
After Aaron showed the phone containing a photo of Edward walking in one of the shopping centers with Bella, Julia remained calm. She didn’t get angry, annoyed, or even go berserk.
Aaron certainly felt strange. Typically, a wife would get angry if her husband is out with or bothered by another woman. But Julia’s reaction was unusual. Her response was even different from most women.
“Just imagine, your husband has gone out with another woman.”
“Let it be,” Julia replied casually while getting dressed. “Besides, they were just walking together like normal people. When you took this photo, were Edward and Bella acting affectionate? Or at least holding hands like regular couples?”
Aaron shook his head. As far as he observed when Edward was at the shopping center with Bella, they didn’t engage in intimate activities typical of couples in relationships.
“They weren’t holding hands. You know yourself that your husband is an important person. Surely, he must maintain his demeanor to avoid appearing affectionate.”
“That’s exactly it,” Julia responded quickly. “If Edward indeed had a secret relationship or was having an affair, he wouldn’t openly bring Bella in public. Everyone knows that Edward is my husband.”
“But, Julia—”
“Come on, Aaron. Bella isn’t Edward’s type. You can see and compare visually that I am more than Bella in every aspect.”
“I know that.”
“So, what do I need to worry about? I’m sure Edward wouldn’t do anything beyond the limits. We both know that Edward is deeply in love with me. Besides, I should be worried if our relationship or what I do with Santiago is discovered by Edward. After all, I wouldn’t want that to happen.”
Aaron took a deep breath. He understood what Julia meant just now. However, Aaron felt that Julia also needed to be cautious. Not everyone considered good will always appear good.
“But, I still think you should be careful, Julia.”
Julia laughed instead. Even though Aaron was serious with his words.
“Why should I be careful for?”
“I admit, Bella may not be as beautiful as you. But, you shouldn’t forget that you’re currently living under the same roof. Which means the frequency of encounters between Bella and Edward is higher. Even daily. It’s not impossible that they could fall in love with each other. Especially since you’re rarely at home to monitor them.”
“Aaron… you’re overthinking.”
“I’m just warning you. Nothing is impossible in this world, Julia. Perhaps right now, they don’t have a serious relationship. But, who guarantees that in the future, something like this won’t happen?”
“That’s why I won’t let it happen.”
Aaron nodded.
“That’s why I’m asking you to be cautious. No matter how faithful a man is, once he’s attracted and tempted, it’s hard for them to get out of that temptation’s trap.”
Aaron’s words disturbed Julia’s heart and mind. Along the way home, she who initially wanted to be indifferent turned worried. Imagining if Edward unexpectedly started a relationship with Bella, she wouldn’t be willing either. Julia couldn’t accept being replaced by an ordinary woman like Bella. That’s why she decided to follow Aaron’s advice to be more cautious.
Because there were still things that needed to be discussed, Edward returned home with Kairos. Although he was actually lazy, but the work deadline that he had to finish couldn’t be postponed anymore.
As expected, upon arrival, Kairos, who met Bella, immediately started teasing, as usual. Intentionally disturbing and making Edward angry.
Unfortunately, Edward knew that Julia was also at home. So he couldn’t do much that would make his wife suspicious.
“Bella… I see you’re getting prettier day by day. Believe me, if you want, I can propose to you right away.”
At the dining table, Kairos blabbered. Julia, who was also there, immediately sighed and put on a sour face.
“Stop your flattery, Kairos. You’re ruining my appetite.”
Kairos just laughed.
“If your appetite is lost, you can leave, Julia. No one’s forcing you to join us here.”
Julia tried to hold herself back. She didn’t want her emotions to flare up over what Kairos said. Besides, Julia realized that Kairos liked to pick on her.
“Why don’t you leave instead? Isn’t this my house?”
Kairos still responded casually to Julia’s words. As if he didn’t care that Edward’s wife openly showed her dislike.
“Just calm down, without you telling me, I’ll leave. Besides, I’m someone who knows my place. Not like you.”
“Kairos!!!”
“Kairos… let it go,” Edward immediately intervened. He stood up, intending to take Kairos away before the battle between his friend and wife broke out, which would only result in chaos later on. “We better continue in the study. There’s still a lot we need to finish.”
Kairos complied. He bid farewell to Bella, then followed Edward to the study. While Julia chose to continue her dinner. Once finished, she hurried to her room.
Meanwhile, Bella could only enjoy all the drama unfolding before her eyes. Unable to do anything, as she also knew she was nobody in that house.
Meanwhile, Julia, who was in her room, chose to relax by chatting on the phone with Aaron. After making sure Kairos had left her house, she waited for Edward to enter the room.
Approximately 30 minutes passed as Julia waited. But, until 10 o’clock, Edward still hadn’t returned to the room. Remembering Aaron’s words about Edward deliberately avoiding, Julia decided to leave the room.
Going downstairs to the first floor, Julia intended to ask Brigitta to prepare milk and snacks to give to her husband in his study. But, upon entering the dining room, she found Bella engrossed in conversation, accompanying Briggita and Clara who were tidying up the dishes to be put away.
An idea emerged in Julia’s mind. She felt it necessary to do that tonight.
“What’s up, Madam?” Brigitta asked upon realizing Julia entering the dining room.
“Please make me a glass of milk and some snacks to give to Edward in his study.”
“Alright. I’ll make it and deliver it soon.”
Julia shook her head.
“No, Brigitta. Let Bella be the one to deliver it directly to Edward’s study. Besides, it’s already late. Bella needs to rest soon.”
Bella, who was there, immediately nodded obediently. Hearing Julia instructing her to deliver the drink to Edward, she felt happy. At least, before going to bed, she could see Edward.
“Alright, Madam. I’ll bring the drink.”
Julia then decided to return to the second floor. Not heading to her room, but to follow Edward, who seemed comfortable in his study.
“Is your work not finished yet?”
Without knocking, Julia entered the study. She approached Edward, who was still sitting, focusing on something on his laptop.
“Just need to send an email to the investors.”
Julia smiled. Approaching, she waited for a moment. And after making sure Edward’s work was truly finished, Julia deliberately seated herself right on Edward’s lap.
“Julia, what are you doing?”
“Me? Of course, I’m sitting on your lap. Don’t forget, you promised to make love to me tonight.”
Edward sighed. Now, he was confused about what reason to give to refuse Julia’s demanding request.
“Why?” Julia asked when Edward fell silent. “Are you planning to cheat again?”
“No,” Edward shook his head. “It’s not like that.”
“Actually, I’m puzzled by your behavior lately.”
Edward was slightly startled. He listened carefully to what Julia wanted to say.
“What’s wrong with my behavior?”
“You seem to be avoiding me, Edward. You’re really different from before. Are you tired of me? Or perhaps you’re having a relationship with another woman without my knowledge?”
Edward fell silent. However, what Julia accused him of was actually happening. Lately, he had been avoiding her because he was having a relationship with Bella. He even felt comfortable with her. But, there was no way he could admit that.
“That’s just your feeling. You know I’ve been very busy lately.”
Julia raised her eyebrow. Not fully believing, she asked again.
“Is that so? Are you not lying?”
Edward nodded.
“Why would I lie to you?”
Julia smiled. She looped both of her arms around Edward’s neck and pulled him closer. She kissed him passionately, pressing her lips against his.
Not wanting Julia’s suspicions to grow, Edward reluctantly responded. He tried to enjoy the kiss that Julia planted on his lips.
Julia kept kissing eagerly. She intentionally pressed her body against Edward’s and continued kissing him. While kissing, Julia’s hands moved down to unbutton Edward’s shirt. Then, she caressed his chest. In fact, Julia even slipped one hand into Edward’s pants, touching and teasing him.
For tonight, Edward couldn’t refuse or avoid it at all. He let Julia do anything to him. In fact, because he was busy responding to what Julia was doing, Edward didn’t notice Bella entering his study with the milk and snacks that Julia had asked for.
Seeing that Edward’s study door wasn’t completely closed, Bella decided to enter without knocking first.
But, little did she know she would be greeted by a sight that was painful to see.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”
“It’s okay.”
Julia responded casually as Edward broke their kiss. Still sitting on Edward’s lap, she gestured for Bella to place the drinks and snacks on the table.
“Just put them there. But, it seems Edward won’t be having any.”
Then, Julia turned to Edward. She wrapped her arms around him again and gave him an order.
“Come on, honey. Carry me. Let’s move to the bedroom and continue what we left off.”
Taking a deep breath, Edward reluctantly complied with Julia’s request to carry her. He carried Julia out of the study to the bedroom without even glancing at Bella.