Chapter 13 — Spoiled Giselle

The sun was beginning to set in the west. The sky turned orange, and the evening breeze blew through the large windows of the De Santos family mansion.

Giselle had not left her room all day. She lay curled up under the blankets, hugging her pillow, occasionally moaning softly as she massaged her waist.  

Downstairs, Leon had just returned from work. His suit still clung to his body, his tie half-loose, his face tired and stiff.

As soon as he stepped into the living room, he was greeted by his mother’s voice from the dining room.  

“Leon, dear. Come here for a moment,” called Mrs. Hansel.  

Leon walked over with heavy breathing. “What is it now, Mom?”  

Mrs. Hansel handed him a tray with a plate of rice, soup, and a glass of water. “Take this to your wife’s room. She hasn’t eaten all day.”  

Leon furrowed his brow. “Mom, I just got home from work. I’m tired. Can’t you just send the maid?”  

“Leon…” His mother’s tone turned cold. “If you keep being stubborn, Mommy will take all her stomach medicine at once tonight!”

Leon sighed deeply. “Alright… alright! I’ll take it.”  

Reluctantly, Leon carried the tray upstairs. Giselle’s bedroom door was left slightly ajar. He pushed it open gently.  

Giselle was still in bed, her hair disheveled, her cheeks slightly pale. 

“I thought you were dead,” Leon said briefly. “My mom told me to bring you some food.”  

“Wow, so someone was hoping I’d die soon.” Giselle smiled, then sat up slowly. “Put it here.”  

Leon placed the tray on the small table next to the bed. “Go ahead and eat.”  

Giselle looked at him with sparkling eyes. “Feed me.”

“What?” Leon nearly choked on his own breath. “You can still speak, so your hands must still work. Eat on your own.”  

“But I’m sick…” Giselle whined, pouting her lips. “I can’t lift my arms for too long. My waist still hurts so much.”

Leon looked at her with a lazy expression. “You’re so spoiled.”  

Giselle nodded with a spoiled smile. “Come on, Mr. Husband. Don’t refuse me. You’re the one who made me sick like this.”  

Leon sighed roughly, then picked up the spoon. “One spoonful. After that, you eat on your own.”  

“Three,” Giselle replied quickly.

Leon gave in. “Fine.”  

Leon fed Giselle a spoonful of rice and soup. The girl chewed slowly, her eyes fixed on Leon like a starving kitten.  

“One more,” she said.  

Leon fed her again. “Last one.”  

“One more, so it’s three. You promised to feed me three spoonfuls.”

Leon suppressed a frustrated laugh. “Alright, alright.”  

After the third spoonful, Giselle smiled sweetly. “Thank you, Mr. Husband.”  

“Alright. Now I want—”  

Without warning, Giselle pulled Leon’s collar slightly and planted a quick kiss on his lips.  

Leon froze instantly.

“Giselle...” his voice was low, his eyes wide, “You’re so bold!”  

“That was a thank-you kiss.” Giselle was still smiling.  

Leon’s eyes darkened. He grabbed Giselle’s neck, clutching it with one hand.  

“I’m not your toy!” Leon hissed angrily. “Don’t ever do that again if you want to stay here.”

Giselle didn’t struggle. She didn’t cry. She didn’t beg. She just stared at Leon. 

“I’m not afraid of you,” she whispered. “If you want to choke me to death, go ahead.”

Leon’s hand trembled, but not from weakness. There was something he couldn’t understand—why was this girl, who should be afraid, challenging him so calmly?

Leon released his grip roughly. “You’re crazy.”  

Giselle took a slow breath, then rubbed her own neck. “Thanks, Mr. Husband. Now I’m even more certain that you’re starting to be bothered by me.”  

Leon turned around and walked out without saying a word.

As the door closed, Giselle smiled faintly while holding her own lips. “Just a little more, Leon. Just a little more. Before three months, I’ll definitely make you fall in love.”