Chapter Seven: Pride

Aria’s POV

I brought out a book to distract my mind. As I kept reading, I heard the sound of the wheels approaching and that alerted me that he was back.

Then he suddenly stopped advancing behind me. After what seemed like forever, he asked; “Carbonara or Bolognese?”

My brows furrowed in confusion, wondering if he was talking to someone else or me. He had made it known that he doesn't like me talking to him, and I plan on maintaining that lane.

“For the last time, Carbonara or Bolognese?” His tone was hard and that made me whipped my head around involuntarily.

His sleeves were rolled up to his elbow, revealing his veiny arms and the first few buttons of his shirt were undone. Does he plan on cooking?

We stared at each other longer before I began reading meanings to his action. Is this his way of apologizing?

“You're planning on cooking for us?” I asked to be sure. He didn't acknowledge that and only kept staring at me with that blank expression.

I rolled my eyes before facing front, “I'm not hungry,” I also have my pride to keep.

“We've more than fifteen hours before we arrive in Italy, and I'm only cooking this once if you can't…”

“I said I'm not hungry,” I snapped, turning back, “Why do you care so much if I'm the ‘unimportant person’?”

“I don't care, get that straight. But you're my responsibility and I can't possibly watch you starve.”

I scoffed, “Tryna be the perfect gent when you're not?” I eyed him, “I'm old enough to take care of myself mister,” I spat out before sinking back in my seat.

“Suit yourself then,” he muttered before turning away. And at that instant, my stomach growled, mocking me.

I really hate it when I'm helpless and tried to rely on someone. In as much as I tried to continue reading, a minute after he left felt like an hour.

Screw this.

I stood up and went to meet him inside the kitchen. He was bringing out some ingredients in the fridge.

This would be really embarrassing. I scratched the back of my neck, clearing my throat as I stepped in.

“I-I'm actually a vegan so I think carbonara would be the best option,” I said, trying not to stuttered. I prayed inwardly for him not to ask me questions and he didn't.

I remained where I was, watching him does his thing. He looks meticulous slicing the carrots and other vegetables.

Stepping forward, I cleared my throat again before speaking; “I wanna make myself useful. What can I help you with?” I asked him carefully, trying not to seem like an intruder.

“Onions.” He instructed without looking at me, and I nodded immediately. Went to wash my hands and joined him.

The sound of a knife on the chopping board filled the room the next second.

“So… we are preparing Carbonara, right?” I wanted to confirm if he heard me. His hands halted, confusing me with his movement before he stared at me blankly.

I hope I hadn't asked anything wrong this time.

“There's no ‘we’. I'm the one cooking this meal.” He emphasized. I pursued my lips before nodding slowly.

He can take the credit.

“Yeah sure.” I smiled stiffly.

“There's no free lunch without opportunity cost.” He said as he continued to slice the pepper.

“That is to say?”

“You'll take the couch and I'll take the bed once we arrive in Italy.”

“What?” My eyes widened, dropping the knife.

“I make the meals. You take the couch.”

“We’re making the meal together,”

“I didn't ask for your help.”

“Oops.” I murmured. So he wasn't being nice? I gazed at him with a gentle gaze, lowering to what he had been chopping since forever. He was trying to make each slice equal.

“It’s gonna be a tiring work to figure out your personality.” I muttered under my breath, and as expected. He didn't respond.

I sighed deeply before washing my hands. I'm giving out something so I don't have to help him. I took a seat and watched him.

“Can I say something?” I asked after much hesitations. I got no response so I took it as a yes.

“Let's establish a new relationship.” I noticed that his ear flicked when I said this.

“I get that you're the type of person that gets upset easily which is totally fine. While I'm the one who is stuck with you in an unknown city we're heading at for a few weeks,” I paused.

“I want us to always apologize to each other and tell ourselves whenever the other person does something we don't like. Just like what happened earlier.”

I wasn't going to make him apologize but be cautious of the way he speaks to me. He scoffed softly before looking at me with a wry smile.

“Don't get this little nicety of mine into your head. I do things however I want them to be done so keep me away from your d@mn etiquettes.”

I shot over the countertop and flicked his ear with my fingers. He couldn't react to dodge on time.

“For every cuss word, you get that and vice versa.” I said, standing up, “I'll be at the cabin, so enjoy cooking our meals alone, hubby.” the word sounded mockery as I pushed the chair backward and left. A very stubborn big baby.