Chapter 5

ANGEL

I looked up at the sky, quietly admiring the full moon hanging between scattered stars. The night air was cold, and every time the wind passed, I instinctively rubbed my arms for warmth.

“You’re here.”

The sudden voice made me flinch. I turned around and saw Gideon standing a few steps away, his arms crossed over his chest.

“Yes?” I asked. “Do you need something?”

I straightened my posture.

“I was looking for you,” he replied, his tone colder than the wind brushing past us.

My eyes widened slightly. He was looking for me?

“You’re coming with me to the ball tomorrow.”

I blinked. “The ball?”

He lifted an eyebrow. “Why? You don’t want to?”

Then his eyes hardened.

“Even if you don’t, you don’t have a choice,” he added. “You’re still my wife in the public eye. You carry the responsibility that comes with that.”

I shook my head quickly. “No. It’s not that,” I said, then paused. “Of course I want to. I was actually happy.” The excitement slipped into my voice before I could stop it.

Two years of marriage, and he rarely brought me to events. Only when his parents told him to, or when there was no way around it. Most of the time, he made excuses. It was either that I wasn’t feeling well or that I was unavailable. That was why I couldn’t help but feel happy now.

The fact that he wanted to bring me felt like a small victory.

“Don’t make a scene tomorrow.”

I nodded quickly and raised my hand as if swearing an oath. “I’ll behave. I promise,” I said with a smile.

He studied me for a moment before giving a small nod. “Okay.”

He turned his back to me, but he didn’t walk away right away. After a second, he faced me again.

“It’s late,” he said. “Go inside.”

“Later,” I replied without looking at him.

I was still enjoying the sight of the bright sky above me.

“You’ll go inside,” he warned, “or I won’t take you with me tomorrow.”

My feet moved before my mind could even react.

“I said I’m going in,” I called out as I hurried toward the house. “Good night!” I shouted over my shoulder.

I headed straight to the guest room. I would be sleeping there. Gideon might knock on my room tomorrow, and he’d suspect once he didn’t see me there. It wasn’t that I was hoping he would care, but it was better to be safe.

The smile lingered on my lips until I eventually fell asleep.

I woke up in an unusually good mood. I stretched my arms above my head and let out a lazy yawn. The bed here was soft compared to the one I had inside my room.

After freshening up, I headed downstairs and made my way to the dining area. My husband was already there, quietly eating. The sight of him instantly brought a smile to my lips.

“Good morning,” I greeted him.

He did not even glance at me.

The smile on my face wavered for only a second before I sat across from him and scooped food onto my plate. A maid approached and politely asked what I would like to drink.

“Coffee,” I answered without thinking.

When I glanced back at Gideon, I caught him staring at me.

“Really? Coffee on an empty stomach?”

Caffeine used to upset my stomach, and I had always complained about it to him, which was likely why he mentioned it.

“I’m getting used to it now,” I replied.

He let out a quiet scoff, clearly unimpressed. “Suit yourself,” he muttered and continued eating.

When my coffee arrived, I started eating in silence. Since he didn’t look at me again, I allowed myself to watch him freely. I was certain he could feel my gaze, but he chose to ignore it, as if I were not even there.

“What time are we leaving later?” I asked, then hesitated before adding, “And what should I wear?”

Only then did I realize I didn’t have anything prepared for tonight.

“We’ll leave at six,” he answered without lifting his head. “And don’t worry about your gown. I already took care of it. There will be someone coming over to get you ready so don’t have to worry about your hair or makeup either.”

I heaved a sigh of relief. Aside from clothes, doing my own makeup has always been a problem for me. Good thing he had already settled everything.

“Okay,” I said softly. “Thank you.”

He gave no response.

“What did I just hear? You’re bringing her?!”

We both glanced at where the sudden voice came from. Zenaida stood there, a scowl already in place as she walked toward the table, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. She did not bother hiding her irritation.

“Yes,” he answered flatly, not even looking at her.

“Why?”

He finally lifted his gaze. “What do you mean? She’s still my wife in the public eye.”

Zenaida let out a short, incredulous laugh. “Are you serious? Amanda will be at the ball, and you’re bringing your wife there? Come on.”

I pressed my lips together, my fingers tightening around my fork as I listened. The air felt too heavy for me. A part of me wanted to quietly disappear right there and then because of the conversation they were having about Amanda.

“She’ll understand,” he said coolly. “We already talked about it.”

Zenaida scoffed. “Fine. Whatever.” She rolled her eyes and stormed out of the dining area.

Heavy silence settled between us after that. No more words were exchanged until the meal ended. I excused myself and headed straight to my room, then took a shower.

Later, I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, studying my reflection. I lifted my chin slightly, forcing myself to meet my own eyes. I wanted to look beautiful tonight—for him.

There was still plenty of time, so I decided to lie down for a while. Sleep took me faster than I expected.

I woke up to loud banging on the door. Groggy, I glanced at the clock. It was already three in the afternoon.

I hurried to the door and opened it. My husband stood there, his expression serious, almost impatient.

“What are you doing? Why didn’t you open the door right away?” he asked.

“I’m sorry,” I replied softly. “I was asleep.”

As soon as the words left my mouth, my eyes drifted past him. A woman and a gay man stood a few steps behind, both carrying bags and cases.

“Who are they?” I asked, confused.

Instead of answering me, he turned to them. “You handle everything. Make her look as good as possible.”

My lips jutted out. Was he saying I was ugly?

“Don’t worry, sir,” the gay man said cheerfully, flashing me a warm smile. “Leave her to us. We’ll make her the most beautiful woman for the night.”