CHAPTER 3

Vera's Point of View

"Breakfast ready!" I shouted as I entered Ares' room. Yes, that lazy guy prefers breakfast in bed. I heard from the household staff that he doesn't like getting out of bed, so they bring breakfast to his room.

Yesterday, I found out that our rooms are next to each other on the ground floor since it's difficult for him to go down the stairs in a wheelchair.

"Put it here, and you can leave," he said grumpily, causing my eyes to roll. Such a bad mood in the morning!

Is he always this grumpy? What is he even mad about? The whole idea of our fake marriage that he doesn't know is fake, or some other reasons he's keeping to himself? Ugh, Ares' mind can be so unpredictable sometimes; I feel like slapping him. Just kidding, I might decapitate him if I do that.

Before, when he's with his close friends, he's chatty, but when they're not around, he hardly says a word unless necessary. But now? It's like all of us are strangers to him! I don't know if he's like this with everyone, but when it comes to me, he's not just grumpy; he's quiet too! Seriously, does he even like me?

Well, I can't blame him for his behavior. First of all, he just had an accident and became temporarily disabled. Who would be happy about that? I'm sure even I would be in a bad mood all the time. My face might permanently look grumpy too.

"What are you still doing there? I told you to leave!" he said irritably, but I stood my ground and sat at the edge of his bed.

Well, here goes nothing! I need to improve the way he treats me because it looks like I'll be staying at their place for a while. Besides, I have to pretend to be his fiancée and future wife, so we need to treat each other well to convince our enemies how close and loving we are.

I choked on my last addition. How weird that I can't believe I might actually like Ares. He's so talkative when he's with our friends, even more talkative than some girls. He chatters here and there.

"You know, Ares, you don't have to give me the cold shoulder every day. You'll get tired of it eventually! Starting today, you'll see my beautiful face from morning till night," I said with a grin, but I maintained a calm tone.

"I won't agree to be your wife. Did you forget that I like someone else? So, from now on, I'm telling you that you'll only be a bodyguard and a nurse," he said in a cold voice, causing me to laugh and playfully tap his arm.

"Okay, okay! Do whatever you want, as long as we're friends, alright?"

"Tss," I heard him scoff, so I stood up and was about to leave, but he spoke, making me turn back.

"You're my driver too, right?"

"Yes, why?"

"I want a date," he said.

My eyes widened to what he just told me. What does he mean he wanted a date? But my lips formed a smile when my mind played something in my head.

"Date? You mean, you're asking me out on a date?" My eyes widened as I looked at him, trying to understand what he meant. A date with me?

"Enough with the questions. Just be ready to leave at ten o'clock so we can go to the restaurant. I want to check something there, then we'll proceed to the date," he said, and I immediately nodded.

A date with me? I shouldn't assume, though, since he didn't explicitly say it. I just want to have a meal with him because I know he's a great cook. Most of the time on his dates, he's the one cooking, and it's no wonder the food tastes so delicious. Ares is really skilled in the kitchen; he's not a chef for nothing!

As he mentioned, we left at ten in the morning to go to the main branch of his restaurant. He pointed out the place, and I followed him accordingly.

I was wearing a black t-shirt tucked into my pants, with black rubber shoes, and of course, I tied my hair, so it doesn't get in the way when I'm driving. My hair tends to fly everywhere, but I don't want to cut it because my Grandma loves seeing my long hair. Fortunately, when we're in uniform, I'm required to tie my hair up.

Ares was seated in the passenger's seat, looking straight ahead. Meanwhile, I stole glances at him from time to time. He's so quiet, excessively silent. I thought we were fine, but it seems like we're not yet...

"Why are you dressed like that?" he asked, which made me tap the brakes of the car. Thankfully, there weren't many other cars around; my sudden braking might have caused an accident otherwise.

"Why, is there something wrong with it?" I asked cautiously, thinking that we weren't the ones going on a date, right?

"No, I was just wondering," he said, and I breathed a sigh of relief.

I thought he was going to say something else...

"Anyway, be careful when driving. I might end up not being able to walk again if something happens," he said, causing me to nod.

"Who's your date? The doctor?" I asked, glancing at him in the rearview mirror.

"Yeah," he replied, checking the time on his watch.

"At 12, you'll pick her up at the hospital," he said, and I glanced at him again.

"Remember, you're coming with me, okay?" I reminded him, and he lazily nodded, which put my mind at ease.

I can't let him out of my sight because his condition and the surroundings are still not stable.

We arrived at the restaurant, and he went inside to check something while I stayed outside. He's safe inside that part of the restaurant, so there was no need for me to follow. I just waited outside, sitting at an empty table.

Their restaurant is pretty posh and expensive, but it's always filled with diners. Well, I can't blame them; the food here is delicious, especially when Ares is the one behind the dishes.

I absentmindedly played with my fingers, following the rhythm of the music playing in the restaurant.

I kept a close eye on the time until I stood up when I saw Ares coming out.

I didn't realize it was already noon. We were about to pick up the doctor he's courting.

I smiled immediately upon seeing the grin on his face. He really enjoys this job.

As I helped him get into the car, I quickly scanned the surroundings to make sure nothing unusual was happening.

I calmly opened the driver's seat and asked him where we're going.

"To NorthEast Hospital. Her name is Clara," he replied briefly, with a calm tone.

Hearing that, I inserted the key and started the car at a moderate speed. Not too fast, not too slow.

"Looks like your day got better after going to the restaurant?" I kept my eyes on the road, waiting for his response.

"Kind of," was his reserved reply, so I didn't push for more conversation. It seemed like he didn't have any budget left for talking with me. His responses were too brief.

"We are here!" I announced the arrival at the hospital where the woman he's courting works.

"I'll just wait outside, okay? I'll be keeping an eye out for her. You stay here, you understand?" I asked, even though he had that pleading look on his face to let him out. He simply nodded.

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