CHAPTER 3

I just stared blankly at the paper in my hand.

"Wow, his name is so cool!"

- Marriage Certificate -

Wife's name: Anaya Grace Santillian Gutierrez

AGE: 22 YEARS OLD

HOME ADDRESS: Bacoor *** Street "*"" Inc ** Gret

HUSBAND NAME: Aurelius Kael Quinn Gutierrez

AGE: 27 YEARS OLD

ADDRESS: Bacoor *** Street "*"" Inc ** Gret

I stared blankly at his name. It's long, and it suits him; it has a mysterious vibe.

I sighed and placed the paper on the table along with the card he gave me earlier. I approached the paper bags in front of me and chose clothes I could wear.

Before that, I took a bath, and afterward, I dug through everything he bought for me.

There were bags, clothes, jewelry, and other things a woman needs; you'll be wowed.

And when I got bored, I lay on the bed and didn't realize I fell asleep.

The next morning, I woke up feeling slightly more composed. Yesterday's whirlwind still felt surreal, but the luxurious surroundings and the mountain of shopping bags were undeniable proof it had actually happened.

I carefully chose a simple outfit from the new clothes—nothing too flashy, I decided—and headed downstairs. The same helpful maid from last night greeted me with a polite bow.

"Good morning, Lady Anaya," she said. "Young Master Kael is waiting for you in his office." she said smiling.

What's his plan now?

My heart pounded. Ohh, this is different, Anaya, stop it, don't fall in love again.

I hadn't had a chance to process anything that happened. I still felt like I was dreaming. I followed her to a large, modern office.

He's really rich. I thought the man I dragged in and chose to marry was just an ordinary person. Every design in his office is really expensive. It's antique.

I saw Kael was already there, reviewing documents. He looked up as I entered, his expression unreadable.

"Anaya," he said, his voice still cool but without the icy edge from before. When this guy speaks, it's nerve-wracking.

"You were absent on Thursday and Friday. No notification. This is unacceptable." I looked at him in surprise. Why is he angrier than Tasya?

My stomach dropped. I'd completely forgotten about work!

"Ohh, I… I'm so sorry. Wait, why did you ask about my work? What does it have to do with you? You're not my boss," I stammered.

"Nothing, Anaya. I just asked to confirm it to you," his voice still cold.

"There was… a family emergency. I should have called." It was a weak excuse, but I couldn't bring myself to explain the truth.

He leaned back, steepling his fingers. "A family emergency? And this 'emergency' prevented you from contacting anyone at the company?"

My cheeks burned. "I… I was… preoccupied," I mumbled, avoiding his gaze. Well, I was busy looking for someone I could marry to escape Dave's clutches.

And it just so happened that I dragged him in. He should thank me, right? With my beauty, he shouldn't refuse.

He studied me for a long moment, his expression still unreadable. Then, a slight curve touched his lips. "Very well, Anaya. I'll overlook this… for now. But I expect better in the future. To our future family…" This guy is also corny.

"Anyway, why did you even ask? You're not my boss," I asked him again, raising an eyebrow. Because of the way he asked, it's like I work for him.

"Kael," I whispered, my hands playing with the hem of my dress. I saw how he furrowed his brow when I mentioned his name, "I need to go back to work."

I don't know why I'm hesitant. I'm also nervous about his answer. Maybe because of the way he looks at me, I really should go back to work or else people will think I'm a gold digger.

He stood up from his seat and went to the window, looking at the forest view, because there's a forest behind his house.

"I know," he replied, his voice still cold, but there was a hint of tenderness he couldn't hide. It's surprising; we just met, and we don't know each other well, but based on his actions, I don't understand or I'm just being delusional, that's why I notice these things. "But don't you think it would be better if..."

"Kael, no, I need to work," I interrupted him, my voice tinged with surprise. "I know my responsibilities. But just because we're married doesn't mean you'll stop me. I don't know what's on your mind, but I hope you'll let me work just as I agreed to fully become your wife even though I'm still getting used to it." I gasped for air because of the length of what I said.