Good Communication

Dean paused, then gave up and ran his finger over the tip of Celeste's nose, "You!"

This intimate act made Celeste blush again, and she coughed, "Let go, stop your acts of love."

Dean did not have any boredom by watching the embarrassed Celeste again, "Celeste, I may be arrogant, but I will not be unreasonable. I hope our relationship will develop because we will live together. I did not expect us to spend our days treating each other like strangers."

He paused for a moment, "I understand that there's no way you'd accept our relationship right away, for the last twenty years of your life, you didn't expect yourself to marry and live with someone else. But the fact is that you didn't reject me, so I guess It's not that hard to accept all of this, is it? Don't use the excuse that you agreed just because you had no choice. As far as I know, you're not that kind of person."

"Hmm, don't speak as if you know me well." Celeste was confused and desperately tried to hide the fact that her mind was exposed.

It was true that she was wholly unwilling. No one could persuade her, no matter what. If worse came to worst, she could take Aunt Gana with her and run away. However, finally, she agreed. As to why she agreed to the deal, maybe it was because of the last kinship she had in her heart, or maybe it was a repayment to the Armstrong family on behalf of her mother.

In short, she agreed that things did not turn out as she had foreseen. Dean did not like how the rumours were rumoured. Should she be grateful, or should she see this as a joke from God?

Dean tightened his grip around Celeste. "It will be more time so we can get to know each other in the future."

Celeste was confused and looked at the older man, "You seem different from the rumors."

"You will see how different I am." The corners of Dean's lips curled up as he placed a light kiss on Celeste's forehead.

Celeste's body froze as the blush returned to her face. Even the words came out as she closed her eyes, "You, what made you do that?"

Dean chuckled. 'It's been a long time since I laughed, this young girl must be my lucky star,' he thought as he hugged Celeste tighter, "Celeste, don't be shy, you need to get used to this."

Celeste flew into a rage as she hit Dean with her fist. However, that man who had undergone years of military training was not an easy opponent for Celeste, who only learned basic taekwondo, "You son of a bitch, taking advantage of me, yet you still dare to boast about it shamelessly. Let me go."

Dean tightened his hands, not letting go of Celeste no matter how the girls struggled. Until the younger woman lost strength and continued to gasp for air, Dean loosened his grip so Celeste felt more comfortable. Still hugging, he asked, "Tired? Take a break."

"Hmm."

"You only know how to rely on strength to bully others." Celeste could only reply with words.

Dean did not mind Celeste's temper. He could tolerate it. Dean was more than willing to accept that for a proud, joyous, and beautiful girl to give herself up to marry a man like Dean. He brushed Celeste's hair and pressed her head against his chest, "Celeste, let us live with this."

Celeste, who had slowly calmed down, quietly leaned against Dean's broad chest. Listening to that powerful heartbeat, the frustration in her heart began to fade away, leaving a peaceful silence within her.

After a long time, Celeste looked up from Dean's chest, "Don't you think about it? What does it mean to marry me? I'm still young, are you really not afraid that people will use that against you?"

Dean turned his deep gaze to Celeste, "What about you? Have you ever thought about it?"

Celeste blinked and replied, "Yeah, I thought about it."

She paused for a moment, "Before, I thought you didn't marry me of your own accord. So, once I return the Armstrong family's favour, then I can leave things well, to a place where no one knows me. As for whether I will marry and have children, that is not under consideration for now. Maybe living my life like that is also a good plan." 

Dean could feel a small quantity of heartbreak inside as he watched Celeste, who, on the surface, acted like she did not care about anything but planned everything. At least the woman did not back down from the responsibility she had to bear.

Dean tightened his hands unconsciously, firmly holding Celeste closer to himself, "Celeste, believe me, that I have the ability to take responsibility for everything I've done."

After Celeste struggled non-stop, Dean finally let her go. However, Celeste still did not leave Dean's side.

Celeste thought again, "There is no turning back from this arranged marriage, but there is something I want you to promise me." With that, Celeste pursed her lips while waiting for Dean to nod.

"Continue."

For the umpteenth time that day, Celeste blushed again, and then she continued, "Alright, as for responsibilities and duties, could you allow me to take things slow?" As she finished her sentence, Celeste could feel her entire body heating up.

It was too embarrassing, but she had to stand up straight. Even though she had agreed to marry and was thinking about getting along well, she was not ready.

Seeing how Celeste was blushing and struggling with her words, Dean's mood improved: "Then when will you be ready?"

Celeste did not expect Dean to be so direct in this matter, causing her face to heat up even more. She turned her head away, avoiding Dean's burning gaze, "How would I know that!"

So as not to make Celeste too awkward, Dean decided not to provoke her any further.

"I agree with your request, but don't keep me waiting too long." he said.

Celeste's face was almost buried as she immediately nodded, apparently agreeing.

Dean's relationship with Celeste had made an enormous step forward, making Dean's expressionless face even softer. He tapped Celeste on the shoulder and linked their hands again, "Let's go, we will have lunch and then I will send you back."

Dean made a private room reservation at one of the five-star hotels of the Davis Company. Of course, that includes the resting area at its best.

Taking Celeste into a private room, Dean asked Celeste what she would like to eat. After they ordered, Celeste asked for a glass of milk.

"Does Celeste like milk?"

"Hmm, this is a habit I got from my mother when I was young. Hard to change." Celeste felt embarrassed because, as an adult, she still preferred to drink milk like a child. However, she used to do it to the extent that she had to drink milk with meals.

"There's nothing bad about it. You can drink whatever you like."

Dean and Celeste did not have the habit of talking while eating. So, the whole meal was spent in silence with a warm atmosphere.

Dean occasionally looked after Celeste, picking up some vegetables to put on her plate, and he even peeled the prawns, dipped them in the sauce and placed them on Celeste's plate.

Celeste naturally enjoyed Dean's attention. The atmosphere around them was like a couple who had spent years together. As she finished eating, Celeste realized she had accepted Dean's food as she always did, not feeling strange about it.

Dean's indulgent gaze seemed to smile as he looked at Celeste, his lips slightly turned upwards, "Are you full?"

"Hmm." Never had Celeste expected herself to interact so naturally with Dean. Perhaps now that they had said whatever was on their mind, there was no reason for them to hold back.

Even though the time they spent together was minimal, Celeste felt that the older man was not difficult to communicate with.

'That is a big difference from the information being spread.'