Pov: Kayden
Even though I did nothing productive for the whole day except for getting married, I feel exhausted. I decide to take a quick shower before going to the study to resume work. Work seems never-ending.
The water running over my body makes me relax a little. I wrap a towel around my waist and come out.
Suddenly, the door of my bedroom opened and Zara was standing there unwelcomed. She looks at me with wide eyes and turns beet red before closing the door.
I frown. For a moment, I regretted agreeing to my family’s demands so easily. I liked women who are elegant, poised, and dignified with proper manners and etiquette. Just like Monica. But now, I’m married to someone who doesn’t even knock on the door before entering all because of a ridiculous reason.
I’m not compatible with her, but this woman is now my lawful wife.
I put on some clothes and opened the door, still a little cool about the situation earlier. She was standing outside. “Do you still want to come in?”
She froze in a place before apologizing as she stepped inside. I’ve already established we will live together after marriage including sharing a room. It seems we both will need some time to get used to each other’s presence.
Zara closed the bedroom door behind her. Looking slightly helpless she says, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. It’s just that… I’m still not comfortable with the fact that I’m married and that I live with you now. That’s why I reacted in that way.”
My gaze rested on her white and glowing face. Compared to other women, her skin was so white, it almost seemed translucent. It appeared to be as soft and smooth as a baby’s skin.
What the hell are you doing? Now isn’t the time to admire her skin. I paused before shifting my gaze, looking to the side. “I don’t care what bad habits you used to have, but I hope that the first thing you learn here is to knock before you enter.”
“Are you blaming me for coming in without knocking?” she said indignantly. “How was I supposed to know that you were naked? I think you should be the one to adjust. Now that there’s someone living with you, you shouldn’t just walk around naked.”
Blood almost sot through my head. This unreasonable woman has the audacity to tell me how I should live in my own house?
I decided to take the high road and stop conversing with this woman. I picked up my blanket and walked towards the couch.
“I’ll sleep on the couch.” She called out from behind.
“There’s no need for that.” I threw the blanket down. “I’ll sleep on the couch. You sleep on the bed.” A gentleman should only do this.
“It’s alright I’ll sleep on the couch. I’m used to it. Plus, with your height, it would be uncomfortable to sleep on the couch.” She stood right beside me and was prepared to pull my elbow.
But before she could touch me, I reflexively blocked her. But I didn’t put my mind into controlling my strength because she fell directly to the ground.
She looked up at me kind of hurt and I could see the anger rising in her eyes. She stood up and yelled at me. “Are you crazy? Forget that I came to sleep on the couch out of kindness. What do you mean by this?”
But I’m not the epitome of kindness either. I raise my eyebrows, lowered my head, and pat the part of my elbow that she touched. I looked calmly at her “Let me get one thing straight. You caused all of this to happen. You’re saying that you were being kind. Don’t you think it’s a little late now?”
“Even if I drugged you… I didn’t make you push me on the bed. If you were so concerned you could have rubbed one out instead of jumping on me. I should be the one to complain.”
I grit my teeth at her ‘rubbed one out’ phrase from her uncouth mouth as another layer of ice seemed to freeze over my face. I pointed at the door with my finger. “Get out!”
She froze in her spot and looked even angrier as she glared at me. I close my eyes and turn around. I don’t want to even see her face.
Suddenly, she jumped onto my back. “Oh no! There’s a rat. It’s so scary! Rats are my greatest fear.”
I tensed up. Her soft, fragrant body latched onto me like a sloth, my body jolted and I instinctively tried to shake her off.
“Let go!” I stretch my arm backward to push her off, but the two soft unfamiliar lumps called breasts pressing against my back started a flame inside my body and I freeze.
Although she’s tall compared to other women, she was much smaller in front of me. Her body is soft as silk and as pliant as water. She clung to me like a thin snake, making me realize that she is very slender.
Her pale fingers held onto my arm were comforting even though they were cold to touch.
However, during this time, her breasts pressing my back felt more and more prominent and my body began to heat up uncontrollably.
Damn it. The effect of the drug should have worn off a long time ago…
This means my body is obviously reacting.
“I won’t let go. There’s a rat. I’m afraid of rats…” She held onto me for dear life and refused to let go.
Enough of this! I stretch my arm around to grab her waist. I pull her off my back and throw her down. But she was holding on to me too tight and due to the momentum we both fell down.
When I regained my bearings, right before me were her soft, pink lips. They parted a little as she gasped and I could see a silver of pearly white teeth. It was like a passionate invitation that left my throat dry.
Surprised by my own thought, I subconsciously pushed away from her delicate body that was on top of me.
I take deep breaths and began to relax when I saw Zara sitting on the floor with her hands on her chest while tears flowed down her porcelain cheeks. Strangely, my heart lurched in my chest as I looked at her trembling shoulders.
Somewhat frustrated, I regained my rationality and started reprimanding myself. I indeed went overboard. She was merely in her early 20s but she was forced into a marriage without love. After all, we both were at fault, she isn’t the only one to blame.
I was ultimately at loss. I don’t know how to comfort people so I just stood there. “Sorry, I apologize. This time, it wasn’t your fault. I was too emotional. To be honest, I’m just like you. I haven’t gotten used to having a woman beside me. I didn’t push you because I dislike you, actually… I have an illness that doesn’t allow me to touch women.”
She raised her teary eyes at me, partly surprised, partly confused.
Since we have to live together now, I should tell her about my illness.
Letting out a sigh, I explain it to her. “It’s fine when I touch men, but all women make me uncomfortable. And it’s not that simple. If I do come in contact with them, I’ll develop rashes, I’ll vomit, and my blood will flow backward. That’s why I avoided you. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
She furrows her brows. “Such a thing exists? Wait… is it Haphephobia. Like is it a psychiatric condition? ”
I was used to these questions. After all, I’ve been seeing countless doctors for 28 years now. I only have to keep it a secret from outsiders.
“It’s both.” I massaged my temples. This is so exhausting. “You must keep this a secret from outsiders. I’m telling you only because we’ll be living together. I hope you know that my family wanted us to get married because they think you can curb my illness since I touched you.”
She nodded her head slightly embarrassed. “Of course. It’s not your fault that you’re ill. Sorry, I touched you because I didn’t know about it. I promise I won’t touch you again.”
I look at her doubtfully. She smiled sweetly at me as she crossed her fingers in a gesture of promise.
“Okay, let’s go to bed then,” I said quietly.
She nodded her head and massaged her chest as she stood up. “I’ll sleep on the couch.”
“No need,” I said and lay down on the couch.
She didn’t argue with me this time and quietly obeyed and went to the bed. She turned off the lights and the room plunged into darkness.
The couch is obviously not comfortable so I keep adjusting my body. I could clearly hear the tossing and turning on the bed. I furrowed my brows. She is obviously sleeping soundly but the way she sleeps and her posture are quite questionable.
I can’t really get used to having a woman—especially one who I had slept with—share the same room with me. I let out a breath, get up, and walk out.
Pov: ZaraI opened my eyes to the unfamiliar surroundings. It took a few minutes to remember that I am married now. I look around.Where is my husband?I jump out of the bed. Everything on the couch is neatly kept as if there was no one who slept there last night. But he is nowhere to be found.I leave the room and go to the dining room. The maid bowed her head from the side. Wow, they should really stop doing this. Feels like I’m in a 90s Asian drama.“Madam, I’ll lead you to where sir is having breakfast.”As I arrive, I saw Kayden bathed in sunlight. I walk over with light footsteps. His emotionless expression immediately lowered the temperature by a few degrees.His well-defined body appeared even more upright in a suit. He looks leaner with clothes on and muscular with clothes off.What the hell is wrong with you Zara? Stop it!“Hi. Good morning.” I walk over to greet him.He, however, simply raised his eyebrows and looked at me once, and lowered his head again to read his newspa
Soon, the car stopped in front of a luxury store. The moment we stepped in, Kayden swept his gaze all over the store while a saleswoman was following him looking all smitten as if she’ll melt soon. “Give me all the clothes in her size.” The saleswoman got flustered and her eyes lit up at what he said. Then she looks at me, bows her head, and follows the orders given as she quickly ushers me inside. I was a little dumbstruck. Is this how the rich shop? The saleswoman wrapped me into a beautiful skirt, while I tried each piece one by one. She assisted me enthusiastically. Kayden was sitting on the sofa on the side, elegantly sipping his coffee and reading a business magazine. Although I politely declined, this was a scene I’d never seen before. So I silently and shamelessly went around the store to look at everything. I’m pretty sure my eyes were as big as Harry Potter’s glasses. After looking at this I think what I used to have, were not really clothes. But suddenly when I rais
Pov: KaydenI never did anything on a whim, ever. But listening to Zara talk about how she never had nice clothes somehow bothered me more than it should.I don’t know what designer shop my driver took us to but all are trained specifically to make my family’s life easy. So I’m sure his judgment couldn’t be wrong.I told the saleswoman who was staring at me more than she should pack all the clothes they had of Zara’s size. She took Zara inside the changing room while I sat on the sofa reading about a recent technology released by Volkens.However, Zara came out wrapped in a jade-green skirt looking all sensual and beautiful with a hint of cuteness. Her long and slender legs were on display.The saleswoman was showering her with praise while I couldn’t take my eyes off her. It was undeniable that she looked good in the dress.Although she usually looked sloppy and uncultured, right now she appeared graceful and full of feminine charm.I could not help but steal two more glances. When I
Pov: ZaraAll hot and bothered, I get out of the car and run for my life from this brute. Seriously, it’s dangerous to be good-looking.I had merely taken a few steps when I saw an unfamiliar woman standing by the door. She was an elegant beauty and instantly brought the words ‘well-bred’ to mind.I freeze when I hear Kayden’s voice from behind calling her, “Monica…”I understood that she was Kayden’s girlfriend. So this is the kind of woman he likes!Her long hair was swaying in the wind, her beautiful face brightened when she saw Kayden. She was clothed in a white, suited jacket with a gray dress underneath. She looks bright, intelligent, graceful, and generous.I halt for a moment, unsure about what to do. I obviously look silly standing there. Kayden came beside her. They both look like a perfect match. She’s obviously stylish unlike me.The woman Monica turns around to see me and lifts her delicate chin in arrogance before turning her attention to Kayden.The situation was kinda
The next day, I went to the company, when Yvette called me. She told me that I was selected for the audition as a third female lead. I was so elated.“I really thank the company for giving me this opportunity.”Yvette smiles. “This is the result of your hard work. Enjoy it and make it worthwhile. I hope you do your best. It’s one of the most important roles.”I nod my head in understanding. Although I feel happy, I also don’t know how they gave me the opportunity to audition for such an important role.Yvette gave me a meaningful look. “To be honest I didn’t have high hopes for you, but since you have the opportunity let’s do our best.”I am already accustomed to these kinds of auditions. I specifically put on a short blue dress and primp myself. Feeling the adrenaline rush, I was waiting at the venue.“Next, Zara Wilson.”I step forward and stand on the stage. The director and staff were going through what seems my portfolio. He looks up and stares at me for a good minute before look
Pov: KaydenI leave Zara standing there and return to the guest room. Putting down my folder I hold onto the table in an attempt to calm myself down.However, what happened earlier just kept playing in my mind and it made me feel… irritated.As I breathe deeply to calm myself down, I hear my phone ringing. The caller Id showed it is Monica.“Hello? Monica?”“Hey, Kay. Can you come over to my house for a bit? I’m alone. I have something to talk to you about.”“Why? What happened?”“Just come over. I want to talk to you in person.”“Okay.” I hang up and move out.I could not guess what is it that she wants to tell me. I know she’s a little petty and moody, she’s always been. I’ve always given in to her.I arrive at her place in no time. She lived alone and her place always made me feel comfortable.When I enter, I see Monica seated in her living room. She is clearly engulfed in melancholy, looking a little lonely.I sigh and walk to her. “Monica, why did you call me here?”She raises he
Pov: ZaraThe next day, I did not see Kayden when I woke up in the morning. I asked a maid where he is and she answered that he did not sleep very well so he left early in the morning.This man is obviously uncomfortable living with me. Why insist on doing so? Maybe it’s the power of love. To protect his love, he can tolerate anything.I feel pity for Kayden.But the next few days, Kayden did not come back at all. Is it because Monica had said something that affected him, which is why he isn’t returning?If that’s the case, it’s probably a good thing. Even I’m not that comfortable living with a man.But why do I feel slightly uneasy?When I picture him with Monica I feel odd, a little gloomy I guess? What’s wrong with me?Maybe it’s because of Monica. She’s an unpleasant thing to think about anyway.Filming of television series is going to begin soon and I have to play the role of Estelle, an upright yet evil woman. The story is based on a novel that was insanely popular during its re
Pov: KaydenI come back home from a business trip. I was not here for a few days, I hope that woman didn’t get herself killed.I asked a maid where she is. The maid informed me that Zara went to her production set. It was her first day today and so Mr. Jones has gone to pick her up.Suddenly, I hear some incoherent noises from outside. I walk out the door in large strides. However, a soft body immediately fell on me the moment I reach the door.When I regain my bearings I feel Zara’s breasts pressing my chest, causing my heart to tremble and my body to heat. She lays her head on my shoulder. But soon, I see her red face, her eyelashes fluttering and her delicate lips looking like juicy flower petals.Her ear was rubbing against my neck, tickling me. I freeze with my eyes fixed on her. “What’s going on?”The reeking smell of alcohol assaults my nose as if she just came of out a tank of rum.“Hey…” Zara looks at me. I frown at her behavior. “Honey, I’m home.”“…”I have no choice but to