Chapter 6: Reenactment

And just like that, one month passed by so quickly.

Yes. It's been a month but I am still not used to my life now. I was always left alone in this villa. If Sarah hadn’t visited me every weekend, I might have gotten bored to death already.

Anyway, I was right. We got along well. And there’s one thing we have in common.

We love coffee!

That’s why we always go out to have some coffee every time she visits me. Good thing, I had some savings to spend, I didn’t need to ask my busy bee husband for money. Although he gave me a bank card for my allowance I'd rather keep it for Angela since it wasn't really for me. It's for her.

However, I was worried about my twin sister as I had no news from her if her operation was successful or not. The last message I got from her was on the day before she would go to the operating room for her operation. She told me not to worry about her and that she might not be able to call or text me for weeks since it would take some time before she would fully recover.

Nevertheless, I was texting her from time to time, telling her not to worry about me as well and to focus on her recovery.

I also informed her she was absolutely right! Because since day one, nothing had happened between me and Leo. We did not even sleep in the same room and didn’t have meals together.

So, we’re like total strangers! We haven't even reached the stage of getting to know each other.

Besides, Leo was always busy with his work. He would leave early in the morning and would go home late at night even on weekends.

“Maybe that’s why he had the money to buy this villa,” I mumbled as my eyes roamed around my spacious room. Then I added, “Unless he’s really rich.” I assumed since the villa was located inside an exclusive village.

Nonetheless, I didn’t care whether he was the wealthiest person in the world. So, I didn’t bother to know.

‘Or maybe it’s his way of avoiding me,’ I suddenly speculated.

But I thought it was better this way!

‘Wait, shouldn’t I celebrate it?’ I smiled at the thought of having chicken and beer. Then I stretched my arms and legs before I excitedly got out of bed.

It’s Wednesday afternoon, I was sure that Leo wasn't at home.

I got up late since I stayed up late last night watching my favorite series. Oh, well, I think it was already three in the morning already when I finished watching.

Who cares? It’s like I was living alone in this villa.

And I knew I was left alone again. Hence, I didn’t bother to fix my hair or change my clothes. I just brushed my teeth and that’s it!

So wearing my silk nighties, I excitedly ran down the kitchen to have brunch before taking a shower.

However, my eyes grew into wide circles as I suddenly halted my steps when I saw Leo in the kitchen, wearing a white undershirt and pajamas, drinking a glass of water.

‘What is he doing here?’ I asked in my mind while my heart beat wildly in my chest.

Sigh. I didn’t know if I would just ignore him or if I would hide.

I got anxious since my dress was too revealing. Moreover, I was not wearing a brassiere under my dress, exposing my healthy bosoms.

Thus, I chose to hide.

But it was too late already as Leo turned his head in my direction and noticed me.

Without a second thought, I instantly hugged my body as I quickly turned around and acted to go back upstairs. But as I walked away, I didn’t know why but I could feel his scorching gaze at my back.

“Where are you going?” I heard him ask, so I came to a halt.

I winced as I bit my lower lip, thinking of an excuse.

“I forgot something upstairs,” I replied without turning my head. Then, I continued walking.

However, my heart skipped a few beats as I screamed when I felt warm hands that suddenly pulled my waist and enclosed my body in his arms.

With shock in my eyes, I looked up at him. Then, I found his sexy brown eyes staring down at me.

Sigh. I didn't expect that he would follow me.

“Are you avoiding me?” He questioned grimly with knitted brows, pressing his body against mine.

My cheeks instantly felt warm because of his action. I couldn’t help but remember what he did on my 27th birthday.

“O-of course not!” I stammered. Then I looked down as I tried to hide my flushed face.

Tightening his arms around my waist, he asked again. “Why do I feel like you're lying?”

I raised my head and was about to respond but he swiftly sealed my lips with his.

It was so sudden and unexpected - the same as the first time when he took my first kiss!

My eyes dilated in shock while my heart pounded in my chest - the same reaction as I did before.

His kiss was still gentle and sweet - the same kiss that took my breath away.

Everything was like a reenactment of what happened a year ago. It only occurred in a different place and in different circumstances.

But this time, I struggled as soon as I recovered from the shock, forgetting about the fact that I was acting as his wife.

However, I was no match for his strong arms. I felt like I was a caterpillar in a cocoon.

Good thing, he stopped after a while, leaving me breathless. But he didn’t release me from his embrace.

Subsequently, he held my chin. Then his sexy brown eyes stared profoundly at me as though examining the whole feature of my face.

My heart pounded even more.

‘What was he doing? Was he trying to recognize me?’ I anxiously thought as I swallowed hard.

After a while, he finally released me without saying anything.

I breathed a sigh of relief. I thought he was going to recognize me.

“Get ready. We will be leaving in thirty minutes.” He ordered and quickly turned to leave.

I couldn’t manage to reply as I was still in a daze.

‘What just happened?’ I asked myself, still frozen in my spot. I couldn't believe what he just did to me.

‘Well, that’s what couples do, right?’ I tried to justify his action.

Nonetheless, I still wondered why because it was the first time that he touched me after we had been together for a month, much more to my surprise when he kissed me unexpectedly.

Why all of a sudden?

‘Is it the end of the world?’ I gasped.

“Why are you still standing there? I told you to get ready.” Leo shouted from upstairs, snapping me out of my trance.

That’s the only time I moved and went to my room.

After an hour, I was ready. I looked at myself in the mirror one last time.

Since it was summer, I wore a sunny yellow spaghetti strap A-line dress. I paired it with a simple jewelry set that my father gave me on my 18th birthday. Then I matched it with white sandals and put on light makeup.

After I got satisfied with my look, I went downstairs.

I found Leo waiting for me in the living room, wearing a formal blue and white suit.

“Did it really take you that long to dress up?” He asked, his brows furrowed after he looked at me from head to toe.

“Yes,” I answered thriftily, feeling awkward by his gaze.

“Change your dress.” He commanded sternly. Then, he stood up from his seat before he added, “I’ll wait for you in the car.”

I rolled my eyes in annoyance even though I knew what he meant.

‘He should have told me what to wear or what the occasion was.’ I complained in my mind.

With heavy footsteps, I went back upstairs to change into formal attire. This time, I chose a solid powder blue strapless dress to match his outfit. And after fifteen minutes, I went directly to the driveway where the car was waiting for me.

Leo was already sitting in the backseat of the car. His eyes were closed but a frown was still visible on his face.

“We're going to be late because you took so long to get dressed.” He stated harshly as soon as I got seated in the car.

“You shouldn't have taken me with you,” I retorted while crossing my arms, irritated by his remarks.

He raised his head and turned to me. “You–”

But he was not able to finish his words as his phone suddenly rang.

“Mom,” He said as he leaned back in his seat.

“Yes, we’re on the way,” He responded, glancing at me.

“By the way, Mom, tell Anne that we’re dropping by.” He uttered before he ended the call.

Hearing their conversation, I wanted to ask if Sarah was also going with us.

‘And who's Anne?’ I wondered, creasing my forehead.

But I kept the questions to myself as I didn’t want to converse with him.

So, I took my phone from my bag and made myself busy browsing my social media account. Then I remembered the selfie I took earlier, wearing my sunny yellow dress, so I decided to post it.

‘Tsk, tsk, tsk. It’s such a waste that I was not able to wear it,’ I thought.

I smiled as I put a yellow heart as a caption before sharing it. Then I continued browsing until I got a notification.

‘William Andrews commented: Stunning!’

My eyes gleamed as I read his comment because he was my crush when I was in college. Then a broad smile slipped my lips.

I was going to reply but I noticed that Leo was secretly glancing at me.

I frowned. “Are you peeking at my phone screen?”

“Why would I peek at your phone? You're not even beautiful in the picture.” He remarked as he took his phone from his pocket. Then he slightly shifted his body away from me.

“Wow! So, you’re really peeking at my phone?!” I muttered, forgetting to reply to William's comment already.

But Leo didn’t respond anymore as the car stopped in front of a private establishment.

“Get down,” Leo stated before he got out of the car.

My brow raised, wondering why I needed to go with him. Nevertheless, I followed him without asking a question.

And as I stepped inside the building, I was stunned as I found a fashion haven like no other. The interior was an artistic masterpiece, with a touch of eclectic minimalist flair.

'I didn't expect it to be a clothing store!' I whispered in my mind.

Then I found Leo talking to a woman in her thirties who seemed to be the store manager. So, I entertained myself by looking at the dresses on the shelves.

But I suddenly bit my lower lip when I noticed the brand name of the dresses, C&C.

‘Did he bring me here on purpose?’ I thought, glancing at him. Then, I found him choosing from a variety of dresses that the store manager showed him.

‘Maybe he will buy a gift for someone,’ I assumed. Then I pouted my lips, thinking why he brought me along since I had nothing to do there.

‘But how can he afford to buy clothes here? Doesn’t he even regret buying overpriced clothes with his hard-earned money?’ I wondered.

I was beginning to believe that he was really rich. However, I remembered when Angela told me that their family belonged to the middle class. Besides, Sarah was so simple from her outfit to her accessories, there’s nothing special or different in any way.

After a while, I decided to go back to the car since I had nothing to do there.

But to my surprise, Leo called me before I could exit the store. “Angela, come here.”

‘What does he need from me?’ I grumbled as I halted my steps.

Taking a deep sigh, I turned and went in his direction.

“Wear this,” He told me, handing me a royal blue halter sheath gown.

“Me?” I asked in disbelief as I looked up at him and then at the store manager who only smiled at me.

Leo didn’t respond, instead, he took my hand and let me hold the dress. Then, he turned to the store manager and told her, “Anne, I’ll hand her to you.”

‘So, she’s Anne,’ I reckoned.

Anne smiled at me. Then she showed me the way to the dressing room.

I had no choice but to follow her.

“Is there a problem with my dress?” I asked her as I thought Leo was being unreasonable.

She beamed at me before she explained, “You look great with your dress, Ma’am. But from what I know about Mr. King, he’s a very conservative man. So, I assumed he doesn't want you to show too much skin.”

“Too much skin?” My eyes widened as I repeated what she said. Then, I added. “Nothing is too much. This doesn't even look daring.”

“I know, Ma’am. But your cleavage is a bit exposed which makes you look, you know, more attractive.” She whispered as she slightly leaned in my direction and laughed softly.

I couldn’t understand why he had to care about what I was wearing as if we had an intimate relationship. I whined in my mind.

‘Well, you’re married. Maybe that’s why.’ My inner self reasoned out.

But whatever! He’s still being unreasonable.

I changed my dress though as I didn’t want to debate with him.

And after a few minutes, I came out wearing the dress that he chose for me.

“Much better,” He remarked, then he stood up from his seat and acted to leave the store.

We traveled one more hour before we reached our destination.

It’s a luxury villa located in the western suburbs.

And I saw a lot of visitors already in the garden when we got out of the car.

“What’s the occasion?” I asked Leo curiously as we walked towards the garden.

“You’ll know when we get there,” He mumbled as he simply glimpsed at me.