Chapter 7 : Brewing feelings

Raphael’s POV

As I walked back into the mansion, my eyes landed on a feminine figure standing in the center of the room with crossed arms.

“Why are you standing there and looking at me like that?” I interrogated Henrietta as I approached her.

“Who's she?” Henrietta replied back, ignoring my question.

I fixed my hands into my pockets, “Why should I tell you that?”

Henrietta breathed a laughter, one that came from the surprise of my words.

“Oh you don't think I deserve to know? Why am I here acting like a fake wife if you already got someone else in your life?” Henrietta questioned, her hands gesturing towards the door.

I shook my head from ear to ear, “There was someone else in my life but then, one day there wasn't anymore and that's why I got into a contract marriage with you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to be up in my room.” 

Following this, I walked past her but Henrietta pulled me back with a force that I never knew could come from her arms.

“What's wrong with you?” I questioned in annoyance.

“Raphael, if there's one thing I hate it's what you're doing right now. I don't even care what happened between you two but you shouldn't have gotten me into this.” Henrietta said, her voice dripping with a hint of sadness that I couldn't understand.

I stepped closer towards her, our bodies only an inch away from each other. 

The minty smell from her hair invaded my nostrils as I stood, towering over her, her face looked flushed and she lowered her head but I lifted her chin up with my finger.

I felt her warm skin tremble from my touch and for some reason, I loved the feeling.

“You say it like I forced you into this. Remember, I offered you a chance to get the money for your brother's surgery. You had the choice to refuse but you didn't so don't make it look like, I went on one knee in proposal.” I watched her face turn pale at my words and then I let go of her chin.

I stepped back, giving her a distance and watching her expression from his view, her brows looked relaxed but her lips were fighting to stay straight, like she was fighting her feelings.  

I only reminded her of the agreement then why was she looking so sad? I didn't even say anything that bad so why did she look so numb?

Without uttering a word, Henrietta turned to leave.

“Do get yourself ready by the way, we're going to see my father.” My words put her to a halt.

“I'm not going.” She shot back.

“You wouldn't dare. Try to refuse and watch how I make sure you pay back every penny I've given you.” I scowled at her and she scrambled up the stairs, totally ignoring my threats.

But judging by how she rushed up the stairs, I knew she wouldn't dare try to refuse my orders.

***************

“I'm proud of you son,” My father's nodded curtly with his hands clasped behind his back.

All through the visit, I tried my best to act romantic with Henrietta, a little forehead kiss here and there, subtle touches and all.

Occasionally, she swatted my hand away from her body but thankfully, dad didn't notice.

Henrietta stood beside me, hands locked with mine as I smiled in response to my father's praise.

“Henrietta, I hope he's treating you well?” My father asked her and I couldn't help but I feel anxiety rush through my veins.

I exchanged glances and seeing the icy look she threw at me, I feared that she was up to no good.

“Uh, father, he's such a-”

“Sweet man. She can't get enough of me dad, seriously.” I cut her off, wrapping my arms around her in a firm hug that was convincing enough to make my father believe we were crazy in love.

My father narrowed his eyes at me, “I asked her Raphael, not you.”

I forced a tight smile, “Right, answer him sweetie” I shaked Henrietta's body, warning her with my stare.

“Henrietta returned my glare with a smirk, “Well, he treats me well but sometimes he can get really annoying. Like when he goes out without telling me who he's going to see, it usually gets me worried.” 

My fingers curled into fists but I released them fast enough before my father noticed.

My father gaze moved back to me, “Raphael, that's not how we treat wives in our families, you know? Before your mother died, you knew she knew everything about me.”

I nodded in response, “Yes dad, I'm aware. I'd try to involve in everything I do from now on.”

“Good. I'll see you two out.” My father gestured to the exit.

My dad spent the walk to the driveway talking about business related issues and we soon bid him farewell after the last order to take care of the current project.

“Don't you ever do that again!” Henrietta warned with an index finger pointed at me the moment we got into the car.

“Do what? Touch you? Trust me, I didn't want to.” That was a lie, I actually enjoyed touching her because her skin felt so soft, so tender in my hands.

 “I had to act like I love you in front of him. He's the reason I got married to you, you know?” I reminded her as I started the ignition.

“Yeah sure, whatever but don't touch me like that again.” She repeated her warning as she said while dragging the seatbelt over her body.

The first few minutes of the drive was quiet, I took few glances in Henrietta's direction and I figured her attention was focused outside, the air from outside made her hair fly over her face but she didn't seem to care.

“Beep beep beep!” My phone’s ringing distracted me from Henrietta.

I stared at the caller ID with hesitation on whether or not to pick the call. It was Kristine.

I looked at Henrietta who was somewhat lost in thought.

“Hey, umm, what's going on?” I asked as the call for connected.

“Raphael, you said you were going to come see Katie. Did you forget?” Kristine's voice came from the other end.

“Oh shit. I'm so sorry about that Kristine. I got occupied with something. Can I still come see her?” I asked and I noticed Henrietta's face turn in my direction.

“Yeah, sure. We're home right now. I'd send you the address.” 

“Okay, great. I'd stop by in a few minutes.” I declared before hanging up.

“Where are you going?” Henrietta interrogated immediately I dropped my phone.

“None of your-”

“That's not what you told you father, remember?” Henrietta cut me off mid sentence.

I started regretted making that promise to my father. I should have known there was more to what she said back there.

“So this is the little game you had cooking? Well, I'm going to Kristine's. Now, stop bothering me.” 

“You're not going anywhere.” 

My eyes widened in surprise, “What was that? Who said you get to dictate what I do and what I don't?”

“You'd be surprised by how much power I have playing as your wife. Your father likes me and will believe what I say.”

I couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle, “I can't believe you right now. Well, I really don't care about what power you think you have but I'm going and there's nothing you're doing about it.”

“Really? Leave now and I'd go back to tell your father.”

I stared at her, unable to believe what the hell she was doing. I felt annoyance flow through my veins but I tried my best to keep calm.

I squinted my eyes as I watched her face tighten up with determination.

“Are you doing this because you're jealous?”