Chapter 16: Flowers, For You
1262words
"I'll just nap at my workstation. I'm afraid I won't sleep well in an unfamiliar bed and might disturb your rest," I declined.
Ethan remained silent as usual, his face expressionless.
I was afraid of appearing too comfortable with the arrangement. After all, we had just gotten married and didn't want others to know. Staying here too often might eventually reveal our secret.
The lunch spread was impressive, clearly prepared with care rather than being takeout.
"Did your household staff make this?" I asked, breaking the awkward silence.
"No," Ethan paused. "My mother did."
I nearly choked on my food.
"Dr. South told my parents about your early pregnancy test at the hospital."
His voice was so steady that I couldn't detect any emotion on his face.
I panicked, but seeing his calmness made my heart sink.
"What about our marriage certificate..."
"They know everything. Once things settle down, I'll take you to meet them properly."
"Oh."
I'd forgotten that he had a family, unlike me who had no one to worry about.
Soon after finishing lunch, Ethan began clearing up, again not letting me help.
"I'll head back downstairs then," I said.
I pressed my lips together, just wanting to escape. Being alone with him gave me a suffocating feeling, causing my heart to race inexplicably and my cheeks to flush.
"Wait a moment."
Ethan walked to his desk, and I followed beside him.
"Give me your phone," he said, sitting down and extending his hand toward me.
"Hmm?"
I hesitated for a couple of seconds but handed him my phone.
Opening it, Ethan performed a series of operations.
"I've set up a shared account for you. Buy whatever you want."
Just as he finished speaking, he noticed my contact name for him: Vampire Boss.
He smiled slightly and changed it to "Husband," along with changing the phone number label to "Husband" as well.
I averted my gaze, not daring to look, my palms cold with sweat.
"I'm not very good at charming women. If I do something wrong, just tell me, and I can change."
After finishing, he handed the phone back to me.
"Okay," I nodded.
It was obvious he really wasn't experienced at wooing women.
Finally escaping the CEO's office, I felt like a thousand-pound weight had been lifted from my shoulders.
After work that afternoon, I drove to the mall to buy some winter clothes and warm attire.
There weren't many new winter collections this season, so my options were limited to mostly warm basics.
Unexpectedly, I ran into someone familiar at the mall.
"Alia!"
"Elizabeth!"
Elizabeth Westwood was a university art professor and my mother's close friend.
I'd known Elizabeth since childhood; she was practically an old friend to me.
In fact, my classical painting techniques were taught by Elizabeth. She was quite accomplished in European art history and traditional oil painting techniques.
Her attire was casual, but it couldn't hide her refined demeanor—every gesture exuded elegance.
"Shopping too?" I asked.
I knew she lived in New York, but we'd rarely been in touch these past few years. I hadn't expected to run into her at this mall.
"I'm buying some clothes for my son. This workaholic is traveling tomorrow, so I need to make sure he has the right gear."
Elizabeth looked me up and down.
"You look beautiful!"
Embarrassed by the compliment, I quickly grabbed her arm and pulled her along to shop together.
"It's rare to meet someone familiar. I'm also buying clothes—can you help me choose?"
"Of course! And you can help me pick for my son too. You young people probably have similar taste."
We spent two or three hours shopping around the mall.
"Have you eaten? Why not come to my place for dinner?" she suggested.
We sat on a bench in the mall, sipping bubble tea and resting with our many shopping bags.
"I can't, Elizabeth. I need to get back—I have some things to prepare."
I suddenly remembered that Ethan had mentioned dinner at home. It was already past eight, and I wondered if he would wait for me or eat alone.
"Alright then. I have plans later anyway. Let's meet up another time!"
"Sure, Elizabeth." I gave her a warm hug.
We said our goodbyes hurriedly.
Back in my car, I checked my phone and saw that "Husband" had called and texted me.
[When are you coming home?]
Startled, I quickly called him back.
[I'm sorry, I ran into someone I know at the mall and got caught up talking.]
[It's fine. When will you be back?]
[I'm heading home now. Should be there in about ten minutes.]
[I'll wait for you.]
[Okay.]
Having someone suddenly in my life felt strange, but there was something oddly appealing about being expected home.
For some reason, my ears turned red.
I started the car and drove toward the apartment.
On the way, I passed some street vendors and couldn't resist stopping to buy a bouquet of tulips.
After parking in the garage, I got out with the tulips in my arms, a smile spread across my face.
"You're back," came Ethan's voice.
"!" I jumped, instinctively stepping backward.
The air turned awkward. I quickly composed myself, closed the car door, and walked toward him.
"Why are you here?" I asked.
"Waiting for you."
His gaze fell on the tulips in my arms.
I felt a slight flutter in my heart, unsure how to proceed.
"Flowers. For you," I said.
My ears burned as I carefully handed him the flowers, not knowing if he would accept them.
Ethan looked at me, then at the flowers, and slowly reached out to take them. His warm hand accidentally brushed against my slender fingers, sending an electric current through us both.
"Thank you." There was a hint of joy on his face, barely noticeable unless you looked closely.
I pressed my lips together, wondering why I'd bought flowers in the first place. What was wrong with my brain? I withdrew my hand somewhat reluctantly and hurriedly.
Just as things were getting awkward, Ethan moved closer and pulled me into his embrace.
His arm holding the flowers wrapped around my waist, while his other hand rested on my shoulder.
"!" I was startled, my hands suspended in mid-air, my body stiff as his scent of cedar and mint enveloped me.
He was so warm. Even through his thin shirt, I could feel the heat of his chest.
I hardly dared to breathe, my heart pounding wildly, my body tingling as if electrified.
Should I hug him back?
I agonized, my forehead beaded with sweat.
The embrace was gentlemanly, not too close, but enough to throw my heart into chaos.
I swallowed hard and finally raised my arms to wrap them around his broad back.
After a long moment, we slowly released each other. My eyes darted around nervously, not knowing where to look, while Ethan calmly kept his gaze on me.
"Have you eaten?" I suddenly remembered to ask.
"No, I was waiting for you."
This was awkward.
"I'm sorry, I forgot..."
I had forgotten that I wasn't alone anymore, forgotten that I was married.
"It's okay. You'll get used to it."
"Mm."
After this brief exchange, I walked to the trunk to get the clothes I'd bought.
Ethan said nothing, handed me back the flowers, then took the bags from my hands and walked toward the entrance.
