Set up

3rd P.O.V.

It's been a week since the moment Apollo acted insane, cold, grouchy, and weird toward Beatrix.

Ever since that, Beatrix had never been so bubbly as she was before.

It's after lunch and she decided to visit Charis before going to the hospital to visit Andrei.

Beatrix walked into Charis' apartment, taking a deep breath as she took off her coat.

She had been so busy with her brother that she had not seen Charis for a while.

Beatrix has also been so busy that she forgot how to look after herself. She's been devastated, out of herself, and did not bother to smile.

Harley was already there, seated at the kitchen table, sipping on a cup of coffee. Beatrix gave him a quick nod before heading towards the couch, where Charis was sitting with a book in her hand.

"Hey, Rix! How's Andrei doing?" Charis asked, looking up from her book.

Beatrix smiled, feeling relieved to have some company. "He's doing better. He's awake now, so I decided to stay with him in his room."

Harley nodded a small smile on his face. "That's good to hear."

Charis set her book down, looking at Beatrix with a serious expression. "So, I heard something interesting from Harley."

Beatrix raised her eyebrow, curious. "What is it?"

Harley looked down at his cup, his expression growing solemn. "I heard that Apollo says you're important to him."

Beatrix felt a flutter in her chest at the mention of Apollo's name. She had been thinking about him a lot lately, but she wasn't sure what to make of their relationship. "Yeah, he did say that."

Beatrix's face turns gloomy.

She suddenly remembers the reason why she's been acting so sad lately.

Charis looked at her with concern. "Rix, have you asked him what's going on between you two? He asked you not to fall in love, but he's the one breaking the rule. You need to know where you stand."

Harley shifted uncomfortably in his seat, looking at Beatrix with an intense gaze. "I agree with Charis. You need to make sure you're not just a fling to him."

Beatrix felt a wave of emotions wash over her.

She had been trying to push aside her feelings for Apollo, but hearing Harley and Charis talk about it was making it harder to ignore. "I know. I'll talk to him."

But that's what had been drumming in her chest lately.

How could she ask him if she’s afraid to hear that he really doesn't know what he was saying that day and he wasn't sure?

What if he can't accept the fact that she is just an employee, a contracted wife?

She had been feeling anxious thinking about every single possible answer that he would say.

She shouldn’t really think about it today, it's Andrei’s time, not his.

She wash off her mind and had to move aside from the problem she’s been going through with her work— which is being a contracted wife.

As they arrived at the hospital, Beatrix saw Apollo standing by the entrance, looking as cold and aloof as ever.

Apollo brought Jade with him. She felt a wave of emotions— confusing ones.

She couldn't help the way her heart beat faster at the sight of him. She wasn't sure what was going on between them, but she couldn't deny the way she felt.

"Hey, what are you doing here?” Beatrix asks.

"Why don't you look at your phone?”

She was a bit confused but still check her phone and was shocked because there were a lot of missed calls and text that’s coming from him

Before she checks one of his messages, she looks at him first with an apologetic expression.

"I was too busy preparing Andrei’s food and his clothes I'm sorry."

Apollo crossed his arms with his blunt expression. "It's fine, you don't have to say sorry. I'm used to it.”

As he was saying those, he was looking harshly at Harley.

Wow, did that rhyme?

Harley suddenly stood up from his seat, drawing the attention of Apollo. "Hey man, can we talk?"

Beatrix was confused her eyebrows furrowed..

Apollo raised his eyebrow, looking at Harley with a neutral expression. "What?"

Beatrix watched as Harley walked up to Apollo, looking him straight in the eye. "I just wanted to let you know that I have feelings for Beatrix. I know that she's important to you, but I couldn't keep it to myself anymore."

Beatrix was shocked

Finally, Harley could speak up for his feelings after so many years of freedom.

But it was too late for Beatrix because the confusion that's been then and her chest before has been solved.

She doesn't feel anything for Harley and even if she tries to persuade her, nothing will change.

Apollo didn't respond, his expression remaining stoic. Beatrix felt her heart sink at the lack of reaction from him. She wasn't sure what she had been hoping for, but it definitely wasn't this.

Beatrix felt like there was a sting of pain in her heart.

Harley looked at Beatrix, his expression softening. "I just wanted to get it off my chest. I hope you're not mad."

Beatrix forced a smile, feeling a pang of sadness in her chest. "No, of course not. It's your right to tell me how you feel."

As they entered Andrei's room, Beatrix felt grateful for the distraction from the awkward conversation with Harley and Apollo. She sat down by Andrei's bed, holding his hand and talking to him softly. As she looked up, she saw Apollo standing by the doorway, watching them with a strange expression on his face.

—

RIX's P.O.V.

It's been days since we last talked.

We’ve been so distant from each other and I rarely come home.

I was just hoping that they wouldn't notice it.

Because if they do, we would be suspicious again, and I don’t want that.

What should I do?

I can't even please him.

I tried my best.

"Beatrix."

I was sitting in the family room when Mr. Cartier approach me.

"Hello, Dad," I said. "What brought you here? Apollo is in his office,” I said.

Dad chuckled, and then she caressed my back.

"I know there is something wrong going on between you and Apollo. Can you tell me about it? I've been worried.”

I laughed awkwardly before replying.

Should I be honest with him or should I think of an excuse?

Ha… if I think of an excuse, what if he notices that I'm always having my reasons?

Let’s just stick to what's going on.

"Actually, Dad, you're right,” I said.

He smiled bitterly. "Apollo is always like that. But I’m glad that you're not doing anything to ruin his image to his employees."

My eyebrows met "How does that give me a gain? Like, why would I ever think of ruining his image? He’s my husband, and his dirt is my dirt."

Dad was surprised by my words I can see the awe in his expression.

"You know what, I will do something for you to be settled.”

"What do you mean, Dad?"

"I won't tell it to you now, but do something to prepare for dinner. This is a formal dinner so I will require you to dress as a silk one."

A silk one?! Oh my god. I only have one silk dress and that's the dress I used the first time I met Apollo’s family.

But do I have a choice?

Fine, be it.

—

3rd P.O.V.

As Beatrix arrived at the restaurant for her date with Apollo, she couldn't help but feel nervous. Apollo had been acting strange lately, and she didn't know what to expect.

She tried to put on a brave face and greet him with a smile, but he barely acknowledged her presence.

Apollo's father, Mr. Cartier, had arranged for them to have a private dinner at one of the city's finest restaurants.

Beatrix had dressed up for the occasion, just as he was told, hoping to impress Apollo, but as they sat down, she could tell that something was off.

"What's wrong?" Beatrix finally asked, unable to bear the awkward silence any longer.

Apollo sighed heavily and glanced around the restaurant before turning to her. "I don't think this is going to work out, Beatrix."

Beatrix felt her heart sink. "What do you mean?"

Apollo shrugged. "I just don't see a future for us. We come from completely different worlds. I thought I could handle it, but I can't."

Beatrix bit her lip, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill. She had known all along that their relationship was complicated, but she had hoped that they could make it work.

Before she could respond, however, Apollo's fuck buddy, Aileen, burst into the restaurant, causing a scene. Beatrix felt humiliated as Aileen loudly announced their previous sexual encounters, attracting the attention of other diners.

As Aileen continued to taunt Beatrix, Apollo remained silent, looking anywhere but at her. Beatrix knew that this was the end of their relationship, and she felt a surge of anger and disappointment.

"Enough," Beatrix said, standing up and facing Aileen. "You don't get to talk to me like that. And you, Apollo, you're a coward for not defending me."

Apollo remained silent, his expression blank as Beatrix stormed out of the restaurant, leaving him and Aileen behind.

As she walked away, Beatrix couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions: anger, disappointment, and sadness.

She had given everything to this relationship, and it had ended in humiliation. But she knew that she was strong enough to pick herself up and move on, no matter how much it hurt.

Beatrix couldn't believe what had just happened. She was still in shock, standing there covered in cake while Apollo was holding his fuck buddy who was crying on the floor.

Beatrix was angry, hurt, and confused all at once. She looked at Apollo, waiting for an explanation, but he just turned away from her.