Chapter 11 Celebration

KIA

The bell rang loudly, a sign that the class was over. I grab my things and put them in my bag. Most of my classmates were rushing to go home while some were just talking and laughing, minding their own business.

I was about to get up when suddenly Miaree approached me, “Kia! Wait! Are you free today? I wanted to see your new house and also your husband. Can we come over to your house?” Miaree said, twinkling her small eyes.

I saw Marcy rushing towards us. Look who has an ear like wolves, “Can I come too? I’m very curious about your new home. Is it big? More extensive than your dad’s house?” he excitedly said.

“Uhm— I’m sorry, but I can’t… We are too busy today to clean the house. We have a lot of things to do so maybe next time, and maybe it’s better if I let him know first before inviting you guys since it’s his house in the first place… I’m sorry…” I murmured and a fake smile formed on my lips.

Their lip corners were pulled down, and misery was written all over their faces. They had a lingering sadness in their eyes. I can see they were eager to meet Ares but I think there is a right time for that.

“I’m really sorry. But I promise I will invite you guys over if ever he agrees—” I couldn’t finish what I was saying when suddenly my phone vibrated.

Someone is calling me…

They both look at me, seems like they are waiting for me to answer the call, “I gotta go! See ya!” I said, smiling. I take my bag and head outside before answering my phone and saying, "Hello?”

[Hello, sleepy head! Where are you right now? I am standing in front of your school's entrance. Are you still here? ]

“What?!” I rushed to the window and started looking for him right away. It seems he's telling the truth. I can see him leaning against his car, holding his phone to his ear.

“What are you doing here?”

[I'm picking you up. I thought I told you I was taking you out to dinner today.]

"No…"

[Well, now you know. Let's go. We might get caught in the traffic later.]

"I'll be there in a minute," I said before ending the call.

I immediately ran towards the bathroom and looked in the mirror. It doesn't look like I was stressed for a whole day so… maybe a retouch will do. I opened my bag and got my make-up kit. I brushed my hair and I just applied a small amount of lipgloss and applied some powder to finish the look I also put some blush to make my face bloom. I don't want him to see me looking like a zombie.

I ran towards the gate after retouching and took a moment to collect myself before saying, "Hey," to him. I was extremely shy because some of the students had begun to turn their heads in our direction.

I take hold of his hand and urge him to enter the vehicle, which he does right away. He was looking at me when I got in the car and appeared to be wondering what I had done.

"I'm sorry it's just… they were looking at us and I feel uncomfortable with that…"

He suddenly patted my head and smiled widely, "I know, it's okay," he suddenly gets closer to me which made me move a little bit.

"Wh-what are you doing?" I asked, nervously.

While maintaining eye contact with me, a smile developed on the side of his lips. I was unable to move. Those looks seem to numb my entire body.

Is he going to kiss me?!

I close my eyes and stop my breath but then a second has passed and I can not still feel anything. I slowly opened my eyes, seeing him smiling at me.

"Fool…" he said while smiling and pinching my nose. Before he started driving, he grabbed the seat belt and fastened it to make sure I was secure.

I thought he was going to kiss me… Argh! That is so embarrassing! I want to be buried alive right now!

-

When we arrive at the restaurant he immediately runs outside to open the door for me, “I haven’t had the chance earlier to do this so…” he offered his hand me help me get down of the car.

“There are only eight tables of dishes every day. So I have reserved it in advance today. That is why I bring you here.”

“But it looks pricy. It… will cost you a fortune.” Ares is just an assistant. I’m afraid it will cost him one month’s salary.

“Just enjoy the meal. Don’t worry, I saved money for this. Also, the boss here is my friend. He doesn’t charge me that much. It is a kind of celebration of our marriage. I want this day to be special. Come one. Our private room is in that pavilion.” he said, pointing to a room.

The restaurant has traditional Chinese vibe. They planted a row of bamboo to use as a screen and a wall for privacy. The owner of this restaurant is really clever!

“I never knew there is still such a quiet place in this city,” I exclaimed. I look at him and caught him staring at me and again he was still smiling.

What is wrong with him?

“I’m glad you like it.”

Staff suddenly entered the room and served the dishes that Ares ordered, “The dishes are served. Let’s try it. I guarantee you that the food in this restaurant is delicious. Especially this signature dish…”

I can’t focus on what he was saying. I was caught off guard by his face. So mesmerizing… Um, calm down, self! It’ll be embarrassing if he knows me being enchanted with him.

He suddenly grabs something from his pocket. His wallet. He then pulled out his card. Maybe he will pay already…

“Well, this is my debit card. Since we get married, I should turn in my debit card to you. Here, keep it.”

I was so shocked by what he said. My heartbeat started increasing. I wasn’t able to move, “Wh-why do you give me your debit card? I can’t take it!” my words broke up, and started to stutter.

“Take it! You are obliged to use my card!”

“Come on, Ares, we don’t have to do this. Don’t you remember we are just married by agreement? We will divorce after that. I’ll be under pressure if you do that.”

“Kia, at least we are legal husband and wife for the next two years. You said you will fulfill the obligations of a wife, accordingly, I also need to fulfill the obligations of a husband,” He said while grabbing my hand and putting his debit card on it, “I hope you can understand what I mean… From now on, I will share with you everything I have. Please don’t say no to me.”

What is he thinking? He has made up his mind to let me spend his money. Idiot, doesn't he worry that I'll steal his money and leave?…