The Husband She Longed For

“Shit,” I grunted.

I wore the last piece of earring as I manage to do it while looking at the small piece of mirror. I messed my hair for volume before I got my Jimmy Choo latte sandals on the passenger seat.

I can hear my phone being bombarded with messages but I wasn’t able to check it because I’m in a hurry to get out of the car already. Whoever sends those messages must be burning with anger.

Wearing the white and silver cocktail dress, I walked at the parking lot, barefoot. I just had time to check and phone in the lift before reaching the floor of our unit. I smiled when I saw my endearment for him popping out of my screen but I also lost that smile when I read his message.

Hubby:

Five minutes and I’ll go by myself.

"Ugh!"

I saw some of his earlier messages, all of which were annoyed because I was late at the time that was discussed. I wasn’t able to reply because the lift opened already. Our foyer was the first to open up to me. And there, I saw my husband, dashing in his tuxedo and clean cut hair.

Four months of being married with him, and I feel like I’m still dreaming. Is he really my husband? His angry eyes landed on me, I didn't mind it and I ran to him and hugged him right away. I felt him stiffened a bit. His manly scent embraced my nose and it smelled like home to me. Finally, he’s back!

”What the— where were you? Do you know what time is it? ” He growled.

He removed my arms that’s wrapped around him. My heart was sad for a while because of that but I just didn't take it too seriously. This is the first time we’re seeing each other after three months of being away from each other because of the short course he took in the US. Just two weeks after our wedding he immediately flew in for it. I missed him so much!

“H-hows Cambridge? Your flight? Are you tired? Or have you eaten at least? I will cook for you before we leave, ” I said without restraint.

His brows are in flat line as he listened to me. “I don’t need anything from you. I need your punctuality or at least your sense of urgency, ” he said firmly and violently released my arm.

I blinked repeatedly feeling the heat spreading on my face because of embarrassment. “U-uhm, sorry. I came from my pastry class. I went straight to the salon after, also there’s long traffic in— “

“Excuses,” he scowled and removed himself in front of me. He said things about leaving already. I heard the sound of the elevator so I knew he really left me there.

"I-I'm just gonna get my purse," I said.

"Hurry up," he said in a short, cold tone, and the elevator closed completely.

My shoulders dropped in disappointment. Was he really not even happy to see me after three months? We barely talked at each other while he’s at the US. He could have just treated me casually or pretended at least. Well, I guess this marriage is enough pretending for him.

I was quiet the whole trip. I only spoke once when I asked him if daddy already knew he was home. I stopped myself from talking, apart from the fact that I was afraid that he would get annoyed again, I was also dealing with the pain in my chest.

“Lots of press will be there. Knowing my family and my mother, ” he said when we’re a few blocks away from the venue. I nodded lightly. I know that. I wouldn’t be this nervous if I wasn’t aware about that. \

His family threw a party because of his mother’s birthday. This is the first time the two of us have been invited and this is also the first time we will go out in public together. It’s nerve wrecking. Because it’s like a scenario about a black sheep entering the lion’s den.

When we arrived at the venue, my heart throbbed harshly as I saw the entrance being reigned by the medias. I turned to Gael and saw that he had gotten out of the car immediately. I saw how he got the attention of the medias. Of course, the biggest scoop of this night. The rebel son and supposed successor of the Navarro Empire is back. And that’s not just it, he came with a ‘plus one’.

I was so happy that he simply opened the door for me. His arms encircled on my waist and medias flocked over us right away. This is a jackpot for the press for sure.

"What's the real deal between you two?"

"Is it true that you two got married in the US?"

”Are the humors true about you running for the coming election, Mr. Navarro? ”

”What can you say about Ms. Savannah Li winning the crown for this year ma’am? ”

My stomach immediately churned at the amount of questions they asked, especially when I hear that name. I feel so suffocated being around them and the flashing lights.

Gladly, Gael’s touch makes me feel safe. By the time we got past the entrance the scattered media had also disappeared. The guards are all that’s left. At the same time, I felt his hand left me.

My expression became bland when I looked at him. He’s already busy greeting some people that’s on our way. I just smiled sparingly at a guard who held my gift for Mrs. Navarro tonight. I was just quiet and smiling at everyone I saw.

My stomach is grumbling because of nervousness. All eyes are on us, or should I say, on my husband. That party had started already. I’m not sure where are his family members. I’m tailing him while my head slightly bowed. I’m hella conscious, especially since he’s not around me.

“Is this your wife Gael? I’ve heard about the news. ” I kind of heard their conversation.

He’s talking to a man with formal suit as well. I have no knowledge of my husband’s friends. Gael glanced back at me. In his reaction he seemed to have forgotten that he have some companion. I smiled raw and stepped forward.

“Uh, yeah. This is my wife, ” he said and encircled his arms on me again.

Butterflies flooded my system when I heard those words from him. Like wow! Those two weeks that we’re together, this is the first time I heard him say that I’m his wife.

"Nice to meet you, Miss?" the man offered his hand.

I gracefully took his hand and said, “Elyse. Elyse Solana Ruiz-Navarro. ”

“Ruiz? Are you connected with the Governor of the south? ” the man asked.

I nodded. “Yes. He’s my father. ”

“Oh! I didn’t know that Governor has a gorgeous daughter,” he said enthusiastically. My cheeks heated and I smiled at his compliment.

“Let’s go,” Gael interrupted the conversation. I eyed him. His expression is dark while he talk to the man.