A wave of panic washed over Amber when she heard Stefan's unexpected proposition about having a baby. She tried to pull away, but Stefan, with a stronghold, locked her in his arms.
"Stefan, this joke is not funny."
"I'm not joking," he whispered in her ears. "We're already very familiar with each other's bodies. It should be easy for us to get a baby."
"You said, you don't want to have a baby yet. Why the sudden change of mind?" Amber asked nervously.
"I have my reasons. Besides, that's what husband and wife do. Isn't it?"
Stefan's words took her back to the night at the casino. Though she was drugged, she knew they indeed had chemistry. She didn't feel violated. Having sex with him was a beautiful experience, but having a baby was totally different.
However, Amber could never forget that night she lost Monique. It was a stormy night, she knelt outside the gate of the Baldwin Family for a long time begging them to save Monique. When she finally managed to get the money and hurried to the hospital, Monique almost died in childbirth. She couldn't afford to erase those terrible memories.
"It isn't that easy, Stefan!" With all her strength, Amber pushed him away, causing him to freeze in his place.
"I'm not ready to be a mother," Amber said as she turned to wipe the tears. "It takes a lot to raise a child. I don't think we can afford it now. Let alone, our marriage will only last a year."
It was like shooting himself in the foot. Stefan pursed his lips as he understood Amber's visible fear in her eyes. He sighed as he touched her head to reassure her, "Okay, we could consider this later when you're ready."
"But Amber," he held her head to face his gaze. "Tell me what makes you agree to this arranged marriage."
She was surprised by his perceptiveness. But if she wanted to take Chase's custody back, she'd better tell him the truth. She would need his cooperation as he was her husband now.
"I have a nephew," she paused, trying to collect her words well. "His name is Chase. He's badly ill and needs a lot of money. His disease is very rare called Aplastic Anemia, which needs research from doctors. And I don't have his custody as I was still underage when my sister passed away."
"The Baldwin family will never treat him right," she stressed. "I have to bring him back under my care first."
Her voice revealed a mix of determination and vulnerability. Stefan felt his heart tightened. He hadn't realized that such a thin body like hers carried so much. He didn't catch the full drama at the Baldwin's house today but it wasn't hard to see what kind of life Amber had suffered under that roof.
"I'll support you," he said after contemplating. "We can figure this out together."
Amber was surprised again. She blinked her eyes as she raised her head to confirm, "Seriously?"
"Sure." He gave her a sincere smile.
"Thank you, Stefan," Amber said, tears welling up in her eyes again but from gratitude this time.
Being unable to bear seeing her in fear, Stefan's body reacted before his consciousness did. He lifted her chin and softly kissed her tears away.
Amber was stunned, feeling her heart bumping. Stefan couldn't help but tease her as he noticed her blushing face, "But in return, you have to do me a favor."
"A favor? What is it?" Amber asked but he just smirked, "I'll tell you later. For now, can you prepare for dinner? I'm hungry."
"Sure. I'll cook for us." Amber went to the kitchen joyfully. Though she was still curious about the favor he would ask for, the prospect of securing a brighter future for Chase filled her with a renewed sense of purpose.
"Would you like some help?" Stefan asked, sincerely wanting to help to fasten the cooking.
"If that's not too much from you. Help me slice some onions," Amber said, smirking while watching Stefan's reaction.
Stefan knew what Amber was trying to do and raised an eyebrow. "Of all the ingredients, you want me to slice an onion. Is this some kind of punishment, huh?"
"I didn't mean it that way," she grinned.
An expert cook that she was, Amber whipped up a delightful dinner a few whiles later, the aroma filling the air.
"You cook well," Stefan complimented as he savored the first bite
Amber blushed, "Thank you. My mom and sister taught me how to cook. When they were gone, I used to cook for the family most of the time."
"No wonder you've mastered this recipe so well," Stefan said, taking another bite of his pasta.
"Like I should, or else my Dad would toss the food on my face."
At first, Stefan assumed it was a joke, but Amber didn't show any trace of humor on her face.
"Is that how your Dad has been treating you ever since?"
"Yes," Amber said nonchalantly. "I don't understand why, but I stopped asking for answers. It is not important to me anymore."
Stefan was silent and not to ruin the dinner, Amber tried to turn the topic, "Then how about you? Would you care to share about yourself, too?"
A hint of sadness flickered in his eyes as he said, "There's nothing much to talk about myself."
His voice was low and stern. Amber immediately realized she asked the wrong question. He must have had a difficult childhood, too, being a half-exiled child from the Morgan family.
"Then what's your plan for tonight?" Amber quickly picked another topic to lighten up the conversation.
"Why do you ask about that?" Stefan asked, raising his brow as he finished the meal.
"Hmm...just in case you'll be hungry again outside, I can prepare you some midnight snacks to bring out."
"Who says I will go out tonight?" Stefan pressed her hand from clearing the plates and locked her against the edge of the table.
He was so close to her that Amber could feel his warmth. "But didn't you spend the night out the other day? I just thought..." she stuttered.
"Are you reminding me that I have snubbed my dear wife?"
"No, no. I don't mean that." Amber shook her head trying to explain but it only amused him more.
Stefan took her hand and kissed it, "Don't worry, my little bride."
"I'll stay home tonight. Make up for the wedding night I owe you."