Everything happens for a reason. Why did I agree to take her as my life partner so easily? And why am I keeping her as my wife in the shadows?
"It's just news. People want to sell stories, so they exaggerate and add fuel to the fire," I said calmly.
"But the photos speak for themselves! Even if we don't love each other yet, we... well... we've..." I-Tim stammered, unable to find the words. I leaned in closer, and she flinched, retreating as if she didn't trust me.
"We've what?"
"We've done that. Look, if we were married in name only, I wouldn't complain. I wouldn't be petty or try to exercise any 'rights' over you. But in reality, I am your wife now. I stand by what I said—I believe in a monogamous marriage. I don't want to show off or demand anything, but don't you think this is a bit hurtful? If you were in my shoes, you'd understand what I'm talking about."
I offered a small smile. It's rare for me to smile like this at anyone, even the twins. But I-Tim makes me feel different. She doesn't hide her feelings; she speaks exactly what's on her mind.
"Don't you ever think that I might want a divorce?" I asked, testing her. Personally, that thought hadn't even crossed my mind.
"I think about it all the time. But it's impossible now, isn't it? I'm already your wife. I'll give this life with you a shot, but if we really can't get along, will you give me a divorce? To be honest, I'm worried about the dowry and how our families would look at each other."
"And what if we can get along?"
"Answer me first. Would you agree to a divorce?"
Her question left me at a loss for words. I felt a strange sense of emptiness—an ache I couldn't explain—considering we haven't been together for very long.
"I won't divorce you because I pity Grandmother. She has high expectations for a granddaughter-in-law like you. I could have kept it a secret that our trip to Singapore is actually a honeymoon, but I'd rather you be prepared. I hope you're ready to have a baby with me." I wanted her to be ready, both mentally and physically. I knew our first time wasn't exactly a pleasant memory, and I felt guilty for rushing things with her back then.
"I'm not ready. Just being near you, I still..." She looked flustered, her focus scattering.
"It's quite simple. I'll make sure you're always ready. Like right now."
In one step, I grabbed her slender waist and pulled her toward me. With my other hand, I pushed the door shut. I knew I was more than ready to follow through on my words. My sudden move caught her off guard, leaving her frozen as I pressed my lips firmly against hers. She tried to keep her mouth tightly shut, but that didn't last long once I slid my hand under her shirt and felt her soft skin. Her lips parted in shock—or perhaps she was preparing a sharp insult to hurl at me.
I moved forward, pinning her smaller frame against the bed until we both fell. My mouth continued to explore the sweetness of hers, never growing tired of it. She started to struggle, her small fists pounding against my back until the pain became too much to ignore.
"You've got quite a bit of strength, haven't you?" I let her go, moving off her to rub my aching back. "Are you satisfied now? If you are, then stop being angry."
"If this is your way of making up with me, let me tell you—I'd much rather rub my foot across your face," she panted, her chest heaving with every breath. Her fists were clenched tight, a clear sign she wanted revenge.
"Watch your langua—"
SLAP!
I closed my eyes, enduring the stinging numbness on my face. Aside from those lethal fists of hers, I discovered that her palms weren't as soft as the average woman's.
"Are you satisfied now?"
"Can I do the other side too, Sir?"