The car stopped for a moment in front of the gate. Not long after, the fence was shifted by a man. If I estimate his age, it's about forty years old. His clothes made it clear that he was a security guard of this house.
The car parked in the garage then Mr. Damien came out followed by the three of us.
A house stood firmly on two floors. The page was quite wide. There was a mango tree in front, near the gate. Many flower plants lined up neatly beside this house, about three meters away. The flowers were quite manicured and beautiful.
The car garage was on the left side of the house. I walked behind Achille while observing the plants. I was still fascinated by the beauty of the flowers that were lined up neatly and well cared for.
"Do you like flowers?" asked Achilles. Maybe because he saw me watching the blooming flowers.
"Yes, I do like flowers." For some reason, this heart was very happy to see flowers blooming especially colorful flowers.
"Come on in, Claire!" Miss Anne let me in.
"Yes, Madam. Thank you."
"You don't have to feel bad at home. You're already part of this family. So you can do whatever you want." Mr. Demian told me. Behind his silence, it turned out that he was not as ignorant as Achille–who is now my husband.
Since being close to Basten, he never invited me to his house to get to know his family. Even a week before I was proposed to by him, I was never invited. So, this was my first time at home.
These eyes were always watching every corner of the room. I didn't see many photos. only a few abstract and rustic paintings hanging on the walls. Also some wood carvings in the form of flowers and animals. The table was also made of teak wood which was very neatly carved.
"Where are you going? Our room is over here," said Achille.
I turned to follow in his footsteps. "Sorry, I do not know."
"Next time, ask me." He shouted. "Listen, you have to remember. My room is over here." He revealed once again as he opened the bedroom door. I entered and looked inside. "Just go in. There are no beasts inside."
"Yes, I know. Thank you." I muttered with a lazy look.
Was everything wrong in his eyes?
"I do like the downstairs room. Don't ask me why."
I frowned. "I won't ask why. It doesn't matter to me. Who am I?" I answered sarcastically. He just pursed his lips.
My eyes wandered around the room then sat on the bed. I was a little awkward as if I was in a room with a stranger like him. I was confused about what to do. I was very uncomfortable if I linger here.
He was sitting on a chair then leaning his head back, staring intently ahead. I didn't know what he was thinking.
"You may sleep there. Don't worry, I won't touch you!"
"Okay, Achilles."
"Where are you going? You'll be lost in this house."
"I'm going to the bathroom." I stopped walking and turned to him. I put my hand out when I was about to open the door.
"The bathroom over there." He directed his gaze with sharpened eyes in the intended direction.
"I'm going to the bathroom outside."
"There are no bathrooms outside. Or do you want to go to the security post's bathroom?" He smirked in a tone that seemed to mock me.
My eyes rounded. "What?"
"Come on, get into there! I'm not a predator!"
I snorted and closed the door again.
I wanted to go out for a while to get some fresh air. Being in the room felt very cramped even though there was air conditioning. Not because the air was stuffy, but because I couldn't stay long in the room with him. He was too cold, as cold as polar ice. There was no smile on his lips, only a flat stare.
"Why? So fast!"
"I forgot to bring my change of clothes."
"Want me to get it?"
"No ... you don't have to. I can take it myself." There's no way I'd let him take and open my suitcase. What if he saw my brassiere and underwear, I would be so embarrassed.
After getting my clothes, I went back to the bathroom and locked it. I chose to linger in the bathroom rather than face the stiff man.
After feeling long enough, I opened the bathroom door. I deliberately kept it quiet so he wouldn't hear it. I hope he was asleep.
"Oh, my God!" I almost fell because I saw him leaning against the bathroom door. One of my hands holds the clothes I was wearing earlier. I almost threw it on the floor
"Why did you take so long in the bathroom? Are you sleeping? Come out, I want to come in!" I rushed out without saying anything.
While he was inside, I straightened my clothes because I hadn't had time to tidy up. Having had enough, I lay down. These eyes were already a bit heavy–demanding to sleep.
My eyes opened again when this ear heard the bathroom door creak open. Though these eyes have not long closed. My sleepiness was gone.
"You haven't slept yet?" He asked me.
"I am not sleepy." Even though these eyes seemed to want to scream asking to be closed immediately.
"Why are you still sitting like that? Go to sleep! Or do you want to keep me asleep?"
After all, I was still not comfortable if he was still in this room all the time.
Should I sleep outside? But where? No way, I slept outside. Miss Anne would ask me hundreds of questions. In fact, it will raise many questions in their minds.
"I am not yet sleepy."
"I see." While whistling nonchalantly, he brushed his hair. As if I had no guilt, leaving me here holding the rumbling in my chest pumping up and down from watching him.
That athletic body was not covered with cloth and I was sitting here frozen. I became embarrassed. I didn't know what I will do. I did not dare to stare at him for long, only occasionally raising my face to see that very sexy body.
"Oh my God, why is he torturing me by stuporing like this?" I covered my eyes with both palms.
"Why?" He asked me with a confused look.
"That ...." I pointed my index finger at his body.
"Oh ... did you forget? We're already married." He answered casually with a smile.
"But, Achille. You ...."
"This is my room. Why should I feel bad?"
I looked at him annoyed.
"Ok ... Ok ... I'll just change inside." He grunted as he stepped into the bathroom and closed it.
Night's getting late. The chill started to pierce the bones. Now and then these eyes watched him from a distance. The frozen man was still sitting on the sofa. He hasn't fallen asleep yet. He seemed to be very busy with his device.
Without my knowing, these eyes were closed because I was very sleepy. I was immersed in a dream. Until I no longer care about what Achilles did.
**
The sun shone through the bedroom window. My eyes were dazzled by the light. I woke up quickly and looked around. I looked over to the place where Achille was sleeping, but there was nothing. It seemed, he had been awake for a long time. The bedroom window has been opened.
After taking a shower, I sat back on the chair looking at my face in the mirror. I didn't know what to do this morning. Silence, no friends to share stories with.
I grabbed my cell phone and typed a message.
[I want to go out. Maybe I'll be home a little late. Can I go?]
My fingers were still hesitant to send it. I was worried that he's offended. I was so bored this morning alone in my room and with no one. Achille had left for the office this morning without telling me.
I went back and forth from the front door of the room to the window and then back again. I kept doing it over and over like that without realizing it. I don't know how long it had been.
The Cell phone was still in my hand. I haven't sent the message yet. The brain continues to think, looking for reasons to leave even if only for a moment.
No way, I sent a message to Madam Anne. I will be asked why. Am I not comfortable? Or do I have a problem with Achille? And of course, Miss Anne will find out if she doesn't get an answer.
I decided to leave the room and headed for the garden. Maybe this way could make me not bored. I glanced into the kitchen, but there was no one.
"Are you Miss Claire?
"Yes, that's right."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Lassie, the housemaid. If you need anything, just call me."
"Okay, thank you. Mrs. Lassie. Nice to meet you too."
"Aren't you going to the office?"
"To which office, Madam?" I replied as I looked back with a frown.
"To Mr. Achill's office."
"I don't work in Mr. Achille's office."
"I think Miss Claire fell in love with Mr. Achille while working in the office. Like in the movie, boss and subordinates." She said enthusiastically until her lips widened symmetrically.
"Haha ... Mrs. Lassie is too much. I just graduated a month ago and haven't worked yet. How could we fall in love with each other."
"So, how did you two meet and get married?"
"Mmm, it's a long story." I took a deep breath.
I sat in one of the chairlifts made of rattan. She walked over to me and sat in the front as she was ready to hear my story.
"So what's the story? May I hear?"
"Okay, I'll tell you."
I told her from the beginning until now. She listened with great enthusiasm. Now and then her eyes swelled up. Her brows furrowed, as if in disbelief.