"Stop looking at me like that...or I won't be responsible for what happens next."
Jessica's cheeks reddened even more.
"Hey, what sort of words are those? You know, I'm starting to think you're a pervert, Mr. Newman," Jessica shot back.
William just smirked and released her before going to turn off the sprinklers.
"What a great cook you are," William remarked sarcastically, rolling his eyes as he surveyed the wet mess the kitchen had become.
Jessica looked away in embarrassment. "What? It's not my fault! The kitchen utensils here are a bit... off," she scoffed, crossing her arms.
"Even when you're at fault, you still have something to say," William shook his head.
Jessica's stomach grumbled loudly again, and she held it in embarrassment.
William pulled off his wet shirt, and Jessica's eyes widened as he began walking toward her. She instinctively shifted back until her thighs bumped against the counter.
"What–what are you doing?" she stuttered, her gaze betraying her focus on his upper body.
"The gas stove," he muttered.
"Huh?"
"You're blocking the gas stove," William added, staring blankly at her.
"Oh…" Jessica quickly stepped aside.
William turned on the stove and immediately began cooking. Jessica stood there, watching him in awe. His movements were smooth and confident. Is there anything this man doesn't know how to do?
In just a few minutes, a delicious aroma filled the air as William placed the food on the counter.
"I wouldn't have guessed you knew how to cook," Jessica said as she took a bite. "A good cook at that," she added, munching hungrily.
"There are a lot of things you don't know about me, Mrs. Newman," William said before leaving the kitchen.
Jessica stared at him as he walked away. "What is wrong with him these days?" she wondered, shrugging it off.
Once she finished eating, she began cleaning the mess she'd made in the kitchen. The maids were set to return the next morning, and she didn't want to inconvenience them.
"Wow, what happened here?" Cecilia asked, walking in.
"Umm… kitchen malfunction?" Jessica chuckled nervously.
"Let me help you," Cecilia offered, picking up a sponge.
"Oh no! It's okay, I can do it on my own."
Cecilia rolled her eyes. "C'mon, it'll take you more than an hour to clean this on your own. Let me help."
"Thank you," Jessica smiled, and they immediately got to work.
"You're really pretty. I wonder how Willy managed to pull off marrying a lady like you," Cecilia said.
Jessica smiled. "Thank you."
"We may be cousins, but William is practically like a brother to me. Dare I say, I'm closer to him than I am to Louis. I was so scared he'd end up marrying one of those girls who are after his money, but judging by first impressions, you don't seem like that. Please don't hurt him," Cecilia said earnestly.
Jessica stared at her for a moment before smiling and nodding. "I won't."
She was surprised by how loved William was. Judging by his cold and aloof demeanor, she hadn't expected him to have such a loving family. It made her feel a bit envious of the warmth surrounding him.
"That said and done, did you know William has a thing for brunettes? Before he developed his allergy, back in elementary school, he used to have a huge crush on one of his classmates. No wonder he married a brunette—a cute one at that."
"Really? Oh…" Jessica said, feeling somewhat shy.
_________
After changing into a dry set of clothes, William headed to the study to meet his uncles. They had business matters to discuss.
Upon arriving, he found Louis waiting there.
"Louis," William acknowledged, walking in.
"My father will be back in a few minutes. He went to grab something," Louis said.
"Okay," William nodded.
"About your wife…" Louis began, and William looked at him sharply.
"I know she's your wife, and I'm in no position to interfere in your marriage, but you're my cousin, and I want the best for you." Louis placed a hand on William's shoulder. "William, I think Jessica has a motive, and she's using you to achieve it. I know what I'm saying because she almost did the same to me."
William's gaze hardened, but he let Louis continue.
"We once dated, and I trusted her completely, only to find out she was after my money. We broke up two months ago. Don't you find it suspicious that she went from me to you? She's after something, William," Louis said, feigning concern.
William slowly removed Louis's hand from his shoulder. "I appreciate your concern, but I'm not daft. I know the woman I married," he said firmly, moving to sit down.
"Besides, if I recall correctly, you told us you and Amara have been seeing each other for six months. Yet now you say you and Jessica broke up two months ago? I don't think my wife is the problem."
Louis's demeanor immediately shifted. "What are you insinuating?"
"I'm not insinuating anything. I'm just repeating what you said. From what you're telling me, you've been seeing two women at once. Don't you think your fiancée might be upset to hear you were still involved with someone else while dating her?" William raised an eyebrow.
Louis gritted his teeth. "How could—"
He was interrupted when Roland entered the room.
"William, I'm sorry for keeping you waiting," Roland said.
"It's fine. At least I got to catch up with my cousin. Right, Louis?" William said indifferently.
Louis shot William a sharp look. "Excuse me," he muttered before leaving the room.
"That bastard," Louis sneered angrily as he walked through the hallway.
He stopped when he spotted Jessica in the garden.
Jessica was admiring the flowers that adorned the space. She and Cecilia talked a lot and even though it was awkward she got to know a few things about William.
Jessica felt someone's presence behind her and turned to see Louis.
"Mrs. Newman," Louis greeted with a sly smile.
"What do you want?"
"Relax. Can't I have some alone time with my sister-in-law?" Louis shrugged. "I just had a little conversation with William. You should have seen the way he defended you. Makes me wonder… what did you do to earn that level of trust?"
"It's called love. You wouldn't know what that is since you've never experienced it, have you?" Jessica said, crossing her arms.
Louis smirked, stepping closer. Jessica held her ground, even though she felt her mask slipping.
He brushed a finger against her cheek, leaning down toward her neck. A shiver ran down her spine.
"Is it really love? If it's love, then why does your body still react to my presence?" he whispered.