Chapter 12
Arnold was full of excitement as he drove home. He was sure he’d walk in and find a warm, cozy house. He figured. He figured Gianna would be there waiting, dinner ready.
She made the best red–braised pork. Just thinking about the smell of it made his stomach growl.
He rushed home,
wacu up to the door, and was about to enter the passcode.
But then he remembered–she should be living there now.
Gianna was so desperate to marry him. Before the wedding, she came by all the time to cook for him. Now that they were married, of course she’d move in.
So, he rang the doorbell instead.
Once.
Twice.
Three times…
Arnold waited patiently, but no one answered.
Frowning, he finally entered the code himself and stepped inside, expecting to find Gianna, maybe in a playful huff or maybe sulking a bit.
He thought there’d be food waiting. He thought he’d walk into warmth and comfort.
But the house was eerily silent. The dining table was bare, the rooms empty. Gianna wasn’t just not cooking–she wasn’t even home. Irritated, Arnold dropped his suitcase by the door and dialed Gianna’s number.
The call connected quickly.
“Gianna, where are you? Don’t you know we’re married now? Shouldn’t you be home, cooking and waiting for me? Are you even trying to be a proper wife?”
Arnold took a deep breath continuing, “I know, maybe you’re mad at me. But didn’t the wedding go smoothly? Didn’t you pass out wedding candy at the office? Come on, get back here. I’m hungry. I want your cooking.”
Meanwhile, at the Curtis Manor, Gianna stood by the window.
Outside, the garden was bursting with vibrant roses of every kind, her favorite blooms, climbing and sprawling in a riot of color.
She listened patiently to Arnold’s words, her fingers idly playing with the curtain.
“Yeah, the wedding went off without a hitch,” she replied slowly, “but Arnold, you weren’t the groom. So why would I cook for you? Why would I go to your house? What kind of dream are you living in?”
“What nonsense are you talking?” Arnold’s voice crackled with irritation. “If I’m not the groom, then who is? You can’t just conjure up a new husband out of nowhere!”
Gianna’s lips curled into a slight smile. “Well, I did just that. Thanks to you, I found the perfect husband! Better looking, in better shape, more capable…” she continued, “There’s not a single thing where you measure up to him.”
As she spoke, Gianna didn’t notice Brendan quietly approaching from behind. With his usual stoic demeanor, he stood a little too close, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips.
“Since I’m so perfect, why are you still on the phone with your ex? Haven’t you blocked him yet?” Brendan teased, his voice a deep, pleasant rumble.
Startled, Gianna spun around to see Brendan towering over her, his features flawless and sharp. The light fell gently on his hair, giving it a soft glow.
<
Gianna, wno s that? what random guy are you win? Arnoias angry voice Diarea througn the phone.
With a shaky hand, Gianna ended the call.
Brendan leaned in slightly, his movement graceful as he took her phone. With a few taps, he blocked Arnold’s number.
