XX

After Gio finished eating, he immediately spoke to my bodyguards. He was probably giving them instructions for my return to work.

I went to the room and picked up my phone. I texted my manager at work and informed him that I would be returning.

Yes, even though I am the daughter of the company owner, I don't hold a high position. I want to start from the bottom so that I can grasp everything. In case the situation changes, and my father decides to pass the company on to me in the coming years, I'll know how to run it.

My manager is excited about my return. I am excited too.

When I think about how Gio takes care of me, I can't help but be happy. This is the first time I've experienced something like this, where I'm treated like delicate, valuable goods that need to be handled with care.

I couldn't help but clutch my chest. This is bad. I might actually be falling for him. Is that a bad thing? After all, Gio is my husband, isn't he? In reality, we should have feelings for each other, right?

I'm not sure yet about my feelings for him. I'm still confused, and I don't want to jump to conclusions without a solid foundation. It's hard to get hurt, and I don't want my heart to break.

But... maybe I am starting to fall for Gio. We've been married for several months, and I'm constantly with him. It's natural for me to develop feelings for him, especially since I crave the love of others. I'll accept whatever little love is given to me.

Someone called me, so I stepped out onto the balcony to talk. It was Aunt Elsie who called and she had heard about my return to work. She was just confirming it because she said my father had inquired about it.

"Yes, Aunty. I'm going back, probably next week."

"Okay. Your dad asked about it, and the manager from your department called here. What did your husband say about it?"

"He's fine with it and supports me, Aunty," I replied with a smile, recalling that despite Gio's initial disgust with the idea of me working, he still allowed me to do what I wanted.

"Your dad is quite angry. He said, 'Why does she need to work when her husband is already working? What kind of man lets his wife work?'" Aunt Elsie's voice conveyed her dismay with my father, as did mine.

My father has always had that mindset. He believes that women should stay at home while men work. I've always been against that, but I didn't have a voice in that household.

"Let's not worry about Dad, Aunty. No matter what reasons we have, he doesn't listen unless it's his own idea." I was thankful that I was no longer under his control. "How about you? Are you doing okay?"

I looked into the room. It felt like someone had entered, but I didn't see anyone.

"We're fine, Millie. You take care, dear. Don't worry about us or Sienna; your sister is here with me. If you ever have a problem, just call us, okay? I'm happy you're getting to do what you want without worrying about your dad."

"Me too, Aunty."

After my conversation with Aunt Elsie, I went back inside the house. I looked around, still thinking that someone had entered the room.

"I'm probably just tired."

~*~

I prepared to take a shower before bed. I hummed a song as I entered our spacious bathroom. I closed the door and walked toward the shower while slowly removing my clothes.

When I was close to the shower, I suddenly heard what sounded like someone using it.

I froze, my eyes widening as I saw Gio inside the shower! I panicked, unsure of where to go.

The water stopped in the shower, and Gio turned to look at me. He opened the glass door of the shower room and peered at me.

I quickly turned around when I saw his naked body. I closed my eyes, and it felt like my heart was racing at double the speed.

"I-I didn't know you were here. I'll just leave," I stammered. Maybe I'll shower later.

"You're already here, why don't you stay."

Stay? How can I stay here with him? I know we're married, but... I don't think my heart can handle showering together. It's not that I don't want to; I'm just too nervous!

"Millie," he called my name. "Come here."

I silently prayed and closed my eyes. I took a few deep breaths through my mouth to calm myself before I turned to face Gio and walked closer.

We're just going to shower. I'm just going to shower.

I'm still wearing my unbuttoned polo and pants. My bra is exposed, and I couldn't hide it from Gio, especially when he glanced down there.

"What are you still doing? Are you going to shower dressed like that?"

I bit my lip and slowly removed my clothes. My cheeks turned red because Gio was watching me, but I continued undressing.

I stepped into the shower, and the warm water greeted me. I closed my eyes and felt the water cascading over my skin.

I had my back to Gio. He approached me, and I felt his chest against my back.

I took a deep breath when I felt him touch my back - my scar.

"Gio?" I questioned what he was doing. Instead of stopping, he continued to caress it as if it were something precious.

"Should I kill your father for doing this to you?"

I turned to face him when he said that. Our gazes met, and there was no hesitation in his eyes, despite the grave statement.

"No, you're not going to kill my father," I replied, shaking my head to reinforce my words.

His icy stare remained unwavering. There was no change in the expression of his eyes, so I couldn't tell if I had convinced him.

I moved closer to him. I had forgotten that we were both naked in the shower.

"Stop killing," I said as I placed my hand on his shoulder, sliding it down to his chest. I looked at my hand resting on his chest, and my wedding ring caught the light.

"You can't tell a killer not to kill, Millie, just like you can't tell an artist to stop making art. That's absurd," he said, sounding sad. I felt like I couldn't change Gio. There was something within him that revolved around taking lives. "But I will spare your father, for you."

I breathed a sigh of relief. Even if I wasn't entirely convinced by his appearance, I knew he would keep his word.

He caressed my cheek, gazing directly into my eyes.

"You have such wonderful eyes," he complimented me, then his hand moved from my cheek to my lips. He glided his thumb across my lips, and my lips quivered as I stared at him. His gaze then dropped to my lips. "And dangerous lips tempting me to kiss you."

I exhaled deeply. Gio continued to look at me. Is he going to kiss me? If he is, I won't stop him. Because, honestly, I want to kiss him too.

"The way you look at me is like an invitation to kiss you, Millie."

I didn't speak, but I raised my head closer to him, challenging him.