Avah's pov
I didn’t know why, but thirty minutes had passed, and I still couldn’t sleep. Was it the bed? I tried shifting into my usual comfortable positions, but no matter what, I just couldn't relax.
Frustrated, I turned to face Roman, only to find him awake as well.
"I'm sorry if I woke you," I murmured.
"I wasn't asleep either," he admitted.
"Do you have to go to work early tomorrow?" I asked, suddenly aware that I might be keeping him up.
"No," he said. "This week, I'm taking it easy. I want to make sure you settle in comfortably."
Something warm bloomed in my chest at his words.
"Since neither of us can sleep, do you want to watch a movie?" I suggested.
"Sure," he agreed. "What do you have in mind?"
He reached for a remote, and to my surprise, a large TV screen descended from the ceiling. My mouth fell open. Damn, my husband is rich. I watched in fascination as he navigated the controls, effortlessly pulling up Netflix.
"I wanted to watch Tarot, but I haven’t had the chance," I said quickly. "I hope you're okay with horror movies."
"I'm good with anything," he replied smoothly. Then, as if reading my mind, he asked, "Would you like some snacks?"
"Can we get some?" I asked hesitantly, not wanting to impose.
Instead of answering, he handed me the remote and left the bedroom. A few minutes later, he returned with a bag full of snacks. He sat back on his side of the bed, pressed a button, and suddenly, a sleek table-like extension unfolded over our laps.
I stared at the assortment of food as he started unpacking the bag. My mouth practically watered.
I love food. Any type of food, as long as it’s good, I’ll eat it.
The movie started playing, and as we both reached into a bag of chips at the same time, our hands brushed briefly. I pulled mine away first, focusing on the screen.
This felt... comfortable. Strangely normal. And for the first time that night, I felt like I could finally relax.
As the opening credits rolled, I tried to focus on the screen, but my mind kept drifting to the man beside me. It felt surreal, sitting here with my new husband, watching a horror movie in a bed so luxurious it barely felt real.
Roman seemed completely at ease, his long fingers reaching into the chip bag between us as he casually leaned back against the pillows. The dim lighting from the TV flickered across his face, casting shadows that made him look even more mysterious.
Halfway through the movie, a particularly loud jumpscare made me flinch. I instinctively grabbed Roman’s arm, my fingers tightening around his wrist before I realized what I was doing.
He turned his head slightly, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Did the fearless Avah just get scared?"
I quickly pulled my hand back, pretending to focus on the screen. "I wasn’t scared. I was just—uh—stretching."
He chuckled but didn’t tease me further. Instead, he reached for a bar of chocolate and unwrapped it before handing me half. I took it, feeling oddly touched by the small gesture.
By the time the movie ended, I felt a little more relaxed, maybe it was the sugar or maybe it was the comfortable silence we had fallen into. I glanced at Roman, expecting to see him exhausted, but he looked completely unfazed.
"You good?" he asked, noticing me watching him.
I nodded, stretching my arms. "Yeah. I think I can sleep now."
"Good," he said, switching off the screen with the remote. "Let’s get some rest."
I placed the empty wrappers back in the snack bag as he lowered the table-like extension. Then we both shifted under the covers, finding our spots.
"Goodnight, Avah," he murmured.
"Goodnight, Roman," I whispered back.
This time, when I closed my eyes, sleep came easily.
A soft rustling sound stirred me from sleep. Blinking against the morning light filtering through the curtains, I turned my head and saw Roman standing near the closet, adjusting the cuff of his crisp white shirt.
For a moment, I just watched him. He looked effortlessly composed, his movements smooth and precise as he slipped on his watch. Then, as if sensing my gaze, he turned toward me.
"Good morning," he greeted, his voice deep and steady.
It took me a second to gather my thoughts before I replied, "Good morning."
Then, like a switch flipping in my brain, I remembered our contract.
One of the requirements was we were to eat breakfast together.
I shot up in bed, the blanket slipping from my shoulders as I hurriedly scrambled out.
"I'll be quick!" I assured him before rushing to the bathroom.
Once inside, I brushed my teeth and washed my face in record time. My hair was a bit of a mess, but I ran my fingers through it to tame it as best as I could.
When I returned, Roman was still waiting, leaning against the wall with his hands tucked into his pockets.
"You didn't have to rush," he said, amusement lacing his voice.
"I didn’t want to keep you waiting," I admitted.
He didn’t say anything, but he reached out and took my hand, his grip firm yet gentle.
"Shall we?"
I nodded, letting him lead me downstairs to the dining room.
The table was already set, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries filling the air. Mary, our housekeeper, had outdone herself. There were eggs, toast, fruit, and even a selection of spreads neatly arranged on the table.
Roman pulled out a chair for me, and I sat down, suddenly aware of how domestic this moment felt. He took his seat across from me, picking up his coffee cup before glancing at me.
"Eat," he said simply, before taking a sip.
I hesitated for a second, then reached for a piece of toast. As I took my first bite, I couldn't help but think, this was my life now. And it was starting to feel real.