Chapter 10 No Habit of Sleeping Separately
If Aiden were here, he'd probably be floored hearing his own boss talk like that.
If the richest guy in Seaside City claimed he came from nothing, who could really call themselves rich?
Of course, the part about not being loved by his parents had some truth to it.
"Mr. Flores, you had it rough! Here, have some more food!"
Beth piled more food onto Frederick's plate, her big, watery eyes full of concern.
"Mr. Flores, from now on, we're one big happy family! We'll take care of you!"
Maggie added even more food to his plate.
"That's right! Lots of love for you!"
"We love you!"
Elizabeth and Margaret made heart shapes with their hands.
Frederick felt his heart swell with a sweet warmth, like it was soaked in honey.
He had only planned for a quick marriage, but unexpectedly, it came with three lovely additions.
In his nearly thirty years of mundane life, this was a new ray of warmth.
After dinner, Xandra started cleaning up the kitchen.
She could hear the giggles and laughter of her daughters coming from the living room.
She glanced over and saw her two daughters clinging to Raymond, looking up at him and chatting away.
Raymond, lounging elegantly on the sofa, listened with a smile, occasionally responding.
Xandra smiled. Her daughters seemed to genuinely like their new stepdad.
And he, in turn, was very patient with them.
On the sofa, Frederick listened to the sweet, childish voices. Normally, he loved peace and quiet, but now he found it rather charming.
He glanced at Charles, who was sitting nearby with a serious expression.
This was the eldest son. It seemed only with his approval would Frederick's place in the family be secure.
Frederick noticed the book Raymond was holding and raised an eyebrow in surprise.
Raymond was reading a programming book?
"Do you understand programming?" Frederick asked.
Charles didn't respond, just turned a page and continued reading, his serious demeanor matching Frederick's own.
"Mr. Flores, Chuck is a little genius!"
"Yeah, Chuck knows everything!"
Elizabeth and Margaret jumped in to speak for their brother.
Frederick adjusted his position, a smile tugging at his lips.
"I know a bit about programming too. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me."
Charles's ears perked up at this. He looked up, a bit skeptical. "You really know programming?"
Frederick raised an eyebrow. "Why don't we try it out on the computer?"
Charles didn't say anything but slid off the sofa.
Frederick smiled and followed him into the master bedroom.
After finishing in the kitchen, Xandra came out and saw only her two daughters in the living room. She was curious.
"Beth, Maggie, where are Chuck and Mr. Flores?"
"They're in Mr. Flores's room!"
Xandra blinked. "What are they doing in there?"
"Mr. Flores is teaching Chuck something!"
Really?
Xandra knew her son was a little genius and quite proud, rarely asking for help.
But now...
Xandra hesitated for a moment, then walked to the master bedroom door, gently turning the handle to peek inside.
The master bedroom had a small study attached. Inside, the two of them were sitting at the computer desk.
The room was filled with the sound of keyboard clicks and Frederick's deep, magnetic voice, seemingly giving instructions.
Xandra knew her son had a knack for computers. The books he read were incomprehensible to her.
And yet, her new husband was able to guide Charles?
Wasn't he just an assistant?
But then again, anyone who could be a CEO's assistant must be quite capable.
The warm yellow light cast a halo over Frederick, making him look like a father helping his child with homework.
It was a heartwarming sight.
Xandra bit her lip, puzzled. Why would such a capable man rush into marriage with her?
Was it really just because they were physically compatible?
This question would linger in her mind for a long time.
Night fell.
The children were all asleep.
In the master bedroom.
Frederick, fresh from a shower, grabbed a robe from the closet. He scanned the closet but saw no sign of Xandra's belongings.
He narrowed his eyes, put on the robe, and walked out of the bedroom.
Xandra was in the dining room, finishing some jewelry pieces for a client. Her hair was loosely tied in a low ponytail, with a stray lock falling playfully on one side.
Frederick's gaze hardened, sweeping over her rising and falling chest, his throat tightening.
Just then, Xandra finished her work and stretched with a happy sigh.
Frederick's deep, magnetic voice startled her. "Not going to bed?"
Xandra jumped and turned to see Frederick walking towards her.
He wore a black silk robe, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and long legs, exuding an air of restrained elegance.
Feeling a bit uneasy, Xandra tucked the stray lock of hair behind her ear. "I have a deadline tomorrow. You go ahead and sleep."
She wasn't used to sharing a room with a man she'd only met twice.
Frederick glanced at the finished pieces on the table. "Aren't you done?"
"There's still a bit left to do."
Frederick noticed her evasiveness, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Are you shy?"
"Huh? No, who's shy?" Xandra tried to act calm.
Frederick nodded. "I thought so. You've had three kids, and it's not our first time sharing a bed. Being shy would be over the top."
The comment stung, making it sound like she was easy.
Xandra's face hardened. "Please don't treat me like a casual woman. If you married me just because you're interested in my body, I'm sorry, but I can't accept that. I'll sleep on the sofa tonight."
For Xandra, love came before sex. The previous encounter was a mistake, but now, she couldn't bring herself to be intimate with a man she barely knew.
Her delicate face set in determination, Frederick stepped closer. "You mean you need to fall in love with me first?"
His cold presence was intimidating, making Xandra's heart race. She turned her head, lips pressed together in silence.
His mocking voice reached her ears. "Did I marry a pretty face just for decoration?"
Xandra's fingers curled, her long lashes trembling. Remembering the fifty thousand dollars he gave her, she softened her tone.
"Sorry, I'm not ready. Please give me some time."
Her gentle tone carried a plea.
Frederick studied her delicate face, then straightened. "Go take a shower and bring your things into the master bedroom. We're married, and I don't sleep separately from my wife."