Chapter 17 Chapter 17
“What did you just call me?” Hendeix asked me, full of surprise. I grinned even more.
“Why? Didn’t you say that’s what I should call you even if I don’t love you? Don’t tell me you got flustered?”
“No, I was just surprised. I didn’t know that you would really consider calling me that.”
“Why not? You’re my dear husband, after all.”
I studied him closely. I didn’t know what kind of reaction he was showing—if it was real. But his ears were flushing red and his eyes couldn’t stay looking at me for long. And it’s as if he couldn’t stay still anymore once we got out of the airport and were picked up by the limousine.
I kept looking at him but his eyes were on the side, watching the view outside the window. Sometimes I really can’t get a read on his behavior. I guess this is how it is when two people who don’t know each other get married. It’s hard to adjust. I can’t tell what he feels, and my mind is a mess because I can’t figure him out.
He cleared his throat. “I observed that you’ve been staring at me for a while now, my wife. Is there anything you wanted to say?”
“Uhmmm… can we just talk? Aren’t you getting bored?”
“Not really. I’m always alone so I am fine with silence.”
“So you really don’t talk to anyone? As in?”
He glanced at me briefly, then returned his attention outside.
“Sometimes I talk to my secretary.”
“To tackle your business?”
“Yep.”
I sighed deeply when he didn’t speak again. So I started thinking of another way to extend our conversation. But just when I was about to talk, he spoke.
“Are you getting bored?” I could feel the concern in his question.
“Huh? Just a bit, but don’t worry. I’m not really a talkative person either. I just talk a lot when I’m facing a patient.” I remembered the Medical Missions I had been to… the patients I talked to, though only briefly because I just asked what they were feeling, gave them medicine, and asked them to come back for monitoring.
“I apologize, I don’t really know how to converse well if it’s not about business,” he said. I wanted to laugh because we’re the same. If it’s not about medicine or anything related to health, I lose interest. I also admit I’m boring to talk to most of the time. “I do negotiate left and right but most of the time, I just listen and say a few words to seal a deal,” he added.
“Oh, that’s what you did before…”
He looked at me again, but this time he didn’t take his eyes off me.
“What did I do?”
“At the bar, remember? You showed me how well-versed you are. You even quoted some laws and facts about things to someone stupidly drunk. I couldn’t even understand what you were trying to say back then,” I said sarcastically.
He burst out laughing. “Oh, so that’s why you asked me to marry you? Was that even because you were too drunk? Alright, I remember, you were taking back everything the day after that night. Are you regretting everything now?”
“No, it’s not that, my love. You know my situation already, and I won’t be backing out. It just wasn’t clear to me why you also said yes and what the terms and conditions of our marriage are.” I felt lighter after saying that. I thought I’d never get the chance to properly talk about our rushed marriage. I don’t even remember how it happened.
“Ah, so you want me to lay down my purpose. Why not say your expectations first in this marriage so I can say whether I agree to that or not?”
I bit my lip. Is this how he negotiates with others? “Hmm… what should I say? Are you treating this marriage as a real one, or when you find someone else, should I let you go? I mean, let’s just be honest. Really, really honest. Speak from your heart, and I will too.”
I waited for him to answer. He stared at me for several seconds, as if asking whether I was serious about my question. Why? I just want us to be clear. I might end up hoping for something I won’t even be able to give in return, but it’s still better to be certain.
“Haven’t we discussed that already? I told you I don’t have any plans to divorce you. That means I treat this marriage as a real one. You are my wife, and you can trust me on that. Do I look like I have a lot of time to date and meet someone to marry? Like go to a full cycle of getting to know each other, and if it fails, find another one? That’s exhausting. I only invest time in valuable things.”
I couldn’t respond right away. I’m still processing everything he said. Should I conclude that he didn’t have girlfriends before because he’s too busy with his business? But I doubt that. He’s too handsome for a reason. Why would he waste such a face?
“What about you? Should we just treat each other as pastime sex playmates and do our own things after? Be in bed at 6 pm and get up at 6 am?”
I was too disappointed to answer that. It stings in my heart. I know it’s just a question, but I don’t think I am ready to face the truth.
“That was my expectation. I thought you just said yes because you are after my body, and I accepted that. But it was just days, and you’re already giving everything you can for me. I don’t know what to think now,” I admitted brutally. I even peeked outside to gather courage before facing his answer.
“Well, it’s simply because you were not treated well in the past, that’s why you’re getting amazed by the things I do for you. It’s not even abundant. This is what I normally do to avoid inconvenience.”
“Oh, so now you’re confusing me again, my love,” I mouthed as I bit the insides of my cheeks. “So you basically mean you’re doing great things for me, but you’re thinking it’s just the bare minimum? And you’re doing it because you just don’t want inconvenience… but not for me.”
“And what is the difference?” he asked, raising his eyebrows.
“It’s just to say that I should have no expectations in this marriage at all. And thank you for clarifying that because at least I know where to step. I adore your commitment to this marriage. You really are a businessman.”
He scoffed. “You are too. You know how to talk things out but make it more complicated. I hope I am clearing things up, but based on your reaction, you are disappointed. I’m curious how a doctor’s brain works.”
“Nothing special.”