Chapter 26 Chapter 26
“So you’re accepting me as your friend now, my wife?”
“Yes, my dear hus,” I answered, surprised myself at the name that naturally slipped from my mouth.
“Hus?”
“Yeah, short for husband.”
He graced a sweet smile as he took my hand to shake. “You finally found a way to call me without turning me on, huh? I like that one.”
“Yeah, that’s the purpose of it. From now on, that’s what I’ll call you, my hus or huz.”
“Sounds like a dog, huh?”
“But you are sometimes,” I teased with a grin.
He pinched my cheek. “You, huh? You’re teasing me.”
We were smiling at each other like we’re the only people in the place. I never thought I would make friends in my life—but maybe they’re right, that your spouse should also be your friend because in the end, you should be on the same team.
I wonder if he will always take my side if someone tries to hurt me, because I’ll definitely do that for him. I am that kind of person who will stick with you even if you’re on the wrong side. Because I will always understand you no matter what.
“So let’s continue our trip, my hus?” I invited.
“Sure, my wife.”
We continued walking toward the Trevi Fountain. I was really mesmerized by this sanctuary. I can’t believe that I’m finally standing in front of something I used to only see in pictures. It was like a marble dream—so grand, luminous, and alive. My mouth fell open as I admired the sculpted gods; even though they were just stone, I could feel the power. My heartbeat quickened. My happiness was overflowing.
“You really are amazed, huh?” Hendeix asked beside me, his lips no longer smiling. I grew worried. Just a while ago he was smiling, and now his face looked completely unreadable. What’s wrong with him? His expression doesn’t match his outfit!
“Of course! I feel like their powers are around us. Do you feel it too?” I tried to coax a smile out of him, but nothing. He didn’t seem impressed at all with what he was seeing.
“Powers? From that stone?” he whispered, making my eyes widen.
“H-hey! Someone might hear you. Tone down, my hus. You’re being mean.”
“I’m just describing it. Is that wrong? Hold on, maybe you’re amazed because you’re looking at their balls, huh? Mine is obviously bigger than those,” he pointed at the nude statues, causing me to hit him.
“You’re so disrespectful! They’re gods!”
“What god? They’re just stones. God is in heaven.”
I shot him a glare. “I know! I didn’t say He wasn’t there. Don’t ruin this for me! If you don’t even believe in these things, then why did you bring me here?! You’re such a basher!” I ranted in annoyance. That’s it. My mood was gone. Why does it feel like he’s insulting me? He doesn’t have to say that.
His teasing smile disappeared and he turned serious. He nudged my chin. “Just checking if you believe in God.”
My brows furrowed. “Why are you checking? What’s your religion? Do I need to convert?” I asked one after another. Yeah, right. Of course, in reality, in marriage, this thing needs to be discussed and both sides need to be open about it, but because we’re too busy talking with our bodies, we skipped talking about our faith. Well, because I didn’t expect it would be necessary. And he doesn’t really look like he has one! Maybe faith in himself, yes. He’s being rude right now. I’m starting to get turned off.
“Not really.” He looked seriously at the fountain between us before speaking again. “You see, they say God should always be the center of one’s marriage. How would that be possible if we’re believing in two different gods, right?”
My eyebrow rose automatically. “What do you mean? We believe in the same God, don’t we?”
He shook his head, making me think even more. What does he mean?
“I don’t believe in them. I just believe in the one in heaven, but forget it. You know what, I don’t care anymore. It sucks. Why am I even telling you this? I apologize for being so insensitive and speaking that way. I promise I won’t do it again.”
I observed him carefully. He even scratched the back of his neck while avoiding my gaze. I tilted my head as I continued watching him. I'm confused. I never imagined a conversation about God coming from his mouth. All we talk about and do revolve around lust. Even him—everything I hear from him is indecent. I didn’t expect him to talk about God. I don’t think he’s that religious. Considering the amount of power he has, people like me would assume he doesn’t believe in God.
“Just forget it, Mori. It’s not like I’m particular about religions. I don’t even have one.”
“You don’t have one? What do you mean?”
He glanced at me while crossing his arms. With a knot on his forehead, he said, “Well, the majority of the religions in this world are managed by businessmen. Since it’s human nature to be gullible, they use people’s beliefs to create money through contributions, church services, and tithes. They create fake gods for real money. Easy money.”
My mouth hung open. On one hand, I understood why he was talking that way. Oh right, he is a businessman. It’s no wonder why he sometimes speaks so bluntly, like you can’t really fool him. I guess I will be offended every now and then because of our differences. Or maybe not? Because he apologizes and explains so quickly, as though he doesn’t want to prolong any fight between us.
I smiled at him and looked at our intertwined hands. At that moment, my annoyance toward him faded. I held his other hand and played with it as I faced him. “I see your point. Just don’t be that rude next time, huz. Even if they’re just stones to you, we should still respect others’ beliefs, okay? Because for others, these things matter. I’m not saying I’m a devotee. Of course, I appreciate architectural structures like this, because remember, I’ve always dreamed of coming here, so I really treasure what I’m seeing, and you brought me here even though you don’t believe in them. Every moment I have here, I treasure it, that’s why I was offended earlier. Next time, let’s just work on that… both of us.”