Chapter 60 Chapter 60
I went back to the bed and sat there. He just followed me with his eyes. I found it funny because I could see his ears turning red. What’s with this, and why is he getting irritated so easily?
I just put on the watch I took from the drawer while I placed the car key Hendeix gave me back into the box.
“It’s from the review center, Huz.”
“Review center?” he asked, then sat beside me.
“Yep. When I got a high grade in the board exam, they gave me a car as a gift.”
“Just that car? For a top 1 board passer? What a cheapskate.”
My mouth fell open. “How did you know I’m in the top 1?”
“Isn’t it obvious? I also heard you finished college with Latin honors. What a smart woman you are.” He kissed my forehead, making my lips purse. Why is he being so sweet?
“But it’s hard to accept that the review center only gave you a cheap car. Don’t you deserve more than that? If I were the owner, I’d give you an island. You brought them such a big honor.”
“They also gave me a house! Honestly!” I pointed at him and laughed while shaking my head. “And a lot of money too! Because of that, I was able to live on my own. I managed to move out from my family. And don’t you dare belittle the car they gave me. That’s my baby, so it’s important to me! Give it back! And this new car—return this too. The old one is still fine.”
His face dimmed when I placed the box in his hand. “Are you sure you don’t want a new one? Do you still prefer the old one?”
“If we’re talking about preference, of course the new one is nicer, but I don’t really need it yet, huz. All my things are in my car. Especially what I need for medical missions—they’re all there.”
“But I can buy you a new one. If you need a set, a branded kind, I can provide that.” He held my hand. “All I want for my wife is what she deserves—what’s best for her. If I need to remove everything old to replace it with something new, I’ll do that for you. You are the wife of a powerful businessman in this country. I want everyone to know that. I don’t want them to belittle you or see weakness or flaws in you. I want only myself to see that side of you. If that makes me selfish, then so be it. I don’t want them to treat you lightly when I’m not around.”
I blinked in disbelief. Am I really hearing those words? Are they really coming from Hendeix? Because those comforting words fully embraced my heart. In an instant, I felt so reassured. I am so lucky. It feels like something in my heart is slowly opening.
“Then I’ll accept this, but can I, just for the last time, use my car? Just this once, then I’ll leave it at my house. I think you won’t let me live there anyway.”
“Because I want you guarded. You’re not just Jade Maurice Solieza anymore, Mori. You’re my wife. You are a Lavarre now. And everything that carries my name, I protect—because I don’t want to lose anything that’s mine.”
I think I’ve heard that before. And based on his actions, he really means everything he says. He’s the kind of man every woman in the world would dream of. Very attentive. A provider. Someone who can even make an independent woman like me rely on him. And even though I’m under his care, I still feel free. Because first of all, he never stops me from doing what I want—unless it’s for my safety and what’s best for me.
Somehow, I felt cared for. The one thing I didn’t experience in my past relationship. So this is the feeling of being taken care of by a man.
I held his hand. “Yes, wife?”
“About the picture you saw yesterday… it was nothing. Doctor Jeggo is just a friend of mine from when I was still working at St. Aveline. You don’t have to worry, because even though that guy is a womanizer, he only sees me as a friend.”
“About that, Mori, I don’t think he sees you as just a friend.”
“Huh? How can you say that?” I asked, intrigued.
“His feed is full of pictures with you.”
“Did you stalk him?”
My mouth fell open when he didn’t answer. He’s got to be kidding me. Why would he do such a thing?
“Don’t mind him, huz. He’s just using me to clout chase. There’s nothing for you to worry about. And I also couldn’t do anything to stop him from taking pictures because he helped me save Mr. Alex. I already gave that to him as a tip. I promise, it won’t happen again. I won’t do anything that could put you in danger or ruin your image.”
He just let out a sigh. I was about to ask him if he wasn’t going to work yet when my cellphone rang. I quickly looked for it and saw Dr. Apolinaris’ name on the screen.
“Yes, hello?” I greeted as I answered the call.
“Hi, Doc. Jade! How are you?” she greeted cheerfully.
“Ahhh… f-fine. What’s up?”
“Well, I called because we already have a schedule for our next medical mission. I heard you’re back. Are you coming?”
I smiled and glanced at Hendeix. He seemed interested in what my caller and I were talking about, but Roen knocked, so he had no choice but to get dressed. That’s why I was left in the room talking to Doctor Apolinaris.
“Of course, I’m coming. That’s my promise, right? Where’s the venue?”
“That’s the thing, Doc. Jade. It’s a bit far. I’ll send you the location, then the time and date. Just make sure to properly ask permission from your husband, okay? It’s risky because we’re going to the mountains.”
My eyes automatically lit up when I heard that.
“What did you say, Doc. Apolinaris? The mountains?”
“Yessss! I knew it! I know you! The mountains are your favorite spot, so whenever we visit people in the sitio, you’re always so happy! And it looks like God has once again answered your prayers, because we’re going back on a mission to them—but this time in Tarlac. That’s why I said you should ask permission, because you’re not single anymore. Someone will worry about you now.”
I laughed. And it seems Hendeix heard that because he kept glancing at me while putting on his suit. He was even whispering, “Who is that?”, “Why are you smiling?” and “Tell me about it later.”
I just nodded because I wasn’t done talking to Doctor Apolinaris yet. I was surprised when Hendeix suddenly kissed my cheek, making me look at him. I even almost dropped my cellphone when he kissed me on the lips as well.
“Bye, wife. See you later. I’ll miss you.”