Chapter 5 Her New Room

~~~Across the ocean view I find the truth that I'll say today, this castaway has finally come true. Waves share no secrets. Tomorrow's still unknown so I leave behind all thoughts unkind and turn to face the sea. We are unbroken, unspoken, promises made divine, unending, ascending forever is yours and mine...~~~

-Promises (Sponge Cola feat Karylle)

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He stood up the moment I handed him the folder so I got up too because he has already turned his heels towards a place in the house that I still don't know.

But I stopped when I realized that he hadn't told me to follow him, so I decided to take another look at l the living room.

A few seconds later, he turned around frowning.

"What the hell are you still doing there?"

"Huh? Am I supposed to follow you?"

"Rafaela!" He screamed and I jumped in shock.

"Fine! I'm sorry, you should have told me to follow you, duh!" I took a deep breath and started marching towards him.

"You should have known it in the first place! Don't you have instincts?" He asked the moment I stopped in front of him.

"Of course, I have!" I couldn't help answering him back. "I was just trying to lighten the mood but I don't know why you're so serious. Hmmp! Kaunti nalang talaga at mag-uumpisa na akong maniniwala na ampalaya ang hapunan mo kanina!" I muttered under my breath. ( Just a little bit more and I'll start to believe that you ate bitter melon for dinner earlier)

"What the hell are you murmuring?" He snapped behind me and I bit my lip to suppress the stupid smile that wanted to escape.

That was the expression I often hear from Jace when one of us gets exaggerated or when surliness sometimes creeps into Paul's sanity. Unbeknownst to many, I already understand the Tagalog language and other languages ​​because of my best friends. Jace is Asian, specifically from the Philippines, and Paul is half American and half Chinese.

"Tsk. tsk. You haven't even explained to me why you left me without a word at the reception earlier!" I said walking to what I know to be the kitchen, but I didn't know he stopped moving when he heard me and I almost jumped in shock when he suddenly screamed.

"Can't you stop mentioning about what happened earlier?"

I turned to him, only to see that he has his eyes narrowed at me.

"Oh, my God! Did you really have to shout? I'm not deaf, you know?"

"Don't you really know why I left you?" He started walking in my direction. "Because your mouth didn't stop saying nonsense on our wedding day!"

"I didn't say anything nonsense aside from---" I stopped as an evil grin appeared on my lips. "Oh, don't tell me you got jealous when I said 'let the others kiss me too?"

"Tss! Are you out of your mind? Why would I get jealous? You're not my friend, we are not close, besides, I don't even know you!"

"Exactly! We don't even know each other," I shrugged, the evil grin was still intact.

"Do you hear what you're saying? You're not my type, so get lost!"

"Ouch!" I pretended to be hurt, but then stood proudly. "Yeah, you are right when you said we aren't friends and we are not even close, but don't forget, we are married. And even though it's just a marriage of convenience, still, we are married. You are my husband and I'm your legal wife, we are now living under one roof so, sweetheart, be careful..."

His frown deepened as he waited for my next words.

"Be careful not to fall in love with me!"

Ohh... that left him speechless and I couldn't help laughing at his reaction.

"So, are you ready to tour me around, sweetheart?" I asked, emphasizing the last word.

I noticed how he took a deep breath. I was waiting for what he was about to say but I heard nothing until we reached the kitchen.

**********

"This is going to be your room," he opened the door and a room painted in all white came into my sight.

I followed him inside even when he opened the door to the bathroom and the huge walk-in closet and then back to the bedroom with a queen-size bed.

"Wait--- I'm not in a hospital, am I?" I couldn't help but ask as I noticed the whole room was painted in white. "Is there any other color painted in this room aside from white? My goodness! It feels like I'm going to sleep in a hospital ward and not in my room. All the walls are white, the ceiling is white --- which is kinda acceptable because it's a ceiling. The bathroom is painted in white, and oh, God, even the walk-in closet is in white too!"

I turned to him at the moment he wasn't expecting and saw a glint of amusement dancing in his eyes and a small smile curling into his lips, but in a split second, it all suddenly turned into a scowl.

I decided to ignore them because I know when I greet his reaction, the atmosphere between us will change again.

"Everything here has been intentionally painted white and it's up to you if you want to add some colors and designs. You can tell me when you start renovating the room so I can ask my friend to help you. He's one of the best interior designers in New York." He casually said.

"Hmm... thanks, but I think I won't need his help on this, I can do it on my own." I shrugged.

"Alright," he replied disinterestedly. "By the way, here is the connecting door to our rooms..."

He headed for the door... take note... I didn't notice it earlier. I didn't notice there is a door in that area as it was also white in color.

"... So in case we have unexpected guests like those who have no idea about our situation, we can just open it immediately and sleep in one room for the meantime."

"Ohh... okay," the only words I said as I nodded and turned to get my things from my bags.

"And one more thing," he called my attention.

"Yes?" I asked him, raising an eyebrow.

"I want you to keep this in mind, Rafi, I married you not because I love you, but because I had no choice at that time. So, don't take the role as my wife seriously as we were just married on paper. You don't have to serve me or do anything for me. Also, I don't have to tell you everything, all the things I do every day, the places I go, business meetings, and especially when I'm going home or not. You can do whatever you want all day and I don't care just... (he paused)... just don't go my way and know how to put yourself in the right place! Do you understand?"

"Whoa! That's a long speech, huh? You should have said 'hey, Rafi, I don't care about you so don't mind me---don't bother me either! You could have saved your energy with that simple and short reminder instead of your very long speech that only means one thing--- mind your own life and I will do the same! That's it!"

And because I wasn't looking at him but at my things, I didn't see how he closed his eyes tightly and brushed his hair in frustration.

"Tsk. Tsk. Tsk... way of wasting energy---"

Bang!

"Huh? What the hell---!" All I heard was the loud bang behind me when he closed the door. "Whoa! Is this man, eating rudeness every freaking day? He didn't even inform me that he's going out already!"

**********

"Oh, my goodness!"

I slumped with my back on the bed and feel the softness of the mattress. I had just finished organizing my stuff and when I looked at the time on my wristwatch, I suddenly felt tired when I saw it's already 11 in the evening.

"Haist! Who would have thought that a day would come and I'd see myself being married? Take note, to one of the youngest billionaires in the United States and also one of the arrogant men I've met."

Since tiredness took over my entire body and sanity, I didn't notice my eyes slowly closing until I completely dozed off.