Chapter 7 7

Part 5B

Jennifer wrapped her hand around Alexander's arm, leaning on it while waiting for his response.

Alexander put his phone down, slightly shifting his seat to create some distance from Jennifer.

"How about you? Do you love me, Jennifer?" Alexander asked, throwing the same question.

"I love you, my husband," she whispered into Alexander's ear.

Alexander struggled to control the passion raging within him. He was well aware that his pants were starting to feel tight. He was a normal man, and Jennifer's voice seemed to draw him towards doing something. It wasn't just that; her way of speaking and body language were very alluring, making it easy for him to be enchanted.

He held his breath, trying to control his desires, while Jennifer could see the burning desire in her husband's eyes.

Jennifer dared to place her hand around Alexander's neck, gazing intently at her husband. The room was dimly lit, with the scent of jasmine-scented candles filling the air, enchanting Alexander's sense of smell. He could no longer resist the temptation before him.

Alexander despised Jennifer, truly hated her because every time he saw her, he was only reminded of revenge. However, her beautiful face, captivating smile, and perfect physique were irresistible to any man.

Alexander returned Jennifer's embrace, placing both hands on her back. Their eyes locked, filled with vibrations and hidden messages, known only to the two of them.

"Shall we proceed now?" Jennifer offered, landing a kiss on Alexander's lips.

He didn't answer. One of his hands reached for the tie on the right side of her evening gown. With a single pull, Jennifer's dress unraveled.

Suddenly, the loud ringtone of a phone filled the room. The romantic and heated atmosphere turned awkward.

Jennifer got up from Alexander's lap, adjusting her dress straps. She positioned her body sideways, facing away from her husband.

Alexander reached for his phone on the nightstand, finding a call from Tommy.

"Hello," Alexander greeted after sliding his phone's screen.

"Sir, I've received some building designs for the new hotel," his secretary explained.

"Oh, good!" Alexander replied.

"The architects from the construction company have sent them to your email address," Tommy said.

"Okay, I'll check it later!" Alexander answered.

"That's all I wanted to convey!" said Tommy.

"Yes," Alexander replied flatly. His expression was unreadable.

"Good night, sir, rest well!" Tommy bid farewell, unaware that he had disturbed his boss's Quality Time with his wife.

"Wait!" Alexander stopped him. "From now on, you must check the time before calling me!" Alexander said firmly.

Click! He abruptly ended the call without waiting for a response from his secretary.

Alexander put his phone back. An indescribable feeling lingered in his chest. He then walked towards the bedroom door, opened it, and let the night air in. He stood on the balcony, staring blankly, understanding what he was feeling tonight.

Fifteen minutes later, Alexander decided to go back inside. He locked the door and walked towards the bed. He lay down, resting beside his sleeping wife, who was already curled up.

Alexander pulled the blanket up, making sure Jennifer wouldn't feel cold. He fell asleep with one hand resting on his wife's body.

**

In the morning, Jennifer woke up earlier. She took a shower and made a warm chocolate drink for her husband. So, from now on, every day she would go down to the kitchen on the ground floor and return with a cup of warm chocolate.

She went to the balcony to enjoy the fresh morning air. She noticed her feet felt comfortable standing on the rough floor. Her gaze then fell upon a piece of old paper.

Jennifer picked it up, unfolding every crease on the paper. Though barely legible, she could read the ink marks written on the paper. "Alexander Erkananta Ricardo," Jennifer mumbled softly. She shook her head, full of questions. Until now, she had only known her husband's name as Alexander Erkananta. "Ricardo," she whispered as if she had received a clue to investigate her husband and the real mission behind marrying her.

Jennifer quickly put the paper in her pants pocket upon hearing Alexander's footsteps entering the bathroom.

Not wanting to make any mistakes, Jennifer prepared her husband's work clothes. A dark gray suit with a white striped shirt and a striped tie.

She also prepared shiny black shoes for him on this morning.

A few moments later, Alexander came out of the bathroom, bare-chested with a towel tied around his waist. He exposed his ripped abs, and his arm muscles were not overlooked by Jennifer. Proportional, she thought.

Jennifer averted her gaze elsewhere, cursing herself for admiring Alexander so much. Yes, it was all because he came at the right time with his million attentions.

"Don't you like what you see?" Alexander asked, walking towards Jennifer.

"No, my dear," she replied. She walked to the other side of the bed, pretending to prepare her work bag.

Alexander quickly put on his clothes, well aware that Ruby and Edward were already waiting for them at the dining table.

Once they were ready, Alexander and Jennifer walked side by side down the stairs towards the dining room. As expected, the two of them were already at the table, waiting for them.

Alexander took a seat, followed by Jennifer sitting next to him. The four of them started eating.

"Alexander," Auntie Ruby called.

"Yes," Alexander replied, looking at the woman.

"We'll be leaving this morning too," she explained.

"Yes, Auntie," he replied, still busy with his food on the plate.

"Oh, by the way, let Justine stay here and help you with the company, okay?" Auntie Ruby suddenly requested.

"Y-yes," Alexander agreed. He couldn't refuse the request of the woman who had been a substitute mother for him for 18 years. Justine, the troublemaker who never took work seriously, would be helping him run the company? Honestly, Alexander had doubts.

"Maybe she'll arrive here tomorrow as she's still enjoying her vacation," Auntie Ruby added.

Alexander nodded weakly. The troublemaker at school. The rule-breaker and troublemaker would now be staying with him in this house. He could only hope that during these two years, his cousin would change and not be like before.

Jennifer listened silently to the conversation. Her mind was preoccupied with her meeting with Brandon today.

After finishing the meal, Ruby and Edward said their goodbyes. They were leaving for the airport right away to avoid being late.

Alexander left for work with his secretary Tommy, who had been waiting for him since 7 a.m.

Jennifer went to the bookstore, of course, with two guards assigned by her husband.

**

When Jennifer arrived, Rena was sitting, and on her desk was a small note about Jennifer's meeting with Brandon today.

"Good morning, Miss Jennifer," she greeted.

"Good morning, Rena," Jennifer replied.

Jennifer sat there, lost in thought, not at ease about meeting Brandon, the man who was at the top of her blacklist, someone she swore never to meet again. But, to unravel all these mysteries, Jennifer was preparing herself to meet him.

"I contacted Mr. Brandon's assistant earlier, Miss. He only wants to help if you speak to him directly," Rena said.

Jennifer nodded.

"Here, there's a phone number and the number of the apartment unit where Mr. Brandon lives," Rena explained.

Jennifer received the piece of paper and looked at the phone number written on it. She hesitated for a moment.

Then, she pressed the number and called Brandon.

The call connected.

"Hello," Brandon greeted. For the first time in six months, Jennifer heard the voice of the man who had hurt her.

"It's me, Jennifer," she replied.

"I've been waiting for your call for so long, Jennifer," he said, sounding loud and clear.

"Please, help me!" Jennifer pleaded.

"I'll help as much as I can. What can I do?" Brandon asked.

"I just want you to help me get the newspapers from 2001 to 2002," Jennifer explained.

"Oh, that's easy! So, meet me at the restaurant where we used to meet, do you remember?" Brandon confirmed.

"Yes," Jennifer answered. His request was too easy for Brandon. He could have hired a detective to help him. But Jennifer didn't want Brandon to get involved in her affairs.

"Okay, I'll be waiting for you there at lunchtime!" Brandon said.

"Alright!" Jennifer replied.

She ended the call just like that.

**

Jennifer, accompanied by her two guards, entered a classic-styled restaurant, a high-end place with classy and expensive dishes.

Jennifer walked to the place where Brandon was waiting for her.

She sat down and began to order food.

Brandon just looked at her with the same affectionate gaze as six months ago, full of love and admiration for Jennifer. However, she was now married to someone else.

Jennifer didn't return Brandon's gaze even once. She no longer felt anything for him. She was also aware that the two guards would report everything to Alexander.

"How are you, Jennifer?" Brandon asked.

"Fine," Jennifer replied briefly.

Brandon wanted to explain the events from six months ago to Jennifer, but he felt it was futile as Jennifer probably didn't want to talk about it.

They started talking about light topics.

Meanwhile, one of the two guards received a phone call from Alexander.

"Hello," he answered.

"What is Jennifer doing now?" Alexander asked.

"Madam Jennifer is having lunch, sir," he replied.

"Where?" Alexander asked curiously.

"At Restaurant A,"

"With whom?"

"With a man named Brandon," he confirmed.

"Brandon?" Alexander made sure.

"Yes, sir!" he replied firmly.

"Alright, continue to monitor Jennifer and keep track of all her activities. If possible, find out what Jennifer is talking about with Brandon!" Alexander ordered.

"Okay, sir," he replied.

The phone call ended. The two guards continued to watch Jennifer and tried to listen to her conversation with Brandon, but it was not easy because Jennifer was very cautious and careful.

Meanwhile, Alexander, sitting on his throne, felt angry. He threw his phone on the desk. "How dare you!" he muttered while clenching his fist. He couldn't believe Jennifer had met Brandon without asking for his permission first.

Alexander threw a stack of papers on his desk. He was seething with rage. He never expected Jennifer to dare to meet her ex-boyfriend just two days after their wedding.

"Low-class woman! Watch what I'll do to you. I'll make you suffer even more!" Alexander muttered, his lips curling into a cold and menacing smile. His cruel plan was already taking shape in his mind. He couldn't wait to exact revenge for Jennifer's audacious actions.

Jennifer turned out to be braver than he had expected.

To be continued.