Chapter 5 No.5

Deloria's POV

"I'm your husband. Of course I should help you."

Hearing his words, I studied his face again.

Suddenly it dawned on me that he was Gerald, the guy I married just a few days ago.

Abashed, I asked, "When did you come back?"

"Couple of days ago." Gerald straightened up and explained, "I've been busy these days, so I hadn't got time to call you."

"It's fine," I said quickly.

He nodded and answered, "Hmm. I could tell."

I remembered when I called him before, his phone was switched off. He must've been on a plane at that time.

I asked in haste, "I needa ask you something."

"Shall we talk somewhere else?" Gerald looked around and then fixed his gaze on me.

I shook my head and said, "No need. I wanna hear the truth now. You're not the friend that Daphne set me up with, right? Who are you? Why did you lie to me?"

"Are you a registered member of eHarmony?" asked Gerald suddenly.

I did a double-take and recalled, "Yeah. Maeve told me to."

Gerald nodded and said, "That's where I saw your information. I was planning to ask you out through eHarmony. Yet the other day, when I passed by the café, I just happened to see you sitting there alone. So I thought I should come and say hello. I didn't expect you to ask me about..."

I blurted out before Gerald finished speaking, "Enough."

It struck me that I was the one who asked him when we could get married.

"But you should've known that I mistook you for someone else. Why didn't you tell me?" I grumbled, feeling a surge of embarrassment.

"Judging from your question, I thought I had impressed you." Gerald shrugged. "Plus, we both wanted to get married. So does the truth matter? Or do you still wanna meet that guy?"

"No," I denied.

Gerald's explanation sounded fishy, but I couldn't pick holes in it.

So, I accepted it.

Seeing that I remained silent, Gerald said, "Let me walk you home."

I nodded and headed back with him. Neither of us spoke again.

Soon, we arrived at the entrance hall.

I looked at Gerald and said, "Off you go. I can take the elevator by myself."

"Okay, go home and have a rest. When you finish packing, I'll come pick you up," he said.

I asked reflexively, "What for?"

Gerald smiled and said, "Take you and your mother to my apartment, of course. By the way, it's in Silver Lake Community."

It hit me that I had gotten married already. So I should move in with him.

He was away on a business trip for the past few days, so my life remained unchanged. And I just forgot that I had become his wife.

I nodded. After saying goodbye to Gerald, I returned to Elaine's apartment.

When I opened the door, I saw Woody sitting in the living room.

Seeing me back, he said, "You're moving out?"

I fought down my disgust and replied, "That's right."

He sneered, "Actually, you don't have to move out. If you pay the rent according to the average prices in LA, you're welcome to stay."

He looked me up and down as he spoke, which sickened me.

"Woody! How could you say that? Deloria is our friend!" Elaine said in disapproval.

"She's your friend, not mine," Woody retorted coldly. Then he returned to his room and closed the door.

"I'm sorry. He didn't mean it." Despite feeling awkward, Elaine still tried to explain for him.

"It's not your fault," I sighed, comforting her. "I made things difficult for you. I'll pack up and move out in days."

"Deloria, I'll talk to Woody. You don't have to go," Elaine looked me in the eyes and said.

I hugged Elaine. "Don't be upset. I got married. Shouldn't you feel happy for me? Anyway, Gerald's apartment is in Silver Lake Community. So I'll come visit you and Alan often."

Elaine forced a smile at me.

I went to Maeve's room, knowing that she hadn't slept yet.

After I pushed open the door, I saw Maeve sitting on the bed. I gave her a smile.

"Mom, Gerald returned from his business trip. He said he'd come to pick us up in a few days. And his apartment is in Silver Lake Community," I went in and said as I sat on Maeve's bed.

"Deloria, you two just got married. I shouldn't be living with you," she sighed.

"Why? Don't worry. Gerald has already agreed," I grabbed her hand and explained in a hurry.

"I want you to have an equal partnership in marriage. What would Gerald think if I stay with you?" Maeve shook her head. "I can rent a condo near your apartment. And since I'm living alone, the rent won't be so high."

I looked at Maeve and took her in my arms. I had the best mother in the world.