Chapter 4 His Salary

Following her agreement with Ethan, Scarlett found herself settling contentedly into the guest room.

The night ebbed away softly.

As dawn's first light danced through the curtains on the second day, Ethan descended the staircase just as Scarlett, bearing a tray of breakfast, entered the dining room.

Millet porridge, steamed buns, and two appetizers.

"Good morning, Ethan," Scarlett greeted warmly, slipping off her apron and setting it aside. "I wasn't sure of your culinary preferences, so I prepared a simple array."

Even if there weren't many different kinds of food, she prepared everything with ample quantity because he had eaten a lot last night.

Having had a taste of Scarlett's culinary finesse the night prior, Ethan was hardly surprised. Seating himself, he reached for a steamed bun, its contents expertly seasoned and bursting with flavor.

With each bite, the thin, yielding dough yielded to a savory eruption of juices.

Never could Ethan have imagined finding such simple pleasure in the consumption of a bun. But...

"You can use other fillings. This isn't to my liking." His tone remained cool.

Watching him consume his fifth bun, Scarlett hid a smile behind lowered lashes. Then she took a sip of porridge and nodded silently.

There would be more shared meals in their future, and she silently resolved to inquire further about his culinary preferences.

Before she could broach the subject, Ethan produced a bank card from his pocket, sliding it across the table towards her.

Scarlett's astonishment was palpable.

"My salary is deposited into this account. The password is inscribed on the back," Ethan stated matter-of-factly. "Henceforth, feel free to manage our household expenses with funds from this account."

"You're entrusting me with your salary?" Scarlett asked in disbelief.

Their acquaintance was but a few days old; even in marriage, they remained relative strangers.

How could he surrender all financial matters to someone he hardly knew? Was it naivete or unfathomable honesty?

"Is something amiss? You're my wife; it's only natural for you to oversee our finances."

In truth, the card was merely a decoy, a temporary measure arranged by Greg.

Ethan was unaware of the exact sum transferred, but he cautioned Greg that only a nominal amount be deposited, lest Scarlett grow suspicious.

If she harbored ulterior motives, her curiosity would undoubtedly center on the balance of this account.

Ultimately, Ethan reasoned, it was a small price to pay to ascertain her character.

If he didn't find anything suspicious about her, he'd see her as a hired maid.

After all, her culinary prowess had left a favorable impression.

Unaware of the intricacies of Ethan's machinations, Scarlett's heart softened, her smile brightening.

"Very well, I shall accept it." Scarlett was straightforward, tucking the bank card away. "Rest assured, I shall exercise prudence in expenditures."

Scarlett possessed a winsome countenance and eyes that sparkled like dew-kissed petals. Her smile, reminiscent of a blossoming peach, charmed Ethan momentarily.

"I've entrusted it to you; what you choose to purchase is your decision."

Inexplicably, Scarlett couldn't shake the feeling of being kept by him.

After breakfast, she swiftly attended to the dishes, intending to venture out with her purse in hand.

Having taken a single day's leave the prior day, she was obligated to return to work today.

Before heading to the office, however, she resolved to visit her grandmother at the hospital, as was her custom.

As she slipped on her shoes, a shadow descended on her. Ethan's cool voice pierced the silence. "Where are you headed? Allow me to drive you."

"To work," Scarlett replied, meeting his gaze. "Oh! I'm an architectural designer at Timberland Architectural Firm. It's in the opposite direction from your destination, so I'd prefer to take a taxi."

Scarlett recalled Ethan's departure from the city hall, heading north. Given the location of her workplace, it seemed impractical for him to chauffeur her.

Ethan's brow furrowed involuntarily at the mention of the company. Glancing at his watch, he said, "It's still early. I'll drive you there. Perhaps consider it a gesture of gratitude for your culinary efforts yesterday and this morning."

"No need for thanks. I would have prepared meals for myself regardless. You merely joined me."

Scarlett wondered how best to decline his offer. Accepting his offer would preclude her from visiting Nicola.

She was unwilling to take him to Nicola before he gave his consent. If he made an unpleasant statement...

She couldn't risk Nicola being disappointed and sad.

But before she could articulate her refusal, Ethan had already stepped out, donning his shoes.

Resigned, Scarlett followed suit, trailing after him. Observing his reticent demeanor, she contemplated her approach.

But she didn't figure it out even as the elevator stopped in the parking lot.

After unlocking the car, Ethan was about to sit in the driver's seat as he usually did.

However, his gaze fell upon the passenger door, stirring memories of his friend's chivalrous gesture towards his wife.

A flicker of hesitation crossed his features, his lips pressed tight. Just as Scarlett moved to open the door, he stepped forward, preempting her, and swung it open.

The sudden appearance of his hand startled her. She stopped there, and the door hit her knees.

If she hadn't instinctively tilted her head due to the sharp pain, she could have hurt her forehead as well.

Ethan looked embarrassed. "Are you alright? I'm so sorry."

He didn't expect such a mishap to happen.

Scarlett's eyes welled up with tears, but she managed a strained smile, attempting to reassure him with a wave of her hand.

But the pain in her knees made speech impossible, leaving her smile tinged with discomfort.

"I'll take you to the hospital!"

Ethan's voice sounded stiff, filled with remorse. Scooping her up carefully, he settled her into the passenger seat, his touch gentle but intrusive as he reached for the seat belt.

"I can manage." Scarlett's protest was gentle but firm, her fingers trembling slightly as she adjusted her jacket.

Respecting her wishes, Ethan settled into the driver's seat, the engine humming to life as they pulled out of the basement and onto the main road, heading towards the hospital.

Silence enveloped them during the journey, weighted with guilt and unspoken apologies.

Wrapped in layers of clothing, Scarlett was spared the full force of the impact.

She didn't object when he said he wanted to take her to the hospital, because Nicola was staying in Sky Hospital, which was the closest hospital.

She was still worried about Nicola and needed to see her.

Arriving at their destination, Ethan made a move to assist Scarlett once more, only to be met with a polite refusal. "I'm fine now. I can walk by myself."

Ethan frowned and asked, "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure," Scarlett insisted, her cheeks flushing as she toyed with the hem of her jacket.

At that moment, Ethan became acutely aware of the intimacy of their earlier encounter.

What had been a hurried act of care now felt uncomfortably intimate, prompting a rush of awkwardness to flood between them.