Aiden drove home with a look of satisfaction on his face. Today was a great success. His wife was safely hidden in his apartment, with the marriage contract signed and sealed. Now all he had to do was convince his grandmother to keep her distance from Serena.
But as he entered the house, Aiden's blood ran cold.
"It can't be..." He muttered to himself as he picked up the pace.
Horror was written on his face as he entered the living room to see both his wife and his grandmother laughing and chatting away.
"Serena, what are you doing here?", he asked her, sharper than he had intended.
His grandmother narrowed her eyes at him. "Aiden, how dare you be rude to your wife!"
Before he could defend himself, the scheming woman spoke in a sugary sweet on his behalf, "Grandma, he's not being rude, Grandmother. He's just concerned for me. He had me dropped home to rest. But now here I am!"
She then turned to Aiden and continued with a pout, "I'm sorry husband! I promised to rest but then I got hungry. There was nothing in the refrigerator, and when I tried summoning the housekeeper Aiden's assistant had introduced me to, she was nowhere to be found. So, I had no choice but to call Grandmother. Don't be angry husband..."
"Of course, he shouldn't be angry! And Aiden! What do you mean by leaving Serena alone in that museum you call home? Hmm? It is decided, until Serena recovers fully, both of you can live in the East wing! That way, when you're not around, Serena can come keep me company."
"But grandmother..."
Aiden's voice of protest, however, was smothered by Serena who clapped loudly and said," That is a great idea, Grandmother! Did you know the entire pantry back home was devoid of food and groceries? I think..." Serena paused for a moment, her voice on the edge of tears and then continued," I think Aiden has been starving himself because I was sick, grandmother! But with us living here, I can be assured that he will eat well until I recover."
Aiden shot Serena a glare that could have melted steel hoping for the girl to shut up, but she continued undeterred, her tone now more innocent than ever. "And Aiden will take good care of me, won't you? After all, I still need assistance with walking since my legs won't hold me up for long. So who better than you?"
Grandmother patted her hand affectionately and nodded," Yes yes! It is decided then! The two of you will live here and I will personally see to your well being. And Aiden, you have to take better care of our Serena. She will start her physical therapy soon. Tell your assistant to arrange your schedule,understood?"
Aiden forced a smile, his mind racing to adjust to this new twist. "Of course, Grandmother. I'll take care of her."
As his grandmother nodded, satisfied with the arrangement, Aiden glared at the girl still sitting innocently on the couch! How was he supposed to woo her when she piqued him at every turn?
But once again, his anger seemed to encourage her to be even more audacious as she raised her arms and said," Husband? Can you take me to our room? I feel a littletired..."
"I'll ask the housekeeper to help you.."
"What do you mean to ask the housekeeper for, Aiden? Is that how you will care for your wife? Pick her up and carry her to bed."
That had her eyes widening as she turned to look at his grandmother in alarm," No, grandmother, it's okay..."
Smiling now, he walked to her and picked her up, making sure to jostle her a bit as he smoothly said," You're right, grandmother. I'll carry my bride myself..."
As he held her, Serena's breath hitched slightly, her fingers instinctively clutching his shirt for balance as her heart raced. Aiden looked down at her slightly flushed face and chuckled, "You succeeded in getting to my bedroom..."
Walking into the room, he kicked the door close behind him, placing her on his bed.
She stared at him wide eyed as he continued, "But how will you escape now?"
Serena leaned back on the bed, her eyes never leaving Aiden's as she stared wide eyed, " What exactly are you doing?"
Aiden leaned closer to her, his face inches away from hers," You are the one who wanted to be here..."
"Alone! Not with you!" Serena hissed, poking her finger at his shoulder as she tried to move him away. But instead he caught her wrist, pinning it against the pillow, "Really?Are you sure you don't want me?"
They stared at each other for a moment, the air between them thickening with tension.
Aiden was about to step back, glad at finally having the upper hand. But then Serena's expression changed, and she spoke coyly, "Well, if you want to join me, you're welcome. But I wonder what everyone would think if they knew you were bullying your poor, recovering wife."