Seeing his wife so focused, Julian’s eyes softened with an unfamiliar tenderness, but a storm of emotions churned inside him. He moved even closer, his face brushing against her neck, inhaling deeply. Her fragrance, light and different, wrapped around him like an intoxicating spell. He felt himself drawn to it, unable to pull away. It was a scent he couldn’t resist, and somehow, he felt addicted to it.
’Sorry, wife,’ he murmured to himself, a dark thought crossing his mind. ’But you’ve made me . I have no choice but to get used to my presence... and seduce you.’
He couldn’t help but laugh bitterly to himself. Isn’t this how villains in soul streams always hook the female lead? The main, gentle male lead just cries in the corner, helpless and weak.
But Julian knew one thing for sure—he would never let that happen. Even if it meant becoming the villain. He would make sure she noticed him, no matter the cost.
However, as Julian became distracted, Ruby accidentally cut her finger. His eyes widened in shock when he saw the small streak of blood on her finger.
"Are you okay? So much blood!" he exclaimed, panic lacing his voice as he quickly turned her towards him.
"It’s fine, Julian," Ruby replied calmly. After all, it was just a small cut. She had endured far worse injuries in her past.
But Julian didn’t seem convinced. "No, you’re not okay! Look at how much blood!" His voice was insistent, his expression frantic.
Ruby glanced down. It was barely a drop of blood. She opened her mouth to protest, but before she could, Julian suddenly took her finger in his hand and brought it to his lips.
Without hesitation, he started sucking the tiny wound.
She froze, her breath catching. The room felt suddenly too quiet, and she could only stare at him, her heart skipping a beat.
Julian realized what he was doing, and his ears turned red, but he didn’t stop. His lips stayed on her finger, gently sucking the wound as if it were the most natural thing to do.
"It’s fine, Julian," Ruby said awkwardly, her voice softer than usual as she tried to pull her finger back. She felt a strange mix of embarrassment and confusion.
But Julian shook his head, holding her hand firmly in his. "No, it’s not fine," he mumbled against her finger, his eyes refusing to meet hers. "You’re hurt, and I won’t stop until it’s better."
Two minutes passed...
"Julian, I said I’m fine," Ruby finally spoke, breaking the awkward silence. Reluctantly, Julian let go of her fingers, his face flushing as he avoided her gaze.
"I told you, I don’t need your help. Now sit there. I’ll make something for you," he said, his voice stiff as he turned back to the counter. Grabbing the knife, he began cutting the vegetables himself, his movements quick and deliberate.
Ruby nodded and quietly sat on a small stool in the corner, her eyes fixed on him as he worked. She watched his broad back and steady hands, a little surprised at how natural he looked in the kitchen.
Julian, feeling her gaze on him, fought an internal battle. Why is she watching me? Is she impressed? Does this mean something? His heart raced, and the thoughts running through his mind made him grip the knife tighter.
Do I really have to stoop this low to make my wife fall for me? he thought. But then, his resolve hardened. No. She’s my wife, lawfully. If I try to seduce her, it’s not wrong. It’s my right.
His eyes landed on a spatula that had fallen near Ruby’s stool. His heart skipped a beat. This was his chance. I’ve never done anything before, but... it’s worth a shot.
He walked towards Ruby, trying to keep his steps steady despite the unusual rhythm of his heartbeat. She noticed him approaching and tilted her head in confusion. "What are you—" she began to ask, but her words trailed off as Julian bent down to pick up the spatula.
His robe shifted slightly, revealing part of his chest. His muscles, hard and defined, caught Ruby completely off guard. She froze, her eyes locked on the sight before her brain could even process what was happening.
Julian stood back up, completely unaware of the effect he’d just caused, and returned to the counter to continue cooking as if nothing had happened.
"You... you keep making food. I’ll wait outside," Ruby stammered suddenly, her face heating up as she bolted from the room.
Once outside, she paced back and forth, trying to calm her racing heart. For God’s sake, Ruby! It’s not like you’ve never seen a man’s body before. Sure, you’ve never dated anyone, but still...
She stopped, pressing a hand to her chest. Why does it feel so different? Her thoughts spiraled. Oh, wait... maybe it’s the original owner’s feelings. Yes, that’s it. Definitely the original owner’s feelings.
Convincing herself with that thought, she took a deep breath and tried to compose herself.
Ruby sat at the dining table, waiting, her mind still replaying the earlier moment with Julian. She was trying to distract herself when she noticed Karl walking toward her. He was muttering something under his breath, his head down, completely absorbed in whatever rant he was having.
Before she could say anything, Karl walked straight into the edge of the table.
"Ouchhhhhh!" he shouted, clutching his side dramatically.
Ruby couldn’t hold it in; she burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the room.
"You... you dare to laugh at me, you stupid wife!" Karl snapped, glaring at her with all the indignation he could muster.
"Not anymore," Ruby mocked, her tone dripping with playful sarcasm.
"Stupid witch!" he shouted again, his face turning red with frustration.
"Stupid ghost," Ruby mocked with a smirk, leaning back in her chair.
Karl froze mid-step, his eyes widening like a startled meerkat. His head snapped up, his whole body jerking upright as if he’d been electrocuted.
"You... you dare to call me stupid?! I—I am going to—" Karl shouted, his voice trembling with both anger and embarrassment.
Ruby leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand as she interrupted with a smirk, "Going to what, Karl? Trip over the table again?"
—To be continued...🪄