How To Love Your Wife – Chapter 13&14

HOW TO HATE YOUR HUSBAND 2

HOW TO LOVE YOUR WIFE

How To Love Your Wife – Chapter 13&14

[𝑩𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝑹𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒔 & 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒔 ]

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆- 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍.

☆ 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝒃𝒚 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆. ☆

©𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

[𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐲- 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐢’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨]

Levi stood in the doorway of Ginger’s bedroom, arms crossed loosely over his chest, watching her slip into a fitted dress and fasten a thin belt around her waist.

His jaw was tight, his shoulders hunched forward slightly, as if carrying something heavy.

His eyes tracked her every move but his gaze never quite met hers directly.

He felt like a stranger in his own skin.

“Are you okay?” Ginger asked, glancing over her shoulder at him in the mirror.

“Yeah,” He answered automatically, forcing a small, tight smile that didn’t reach his eyes. His throat felt dry, his chest hollow.

“Alright, I’m leaving now,” she said, stepping toward him.

She rose on her toes, pressed a quick, light kiss to his cheek, and then walked out, the door clicking shut behind her.

The second the sound reached him, Levi’s posture collapsed. His shoulders dropped, his hands flexed at his sides, fingers curling and uncurling as if trying to grip something that wasn’t there.

He turned sharply and strode down the hall to his room, shutting the door behind him with a little too much force.

He dropped onto the edge of his bed, the mattress dipping under his weight, and stared at his phone lying face‑up on the nightstand.

His hand hovered over it, thumb twitching, before he snatched it up and unlocked the screen. His thumb hovered over Martin’s name in his contacts, pulse ticking in his throat.

Then he dropped the phone back down, hard enough that it bounced once on the wood. He fell back onto the bed, arms flung out to either side, staring at the ceiling like it might give him answers.

Martin hadn’t called since yesterday. Not a single text, not a call. The silence gnawed at him, louder than any sound.

Levi swallowed, throat working. He knew it was weird, knew it was messed up but he couldn’t stop his mind from replaying flashes of yesterday.

Every memory sent a hot, restless current through his body, coiling low in his stomach, tightening in his chest.

He turned his head to the side, jaw clenched, eyes burning with a mix of guilt and something else he didn’t want to name.

Am I going crazy or something? What is wrong with me? Since when did I crave someone this much?

His hands moved restlessly—dragging through his hair, gripping his own forearms, pressing hard enough to leave faint marks.

His breathing grew uneven, shallow. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to shut out the images, but they only came clearer: Martin’s voice, his scent, the way his body had felt close to his.

“Come on, Levi,” He muttered to himself, voice rough.

“You can’t be feeling this way. He’s a guy. You’re into girls. You have a girlfriend.”

The words sounded hollow even to him.

He groaned, rolling onto his side and burying his face in the pillow, fists bunching the fabric. His body felt wired, tense, like every nerve was humming with static.

He wanted to call Martin. He wanted to hear his voice, to feel that same electric pull again, even if it made him feel like he was losing his mind.

“Just call me already, Martin,” he whispered into the pillow, the name catching in his throat like a confession he wasn’t ready to say out loud.

____________
[𝐑𝐘𝐔𝐊𝐀𝐈]

Danzo and Tiago stood in front of Nancy’s desk, both of them serious.

“We finished reviewing the port incident,” Danzo said. “The men who hijacked the cargo were caught on camera.”

Tiago handed her a tablet. “CCTV from the docks.”

Nancy took it, scrolling through the footage. The images were grainy. Their faces half-covered. Movements rushed.

She exhaled sharply. “Gosh, this is becoming hopeless.”

The door opened and Martin walked in.

“Miss Nancy.”

She turned to him, already irritated. “What is it, Martin?”

“There’s another angle from the seaport CCTV,” he said calmly.

Her eyes hardened. “Didn’t I tell you to focus on finding the bitch who’s after my boyfriend?”

“Yes, you did,” Martin replied. “But while doing that, I found something else. The woman who’s been circling your boyfriend is connected to the cargo sabotage.”

Nancy straightened. “What do you mean?”

“She wasn’t just watching him,” Martin said. “She was with the men who stole the cargo. They were reporting to her.”

Nancy snatched the tablet from his hand and played it.

The footage showed the stolen cargo being moved onto another ship. Men passed crates quickly. Then a woman stepped into frame. She had blonde hair.

One of the men spoke to her.

“Once you’re done, inform me. I need to inform the boss that the mission was successful,” The woman said.

“Yes, ma’am,” the men replied in unison.

She turned slightly, her face clearer now.

Nancy’s breath caught. “Ginger?!!”

She staggered back a step.

Danzo frowned. “Isn’t that Levi’s girlfriend?”

“Yes,” Martin said quietly.

Nancy’s face twisted in anger. “That sicko. She’s the one hitting on Sky?”

Danzo leaned toward Tiago and whispered, “So is she worried about her boyfriend or the clan?”

Tiago snorted under his breath. “Guess that’s what happens when a woman has priorities.”

Nancy didn’t laugh. She stared at the screen, her grip tightening around the tablet.

Just then, Hunter walked into the room.

“Nancy.”

“Yes?” Nancy answered, quickly setting the tablet down.

“I’m hearing the cargo we were meant to ship to our clients was hijacked. Is it true?” Hunter asked.

She hesitated. “Um… I’m working on it. I already have a lead.”

Hunter frowned. “Why didn’t you tell me? Does Romeo know?”

“No,” she said immediately.

“Seriously, Nancy,” Hunter said, lowering his voice. “You know how big of a deal this is. Romeo will be furious if he finds out.”

“If I find out what?” Romeo’s voice came from the doorway.

Everyone froze.

Romeo stepped inside, his gaze moving from one face to another. “What’s going on? Did you all see a ghost or something?”

“Nothing,” Nancy said quickly, then faltered. “It’s just… the—”

“The recent cargo we were supposed to ship…” Hunter started.

“…was hijacked,” Romeo finished calmly.

Nancy looked at him. “You know?”

“You really think I wouldn’t?” Romeo said, one brow lifting.

She bit her lip, saying nothing.

“I’m sure you’re working on finding the fool responsible,” Romeo said.

“Yes,” Nancy replied. “I already have a lead. I’ll get to the bottom of this.”

“Good,” Romeo said. He turned to Hunter. “Let’s get a drink.”

Hunter nodded and walked out with him, leaving the room quiet behind them.

_____

Upstairs on the balcony, Hunter poured liquor into two glasses. He handed one to Romeo, then set the bottle down on the table between them.

“So,” Hunter said, leaning back, “how are things going between you and Rias?”

Romeo took the glass. “Going smoothly, I guess. She came to see me at my fortress yesterday.”

Hunter raised a brow. “Did anything happen between you two?”

Romeo took a slow sip, then looked at him. “You could say that.”

Romeo winked. Hunter laughed understanding what he meant. “Seriously? She let you do that?”

“That’s not even my main concern,” Romeo replied. “I’m just glad she’s not so uptight around me anymore.”

He drank again. “In fact, I’m planning on asking her out on a date.”

Hunter turned fully to him. “A date? Romeo, you do realize she’s still dating Ashton.”

“I know.”

“And you know she doesn’t love you,” Hunter continued. “Her cheating on her boyfriend with you doesn’t automatically mean you have a place in her heart.”

Romeo shrugged. “I don’t mind that she doesn’t love me yet. I’ll make her love me.”

“You should let this go. She probably loves Ashton. What if you get hurt again?”Hunter sighed.

Romeo stared into his glass for a moment, then drank.

“If she didn’t want me around, she could push me away. But she hasn’t. That’s what I believe. Until she tells me to my face to stop, I’m not giving up. Besides, I asked her if I could pursue her, and she said yes.”

Hunter shook his head. “I just don’t want to see you broken again. I don’t want that miserable version of you back.”

“You won’t,” Romeo said quietly. “I promise.”

Hunter nodded, accepting it.

Romeo leaned back. “By the way, Riri asked me for a playmate yesterday. Aren’t you and Sasha planning on giving her a sibling?”

Hunter spat out his drink. “What?”

Romeo laughed.

“Romeo, that’s not funny,” Hunter said, wiping his mouth. “That is never happening. My wife is mine and mine alone.”

Romeo smirked. “Damn. You’re possessive.”

“Call it whatever you want,” Hunter replied. “We’re not having another kid.”

Romeo raised his glass. “Poor Riri, her father doesn’t even care about her feelings.”

Hunter glared at him. “Say that again and I’m throwing you off this balcony.”

Romeo laughed and clinked his glass against Hunter’s.

____________
[𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐭𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚]

Ashton walked downstairs, adjusting his sleeves. Ginger was already waiting in the living room, standing near the couch like she belonged there.

“You sent for me?” she asked.

“Yes.” He reached into his jacket and handed her a thick envelope. “Here’s your bonus for the job at the seaport.”

She weighed it in her hand. “Thanks, boss. Although, some of the men around the port said Nancy has been digging into the incident.”

Ashton’s expression didn’t change. “Did you get rid of the men who moved the cargo? I don’t want any loose ends.”

“Yes,” she replied calmly. “They’re all dead.”

“Good.”

She hesitated, then asked, “Is it true that Lady Lin is in Tokyo?”

“Yes,” Ashton said. “That’s none of your concern. I’ll call you when I need you to do something else.”

Ginger nodded. “Okay, boss. I’ll take my leave now.”

She turned and walked out, leaving the living room quiet behind her.

Ashton pulled out his phone and tapped Rias’s name. The screen lit up, then her face appeared.

“Hi, babe,” he said, smiling.

“Babe, what’s up?” Rias asked, stretching a little as she leaned back.

“Nothing much. I just really miss you right now.”

She softened. “I miss you too.”

“So… I’m free today,” he said, lowering his voice a bit. “Do you mind going out on a date with me?”

“Sure,” she replied easily. “I’m not doing much today anyway.”

He grinned. “Good. Because I need to see you.”

She laughed. “Is that so?”

“Very so.” He tilted the phone when she moved a little. “What are you wearing?”

Rias rolled her eyes playfully but turned the camera slightly, showing him her outfit. “This. Why?”

He whistled. “That outfit is really sexy. I haven’t seen you wear that before.” He said.

“It’s an outfit I left here, was trying it on. It’s a little bit too short though.” She said.

“Let me see it fully.” He said.

She stood up and shifted her hips a little, turning 360 in a slow sexy motion, just enough to get a reaction.

“You’re doing this on purpose.” He asked.

“Am I?” she teased. “Or are you just dramatic? I’m just showing you.” She smirked, grabbing her ass with her palm.

Ashton froze, then licked his lips. “You’re really going to do that to me on a video call?”

She laughed, moving a bit more. “What? You said you missed me.”

“F+k,” he muttered, eyes glued to the screen. “I can’t wait to grab that ass with my hands.”

She chuckled, clearly enjoying his reaction. “Behave yourself. You’ll see me later.”

“Yeah,” he said, smiling wide. “Count on it.”

“See you later,” she said, then ended the call.

Ashton stared at the blank screen for a second, still smiling, then slipped his phone back into his pocket and headed upstairs, already thinking about their date.

____________
[𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝]

Angelo lined up his shot, swung, and watched the ball roll cleanly across the private field. The man beside him nodded in approval.

Before either of them could speak, heels hit the pavement behind them. Angelo turned his head.

Reiko walked in like she owned the place, dressed in a fitted sports set and sneakers, her hair loose, confidence written all over her face.

Angelo glanced at the man beside him. “You can leave.”

The man didn’t ask questions. He bowed slightly and walked off.

Angelo grabbed a bottle of water from the golf cart and took a long drink as he started walking toward the shaded area. Reiko followed.

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

“I came to see you,” she said calmly. “I figured I couldn’t see you at home because of Hinata.”

“And why on earth would you want to see me?” he replied. “We have no business together.”

She stepped closer. Too close.

“You already know what I want from you,” she said. “Can’t you give it to me?”

He stopped walking. “I don’t know. Make your intentions clear.”

Reiko smiled slowly. “Since you want to act ignorant, I’ll say it plainly. I want you to fuck me, Angelo. That’s all I want.”

He stared at her. “You’re insane.”

She reached for his hand. “I’m not asking you to leave your wife. We can have a little fun. Big sis doesn’t need to know.”

He looked down at her hand on his. For a second, his face gave nothing away.

“You’re right,” he said flatly. “I guess a little fun would do.”

Reiko’s breath hitched. She bit her lip as he stepped closer. He leaned in.

She shut her eyes.

“F+k…” she breathed, already expecting his lips.

The next thing she felt was her back slamming hard against the wall.

Her eyes flew open as she coughed.

His hand was wrapped around her neck, tight, lifting her off the ground. Her feet dangled, panic setting in as he pinned her there.

“The only fun I’m ever having with you is killing you,” Angelo said coldly. “You better stay the f+k away from me. You must be stupid to think I’d ever cheat on Hinata. I’d rather die than let that happen.”

He shoved her away.

She crashed into a table stacked with golf balls. The box tipped over, balls scattering everywhere as she fell hard to the ground, screaming in pain.

Angelo didn’t look back. He walked out without another word.

Reiko lay there, breathing hard, her hands shaking as she slowly pushed herself up. Her eyes followed him until he disappeared.

She clenched her fists.

“Alright then,” she said through her teeth. “Let’s see if you’ll still resist me when I kill her.”

____________
[𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧- 6𝐩𝐦]

Ashton pulled up to the gate and stepped out of the car, eyes locking on Rias the second she came through the door.

“Damn,” he said, letting his gaze drag over her from head to toe. “You trying to make me forget we’re going out in public?”

Rias smirked, adjusting the strap of her dress. “Maybe.”

“You look really beautiful.” He complimented.

“Thanks.” She smiled.

He opened the passenger door for her and waited until she was settled before sliding back behind the wheel. The engine rumbled to life and he glanced at her.

“You good?”

“Better now that you’re here,” she said lightly, turning to look out the window as they pulled away.

The drive was quiet at first, just the low hum of the car and the city lights blurring past.

Ashton kept one hand on the wheel, the other resting near her thigh, close enough that she could feel the warmth of his skin without him actually touching her.

“You nervous?” he asked after a while.

She arched a brow. “About what?”

“I don’t know, you look tense.”

She laughed, low and amused. “I don’t know. Should I be tense? Anything we go on a date back in Mexico , I don’t come back with my legs feeling alright.”

He shot her a sideways glance, lips curling. “So, you’re worried about how much self-control you think you have right now?.”

She didn’t answer, just let the silence stretch between them, thick with something unspoken.

____
When they arrived at the outdoor buffet, a host led them to a table near the back, where the lights were softer and the music just loud enough to feel intimate.

“You hungry?” Ashton asked, watching her eyes flick over the spread of food.

“Starving,” she said.

He grinned, standing. “Then let’s get you fed.”

They walked the buffet line together, her arm brushing his as they reached for plates. He grabbed steak and grilled vegetables; she piled shrimp, pasta, and a little bit of everything else.

“You’re going to regret that,” he said, eyeing her plate.

“Doubt it.”

They sat back down and ate slowly, talking more than they usually did—about work, about travel, about stupid things they did as kids.

Every so often, his foot would bump hers under the table or his fingers would graze her wrist when he reached for something, and each time, she let it linger a second longer than necessary.

By the time dessert rolled around, the air between them had shifted.

“So Rias, the conversation we had before… do you think you’re ready? I won’t force you if you aren’t,” He said, turning to face her in the car, his voice softer than usual.

“You mean, about getting married to you?” she asked, one brow lifting.

“Yes. I’m not in a rush though. I just want to know your response. You will marry me, right?”

“Of course I will,” she said without hesitation, then sighed lightly. “It’s just that… the responsibility is going to be a hassle. I want to be really ready.”

“Sure,” he nodded. “You want kids too, right?”

“Of course I do,” she said, fingers toying with the hem of her dress. “And that’s one of the reasons I’m delaying us getting married. I don’t think I’m ready to have kids yet.”

“Okay then,” He said, accepting it with a small smile.

“That aside, I also need to talk to your grandfather and ask for his blessings. And your sister still hates me.”

“Don’t mind Nancy,” Rias said, rolling her eyes. “I seriously don’t know why she even wants me for Romeo. Sometimes I wonder whether she even cares about my feelings.”

“It’s okay,” he said, reaching over to squeeze her hand. “You’re my girlfriend anyway, and she can’t do anything about it.”

“You know,” He said, sounding way too pleased with himself, “You’d be even better if you were my wife.”

Rias looked at him. “Oh really? And how exactly would I be better?”

He smiled, that smug little grin she knew too well. “Because I’d get to wake up to you every day, annoy you for the rest of your life, and brag about you like you’re my trophy.”

She scoffed. “You already do half of that.”

“And I’d still do it better,” He said. “Plus, you’d look so good pregnant. Our kids would be stupidly cute.”

She froze. “Kids? Not even a kid? Kids?”

“Yes,” he said easily. “At least three.”

She pulled back slightly and stared at him. “Three? That’s a lot.”

He laughed. “That’s what you think now. Once we get married, you’ll change your mind and want more.”

“I will not,” she said, shaking her head.

He reached for her hand, lifting it gently and pressing a kiss to her knuckles.

“You will,” he said softly. “Because you’ll be happy. And when you’re happy, you always want more.”

She rolled her eyes, but her lips curved into a smile anyway. “You’re so confident.”

“I have to be,” he said. “You’re already mine.”

____________
[𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨]

Levi checked the address again before knocking. He’d followed the one Martin sent to get here.

The door swung open, and Martin yanked him inside in a rush.

The moment the door clicked shut, Martin grabbed him and crushed him in a tight hug.

Levi’s body went rigid at first—Martin’s warmth seeping through his clothes like an electric current, stirring a flutter low in his belly.

Slowly, he raised his hands and hugged back, his fingers tentatively gripping Martin’s shirt, pulse quickening from the unexpected closeness.

Martin smiled and broke the hug. He peeled off Levi’s mask and ruffled his hair.

“Don’t do that.” Levi muttered, a warm flush creeping up his neck.

“I’m just realizing that I’m actually taller than you,” Martin teased.

“It’s not a flex.” Levi shot back, though his skin tingled where Martin’s fingers had brushed.

“It is, shortie.” Martin said, grabbing his hand and leading him deeper inside.

Levi’s palm burned against Martin’s—hot, slightly sweaty, sending a jolt straight to his chest.

“I didn’t expect you to come over,” Martin added.

They entered his room, and Martin nudged Levi to sit on the bed. The mattress dipped softly under him.

Martin flopped down, laying his head on Levi’s thighs.

The weight pressed firm and intimate against Levi’s legs, heat radiating through the fabric, making his muscles tense and his breath hitch.

He stared anywhere but at Martin, cheeks heating, heart thudding erratically.

“Hey, look at me. Are you shy?” Martin asked.

“No.” Levi lied, his voice tight, skin prickling under the scrutiny.

Martin sat up and cupped Levi’s cheeks. They burned red-hot under his palms.

“You are shy.”

“Well, stop looking at me like that.” Levi’s stomach twisted with a mix of nerves and something hungrier—his ears ringing faintly from the proximity.

“Were you thinking about me?” Martin whispered, his breath hot against Levi’s ear, sending shivers racing down his spine.

“No…” Levi managed, throat dry, a traitorous warmth pooling in his core.

“Liar.” Martin smirked.

Levi finally met his gaze.

“That look in your eyes…” Martin traced his jaw, fingers rough and deliberate, igniting sparks across Levi’s skin. “It says otherwise. Did you miss me?”

Levi swallowed hard, throat bobbing, eyes locked as Martin leaned closer.

His heart hammered wildly against his ribs, breaths shallow, every nerve alight with anticipation—a dizzying rush of vulnerability and want coiling tight in his chest.

“Did you?” Martin pressed.

“What does it mean if I do?” Levi whispered back, voice barely steady.

“F+k.” Martin groaned, and crashed their lips together.

Levi’s mind blanked, a rush of heat flooding his veins as Martin’s tongue teased the seam of his mouth.

He parted his lips on instinct, a soft gasp escaping as their tongues met, sending electric tingles straight to his toes.

His hands fisted in Martin’s shirt, pulling him closer, body arching despite the shy hesitation still buzzing in his chest.

Martin groaned into the kiss, one hand sliding from Levi’s jaw to the nape of his neck, fingers threading through his hair and tugging just enough to tilt his head back.

Levi felt exposed, heart slamming so hard it echoed in his ears, skin hypersensitive where Martin’s body pressed flush against his—thighs parting slightly as Martin shifted to straddle him on the bed.

Breaking for air, Martin nipped at Levi’s lower lip, voice husky.

“Tell me you missed this.” His free hand roamed down Levi’s side, thumb brushing the edge of his hipbone through his shirt, igniting sparks that made Levi’s breath stutter.

“Yeah… I did,” he admitted, voice wrecked, fingers trembling as they slipped under Martin’s hem to trace warm skin.

Martin grinned wickedly, capturing his mouth again, deeper this time, while his hand dipped lower, palming Levi through his jeans.

The pressure drew a muffled whimper from Levi, hips bucking involuntarily, pleasure coiling tight and insistent.

Martin pulled back reluctantly, eyes gleaming with possession, but then stood abruptly from the bed, leaving Levi breathless and dazed—the sudden absence of his weight making Levi’s thighs feel oddly cold, his body still humming with unspent heat.

“I want you to break up with your girlfriend,” Martin said flatly, voice edged with something unyielding.

“Why?” Levi blinked up at him, chest heaving, lips swollen and tingling from the kiss.

“Why not? You’re with me already. You don’t have to feel guilty, your girlfriend was planning to cheat on you anyway.”

“What?” Levi’s stomach dropped, a cold shock slamming into him.

His heart stuttered, arousal twisting into nausea as the words sank in.

He sat up straighter, skin prickling with sudden chill despite the flush still staining his cheeks.

“Ask her about it later. She was planning to cheat on you with Sky.” Martin’s tone was casual, almost smug.

Levi froze, breath catching sharp in his throat. Ginger?

“Just stay away from her and cut ties. I’ll get us drinks.” Martin said, leaning down to brush a quick, possessive kiss to Levi’s forehead before walking out.

Levi stared at the empty doorway, whispering to himself.

“Ginger? Really?” His body slumped back against the headboard.

____________
[𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 -8.30 pm]

Ashton pulled to a stop in front of the gate and turned to Rias with a warm smile.

“Hope you enjoyed tonight.”

“Yes, thanks for the date. I really had fun.” She leaned closer, her eyes sparkling.

“Okay, sleep well tonight.”

“I will.” Her voice softened.

He reached out, gently holding her chin, and leaned in. Their lips met in a deep, tender kiss.

She clutched the front of his shirt, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss with a soft sigh as their breaths mingled.

Finally, they eased back, foreheads pressing together, sharing a quiet, electric moment.

“The next time we meet, I’m going to fuck you real hard,” he murmured, voice low and promising.

She bit her lip, a playful spark in her eyes. “I’m expecting that.” She chuckled softly.

She opened the door and stepped out.

“Goodnight.” He waved, and she waved back with a grin.

Ashton drove off, and Rias smiled to herself, heading toward the gate.

“Rias.”

She heard Romeo’s voice. She turned, spotting him stepping out from a black car parked across the street.

Had he been lurking there the whole time?

“Romeo. What are you doing here?” Her tone was flat, already edged with annoyance.

“I was waiting for you to get home. You went out… with Ashton?” His eyes searched hers,.

“Yes. We went on a date.” She kept her gaze cool, uninterested.

“Oh.” He shifted awkwardly.

“Do you need anything? I’m kinda tired.” She crossed her arms, barely hiding her impatience.

“Yeah, I… I also wanted to ask you out on a date.”

She arched a brow, skepticism sharpening her expression. “A date?”

“Yeah, our first official date.” He fidgeted, desperation creeping in.

“Why should we go on a date? It’s not like what’s going on between us is serious, is it? We’re just having fun with each other.” Her words dripped with dismissal, like she was explaining something obvious to a child.

“I know, I just… wanted us to go out.” He looked pleadingly at her.

She folded her arms tighter, rolling her eyes inwardly.

“Wait here,” He said suddenly, jogging back to the car.

What the heck is his problem? Doesn’t he know he has limits to when he can bother me? She muttered to herself, tapping her foot.

He returned, clutching a bouquet of red roses and a small box, beaming like a puppy.

“What are these for?”

“They’re for you. You like red roses, right? I got this gift to ask you out on a date. Please, go out with me?”

She stretched out her hand mechanically, taking the flowers and box. He grinned wider, mistaking it for enthusiasm.

“So, I’ll pick you up tomorrow evening?”

“Sure.” Her voice was monotone, devoid of warmth.

He stepped closer, eyes hopeful. She fixed him with a bored stare. “Anything else?”

“Can I get a hug?”

She said nothing, her lips pressing into a thin line of reluctance. He closed the distance anyway, wrapping his arms around her in a clumsy, too-tight embrace.

She stood rigid, enduring it like an unwelcome chore.

“Goodnight,” he whispered, pulling back slightly to cup her chin. He pressed a quick kiss to her forehead.

“Goodnight,” she replied curtly, turning away and slipping through the gates without a backward glance.

Inside the house, she shut the door firmly.

“Good evening, ma’am Rias,” a maid greeted cheerfully.

“Hold this.” Rias thrust the flowers at her without looking.

She snapped open the box next. A golden heart-shaped necklace gleamed inside, her name ‘RIAS’ carved into the heart. Her lip curled in disgust.

“What should I do with them, ma’am?”The maid hesitated.

Rias paused, her eyes icing over with calculated cruelty.

“Throw them away. Or better still, burn them.”

She shoved the box into the maid’s arms and strode upstairs.

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« 𝐓.𝐁.𝐂 »