KIA
When we got home, he didn't really talk to me or ask about my day. He barely even glanced in my direction. I couldn't help but wonder what might be bothering him. It's starting to weigh on me, and maybe I should talk to him about it. But first, I need to take a shower. I still feel like Vincent's touch lingers on my body. So, I headed straight to the bathroom to freshen up.
As I showered, my mind was inundated with random thoughts, running incessantly even though I didn't consciously summon them. I found myself grappling with numerous questions. Why is it that the people you love sometimes destroy your trust, only to later crave its restoration when you've already started healing and moving forward with your life? Do they derive pleasure from disturbing your peace of mind? How can they claim to love you when they didn't consider the pain they'd inflict? Or maybe he never truly loved me, and he derived satisfaction from my suffering, not wanting me to find happiness elsewhere.
I don't know; my mind is filled with so many uncertainties.
While I lathered my body, I caught sight of the bracelet I had purchased recently. Guilt washed over me as I thought of someone else while Ares has been there for me through thick and thin. I shouldn't have to beg for the bare minimum because he naturally provides me with the love and care I deserve. He truly sets the standard.
But I can't help but wonder, do I genuinely deserve him? Do I merit someone who makes me feel cherished and consistently prioritizes me? Will I regret it if I continue to keep my distance from him after two years of living like a real husband and wife? Is he sincere in his actions, or is he merely playing the role of my husband because of our agreement?
It feels like with each passing day, my feelings for him grow stronger, yet I'm afraid to admit them. I'm terrified of the pain I might experience if I do.
I took a deep breath and continued to wash my skin. After finishing my bath, I heard the sound of chopping coming from the kitchen. Is he preparing dinner?
I made my way to the kitchen, taking cautious steps. As I observed him from behind, I noticed the seriousness in his demeanor. Is he chopping onions or is he chopping something else? Is he still upset about what happened earlier? I should probably explain things to him.
I slowly approached him and called his name, "Ares... Ares?"
He turned to me, tears in his eyes. "What's up?" he asked, wiping away his tears.
I couldn't close my eyes; they remained wide open, feeling as if the world was crumbling around me. I was completely paralyzed. But in an instant, I snapped back to reality and rushed to his side, gently wiping his tears away.
"I'm so sorry, hon. I know you're upset about my ex-fiancé, but... but you don't need to cry, okay? Baby, don't cry..." I said as I held him tightly. My own eyes welled up, and I fought to hold back tears.
"Hon..."
"I know... I know, I'm so sorry, hon-"
"I'm not crying because of your ex-fiancé! And it's not because of the gossip about you and Nathan Zac Ramirez! The onion is making my eyes sting! I'm not angry!" He exclaimed, sounding like a child throwing a tantrum.
"Oh! I thought... Never mind," I felt incredibly embarrassed by my previous assumption and attempted to escape the awkward moment, but he suddenly grabbed my hand.
"Did you just call me baby?" he inquired, curiosity evident in his tone.
"Did I? I don't know... Oh yeah, I did, because I thought you were upset about those things," I sighed deeply, and he stared at me intensely. What's his deal?
"Uh-huh... But our usual endearment is 'hon.' Who is 'baby'?"
Oh no! What's happening? Can someone rescue me from this line of questioning?
"Who else? Of course, it's you!" I replied.
His raised eyebrows indicated that he wasn't entirely satisfied with my answer. "But you haven't called me 'baby' since we decided to live together. This is the first time in the history of our relationship. You've always addressed me as 'hon' or 'Ares,' but never 'baby'! Do you have someone else? Don't you like me anymore? I thought I was your type in guys... I want to hear it more!"
"What?" he asked, his expression like that of a sulking child.
His adorable plea was impossible to resist. I couldn't help but smile at him as he begged, "Alright, fine, I'll say it again, my dear."
"Just once more, please!"
"Later, if you cook something delicious tonight-"
"No! I want to hear it now. Please, my love..."
I took a deep breath and gently tapped his forehead, "Darling... Okay, I'm done! Are you still upset?"
"Yes! Humph! My eyes are swollen, and you didn't even ask why I was acting differently. You waited until I cried! Naughty, Kianna!" He turned his head away while still pouting.
His cuteness was indescribable!
I held his face, bringing it close to mine so that we were practically nose to nose. I could hear his deep breathing. Was he nervous? I wasn't sure, but his face was gradually turning red, as if he had a fever. Our eyes met, and I closed mine before leaning in to kiss him. His lips were slightly to the left, and his nose lightly brushed against mine, almost causing me to miss our connection. Despite his closed eyes, he could still hear the sound of my smile as I adjusted my position and tilted my head, allowing our lips to finally meet with delight. With each exhale, my breath tickled his nostrils, making him laugh, which in turn made me laugh too. I playfully nibbled on the tip of his nose and kissed it. As he pulled back bashfully and opened his eyes to look at me, they sparkled.
"Honey, how about joining me for a bath?" he suggested, his eyes hungry like wolves ready to devour me.
"Oh, but I just showered. I can't..."
"I'm not easily appeased. You'll have to make it up to me."
"But we haven't even had dinner yet!"
He slowly inserted his hand into my back and unhooked my bra using just one hand. "Ares! Stop it!"
"Make me..." he whispered through my ear.