Alisha’s POV
As Archie's words hung in the air, a flicker of surprise coursed through me. I instinctively lifted my gaze, meeting Shaunda's eyes that held a watchful intent. She was indeed observing every nuance between Archie and me, seeking solace in the harmony she wished for her grandson and me. In that fleeting moment, I hurried to pretend to have a good relationship with Archie in front of her, offering a smile to reassure her. Shaunda also smiled behind the desk. On her desk, I saw a glowing red stone covered with strange patterns and inscriptions. I recognized it immediately, a moonstone, to be precise. It possessed magical powers and, when combined with the incantations inscribed on the walls of the study, could allow Shaunda's thoughts and words from her mind to be vocalized in the real world.
Then Archie held me close, his grip was purposeful, a choreographed display of affection meant to soothe Shaunda's concerns. I also wore a smile, intentionally showing affection as we approached Shaunda. We were a portrait of harmony, a united front in the presence of our beloved elder.
Shaunda's voice, tender and apologetic, reached my ears, her words dispelling my lingering unease. "Alisha, Archie was in the wrong just now. Don't be upset. I've scolded him. He knows he messed up and said he wants to apologize to you."
I was surprised to hear that. Archie was actually going to apologize? I regarded Shaunda, her gaze brimming with the tenderness of a matriarch who only wished for happiness within her family. Then I shifted my attention to Archie, meeting his eyes that seemed uncharacteristically unsettled. His right hand clenched near his mouth, and with a subtle clearing of his throat, he turned his head slightly to the side, and then hesitated before finally uttering a few soft words.
My brows furrowed slightly; his words were a mere whisper, too low to decipher. An innate curiosity welled within me, compelling me to seek clarity. "What?" I inquired, my voice gentle yet eager. The air hung with expectancy, as if the universe itself held its breath.
In response to my query, Archie's lips pressed together, a signal that he was about to repeat his words. His mouth parted, and this time, his apology emerged more audibly, carried on the currents of that gentle breeze. "I'm sorry."
The words hung in the air, a moment suspended in time. This was the first time Archie apologized to me.
I couldn't help but widen my eyes, hardly believing it – Archie was actually willing to apologize to me. A surge of astonishment swept through me, a sensation akin to witnessing a rare comet streaking across the sky. While I understood that he might not genuinely want to apologize, and he was likely doing it under Shaunda's influence, still, the fact that I managed to make the arrogant Archie bow his head and apologize made me quite happy.
Yet, having this opportunity, I wasn't about to let Archie off too easily. With a mischievous smile playing on my lips, I decided to relish the moment, savoring the satisfaction it brought, "What did you say just? I didn't hear clearly. How can a grown man like you have such a soft voice when you speak?"
Archie lowered his head. His features, once composed, furrowed in response to my playful yet pointed words, and his eyes met mine, a silent warning concealed within their depths. It was as if he were telegraphing me stop right now. However, with Shaunda's watchful gaze upon us, I wasn't afraid of him at all. Raising an eyebrow, my expression held steady, unfazed by the storm brewing within him. It was a game between us, played out under Shaunda's observant eyes. My lips curved into a defiant smile, a sign that I was not prepared to falter. I was confident that Archie wouldn't dare refuse me in front of Shaunda. This was my chance to challenge his arrogance.
Therefore, I teased him further, reveling in the lightness of the moment. "It's quite the departure from your usual decibel level. Why do you turn so shy suddenly?"
Shaunda, it seemed, sensed the lighthearted undertone in my words. Her melodious voice chimed in, imbued with a touch of amusement, "Alisha is right. Archie, your voice was barely a whisper. I couldn't catch what you said either."
As if roused by Shaunda's comment, Archie took a measured breath, his resolve evident in the set of his shoulders. He turned his attention to me, and then delivered his apology loudly, "I'm sorry! Did you hear that this time?" Archie's response echoed through the room, a blend of exasperation and resolve. He inhaled deeply, his chest rising with the breath of his proclamation.
A sense of achievement unfurled within me, much like the first bloom of a delicate flower. I met his begrudging tone with a contented smile, am playful glint in my eyes. Although I wanted to laugh loudly and mock him, considering Shaunda was here, I responded with a measured tone to “teach” him, "Archie, I am so proud that you can recognize your mistake."
Archie's eyes, usually intense but cold, now seemed to smolder with a barely-contained blaze as my words hit their mark. I even could feel the ripple of tension charged the air, making it nearly crackle.
Shaunda's melodious chuckle sounded, "Alisha," she chimed in, her voice a soothing balm, "I know Archie can be hot-tempered at times. If he ever upsets you or makes you angry, come to me. I'll ensure he learns his lesson and tenders an apology. After all, marriage is about patience and understanding with each other, even in the face of challenges. It's what will sustain you in the long journey ahead."
Hearing Shaunda's words, a pang of sadness struck me. Shaunda had always stood firmly by my side, believing that I could become an excellent Luna and spend my life with Archie. But I'm sorry, I couldn't fulfill her wish. Despite the impending divorce, I didn't want to worry Shaunda at this moment. As gratitude mingled with sorrow, I couldn't find my voice to respond. So, I offered a gentle smile, a mask that concealed the tempest within.
As Shaunda spoke, Archie's arm around my waist tightened, almost imperceptibly. His voice, when he spoke, seemed to flow with a calculated fluidity. "Rest assured, Shaunda. Alisha and I share a remarkable rapport. She takes care of me meticulously, from preparing my meals to selecting my attire. In fact, it's a source of true happiness for me." when I wondered why he suddenly say these sweety words, Archie slowly lowered his head to kiss me. He was deliberately doing this, seeking revenge for my making him apologize just now! In normal circumstances, I would have refused this jerk outright, but now, in front of Shaunda, I had to play along and act like an affectionate wife.
So, as he drew me into that kiss, I reciprocated with the appearance of genuine response. While cursing Archie in my mind a hundred times, I planned to let our lips barely touch and then quickly end the kiss, yet, Archie was not one to yield. His hand cupped my head, urging the kiss to deepen beyond my intentions. I could taste his satisfaction, a flavor mingling with the growing discomfort within me. There was no doubt – he was intentionally pushing boundaries, exploiting the constraints of our public display. Seeing the triumphant gleam in his eyes, I decided to teach him a lesson, a vindictive grin curling on my lips as I bit down on his lower lip hardly!