C5 Chapter 5: Sudden Changes

I went home in a daze, only to find Hunter in the living room, sipping coffee while reading a book. He was wearing specs, a plain white shirt, and ripped jeans. Looking at him now, I couldn't help but recall what Kimmy had told me earlier.

Who's that woman? The model. His ex-fiancée.

What does she have to do with Hunter's aversion to models?

"Do you want coffee?"

I blinked twice, realizing too late that he had already approached me. I nearly lost my breath and found myself staring at his face.

"A-Ah, no. I just came from a coffee shop," I said, my voice faltering.

"So you just had a coffee date with someone?"

My eyes widened at his words, especially when his once relaxed expression darkened.

"Yeah? With my friend and manager," I answered hesitantly, afraid he'd get angry. He looked like he was about to turn away, but instead, I saw him take a deep breath before glancing back at me.

"Free your schedule tomorrow. You're coming with me to my office."

And that's when I remembered what Kimmy had told me. He personally selected me.

Was this what she meant when she said I'd be working for him?

"Is it true that you personally chose me? Kimmy told me earlier."

"Yeah. You're my wife, so... there's no problem with that, right? Besides, you're qualified for the job."

I don't know why, but something about his words felt like a soft caress against my heart.

No. Cannot be, Dimaria.

"Thank you," I said sincerely as he walked back to the couch.

He raised his head to look at me again, about to say something, when his phone rang. His attention shifted immediately, and I just watched him stand up and answer the call as he headed toward the pool area.

I decided to go upstairs and rest. When I finally felt better, I took a cold shower. After drying my hair, I stepped out of the bathroom in my robe.

But the moment I lifted my gaze toward my bedroom door, I froze.

Hunter was there.

He stood leaning against the wall, hands in his pockets, staring at the floor, lost in thought.

It was too late to retreat because he had already looked up. The realization that I wasn't wearing anything underneath my robe hit me like a punch to the gut. My face burned as he slowly let his gaze trail over me.

Fuck!

I just hope nothing's visible through my robe... but I doubt it. It's made of satin.

I was used to showing off my skin. But with him, somehow, it felt... different.

All my confidence vanished. I just wanted to hide.

He's your husband, Dimaria. No matter how you spin it, there's nothing wrong if he sees you like this.

Even so! We weren't even dating when we got married.

"Good thing you're done. I already cooked us dinner. Would you like to join me?"

I swallowed hard and looked away, my throat suddenly feeling dry. Was he not embarrassed? He seemed unaffected.

Maybe I really had no effect on him.

Or maybe... I just wasn't his type.

"Okay, I'll get changed first," I said, turning my back on him. I grabbed some sleepwear from my closet and began untying my robe, ready to remove it—

Until I glanced at Hunter's direction and caught him still standing there, watching me.

I immediately pulled the robe back together, my eyes widening in shock as I turned back to my closet.

"H-Hunter, I'm changing... get out."

I thought he already left.

"Why can't you do it? I'm your husband."

I bit my lower lip as heat rushed through my body. What the hell?

"We're just married on paper, Hunter."

I heard a small grunt of disapproval. Then, the sound of the door slamming shut.

I sighed.

I felt weak as I gripped the edge of the dresser for support.

How did this happen? Why am I feeling this way?

I shouldn't entertain these thoughts.

C'mon, Dimaria. Not Hunter.

Anyone but Hunter. Even if it's not Meast, just not him.

After changing into simple shorts and a loose shirt, I went downstairs and found Hunter in the kitchen.

He was waiting for me. And when he saw me, he shifted slightly and gestured toward the seat beside him.

I glanced at the food he had prepared. The sight and smell alone made something inside me stir.

A bitter smile almost formed on my lips.

It suddenly hit me—how much time and chances had been wasted between us. Three years.

And yet, he knew nothing about me.

Or maybe... he just never wanted to.

I was just his hostage, after all. He abducted me. Made me his wife.

The memories came rushing back.

I was here to pay for my brother's debt. This was the only thing I could do for Lucifer. But I never thought I'd end up feeling like this.

"What are you waiting for? Eat."

He slid the plate toward me and served me rice and viand.

I watched him do that for me, and something tugged at my heart—tightened it—made it beat faster.

There's always a first time for everything.

And this was the kind of first time I didn't want to waste because I feared it wouldn't happen again.

I closed my eyes for a second and started eating, careful not to show anything.

"How is it?" he asked.

I chewed slowly, forcing a smile while trying to hide the way my lips trembled.

"It's good. Thank you."

He gave me a small smile.

"Good. Finish it. I want my wife to be chubby and healthy."

I barely ate a few bites before something felt off.

My throat. My lips. My head. My entire body.

I stopped chewing, squeezing my eyes shut. My chest rose and fell heavily. I tried to take a deep breath, gripping my spoon tighter.

His phone rang again. He quickly excused himself and left the table.

The moment he was gone, I dropped my spoon and let out a series of coughs I had been holding in.

I was struggling to breathe. My body trembled. I felt an unbearable itch spreading. I reached for my water glass, nearly dropping it.

Gathering all my strength, I ran to my room.

Even as dizziness threatened to take over, even as my vision blurred, I managed to get inside.

Fuck! Where is it?!

With shaking hands, I rummaged through my drawer, searching for my shot. Tears welled in my eyes as I struggled to breathe. I cursed myself for eating the food just because Hunter had cooked it.

The moment I found what I needed, I collapsed to the floor.

Even with my fading vision and weakening body, I managed to grasp the syringe.

I shut my eyes as I injected the epinephrine into me.

Leaning against the edge of my bed, I grabbed my inhaler and took deep breaths, waiting for the shot to take effect.

Tears spilled from my eyes.

The syringe slipped from my fingers, falling beside me.

My other hand, still gripping the inhaler, slowly lowered to the floor.

Did I just risk my life... because it was rare for Hunter to cook and share a meal with me?

How stupid can Dimaria be?

I could've said no. I could've told him the truth.

But I was too afraid to ruin the moment.

I feared it wouldn't happen again.

A deep sigh escaped my lips.

Anaphylaxis.

My severe asthma made me prone to it. A life-threatening allergic reaction.

I tried to dry my tears. Only now did I feel the fear I should've felt earlier.

I realized... yeah, I risked my life.

But is there anyone willing to risk theirs for me?

I heard knocks. I ignored them at first.

Then, I forced myself to move, quickly hiding the used medical supplies.

Even with trembling legs, I managed to stand.

I slowly reached for the doorknob and opened it.

Hunter stood there, brows furrowed.

"You didn't finish your food? I told you to eat a lot. I looked away for a second, and you were already gone."

Inside my mind, I smiled bitterly.

"I'm already full, Hunter. Sorry."

He frowned, disappointment written all over his face before shaking his head in disbelief.

"Okay, I get it. Go to sleep," he said coldly before walking away. I bit my lip and gripped the edge of the bed, stopping myself from falling.

Gosh. Why do I feel so guilty about this? Damn it, Dimaria. What kind of stupidity is happening to you?!

God, I don't want to feel this way. I don't want to admit it. But at this point, I think I'm just one step away from realizing why I'm acting like such a fool right now.

I'm sorry, Hunter. I hope this isn't where your promise to make this marriage work ends.

I'm hoping.

The next morning, Hunter waited for me in silence. Was he mad?

"Are you mad?" I asked once we were inside his car. He ignored me as his phone rang, answering the call immediately. I sighed and turned to look out the window. It was only after he finished the call that he responded.

"No, why?"

I felt slightly relieved.

"It's nothing." Maybe I'll just make it up to him later—I'll invite him to eat out. But I'll make sure we go somewhere that doesn't serve seafood, especially shellfish.

"We're going back to the Philippines this coming Saturday. We just need to finish your photoshoots first. I've already asked Vincyl to take care of the paperwork and your school withdrawal."

My eyes widened as I turned to him.

"We're really going back?"

"Yes. And just like we talked about before, once we get there, you'll continue your studies while working for me. I want you to be my assistant. Since Vincyl will be staying here to manage my branch, I'll need someone with me."

My heart pounded hard.

I'm going to see Lucifer again. I feel like crying.

Will he be mad at me? I don't know how to explain to him that I'm already married. How do I even explain why?

"When we get there, you can tell your brother that we're married," Hunter said, surprising me even more.

"H-Huh? Why?"

"Why not? What's wrong with telling him the truth? I can tell you're struggling to come up with an excuse, so I'm giving you permission to just be honest with him."

"But... you and my brother don't get along, right?"

"That was before. It's been years, Dimaria. And now, you're my wife."

I swallowed hard, staring at him. He wasn't looking at me, but I caught the small smile that formed on his lips before he turned to gaze out the window. Then, he looked back at me.

"Do you think your brother will like me for you?"

"H-Huh?" My heartbeat grew even louder at his words.

He let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head before biting his lower lip and looking away.

"Even if he doesn't, I won't let him ruin us. I won't let him separate us if he tries."

What... what is he saying?

"Will you fight?"

"H-Huh?" I could only stammer like a fool.

"I mean, would you fight for me? For this marriage? Would you be willing to do whatever it takes to keep us together?"

Why is he asking me this?

"I wonder how far you'd go for this marriage. I'm curious," he said in a quiet but serious voice.

"And you? What would you do for me? For our marriage?"

He didn't answer right away. He stared ahead for a moment before leaning back in his seat, still not sparing me a glance.

"Everything," he replied in a low voice.

I wanted to focus on the darkness in his tone, but my heart was already too warm from what he said, shutting out any other emotions I might have felt.

Everything?

Why?

. . .