Chapter 10: Twing of Jealousy
Bella arrived at the club, her steps faltering as memories flooded back. This was the place where Mr. Cooper had tried to violate her, and where she had first encountered Theodore. Now, through a twisted game of fate, she found herself married to him.
"It’s only on the papers," she reminded herself. Shrugging, she stepped into the private chamber.
Theodore lay sprawled on the plush sofa, his eyes closed. His tailored coat hung discarded over the armrest, his tie hung loosely around his neck, and the top two buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing a glimpse of his chest. A few unruly locks of hair fell onto his forehead, adding to his disheveled look.
This clumsy appearance was a stark contrast to the immaculate, sophisticated man she had seen in the morning. Theodore looked almost boyish, stripped of his usual commanding presence, and Bella couldn’t help but stare at him in a daze.
"Mrs. Reid, you are finally here." Skyler approached her with an air of impatience.
Bella bristled. "Could you please not call me Mrs. Reid?"
"Why not? You are married to my boss, aren’t you?" Skyler raised his eyebrows, his curiosity piqued.
"Our marriage is temporary," she reminded him firmly. "More precisely, only on paper. We are not like normal husbands and wives. Call me Bella, okay?"
"Huh!" Skyler scoffed, a haughty amusement flickering in his eyes. "Many women would jump at the chance to marry him, even if it’s only on paper. And you, despite being legally his wife, don’t want the title. Seems you think awfully highly of yourself. Anyway..."
He tossed the car key towards her, startling her with the sudden movement. She fumbled but managed to catch it. "I have some important things to do. Drive him home safely." He started to leave but then turned back, a sly look creeping onto his face. "You can drive, can’t you?"
Indignation burned in Bella’s chest. Who did he think he was? He was just an assistant, while she was Theodore’s wife, even if only for a year. If she exercised her full rights, she could reprimand him for his disrespect.
"Skyler, watch your tone. I am your boss’ wife."