The Million Dollar Contract (On Hold)

Chapter 26

26

Ariel woke up with an excruciating headache dominating her head. She blinked open her eyes and raised on her elbows before roaming her squinted eyes around. Her shoulders muscles were packed in tight knots which made her grunt with ache.

She was in their room. She heaved a low, deep sigh before averting her eyes to the other side of the bed. He wasn't there. In fact, he hadn't come, the sheet was uncreased. She blinked thrice in confusion and snapped her head while tossing the duvet. Just as she was about to step down, her eyes flung to the nightstand which had a pill and glass of juice resting.

It must be him, she concluded.

She picked up the pill and swallowed it with the juice. She put the glass back and climbed down the bed, strolling to the bathroom. She did her business, took a shower and donned a bottle-green knee-length dress. She had figured out he liked dark colours on her because whenever she wore such colours, they always got her a different look from him. And more so, he preferred wearing dark colours himself.

Ariel gave herself a last look after drying her hair. A smile crept on her features as she was glowing differently. Her body had told that something had changed last night. She couldn't remember if they had done it yet but knew something had happened between them. Her body felt satisfied and full.

Suddenly, a hot blush fluttered on her cheeks. The pictures she was trying to draw of their lovemaking were stoning her to flush like a newlywed. They indeed were legal spouses but it was still a dream for her. Ariel, then, shook her head to behave and tore the fantasy that was brewing in her head.

While putting on her heels, she noticed there wasn't any ache in her lower-area. Kelly told her the first time was always painful, but there was nothing as such she felt. She felt quite contrary to it in fact.

She stood up and walked out of the room. She climbed down the stairs and headed to the dining table. Just as she entered the room, she found it awfully quiet and empty. Her brows quirked but she didn't let it mar her face for long. She blinked away her awkwardness and walked to the table to settle beside the host chair.

The maids arrived with the food and sprawled out the dishes before her. She gave them a glance while licking her lips. She didn't know whether to ask them about him or not, but before she could decide better, they stepped away and took the corners while looking down. Ariel opened her mouth to question but closed it. She had no idea what to say.

She halfheartedly picked the cutleries and sliced her omelette thinking if she had embarrassed herself last night. Was he avoiding her for some reason? Her heart got heavy and frustration loomed over mind. She couldn't remember the details due to drinking more than she could handle. It was vexing her.

She quietly finished her breakfast and left without speaking a word. The fact her plate was half-filled made the maid frown and look toward the door from where she left. Ariel pulled in a deep breath as she walked aimlessly in the villa. She didn't know where to go and find him. Her eyes darted on the bald man who was guarding near the main front door. She jogged toward him and halted. His eyes flung to her only to cast down.

"Ma'am,"

Ariel blinked at him as she jogged for the words in her mind. "Have you seen my..." She licked her lower-lip, forcing her tongue to work, "...Husband? My husband," it sounded too awkward coming out of her mouth.

"Mr. Maslow left for a meeting a few hours ago," He replied, still not looking at her.

"Oh," Ariel murmured in realisation.

"Did he tell anyone when he will come back?" She asked with a slight tilt.

"No, ma'am," He replied.