Temptations

30. HIT A NERVE

ELLIE

To avoid having to talk with my dear husband, I spent the rest of time on my phone while waiting for the food. A few times, I saw him eyeing me carefully but I chose to not give him much importance, something that definitely ticked him, not that I care.

Finally, the waiter came and placed our respective plates in front of us.

"So how is your first day going?" He asked while I was taking my first bite.

"Not bad." I said, not sure why he was interested in my day. "I found a friend in that department so it's all good." I continued.

"Friend?" He raised his eyebrow, putting his spoon down.

"Yep." I said and took a bite.

"Is your friend by any chance," he took a brief pause. "A male?"

What's that I hear in his voice? Is that... Jealousy? Don't be stupid, Ellie. Why would he be jealous?

"Why do you care?" I asked with a bored expression.

"It's not a good look on me that my wife is enjoying company of other men a week after our marriage." He said and my jaw stiffened.

"You know what's not a good look on you? This off and on misogyny of yours. I'm not an object that you can mould according to your choice. It's my choice who I interact with." I huffed loudly.

"I have a reputation of being possessive the last time I was married. I have to maintain that reputation." He reasoned.

"Everyone knows your last marriage ended in shambles. I'm sure your reputation could use an upgrade." I replied and his nostrils flared.

"Finish your meal so we can leave. I'm not hungry anymore." He clenched his teeth and then spoke rudely.

"Seems like I've struck a nerve." I said.

"You know what? It's my fault. I asked you to come." He said in an annoyed voice.

Suddenly, I realized I've been too harsh on him since the morning. He asked me out on lunch and I've been pretending to be disinterested since then. And the last comment was uncalled for. I should have kept my mouth shut.

"I'm sorry." I said, swallowing my pride. He lifted his head and assessed my face as I bit my lips. "But I'll be straight with you. Just because we are married doesn't mean you can intervene in my work."

"So about this friend..."

"Ugh, she is a woman. A married woman." I groaned. A satisfied smile appeared on his face and he went back to eating. "Thank God you're not my real husband." I said.

"The feeling is mutual, my love." He said, showing his irresistible smirk.

......

The rest of my day went uneventful and in the evening, Nathan drove me home. As soon as I entered inside, Aria ran towards us and for the first time since we met, she hugged me before she hugged her father.

I picked her up while Nathan stared at us with gaping mouth. I smirked at him and walked inside.

"How was your day?" I asked while I walked over to the couch and put her down.

"It was good. It was Jennifer's birthday today and she brought chocolates for everyone." She said excitedly.

"Wow." I exaggerated my interest in her story. "What else did you do all day?"

"I had piano class. Then, Grandma took me to her friend's house where I played with the babies. And then Kelly made me pancakes. And then we watched cartoons." She counted on her fingers.

"Sounds like somebody had a busy day." Nathan intervened as he turned Aria's face to herself.

Jelly much?

"Yes." She said briefly and then turned to me again. "I got a star on my homework. Teacher said my hand... hand... handwriting is really good."

"Wow." I exclaimed. "Our Aria is so smart. I'm really proud of you."

"Thanks, Mama." She said and then yawned.

"Are you sleepy?" I asked.

"No." She said and rubbed her eyes, that were dripping with sleep.

"Um... Why don't you take a nap while Daddy and I freshen up?" I suggested.

"Okay." She said while stifling another yawn.

I motioned Kelly to take her and get her to sleep. Once Aria had left, I turned to Nathan who was once again spewing heated glances towards me.

"What?" I asked.

"My daughter likes you more than she likes me." He seethed.

"Not my fault." I shrugged and stood up.

I rushed to the bathroom to take a quick bath and get out of these fitted clothes. My go-to outfit at home was a comfortable co-ord set that could also be used as a nightwear when I'm too lazy to change.

When I went back from bathroom, Nathan had already changed out of his suit and was now lying on the bed.

"Dinner?" I asked.

"I'm not hungry." He said while scrolling his phone.

Shrugging, I went to the kitchen and made a quick grilled cheese sandwich for myself. There was pasta in the pan but I wasn't that hungry. After quickly finishing the sandwich, I went to the kitchen again to make coffee.

"May I help you, madam?" The cook asked but I refused. I liked doing things myself, specially tasks as small as making a cup of coffee.

While taking the milk out of the refrigerator, my mind went to Nathan and I decided to make him a cup too. He could use a freshly brewed cup of coffee to wash away his exhaustion.

When he saw me bringing two cups in the room, his eyes lingered on the tray. "Is that for me?" He asked.

"No, I drink two cups at night." I rolled my eyes sarcastically and handed a cup to him. I then sat down on the other side of bed and cozied myself under the blanket.

"Why?" He asked in confusion.

"Can't I be nice for no reason?" I asked and he shook his head in no. "The milk was going to be expired soon. That's why." I retorted, furrowing my brows. It was a lie but he didn't need to know that.

"Knew it." He said and I cursed myself for attempting to be nice towards him. He didn't deserve it.

After doing all my bedtime routine, I made my way to have a look at Aria. She was sleeping peacefully, hugging her toys while her blonde hair was sprawled all over her pink bedspread. Kelly was sleeping in the adjoining room so I didn't disturb her and lay down beside Aria for a brief time.

She nuzzled in her sleep and extended her hand towards my face. "Mommy."

"Yes babygirl." I patted her back and cuddled her back to sleep.

At least something good came out of this marriage.

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