Emancipation

three

After having breakfast, James said that we had to be somewhere. What I didn't know was that he was talking about taking me to a jewellery store. I am staring at the neck pieces in front of me in complete awe while he stands behind me, talking to someone on the phone.

When he hangs up, I turn around, "Why are we here?" I ask and he smiles.

He really smiles. God! It literally knocks the breath out of me as I blink at him but he looks amused and I haven't ever seen him smile like that. He's so undeniably handsome, and he should probably smile more.

"Pick one." He says and I stare at his mouth.

"What?" I ask, forcing my eyes up to his.

"Pick anything you like, it's a gift from me. I just sealed a really great business deal, so I am happy about it." He explains and that also tells me the reason behind his smile.

So, business is the way to that. Alright. I turn around and look at the small tags by every jewellery's side. It's a price tag and I shake my head, looking at those gorgeous pieces. I move further and I can feel James behind me.

When we come to a halt, I am staring at pendant sets. Because they look hell less cheaper than those necklaces, but still hella expensive. My eyes focus down on a specific one, it's a rose shaped pedant, with diamonds studded in the centre with the utmost delicacy.

"We'll have that one, please." I hear James say behind me and when I look up, I realise that while I was staring at the pendant, he was watching at me.

"You don't have to buy me anything, you know." I say, my voice low but he just chooses to avoid me.

When the pendant is put in front of me and I pick it up in my hands, it's even more beautiful close up. I am honestly in awe of it. I love roses, but the fact that I am allergic to them doesn't let me near one. But this way, I can have one right with me.

"Here, let me put it on." James takes the piece from my hand, brushing his fingers against mine.

I don't say anything, just put my hair on one side of the shoulder. James clasps the necklace and I don't even feel his touch during the process.

"Thank you, so much." I say and he gives me a tight lipped smile.

After James makes the payment by his card, we exit the store but he immediately catches his hand in mine, making me stop in my tracks. I look around and notice a man with a camera and immediately understand his action, not saying a word as he opens the car door for me.

"Do you have anything in mind that you would like to do?" He asks once we are on the road and I rack my brain to come up with anything.

"Just walk on the streets of Paris, but I can't imagine you doing that. Maybe tomorrow, I can get some time out alone." I say and he looks at me briefly.

"I'll go with you. I don't want people getting the wrong idea." He tells me and I face him.

But it's something I always imagined doing by myself. Well, that's a lie. I imagined holding my lover's hand but he's not my lover. He's my husband. Big difference.

"Or we could just stay in the hotel room." I sigh and he narrows his eyes.

"People on their honeymoon don't go to another country to stay in a hotel room." He says.

"Actually, that's precisely why they go to another country. Because they want the peace from the outside world and spend some time with their partner alone in a hotel room." I comment and his jaw twitches.

He's mad. I bite my tongue for being a smartass in front of him. He hates it when I argue or try to demean him, in anyway. I've known it since as long as we've met.