After dinner, Brianna stayed in the study, sketching the new designs. She felt motivated after listening to Alex's advice. As she lay down in bed later that night, she thought about her plans for the future.
I need to make good use of this opportunity. With the support of The Anderson Corporation, I shall build my reputation, become financially independent as soon as possible, buy my own house, have my own studio and take mum home.
The next morning, Brianna got up early and gave Scott a quick call, asking if he would like her to cook breakfast for him. Scott muttered a sound like a brief and cold ‘hmm' and hung up.
Hmm? What does that mean? He doesn't change. Brianna thought and rolled her eyes. Then, she went down to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
Just as it was ready, Scott came into the dining room. Brianna took a glance at him, and without a word, she dug in. Scott frowned and asked, "Didn't you prepare it for me? And you are not even sharing now?"
"Well, you didn't say ‘yes' on the phone." Brianna shrugged her shoulders.
"Why are you still wearing the apron? Can't you wear something nicer? It spoils my appetite." Scott said as he grabbed Brianna off the chair and pushed her towards the stairs, while he quickly sat down and had a big bite of the sandwich.
Brianna pouted her lips and tried to snatch the sandwich off Scott's hand, but Scott grabbed her wrist swiftly and held it still. "You want to have a bite?" He asked cheekily.
Brianna nodded, "Of course. I made it."
Scott lifted his chin up and offered his lips. "Kiss me first."
Brianna hesitated, then instead of pecking a kiss on his lips, she bit them, though gently. Scott responded with a cheeky smile and whispered into her ear, "I bet you fantasized about me in bed last night."
Brianna opened her eyes wide and blushed bashfully. Scott released her. He sliced the sandwich into halves and gave Brianna half.
After breakfast, Scott went for a shower, and Brianna got changed for work. Just as she got ready and walked out of her room, Scott was just about to walk past her room. The two looked at each other and were both surprised to see that they had chosen their attire of the same color.
Scott lifted his brows and winked at her. "Nice choice."
"I don't really like..." Brianna was thinking of changing her clothes, then she recalled what Alex had said and gone on, "Right. Well, I'm Mrs. Anderson. I'm learning from my wonderful husband." She smiled at him.
To her surprise, Scott responded with a gentle smile.
Hmm. He seems to be in a good mood today. Well, that's good for me. Alex is right. If I rebel, I won't gain anything. Why don't I go on pleasing him at least till I gain my own independence? Brianna thought to herself.
On the way to work, Scott sat in the car with his eyes closed. He seemed tired.
He was probably out drinking at the club all night last night. Brianna guessed. She moved over closer to him and massaged his neck and shoulder gently.
Scott took out a new iPhone from his pocket and handed it to Brianna. It was only till then did Brianna recall that she didn't have her phone anymore. "Thanks." She said softly.
Scott wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her over on his lap. He gazed at Brianna, intending to kiss her, but then, he didn't. Brianna met his gaze and understood what he was thinking. Proud as usual! She thought, then she kissed him gently. She wanted to play it slowly. Let's see who has more patience.
However, before long, Scott was tired of her less passionate kiss, and he put a hand behind her head while holding her waist with the other hand, he started kissing her with intensity and eagerness. He didn't release her till he realized that he was about to lose control.
Brianna sat up and breathed heavily. Scott tapped his shoulder. "Huh?" Brianna was confused.
Scott gave her an impatient look and said nothing. Tentatively, Brianna rested her head on his shoulder. Pleased, Scott put his arm around her waist, and so Brianna moved closer to him. Feeling secured and content, Brianna soon dozed off.
Scott watched her quietly and stroked her pointed nose gently. He took a look at the corner of her left eye again, but this time he didn't feel disappointed. She's not my little angel, but I feel good with her around me now. He thought.
When they got to the office building, Brianna was about to walk to the lift for the staff, but Scott beckoned her.
"Yes?" Brianna asked.
"Come with me," Scott said. "In the same lift."
"Huh? But I thought you wanted to keep it a secret..."
"Who doesn't know you are Mrs. Anderson now?"
"True. But, I..."
Scott knitted his brows, and Brianna said nothing more but followed him into the lift.
The staff greeted them courteously, "Good morning, Mr. Anderson. Good morning, Mrs. Anderson."
As usual, Scott marched by with his distinct air of authority without taking a look at anyone. Brianna followed him anxiously, finding it awkward to be addressed as Mrs. Anderson with such courtesy.
Sensitive as she was, she could hear some girls murmuring. "The Cinderella has finally found her shoe!"
"She's too lucky. She got Rare Gem to apologize to her publicly."
"I heard that Sally Streep of Streep Crystal is her client now!"
There was obvious sarcasm, bitterness, and jealousy in their comments. Brianna realized that even if Scott and Sally acknowledged her talent in design, she still needed to work harder to win people's trust with her artwork.
Since the Rare Gem copycat incident, Brianna had gained some reputation in Las Vegas, which would help her get more clients. Moreover, she had gained the trust and support of Sally Streep, one of the best known and most successful women in the jewelry design industry. Surely, she had had a good start. And she understood that it was all because of Scott and The Anderson Corporation.