I watched as Rhett performed his magic in the kitchen. The meal was finally ready and we sat down to eat. It tasted really good, I consumed every bite with pleasure as the flavors danced on my tongue.
“This tastes so good,” I complimented him as I nodded my head in approval and he smiled.
When we finished eating, he insisted on washing the dishes and I sluggishly obliged, withdrawing to the living room to watch TV. When he finished, he came to the living room and took me by the hand.
“Follow me,” he said with a serious look on his face.
I followed in surprise, curious about where we were heading to.
He led me through the mansion, our footsteps echoing on the floors until we reached a door and stopped. He turned to face me, and I looked at him, confused about where we were.
He opened the door. “This is your bedroom,” he said, letting go of my hands and walking inside.
I halted at the door, my eyes wide open with shock. I didn’t see this particular bedroom when I was previously having my tour, but this one was massive, far larger than my entire house.
The decor was fancy, with fine carpets, beautiful patterned wallpaper and elegant furnishings.
I stood there in awe until Rhett called my name, snapping me out of my daze.
“Yes-yes?” I staggered inside the room, still in shock.
“Isn’t this like the master bedroom?” I asked, still in awe at the splendor of the room.
Rhett laughed. “Yeah, it is, and you’ll be sleeping here,” he said, with a playful expression.
“Wait… then what about you? You’re the one supposed to sleep here,” I asked, completely bewildered as I looked at him.
Rhett laughed. “I’ll sleep with you, of course,” he teased with a playful smile on his face.
I gave him a stern look. “You’re not funny,” I said in a serious tone.
He cleared his throat and put on a serious face. He then led me to the main door entrance and motioned for me to place my finger on a small panel.
“Insert your fingerprint,” he instructed.
I was still confused by his actions but I did as he asked. Rhett then led me back to the living room, making his announcement.
“I’ll be leaving the house to you, he said, his eyes serious. “I know you wouldn’t be comfortable with me here, and I want you to feel at home. You do not have to do anything. I’ve already informed my staff, and they’ll be here to take care of you.”
Rhett was about to lead me by the hands again when I stopped him.
“Wait, this is your house,” I said, my eyes locked with his. “You do not have to do this. I can’t just take over your home like that. Besides, where will you stay?”
Rhett shook his head, his expression gentle. “It’s fine, Laurel, he said softly. “I want you to feel comfortable and safe here. I’ll be just fine at the Opulentia Hotel. My family owns it after all.”
He led me to the kitchen, his hand still holding mine.
“I’ve stocked up everything you might need,” he said, opening the cabinets to reveal an impressive array of food and cooking supplies. “Just tell my staff whatever you’d like to eat, and they’ll be at your service.”
He turned to face me. “I’ve already arranged some clothes for you in the dressing room,” he continued. “Everything you’d need for your stay here is provided.”
I looked around the kitchen, still trying to wrap my head around Rhett’s generosity. I felt a strange mix of gratitude and unease.
“Thank you, Rhett,” I said, my voice still uncertain. “I appreciate everything you’re doing, but I still feel like I’m intruding.”
“Don’t worry about me, Laurel. “Rhett replied, a small smile playing on his lips. “I’ll be well taken care of at the hotel. And besides, you’re just staying here alone for the time being. I’ll move back in as stated in the contract when I’m certain you’re comfortable enough with me.” He said, his voice reassuring.
I nodded, finally giving in. As he approached the door, he suddenly paused, turning back to face me.
“Oh, one last thing,” he said, a thoughtful look on his face. “How about you take a day off work tomorrow? You can just call in sick or something.”
I looked at him, puzzled. “Why?” I asked, genuinely confused.
“I think it’d be better if we take a few pictures like a couple. I’ll arrange for the paparazzi to follow us around, as we’ll need to convince the media that our marriage is real,” he explained.
“And after that,” he added, his eyes locked with mine, “we’ll go visit my parents.”
My eyes widened at the statement.
“Your-your parents?” I stammered, suddenly feeling nervous.
“Yes,” Rhett said, his expression still enthusiastic. “I’m the only son of the Opulentia group, and it’s important that I let my parents know about our marriage.” He explained.
“If they find out first through the media, they’d kill me.” He said jokingly. “Don’t you worry, they’d be so happy to see you.”
I looked down, a worried smile forming on my lips.
“How about when the contract ends though? What will you do? It’s just for six months you know,” I asked, a note of hesitation in my voice.
“I’ll deal with that when the time comes.” He said with a confident voice. “But if it’s not okay with you, we can just skip meeting my parents.” He quickly added.
“No, no. It’s okay. I’d love to meet them too.” I said to him, my voice gaining back strength.
“Hand me your phone. I’ll add my number to your emergency list.” He said as he extended his hand to me.
I handed my phone to him, and he quickly saved up his number as I didn’t do it previously, and added it to my emergency list.
“I have strong security here, so I’m sure you’ll be safe but just call me if anything happens” He said before stepping out of the door.
“Thank you so much,” I said after him as he nodded and shut the door.
Then with a sigh, I withdrew to my bedroom, admiring my new home. I freshened up and sent my boss a quick message, informing her about my day off the next day. I then crawled into bed, as exhaustion took hold and I drifted off to sleep, thinking about the next day and how it would be.