"That awkward moment when you were alone with him, and your tongue and brain froze. All you did was stare at him." - sweetdreamer33

So, this is her talent.

I felt elated knowing this information about Elena. Finally, I got deeper into her. She always kept herself a close book, denying me of any of her personal details. Small information like this, became vital.

I turned the pages of her sketchbook, studying the designs. I was not very familiar with the female fashion and clothing, but I could see that she had the talent. I was quite impressed and proud of her.

I knew there was something more about Elena. She might have projected as an airhead spoiled brat billionaire heiress that all she cared about was shopping, but I knew, deep inside that facade, she was a determined, strong and confident woman who knew what she wanted in life.

My attraction for her intensified knowing that she was not only beautiful outside, but a talented woman. I could not help but anticipate what else I would discover about her. She was like a mystery book, every day was like a page that I'd turn to unveil her true identity.

Yeah, she intrigued me, making me so hooked on her. It was something that I never felt with any woman ever before. The urge to get to know more about her was unstoppable.

Slowly, I was taking it one day at a time with Elena. Because I believed, patience is a virtue, not to be forced, so the outcome would be more fulfilling.

I could have asked my private investigator to gather information about her, but I would not. She was not just any woman, she was my wife. I would not be pleased if the situation was reversed. I chose to get to know her more as days passed by. Nothing to hurry, we have our lifetime to do that. Besides, it would save us from getting bored with each other, because every discovery about us would be more fulfilling.

These past few days, I had a suspicion that she'd never been to Singapore. She did not know anything about Singapore except for the tale of Merlion, that mom said she told her. She could not even pronounce the Changi Airpot, or remember the famous landmark Gardens by the Bay. She stammered when I asked where her alma mater's address was, or where she used to live.

These things, I have to decipher. But slowly. In time, I'll find out.

"As my wife, she gets half of my wealth. All she has to do is tell me. I'll support her all the way," Adonis said.

"You're a very lucky girl," Kimberly turned to me, "nothing will stop you now from creating your designs."

"Yeah, of course," I replied, with a smile that did not reach my eyes.

Adonis' words were empty promises. If only Kimberly knew that ours was a marriage of convenience, contracted for the reason of personal gain by grandpa and Adonis - to unite two families to gain more wealth and power. He would never share his wealth to me, a wife whom he had no love, commitment and trust.

"We're going out for dinner, to this new local restobar. It's beautiful there, the food are so delicious, you'll get to taste authentic Singaporean dishes, and experience the culture through the music..." Peter was telling us the food, which Adonis responded, with knowledge about international ingredients.

"It's just across us, so we'll have to walk to go there," Kimberly said to me, "and it's not a fancy place, we don't have to change."

"Great," I nodded, smiling. I was relieved because I had no other dress to wear.

"We still have two hours left before dinner," Peter said after checking his watch, "how about we'll take a rest first?"

"That sounds good," Adonis replied, leaning his back against the rattan armchair.

"We'll be needing our energy later, for dancing and singing," Kimberly giggled, then stood up, leaving with her husband.

The Changli's left and I was alone at the patio with Adonis.

Awkward.

His eyes were riveted at me, watching me like a hawk.

What are you going to do now Elena? He's cornering you.

Either run like a scared rabbit, as you did earlier in the pool... Or you want to rectify the situation and face him bravely. Stop being a coward. You want to play it smooth, by acting cool, so it's your chance to show him.

I chose the latter.

"It's okay, you can leave," I said then took my sketchpad from the coffee table, opening an empty page to start a new sketch.

He shook his head, still watching me, "I'd rather stay. I like the view from here."

Briefly, I turned to the beach shore behind me, then nodded at him, "yeah, it's so beautiful here."

I felt myself melting from his gaze, raking from my face, traveling down my body, then back at my eyes. My goodness. Why did he have such seductive eyes?

"Stop looking at me like that," I scolded him.

He chuckled, "like what?"

Like you're going to kiss me... savor me... and make me scream with wanting.

Of course, I could not tell him that. What if I was only imagining things and reading his expression wrongly? He would probably laugh at me and splash me with holy water.

"Like I stole your wallet," I answered.

"My wallet?" He asked, then suddenly roared into laughter.

"Trust me, that's too far from what I had in mind," he moved closer to me, leaning his elbows against his knees, "you have an amazing talent. I'm impressed. How long have you worked on your designs?"

I still hesitated, but decided to tell him a little.

"For a year. I already sold some of those online."

He looked surprised, "so you have an online shop."

"Yeah, but I'm not going to tell you more about it. Personal questions are off-limits," I reminded him.

"Ah- so we're still not going there, huh?"

"Definitely. Nothing changes."

"Even after our kiss earlier?"

"What kiss?"

"Seriously?" He chuckled in a sarcastic tone, his forehead furrowed, "that means nothing to you?"

Play it cool, Elena.

I put my sketchbook on the table and clasped my arms together, "we were acting. Why would it mean something to us?"

He pressed his lips together, looking disappointed, "okay fine, if that's what you feel about it. I'll leave you now, so you can concentrate on your work," he immediately stood up and left without waiting for my answer.

Adonis ignored me when I joined him later in the bedroom. His grumpy attitude was back. He was like me whenever I had PMS.

I wondered what I said to upset him? If it was about the kiss, then he should be thankful that I saved us both from making a big deal on that awkward situation.

He was ready for dinner, already took a shower and changed into a black shirt and denim pants. Yummy. A perfect word to describe him. Pretty sure, plenty of girls would turn their heads at him tonight. He always had that effect wherever we went.

Feeling sticky, I decided to take a quick shower too. At least I would be able to avoid him even for a few minutes. The tension between us was getting stronger, it was suffocating me.

I showered and put on the same dress, then I applied some makeup and lipstick. Using a clip, I put my hair up in a bun, leaving a few tendrils hanging at the sides.

When I left the bathroom, Adonis was gone. I saw him in the living room talking to Peter and Kimberly. He looked disappointed again when he saw me, making me wonder, what was the problem again.

I found out the reason why, when we were walking towards the restaurant. We were back pretending as a newlywed couple, holding hands.

"I like it better when you put your hair down."

I shrugged my shoulders, "it sometimes gets in my way while eating food. Besides, it's humid here. I want to feel fresh."

"The place is air-conditioned. You won't feel hot," he answered, then gave me a silent treatment.

We entered the restobar, and as expected, the girls turned their heads at Adonis. Some were openly staring at him, shamelessly admiring his good looks.

The place was a bit crowded. People were eating and drinking wine. A waiter showed us to our table, then served us each with a glass of cold service water.

There was a live band, with a pretty girl singing and dancing at the center, wearing a bright red satin dress. She had a nice voice, and I hated her for winking at Adonis when she caught him looking at her.

Darn him.

I saw him flushed, making my temper instantly rise. How dare he, being affected with that girl, and in front of me.

My hands grasped my dress, holding them tight, preventing myself from pouring a cold glass of water on his head.

His grumpiness was gone, and he was in a very happy mood. Laughing and talking with Peter, and a new guy they met at the other table.

My mood improved the moment the food arrived. I was enjoying myself eating the local food and trying the local wine. I could not help but laugh and talk a lot.

"Hey, you have enough," Adonis stopped me when I poured wine in my glass.

"It's only my third glass."

"Your fifth," he said, taking the bottle of wine from my hand. I was surprised that he was counting.

"Just one more, Adonis. Please..." I begged, did a puppy eyes at him, "trust me, I don't get drunk easily."

"Are you sure?" he asked, and I nodded.

I won, and got another glass.

In one gulp, I finished the glass. And suddenly, I felt hit by a bus.

"Are you okay?" Adonis noticed the effect of the alcohol on me.

"Yeah.... I-I'm okay," I pretended not to feel the dizziness, trying to sit still.

"You're not okay. You're flushing."

"I'm o-okay..." I swayed towards him, and ended up in his arms. My body was so weak, I could not even lift my hand.

"What's going on?" Kimberly asked, the concern was evident in her voice, "is she drunk?"

"I-I'm not..." I answered.

"She is," Adonis said, hugging me tightly in his arms, "I'm sorry, we have to go ahead. I have to put her to bed."

"No..." I protested, "I want to stay..."

"Tsk, tsk," Peter clicked her tongue, "I agree, but let's give her something first to sober up. Maybe some coffee or tea?"

Kimberly called a waiter, talking to him about what they had to help me sober up. The waiter left and later on, an old lady appeared, holding a small kettle of tea.

"This will help her sober up," the old lady poured tea on an empty porcelain cup.

"Thank you," Adonis said to the old lady. He took the cup, blowing the hot liquid before putting the rim of the cup against my mouth, "careful, it's so hot."

I sipped a little, then Adonis continued blowing the hot liquid, until I was able to drink the whole cup.

I felt the sudden effect of the tea. After I perspired, I sobered.

"Can I have more of that tea?" I asked the old lady, who stood there holding the kettle, and watched me as I sobered up.

"No-no. One cup is enough for one person, miss," she said firmly. She seemed like the older version of Adonis, in terms of grumpiness.

"Um... he needs some tea too," I elbowed Adonis, and he agreed.

"Yeah, I need a cup. I'm a bit drunk too," he said, which was true.

The old lady poured tea in the cup, and put it in front of Adonis. She waited for him to drink the tea, but a customer beside our table called her, asking for tea.

The moment she left, I took the cup from Adonis' hand.

"I'm sorry, honey. I need this more than you do."

Without waiting for his reply, I drank the whole cup of tea.

_

The following morning, I woke up with a headache and blurry images of what happened last night. I jolted when I felt someone's hand on my breast. I realized... I was totally naked.

_____

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