As we heard someone fake a cough, I immediately let go of Denver’s embrace. The worry evident on his face earlier was now replaced with relief. He held my waist and stood up beside me before he glared at his friend, Daniel. The latter just chuckled.
“Sorry to interrupt your moment, but I need to go,” he muttered and was about to move his legs when he glanced back at me. “He wants to meet you, soon.”
“Who?”
“Your idol.” He winks. I agape but Denver already hissed at him. “I can even give you his number.”
“Daniel.” I can hear the warning tone of Denver’s voice. The grip of his hand on my waist somehow tightened. Daniel on the other hand, just chuckled before he turned his back and gave us a wave.
A smile crept on my lips, but it faded instantly when I felt someone staring at me. I looked to meet Denver’s gray orbs that are now mixed with a curious look.
“Uhm, he’s Dwayne. A famous musician.”
“I see.” He walked past me after he removed his grip on my waist. He then asks me to follow him inside the building he’s working at. He stopped when he didn't feel me behind him and glanced back at me. “What are you still doing there?”
I ran towards him and held his hand. We both walked inside the building and the guard even greeted us both. People who are working in Velasquez’s company turned their gaze on me with a curious stare. They must be wondering what a student is doing here.
“I looked like his younger sister, they would mind,” I mumbled to myself, but it feels like Denver heard it. He even stopped walking and looked at me with disbelief in his eyes. We’re already in front of the elevator when he glared at me. “What?”
He hissed and went inside the elevator first. I followed him like a puppy being loyal to his owner. I stood up beside him. Even at the elevator’s door, I can see his furrowed eyebrows.
“You mad?”
“Tsk, so naïve.”
I pursed my lips and didn’t bother asking him again. He looks like in a bad mood. I somewhat notice his mood swings. It just changes so quickly that I can’t sometimes read his actions.
As the elevator tinged, we both got out. I saw a huge glass wall and at the very end of it was the glass door. We entered inside and I immediately knew that it was the CEO’s office. A study table at the left side and on top of it was an abstract painting. At the corner was another table far bigger than the former and a swivel chair beside it. The other corner already has glass windows and a long black sofa on the side.
“This is yours?” I asked after he motioned me to sit. He sat on the single sofa, a few meters away from me. He just shrugged as he rested his head and closed his eyes. He massaged his temple, so I stood up and came closer to him. He felt my presence. I was in front when he softly pulled me to sit on his lap. I still feel surprised every time he does this gesture. “Denver.”
“Do I look like a big brother to you?” he asked after. His gray eyes were like the stormy clouds ready to precipitate.
“No. It was just in my thoughts,” I mumbled. “Besides, it was my mistake to hold your hand in a public place. You said no one should know that we are married.”
“Tsk. F*cking agreement.”
I was just staring at him as he looked peaceful. Even with furrowed eyebrows, he looks grumpy over something I can’t name. I should be trembling in fear because of the van that just followed me here. But I was distracted by how my husband looked like a kid who was sulking over cotton candy.
“How are you feeling, Denver?”
“I should be the one asking that,” he mumbled. He heaved a sigh. “Honestly, I’m worried, Sharmienne.” He caressed my arms down, still with his eyes closed. I held his temple and massaged it. He shows me a smirk but does not do enough to calm my raging heart. “Am I still doing this right?” he asked himself.
“What do you mean?”
“You almost got into trouble because of me,” he uttered before he opened his eyes. It was kind of calming seeing his gray orbs stared back at me.
“I can take care of myself, Denver.” I smiled, still massaging his temple. He held my left hand and slowly intertwined it with his right hand. He stared at our hands as if it was entwined with an invisible string. He suddenly expelled a sigh. “Is there something wrong?”
“No, it’s not like that.” He smiled at me, a weak one. “Maybe I’m just tired.”
“It seems like you have a lot of workloads,” I replied. He nodded.
“How’s your day?” he asked. “I might consider your day too, huh?”
“It was fine, I just met a very weird guy who was my classmate. Though, weirder than me.”
“Why is that?” he asked and pulled me closer to hug me. He rested my head on his chest and gently caressed my back.
“I was busy sketching when he saw it. Then he called me Mrs. Velasquez. He also knew my surname.”
“Maybe he knew us?” he uttered. “I mean, my family is kind of famous here and your sister is a model.”
“Hmm? Maybe. It was just weird that after class, a van randomly followed Daniel and I while going home. Daniel told me that they want information from me.”
That made Denver silent. He cleared his throat before he continued. “By any chance, do you know about Jake Hart?”
“You mean, Jake Leonardo Hart?” I asked and looked up to him. He nodded again. His hand stopped from caressing my back. “Yes, he’s the guy that my sister likes.”
“Carmienne knew him?” his voice was controlled. I nodded but his jaw started clenching. “How?”
“They met in Clivette, as what I remember Carmienne told me.”
“I see.” He moved and sat straight. He gave me a peck on my lips before he stood up while holding me in bridal style. “Whose Dwayne again?” he asks all of the sudden while walking towards his table.
“A musician?” I mumbled. He smirks and puts me down on top of his table.
“I have a competitor now, huh?”
“What?”
“I am still annoyed that you like a guy other than me, my wife,” He whispered in my ear and slightly caressed my nape. I shut my eyes as I felt a weird feeling with just his touch. “And to think that he has the same condominium as me.”
“Denver…”
“It feels strange to be possessive, Sharmienne. It’s like a drug.” He kissed my cheeks before I felt his breath on my neck. “I’m getting addicted to you.” He stopped after saying that. He moved away and turned his back. He stood there, not facing me as if he's controlling himself.
“I’m your wife, Denver.” I reassured him. He heaved a sigh but still didn’t relax himself. I looked down as my grip on my skirt tightened. I want him to know that he was the only one who captured my heart to the next level. No one could ever do that except for him.
“I might adore an idol or a superstar, but it is still you whom I like,” I said, finally uttering those words I kept. “I will always be loyal to you.”
He stilled and didn’t move from his place.
“I do not know why you look so worried and scared. I do not know anything from you. But I assure you that I trust all plans and decisions you make.” I looked up to him, still, his back was facing me. “I know you have secrets too, but I trust you because you are my husband.”
“In fact, I was scared that someone was following me. As if they are watching my every move. But you are here…” I walked closer to him before I wrapped my arms on his back. “I am here with you…”
“I’m sorry, my wife,” I heard him whisper. “This is all my fault.”
I don’t know what’s bugging his mind right now. Maybe he’s just so busy that there’s a lot on his sleeves right now. He can’t even determine what his fault is. He kept on apologizing. I want to ask what it is asking forgiveness for. But on second thought, he might be more problematic with what I am going to ask.
“Rest if you need it,” I mumbled and let go of him. I already confessed and I don’t feel any regrets after doing that. Maybe in that way, I’m going to be content with our set-up. I am willing to wait, but the certainty of him liking me back is something I can’t assure myself with.
“S-sharmienne…” he whispered. His voice broke and I couldn't help but to gulp as my heart kept beating fast because of uneasiness. “P-please do me a favor.”
“What is it?”
“Stop liking me. Please... Just stop.”