Chapter 17: Chapter 17

<Azaria>

"I want hotdog, pancakes, and coffee. I don't want salty and burnt bacon," I said firmly.

"S-sorry, ma'am," she stammered, apologizing.

Suddenly, Nick emerged from the bathroom with wet hair. The devil was freshly showered.

"Didn't I say I don't want bacon for breakfast? And there's no coffee!" I snapped at Nick.

His face darkened, and he turned to the housemaid, "Who prepared my wife's breakfast?" His voice was cold.

"I-I did, sir," Marie replied, raising her right hand slightly.

"You're fired! Get the hell out of here!" Nick yelled at her in anger.

Marie got scared and quickly left the room.

"I'll ask Xyla to cook your breakfast," he said coldly, heading to the vanity mirror.

Why was he treating me so coldly? And why was I feeling hurt? What did I do wrong?

"Nick," I called his name.

He gave me a cold stare.

Why was he angry?

"I'm going to the locations for my funeral parlor and milk tea shop," I told him.

Why was I asking for permission? I can go out whenever I want and as I please.

He furrowed his brows, and his cold gaze remained.

"You already searched for a location for your business."

I furrowed my brow, wondering how he knew about my plans. Did he follow me or did he place a tracking device in my car?

"I'll just go shopping," I said.

"I'll go with you," he replied.

"Don't you have work?"

"I am the boss," he said, sounding arrogant. Ugh, how conceited!

I bit my lower lip.

"Are you mad at me?" I asked him, mustering the courage.

"I'm not," he said, avoiding eye contact.

I got up from the bed and looked at myself in the mirror. The first thing I do every morning is to look at my reflection, checking if I look better.

"Really? Why are you so cold towards me? And you didn't look at me that way before."

I faced him while combing my hair.

"It's because I wasn't able to enter you, but it's okay. There will be many more times," he said honestly.

I was left speechless by his response. This guy is so straightforward.

He approached me and kissed my forehead.

I know his love language now. Lanvin's love language is quality time, physical touch, and affirmation.

I pushed him away just as he was about to kiss me.

"You're avoiding my kiss," he said, trying to hide his annoyance.

"I haven't brushed my mouth," I honestly admitted.

But he surprised me by kissing me on the lips anyway. This guy is shameless! I forcefully pushed him and ran to the restroom. I could hear him laughing.

"Nick, it's hot," I complained as our bodies pressed close while walking inside the mall. He had his arm around me, and our bodies were so close. I was irritated because he insisted on coming with me.

I glanced at Heidi, who was smiling while looking at the two of us.

"Let's look at some jewelry!" I said excitedly, pushing Nick and pulling my friend towards a boutique.

Nick glared at me while I grinned back at him.

"I'll wait for you here," Nick said in a cold, baritone voice.

<Third Person>

While Nick was waiting outside the shop, someone approached him.

"McLaren?" a familiar voice called out.

"Doc Mendoza!"

They shook hands.

"What are you doing here?" they asked each other at the same time.

"I'm waiting for my wife here," Nick answered.

"I'm with my wife too. We're buying a gift. I didn't know you're married now," Ethan said and chuckled.

"Yup, I got married months ago."

They started talking, and then Nick remembered something and asked Doc Mendoza.

"Doc, my wife and I tried to have sexual intercourse. I'm wondering why I couldn't penetrate," Nick asked seriously.

Ethan smiled a little.

"She's not ready, or not in the mood at the moment. Maybe you're not doing it right, that's why she's not in the mood," Ethan answered jokingly.

Nick growled, "Fuck you!"

Ethan just laughed at his friend's reaction.

"Is your wife inside the shop?" Nick asked.

Ethan nodded in response.

"Women things," they both said in unison.

Nick's phone suddenly rang, "I'll just take this call," he excused himself.

"Yes, I'm with my wife. We will go to the mansion," Nick answered shortly.

He decided to tell his wife later about the news he just learned. They were being summoned to his grandfather's mansion now.

"Maybe around eight. It depends on my wife, she's not yet done shopping," he replied.

He said goodbye to the caller and ended the call.

<Azaria>

We dropped off my friend at home, and I am so happy because we bought a lot of things. I should have just bought the entire mall. I'm extremely ecstatic!

I'm in a good mood now.

And now, we're going to the mansion because Camille, an adopted child, has already arrived.

"Nikolai, why are you frowning?" I asked him while beaming from ear to ear. Who wouldn't be happy if they can get everything they want in one day?

It feels amazing to be wealthy. All my problems have solutions because of money, and I'm glad I was born into a family with significant connections and privileges. It's delightful to be spoiled.

"You should smile even just slightly. You'll look like a grumpy old bachelor if you keep on scowling and frowning all the time," I said.

I don't know why he's not in the mood after seeing all the things I purchased. I used his cards, but he insisted anyway.

I reached the limit of his credit card.

“Camille is home.”

“I know, why you’re saying it multiple times? Did you miss her huh? Did you have feelings to that brat woman, huh?” I sounds like a jealous wife.

He glanced at me quickly and then returned his gaze to the road. He held my hand and kissed it, still smiling. Earlier, he was frowning, but now he was smiling.

"I don't have feelings for her, wife," he firmly answered me.

I glared at him and looked again at the bracelet I bought. I feel so giddy and have many butterflies.

"Are you jealous?" he asked with a smile.

This man has a thick skin, huh.

We quickly arrived at the mansion, and even from the entrance, I could hear Camille's fake voice. Why did this woman come home already? Well, I'm still prettier than her.

"Nanny, I bought this for you because I know you like clothes for older people," I heard Camille as I entered the mansion.

I saw Camille in the living room with the maids, there was a box full of clothes.

"Oh, Azaria dear, you're here already!" She approached me and kissed me on the cheek.

"I've heard a lot about you being in the States," she said with an air of sophistication.

"I have a gift for you," she added, gracefully presenting her gift to me.

Camille has become even more beautiful, and her face remains as delicate as ever. She's wearing a clean and polished makeup look.

"Thank you, Ma'am Camille, for the gift," Manang Tasing expressed her gratitude.

"I bought these for you, Azaria, so you won't look drab while keeping the mansion clean," she said jokingly.

"I also got bags for you, Azaria; I know you like luxury just like me!" She giggled.

Camille also studied abroad. She's my cousin. She left before Nick did, but they didn't study in the same place.

I wonder why she only came back now. She shouldn't have come back at all.

"Lanvin, my babes!" she squealed and ran towards the door.

I felt a tightness in my chest as she hugged Nick.

I averted my gaze when Nick looked at me. He didn't let Camille embrace him.

"You did not miss me?! Grandpa told me that you're handling the company well! You hit a billion profit last year," Camille boasted, wrapping her arm around Nick's while walking towards us.

"Ma'am Azaria, I think this dress would suit you," Manang Tasing said to me, showing me a white dress with puff sleeves.

I felt even more emotional. I feel like I'm starting to look pitiful here.

"I have a gift for you. I know you'll like it!" Camille bragged, pulling Nick closer to her.

"Why does it seem like you didn't miss me?" Camille asked her husband with a hint of annoyance.

Nick removed Camille's arm from his and looked at me. I avoided his gaze.

"Hmmph! You're being so distant, you weren't like this before. Auntie, can you take these clothes to your room?" Camille requested from the household staff.

"Let's go to my room, I'll give you my gift," she said, laughing playfully.