Chapter 8: Chapter 8

"What did he say?"

"He wants to kiss me."

"Haven't you guys kissed before?"

The question asked by Sophie seemed to silence Helena and made her speechless. No, it wasn't about the question that hit her hard because she knew the answer very well. Ever. So hot, deep, and intoxicating.

The wildest thing she had ever done with Aaron was the kiss. Sometimes it was just a light kiss that could often turn wild and passionate. However, that was all. Helena and Aaron were trying to maintain their logic and not let it lose to their desire.

Yes, a sliver of memory about it made her quiet. It was too embarrassing for her to admit that it wasn't for once the hot kiss that happened, even to her best friend.

"Seeing your reaction, it's clear that you do it often," Sophie guessed while nodding her head in understanding.

Sophie is Helena's best friend. They had been friends for almost ten years. And although in recent years they rarely saw each other in person, they regularly exchanged stories. Through a video call, for example. As they were doing, taking advantage of the video call feature to chat.

"Yeah, but not often," Helena corrected, full of lies.

"Kissing more than once can be called often," objected Sophie. There was no way Helena and Aaron only did it once. Kissing—with a lover—could make you forget yourself and caused an additive effect. She understood it very well.

Yes, Yes, Yes. Sophie guessed right. The reality was as she said. Besides, looked who Helena wanted to trick? Her own best friend could read all her lies. It was futile to pretend in front of Sophie because Sophie would quickly find out the truth. Vice versa. And again, why did it?

"Then, what's the problem? You've kissed before. You know what it feels like. So, there's no problem, right, if you do it again? More than that is also okay. After all, you two are married," she said at length.

Sophie was indeed a talkative person. She talked without brakes. What she wanted to say just slipped from her lips. Whereas, Sophie knew very well the circumstances of Helena's marriage life that didn't allow those situations to happen. Oh, did that mean Helena also expect it?

"Why? Still hurt because of what Aaron said that day?" guessed Sophie, which was once again right on target. Helena didn't want to lie because it was the reason why she acted like that. She deliberately proposed a marriage contract to fulfill her ego.

"You two have to clear up your misunderstandings." Sophie pointed right at Helena's face. "Otherwise, your marriage won't last long," she added, warning of the worst that could happen.

Helena gasped. In her worst vision, she never imagined the end of her marriage with Aaron. At least, not that fast. "But-But, we promise to keep our marriage," she stammered a little. Doubts began to creep into her heart. And anxiety arose when the image of Aaron who left her danced in her brain.

"How long?"

The question managed to undermine Helena's confidence. How long could she guarantee Aaron would stay by her side? Even though their marriage was based on a family promise—and for Aaron, it was also about his inheritance rights—it still didn't rule out the opportunity. He could leave her anytime. And no one could blame him when he had tried to keep his promise. His grandfather wouldn't be able to prevent it anymore.

"Then, what should I do?"

"Reconcile," replied Sophie firmly. "You're both wrongs here. So, find the right time to talk. With a cool head!" She put stress at the end of her sentence.

Sophie saw the doubt in Helena's eyes. The woman's mind must be conflicted. Between ego and their relationship. Which one did Helena choose? "Take it easy. Your marriage is just starting. Or as Aaron does, just do what you want to do. No need to be stubborn or shy."

"Is that so?"

Sophie nodded firmly. "Yes, this is for the sake of your marriage. Isn't it also written in the marriage contract you made?"

Hearing the word 'marriage contract' brought an amused smile to Helena's lips. Honestly, at first, she didn't intend to do such a thing. She only wanted to make clear that she wouldn't be sleeping in the same room with Aaron. But then, she remembered the old Korean drama she had watched. It's about contract marriage. And finally, she imitated the idea. Came to think of it; it was funny to call a marriage contract.

"What is so funny?" Sophie asked when she saw Helena was smiling, even though she wasn't joking. Which part of her words elicited that reaction?

"Marriage contract. How could I have such an idea?" Helena laughed at herself and the strange idea that had come to fruition. She reacted that way. How about Aaron? How was his response? The man must have laughed at her all night.

"What did Aaron say about your idea?"

"He was teasing me this morning when I refused his credit card."

"You refuse it?" repeated Sophie, half in disbelief.

Helena shook his head. "I accept."

Sophie nodded, hearing that answer. The thought that Helena would reject it had crossed her mind. Her best friend was as rich as her husband. So, without additional financial support from Aaron, she could support their household. But Helena accepted it. It could be a good start for their relationship. And actually, she was curious. What was wrong with those two? Why did they like to complicate problems that should be easy to solve? They only had to admit each other's mistakes and apologize. It was simple.

"By the way, didn't you sleep?" asked Helena. She glanced at the clock in her room. It was past 9 a.m. So, the time at Sophie's place was around 4 a.m.

Yes, there was a vast distance that separated their friendship. Helena lives in Jakarta, while Sophie lives in Bern. Sophie has lived in the capital of Switzerland for two years. She accompanied her husband, who is a native of Swiss, to live there. The couple was waiting for the birth of their first daughter. Of course, Helena was also looking forward to it enthusiastically.

"Looks like I'm going to sleep."

It should still be Sophie's bedtime at that hour. But she said that she woke up and couldn't sleep anymore. So, she called her best friend in the early morning, which at Helena's place was already almost noon.

"Okay. Have a good sleep. Bye."

"Bye."

The call cut off. Helena closed his white laptop and placed it on the nightstand beside her bed. Right. She was getting ready for bed when a message from Sophie arrived and had to postpone her plans with a long chat with her. And after their conversation ended, she immediately laid down and prepared to sleep.

People said that sleeping in the morning will keep you from fortune. But for her, not sleeping would pile up his tiredness that hadn't gone away. Meanwhile, there were many things she wanted to do, such as cleaning the house and checking things, then listing anything that wasn't ready yet. She could buy it later. Or the next day. Or the day after. To be sure, she could write it first.

Slowly, her eyes closed as her breathing began to become steady. Helena fell asleep.