Chapter 23: Chapter 23

Ysabella POV

It's been one week past and I observe Archer treated me differently than usual. Just like today.

I am busily preparing to go to work. It's still six in the morning. Doing my usual routine, I went to the shower and pick up some clothes in the closet to change.

I glance at the wall clock, it's still six-thirty. I still have plenty of time to go to the cafeteria to eat my breakfast.

I ran out to my room and I bump Archer in the hallway. I took a step back immediately.

"I am sorry Mr. Martin," I said while I bow my head down. He might get angry at my clumsiness.

"Are you in hurry? What time is your duty?" He asked me.

I look at him. I noticed he has some flour on his forehead and his cheeks. His lower hand is a bit red, it looks like it was burning.

"What happen to your hand?" I asked him. And I point it.

"I got burnt from cooking," he said shyly. His cheeks turn to pink and he scratched his Bach neck while avoiding my eyes.

"Did you put any ointment on it?" As I try to grab his hand.

He shakes his head in response. Then I drag him to my room. And make him sit in my bed.

"Stay still I will get first the ointment" then I went to my drawer where my first aid kit was located.

"Here" I put the ointment on his hand.

He looks at me blankly. Then we stare into each other eyes. I averted my eyes first cause I feel my heart is pumping hard.

"Can you put it for me please?" He said in hopeful eyes with a slight smile on it.

I nod and I kneel in front of him. And I was about to take his hand but I hesitate.

"Can I touch your hand?" I said while I feel my cheeks getting heat.

He smiles at me handsomely and nods then puts his hand for my reach.

I took it and one the ointment lid then slowly put the ointment.

"All done!" I said and I get up but failed to. He grabs my hand forcefully making me push him to the bed and I was straddling him. He was lying on the bed while I am on top of him.

I was horrified and I quickly climb down on it. And trying to fix my dress since it's pulled up making my upper thigh more visible.

"I'm sorry," I said while gulping hard of nervousness.

"Hey, it's ok. I was the one to grab you. Hmm.. by the way, you look beautiful. I mean you are always beautiful" he said while looking into my eyes

I blink many times. I'm shocked! Does he compliment me?

"Thanks!" I said shyly and averted my eyes.

"I should go, it's almost seven," I said then take my bags. But he grabs my hand again.

"What time is your shift start?" He asked me.

"Eight!" I answered

"But it's too early? It's not even seven?" He asked me confused

"I need to go first to the cafeteria to grab my breakfast" I answer casually.

"But you can have your breakfast here. It's that's why I saw you eat in the house?" He asked me.

"I don't want to be a burden to you. So every day I went to eat breakfast there and after my shift end, I eat my dinner too" I told him.

"Huh?" He looks at me dumbfounded. "When did eating in my house become a burden to me?"

"Hmm. I just figured it out. Since you don't want to do anything about me. I am just trying not to burden you. I already debted so much since grandpa invested so much money in my father's company I don't want to burden you more" I told him my honest answer.

He mumbled a few words then took my hand and grab my face making me look at him.

"Look at me! Beginning today you are going to eat in the house. And think about burden or whatsoever. " He said then took a stand of my hair and put it in my ear.

"But.." before I could finish

"No more buts! Let go down and eat breakfast. I cook breakfast for us. Come!" Then took me and drag me to the dining room.

He drags a chair for me to sit. And serve the foods.

"That's ok! I will help you prepare the food!" Then I get up from my chair.

He stops me and makes me sit again.

"Nope! I will serve food for us!" He said shaking his head.

"But..!"

"Please. I just want to serve food for you? Please... Make me do it. I am your husband after all!" He smiles cheekily at me.

Did he say, husband?

What those it mean? No no no.. impossible. There is no way he will acknowledge me as his wife.

But he said in the hospital I'm his wife??

Nope nope! Stop imagining things. Period!

Never will be a day come that he will acknowledge this marriage.

"Hey, you ok? Something is wrong? You like the food?" He said looking concerned.

"No, I like it. Thank you, Mr. Martin!" I said then bow down my head and continue eating.

"Hmm.. umm.. will you have a dinner date with me tonight?" He said fastly.

" What?" Then I look at him.  "You ok?" I said since he's not looking good and he's sweating too much.

"I'm just nervous!" He blurted in a sudden.

"Why?" I asked.

"Will you go out with me tonight?" He said. After he finishes saying it. He sighs big time and smiles at me nervously.

Because of a shock, I didn't bother to answer. I just stay still staring at him. Tilted my head sideward looking confused about what he said.

"I guess, you don't want to go out with me?" He said looking so sad.

"No! I am just shocked! Sorry! It's ok.. let go out tonight!" I said then he immediately stands up and jump happily and shout

"Yesss!!!"

I just laughed at his reaction. I don't know what's got into him but whatever it is. I am happy about this little improvement.