"I apologize for keeping you waiting," Ares apologized.

"Did you wait so long? I didn't notice you..." Kia wondered.

"It's windy outside, and I don't want you to get sick. Come on, let's go inside." Ares remarked to Kia,

Kia was speechless and simply stared at Ares.

Why didn't I think he was this cute this morning... I didn't expect him to be this handsome... Wait a minute... Why am I blushing?! Kia remained in her thoughts.

Ares approached him slowly. When he got close enough, he grabbed Kia's waist and pulled her closer to him. "Honey, don't ever leave my sight. Mhm?... Let's... get married!" he said softly, causing Kia's hair to lift at the back of her neck.

So, this is the marriage certificate. I can't believe I was married like this... I feel like I'm dreaming... Kia thought to herself as she held the paper certifying her and Ares' marriage.

Ares' car came to a complete stop in front of a basic house. Ares instantly went down and assisted Kia.

"I'm sorry and it took us a while… The traffic was horrible earlier. Let's head home," Ares says.

Kia was unable to respond quickly and appeared to be absorbed by her mind once more. He'll be my husband from now on... Seriously, he's that attractive... Kianna Myst Saavedra, maybe you forgot you got married by agreement!

"What's up?... Mhm... I bought this car on loan, and I hope you like it." Ares said uncomfortably,

What makes her hesitate? Shit! Isn't this car inexpensive enough... Doesn't she think I'm a secretary or an office worker? Ares stated.

"Well, I'd like to officially introduce myself to you. I work for an imperial group, and as I mentioned before, I am an assistant to the customer manager. Our company's welfare is very good, and we can get an interest-free loan, which is why I bought this car and this house on loan... I hope you don't mind that I am just an ordinary office worker... "Ares whispered shyly.

"Hey, that's not cool... It's actually too much... I wasted too much of your time today, so come in later after lunch, otherwise, your employer might scold you..." Kia is worried.

When Ares saw that he had persuaded Kia, he smiled. "Don't worry... I requested a day off today; let's go grab your luggage."

Kia agreed with Ares and nodded. They got in the car and drove to Kia's house, the Saavedras' residence.

He saw Kia's sadness as they got to her place. Ares was concerned when she suddenly changed her facial expression. Ares inquired, "Is this your home?"

"It was... But now I can't call that house my home... I-I'm going to get the luggage," Kia said as she exited the vehicle.

Is she on bad terms with her family? No, I don't think so. It seems complicated. Ares murmured. "Do you need my help? Let's go together." He asked Kia.

"Don't… Just wait for me here, I can do it. I'll be right back." Kia smiled and got out of the car to enter their house.

As she entered the Saavedras' house, Ares simply stood there watching her. This woman is a fool. Do you think I'm clueless? You cry but you still pretend to be calm. Huh- I really don't understand what she's trying to do.

Kia

I went around the back of the house so I wouldn't run into anyone I knew. Thankfully, my room is nearby. I had my luggage ready when I entered the room and immediately stuffed it with my belongings and clothes.

Finally, I can bid farewell to the place where I've lived for the past two decades. I wiped the sweat from my forehead as soon as I finished packing.

Finally, it's done. In the future, I need to be able to live on my own and be self-sufficient. I know it won't be easy, but hasn't life always been like that? Before you can enjoy success, you must first work hard. And I swear to myself that I will not give up until I have completed all of my responsibilities myself. The cowardly me of the past has passed away!

"Hey, Kianna Myst," said a voice from behind me as I was about to leave the house.

My stepmother's voice, my most despised person in the world. "Where are you going with your luggage? You are way out of line; You are not only pissing your dad off, but you also want to run away from home," she added, smiling.

To irritate me, my step-sister Asteria replied, "Tsk, tsk, tsk... Mom, where can she go now? Find a man to rely on?" She is Asteria Dayle Saavedra, the woman who flirted with my boyfriend, Vincent Rivera.

"Is there really nothing you can do but meddle with my life? What else can the two of you do besides take other people's boyfriends?! It's awful to see those expressions on your faces!" I grumbled.

What I stated upset Asteria right away. She appears to have been shaken awake by reality. "Don't be so arrogant, Kianna! You're getting on my nerves! You're no longer a member of this house; you're a beggar!" Asteria screamed.

"Tss. Boring! Talking with you is a waste of time," I remarked as I turned away from them.

I was about to leave when Asteria suddenly grabbed my arm. "You're not going anywhere!"

"Let go!" I exclaimed angrily. "I'll smash you in the face with the luggage I'm carrying if you don't let me go," I threatened her.

She swallowed her spit and returned to her mother's side as swiftly as she could. She's also easily frightened. That was a complete waste of time. I heard her say something even before I could leave the house.

"I'm telling you right now, Kianna, I'm not afraid of you no matter what. You'd better remember that it's my home, not yours. Is that clear? I won't repeat myself!" Her voice was so loud that it nearly destroyed my eardrums.

I continued to go out the door, ignoring her. I take out my phone and check the time... shit! It's been half an hour...

Ares

I had almost grown a monument by the time I stood here outside. This is the first time I've ever waited as a president. Tsk, Kianna, you'll have to make it up to me later...

When I heard her suitcase's squeaky wheel, I looked in front of me. She finally comes out! She looks under the weather.

"I'm ready. Let's go," she said coldly.

Did something bother her? Why does she appear to be in a bad mood?

"It's freezing outside; get in the car; I'll handle the luggage."

"All right," she responded as she got into the car.

She remained silent about what occurred inside their home. Well, I am a patient person. You'll open up to me one day... but first, I have to figure out what she's been through all these years...

When I get in the car, "By the way, Kianna, since it's late, why don't we eat dinner first before we drive home?" I said,

She is sound asleep when I look at her. She must be exhausted... Okay, just get some rest.

I approached her and placed my hand on her cheek. I was taken aback when she started crying out of nowhere...

"Don't worry, honey, we're married now. I promise I'll protect you forever, and no one can hurt you or bully you from now on... Trust me," I whispered before kissing her lips.

Kia moved slowly as she awakened to a familiar sound. Umm... What was that noise again? When he opened his eyes, he found herself in a small room.

How come I'm here? I was in the car before I fell asleep...

Her eyes were still fuzzy, so she couldn't help but rub them. She slowly got up from bed and sat down. "Is this Ares’ house?" She wondered.

"Oh, you’re awake? I apologize if I woke you up. I'm sorry about the keyboard noise. I'm just about to submit a report to my supervisor. Anyway, this is my home. After I finish this report, I'll take you out to dinner. " Ares smiled as he went about his business.

“Uh— Actually, you can wake me up. It looks like it's night already. I think I've been sleeping for so long. I'm sorry for keeping you waiting. ” Kia just scratched her head in embarrassment.

How long have I been asleep? I wasn't expecting to sleep for so long. It was so embarrassing, and he even carried me just so we could enter this house.

"I didn't wake you up because I thought you might have gotten tired of packing earlier and you also brought quite a lot." Ares explained as he grinned and paused slightly in his work.

Kia felt a warm sensation on the inside of her cheek. It began to develop a bright crimson, almost apple-like color. “Thanks”

I never expected him to be so thoughtful... He looks like he’s a nice guy and quite a gentleman. I consider myself a bit lucky. Wait! I need to be careful, he’s still a stranger and not my real husband even though we got married. She said in her mind, reminding herself.

“Have you had your dinner? It looks like I've been keeping you waiting for a long time… ” A forced smile flashed on Kia's lips, “I know a nice place nearby. If you want, let's have dinner there, my treat!” She added. Later on, her stomach suddenly rumbled with hunger, she immediately stroked it, which only added to her humiliation because she couldn't look straight at Ares.

“Well? Are you starving? "I forgot you are exhausted — you were sleepy last night," Ares said with a grin on her face. Kia's face turned red even more, and she quickly averted her gaze from Ares, hoping he wouldn't notice.

Bastard! I'm taking back the compliment I said about him earlier!

"N-no it's not because of that…" Kia started to stutter.

"Alright, just chill," Ares said softly, laughing at his action. I was only joking. I placed an order for food. I guess it will be here soon.I guess it will be here soon. Get up there, so you can shower. We'll eat as soon as the food arrives,"

“Uhm… okay…”

Why am I feeling this way? I only met him now but why do I feel like I've known him for a long time… Maybe I'm just too sleepy…

She got up from her bed and started finding comfortable clothes to wear before she went to shower.

°°°

"You... you have a good appetite. It seems that everything I ordered for us is still not enough for you. Let me take you to a nice restaurant next time and order a lot of food. Don't be ashamed of me; just enjoy whatever you want. I'll promise to keep you alive with my salary," Ares said as he watched his wife finish the remaining five boxes of food. It was as if she had been hungry for a month with too much energy to eat. When he realized his wife was still hungry and craving for more, he did nothing but hide his hunger by swallowing his saliva.

"Really?" Kia responded, chuckling, as she was mildly amused by what her husband stated.

"What if I still want to eat outside after I've eaten here at home?" Are you certain you'll be able to manage it and won't kick me out? " she replied jokingly.

A smile flashed on Ares's lips as he gazed at Kia's beauty. Apart from her porcelain -like complexion and red lips, her eyes also smile whenever she starts smiling, "Wait a second, there's rice on the side of your lip." Ares noticed that a grain of rice was stuck to her cheek.

Kia searched for it, “Ha? Uh— Isn't it here? ” Ares was smiling while watching her naively search for the grain of rice. Kia's face was red with embarrassment.

What is this... Oh no! Embarrassing! Please, Lord, let the ground devour me, now!

Ares touched Kia's cheek and said, "Let me." He had not yet used his finger to take the rice from the side of Kia's lip, so he stepped up slightly and brought his lips near to hers, kissing her and taking the grain of rice from her face. The unexpected event jolted Kia's entire being.

*Thump— thump— thump*

Her heart was racing like she'd run many kilometers. "W-what are you doing?" She nervously asked.

“Why? Is there a problem? We're now married, and that's known as a kiss of love. " Ares teased her. Kia, on the other hand, clenched her teeth and suppressed the shiver that had earlier vanished from her system. "Do you realize how long I've wanted to do that to whoever will be my wife?" I always see couples flirting on the street. It's now my turn. ”

KIA

Calm down, self! Don’t let this man make you fall for this man too quickly…

When I finished eating, he abruptly stood up and began cleaning up the mess on the table one by one. He took the plate I was holding just as I was ready to assist him. "I'll handle it. You need to rest. It’s late, go to sleep. I'll be right back soon.” He whispered while busy cleaning up my messes.

What could Lord have been thinking when he handed me an Ares France Vuertalejo? Please don't wake me up if I'm dreaming... He doesn't know me, yet the way he treats me makes me feel like he loves me as his wife. Is that how he acts because I'm a decent wife?

I just want to take advantage of this marriage to free myself from the painful feelings that my ex and step-sister caused me. But… Why do I seem to be slowly falling for this person?

Geez! What the hell was I thinking?

I shook my head to wake up from thoughts, "Wait... Where will I sleep tonight? The bed earlier was too small for the both of us... Well, even though we're fit in that bed, it's still a no for me. There is a too rooms in this house maybe the another room is a guest room."

Will he agree that we won't be sleeping together? It appears that I will have to construct an alibi, such as snoring loudly when he is sleeping deeply and I might disturb his sleep… Or can I warn him that if I don't sleep well when he sleeps loudly, I will drive him out of his own home?

Argh, no! I can’t say that. That’s too harsh…

"What's up with that face? Is there a problem?" The voice from behind me took me by surprise.