Filed to story: Sweetheart Do You Still Love Me
“Why did you sneak kisses on me so early in the morning? Also, who let you in my room?”
Elspeth wasn’t completely used to their new identities, and at that moment, she was mad that she was woken up without consent and also a little unsure of what to do.
“So, you feel that with our current relationship, I still cannot do such things?”
Callum saw her being wary of him like she was guarding against a thief, and he felt upset for some reason. Something feels off. Aren’t we officially married?
“Oh, wait, we’re married, right?”
Callum lowered his gaze.
“So, you’re aware of that.”
“Sorry, I just couldn’t get used to it for a moment.”
She couldn’t accept the fact that she was someone’s missus. Callum noticed that she might have recognized something off about their relationship as well, and he had other ideas.
“Why don’t we sleep together? Let’s do something married couples should do.”
Something married couples should do would mean…
“Isn’t it too early for that?”
A disappointed look flashed across Callum’s eyes.
“Why is it too early?”
“Look, we just got the marriage certificate, but we haven’t officially started our married life yet. Also, we didn’t hold a wedding, and most importantly, you haven’t proposed to me yet. So, we have to do things in turn.”
Even though her explanation was perfectly logical, Callum could still sense her reluctance from her words.
“Never mind, forget about it if you’re unwilling.”
Elspeth abruptly stopped her long speech.
“I’m not unwilling. I just feel-“
Callum took a deep breath, then walked up to her and embraced her.
“I know you haven’t fully accepted it yet, but it’s okay. I can wait.”
Elspeth’s heart melted in an instant. She was thinking of agreeing right away, but when she saw his earnest gaze, she felt that she should stand by her own opinion.
“Then I await your proposal, Mr. Winthrop.”
Elspeth winked and smiled cunningly.
Callum curved his lips.
“Of course. I’ll prepare the grandest proposal for you. For now, you should get up and have breakfast.
You’re going to be late.”
Their companies were located in the south and the north, respectively. Callum still insisted on sending her to her company before going to his own company.
They were both presidents, but Callum didn’t want Elspeth to be late, whereas he was fine with being late himself. Elspeth was mulling about that on the way to her workplace. When they arrived at the entrance of the company, Callum refused to leave just like that.
“Don’t you feel like something is missing?”
Elspeth paused for a moment, unable to understand what he was getting at.
“What is missing?”
“Don’t you think you should give me a morning kiss?”
A morning kiss?
Elspeth looked around them. It was rather late, and the place was quite crowded. If she kissed him there, they would probably have a lot of witnesses. Elspeth couldn’t ignore the awkward feeling in her gut as she shook her head, trying to get Callum to compromise.
“Let’s kiss when we’re at home next time, all right?”
“Are you treating me like a child?”
Because Callum refused to budge, Elspeth was both exasperated and helpless. Callum seemed to be keeping a high profile ever since they got married. It was as if he wanted the entire world to know that they were a sweet and loving couple.
To prevent something more serious from happening, Elspeth quickly gave him a peck on his cheek, then ran away in an instant.
She was almost fleeing the scene. Callum gazed at her retreating figure, then slightly curved his lips. My wife’s kiss is so sweet.
When Elspeth entered her company, the red tint on her cheeks was still visible. Just then, a gossipy coworker who was on good terms with her suddenly scooted closer to her.
“Miss Lynwood, I just witnessed a shocking secret. Tell me, how much money would you give me to keep my mouth shut?”
Her smile turned increasingly sinister. This vicious smile was the first thing Elspeth saw when she turned around, and she felt instantly troubled.
“Well, tell me. What did you see?”
The coworker covered her mouth in surprise.
“Miss Lynwood, are you sure you want me to talk about you kissing Mr. Winthrop right here?”
Her voice wasn’t too loud, but the people around them heard it anyway. Almost at the same time, everyone perked up their ears as they heard this shocking news.
“What?! Miss Lynwood kissed someone?”
It was just a normal little act of intimacy between a married couple, but it felt different after so many people knew about it.
Seeing everyone’s excited faces around her, Elspeth wished she could just disappear. Just then, Harper walked up next to her like a savior to her rescue.
“Elspeth, I have something to talk to you about.”
Elspeth glanced at the people around her, then faked a smile.
“I have something to attend to. Go back to work, and don’t talk about anything unrelated to work. If I catch anyone doing that, I’ll deduct their pay for one month.”
An occasional gossip was fine, but if their pay was at stake, they would know where to draw the line. Hence, everyone quickly lowered their heads and feigned ignorance as they turned their focus on making money.
The coworker who started all this was also chased away with a glare. Elspeth followed Harper to the office. As soon as she sat down, Harper placed a contract in front of her.
“This is a contract we’ve signed with Hopper Corp, concerning the talent management company. Now, Hopper Corp, wants to break the contract. They even said that 50 million in liquidated damages is nothing to them, but the contract must be terminated.”
Elspeth immediately frowned.
It was true that 50 million in liquidated damages meant nothing, but the partnership with Hopper Corp, could greatly benefit Azure. The internet business was thriving, so why wouldn’t they want in on the deal?
“Do you know why Hopper Corp, wants to terminate the contract?”
Harper thought for a bit, then said,
“I’m not very sure about the details, but according to our intel, in the past three days, Hopper Corp, has had close contact with Arthur Winthrop. Their representative even had a meal with Arthur three days ago, and they seemed to be on good terms.”
“And by that, you mean…?”
“I suspect that this is all Arthur’s doing. He probably deceived Hopper Corp, or promised them something so that they would terminate the contract without regard for the liquidated damages.”
With that, he couldn’t help but add,
“What the hell is wrong with Arthur? He keeps targeting us for no reason.”
Harper wasn’t quite informed about their complicated relationship, so he thought Arthur was just being a jerk. Only Elspeth knew that Arthur was pressuring Azure on purpose. He was forcing her to surrender, or perhaps he wanted to get a hold of her lifeline.
