I suddenly felt deeply grateful for Nanny Alley. If she hadn't been so thoughtful, I would've had to come out wrapped only in a towel far too dangerous. "Chief Anderson…" I tugged lightly at the hem of my dress, calling softly. Captian stared at me, a flicker of disappointment flashing in his eyes. Just one more minute and he would've...
I noticed how intensely he was looking at me, like he wanted to devour me alive. Fear jolted through me, and I quickly blurted, "Chief Anderson, you should go shower. I'll go downstairs to make ginger soup. We both fell into the water, if we don't drink something hot, we'll definitely catch a cold."
He stared at my lips as they moved. Right now he was burning up, practically dying of heat, how could he possibly catch a cold? Before he could respond, I bolted out like a startled rabbit. Only after reaching the kitchen did I pat my chest in relief. Safe… for now.
By the time the soup finished, Captian had also finished showering. His upper body was bare, only a towel wrapped loosely around his waist. His defined, pale muscles were completely exposed before my eyes. I accidentally glanced at him and instantly regretted it, he had a better figure than any male model I'd ever seen. I licked my lips unconsciously, flushing as I stammered, "Chief Anderson… the ginger soup is ready…"
He stepped closer, his bare torso drawing nearer, filling my vision. My breath caught. I didn't know where to put my hands. I should've asked Nanny Alley to bring it…
Captian stared at me for a few seconds, then wordlessly took the bowl from my hands and downed it in one go. He didn't even flinch; it was as if the ginger soup wasn't spicy or pungent at all, but a sweet dessert.
I peeked up at him anxiously. Seeing that his expression didn't change at all, completely calm, I finally relaxed. I picked up the bowl to leave but he stopped me.
My body stiffened. I turned slowly, hardly daring to breathe. "Chief Anderson… what is it?" My voice came out soft and misty, like a frightened little rabbit. Even I could hear the sweetness in it.
Captian's thin lips curved slightly. His voice was as cold as ever, but this time with an odd hint of satisfaction. "You have two days left."
"Huh?" I blinked at him, not understanding. Only when I reached the kitchen did the meaning hit me, I had two more days before I would have to play the piano for him. If I didn't play well… who knew what he'd do to punish me.
Feeling anxious, I brushed my hair back, determined to prepare while I could. Too many things happened today being mistaken for attempting suicide, falling into the river… When I checked the time, it was already past two. After thinking carefully, I decided I should go to school tomorrow as usual.
The next day, I went to school. Strangely, every student who saw me stared at me with a strange expression like underlings looking at their gang leader. Respectful, careful, almost flattering. I stared back at them a few times, wondering where I had seen that exact expression before. Right, those were the same eyes Captian's subordinates used when they looked at him.
But the students here all came from wealthy backgrounds had they gone crazy? Why were they looking at me like that?
Before I could think further, several students rushed up to me, looking pitiful and desperate.
"Rosy, we didn't know you were Chief Anderson's wife. Please don't take what we said before to heart, we'll never dare again."
"We only believed the rumors online and spoke out of anger… please forgive us. If you can, say a few nice words about us in front of Chief Anderson…"
"Rosy, we're so sorry. We'll never dare again…"
One after another, they apologized, pleading with fear in their eyes. I stared at them for a long moment. I didn't even recognize who they were. Probably the keyboard warriors who cursed me online. They were happy insulting me behind a screen, but once the truth slapped them in the face, they could only come groveling like this.
I hid my smile. I hated people like this the most.
Smiling sweetly, I said, "Don't worry. Chief Anderson has been very busy lately. He probably won't bother with any of you."
In other words, he was too busy to care about nobodies.
The students visibly relaxed, though some fear still lingered. My tone must have sounded strange to them, but before they could ask anything else, I squeezed through them and hurried back to class.
The entire classroom had been buzzing with gossip, but the moment I entered, everything fell silent. Every pair of eyes looked at me with a level of respect and caution that made my skin crawl. Nobody had expected me to be Chief Anderson's legal wife. Everyone thought I was just a kept woman trying to climb upward. Who could've predicted the slap to their faces would come this fast?
And Captian, someone who almost never posted online actually uploaded our marriage certificate? Just to defend me?
That alone was enough to terrify them.
If any of them pissed him off, they'd be crushed instantly.
Their eyes were filled with forced respect and flattery. I walked past them stiffly, feeling like some mafia boss in a gangster film. It was deeply uncomfortable.
Worse, some students brought me tea and water, others cleaned my desk and chair until not a speck of dust remained. My irritation grew.
"Everyone… please stop. Can't we just act like before?"
Seeing my serious face, they froze like statues.
"Rosy dear, did we not do enough?"
"Miss Rosy, we spoke poorly before. Now we want to make it up to you. Please let us continue."
"We're truly sorry about everything…"
I looked at them for a few seconds, then sighed. Just like the people outside the school, they simply wanted me to speak well of them in front of Captian, hoping he'd spare them.
"Don't worry. Chief Anderson is very busy. He won't bother with you."
I repeated firmly.
They instantly relaxed and hurried back to chatting like normal, as if the frantic flattery from a moment ago never happened.
I narrowed my eyes. Use me first, then discard me? Annoying.
I returned to my seat and began organizing my books. Not long after, Hezze arrived.