I found myself standing in the private elevator with Zurien, the silence between us was thick and uncomfortable, maybe for me, cause he looked like he thrived in silence. He stood on the opposite side, eyes on the doors, his hands in his pockets and posture formal. I sighed to myself as I nervously figheted with the strap of my bag. Was this how it would be from now on?. Cold and uncomfortable silence?, But wouldn't that be for the better?. The sudden ding of the elevator doors opening nearly had me jumping out of my skin. If Zurien noticed he didn't react, or he just simply didn't care. Either way I felt embarrassed.
He was the first to enter and I immediately followed suit. When we entered, my eyes immediately glanced around, taking in the undeniably interior beauty of the penthouse. The window stretched from the floor to the ceiling, giving a beautiful view of the city bathed in the warm afternoon sun. The sunray casted a soft golden glow to the entire space, I noticed modern sculptures lined around, his works, definitely. It's beautiful, but I could feel the cold seeping through my skin, this place looked clean, untouched. It looked more like a museum than a home.
"This is your home now." Zurien's voice broke the silence. His tone was polite. I gave a nod, unsure how to respond or even breathe in a place like this.
He began walking ahead and I immediately followed suit. His legs were long and I found it hard to pick up with him, when it seemed like he realized after a while, he slowed down. It made me flush in embarrassment. When we got to the kitchen he stopped and looked at me.
"This is the kitchen. I usually have staffs around but it's weekend so they're not available. You can make anything you want or order something for yourself, the staffs brings the groceries weekly." He explained and I noticed he avoided my eyes, and made minimal gestures. Unlike yesterday which looked like he was trying to dismantle me with those dark eyes. I nodded in response anyways, the long glass table looked like it was made for eight, I imagine eating alone here, as if reading my thoughts he spoke up.
"I rarely eat at home, so don't always wait for me." He said, confirming my dread. This one hurt, I don't know why, but it did.
He led me away to what I assumed would be the bedroom, I could feel my heart rate spike at the thought of being in the same room with him, sleeping in the same room with him, I didn't think I was ready for that.
He finally opened a door to a beautiful room, the place looked cozy and untouched.
"This is your room." The relief that washed over me was instant. I didn't have to share a room with him, at least for now. He might change his mind Later, who knows.
"I wanted you to have your privacy."
"Thank you." I was really grateful. I walked in and placed my bag on the bed, then I turned around to face him. He was still standing by the door, hand on the knob, eyes on me. His gaze raised a tingling feeling on my skin which I didn't know if I should like or dread.
"The moving team will bring up your luggages soon, make yourself comfortable. If you need anything, you can always ring the phone by the bedside, there are staffs at your service." He explained.
"And one more thing." He said and walked in, closer to me. I started buffering the moment I could smell his cologne, then he stretched out his hand to me as if asking me for a dance. I looked up confusingly at him as I didn't understand.
"Your hand."
Oh. I immediately placed my hand into his, ignoring the shocking warmth that spread through me as his hands enveloped mine. Then he slipped a ring on my finger, the weight and burden that came with it was instant.
"This is your wedding ring, keep it safe. You can choose not to wear it to school, it's better. It's for your own safety." He murmured under his breath.
He didn't need to tell me twice. I'd literally guard this ring with my own life, it literally look like it could feed my family for years. The big shining diamond sitting firmly on the ring explained clearly so.
"That will be all, and if you need anything. Ring the staff, I have to get back to work." Then he walked away, not waiting for an answer.
When he walked out the door and closed the door behind him. I sighed and sat on the bed, looking around. Was this my new life?. I stared at the wedding ring, wondering If this was what marriage was supposed to feel like, the silence was loud
Ar least he smells good.