chapter 28: My Home

Autumn
Today was a pretty exciting day for me. We were on the way to the shopping mall, Carrousel du Louvre.
I usually don't go shopping much. When I do go, I buy stuff for an entire year. That was why my mom would never take me to shop with her. She would buy my things and I would just happily wear them.
"You look happy enough to jump out of the car in excitement. I better turn on the child lock," Ian mumbled.
I narrowed my eyes at him. "Always ruining my mood."
"Thank you," he said curtly as I shook my head in disappointment. Why was this guy like that? How could I even like him?
After a while, we reached our destination. Before Ian could open the door, I got out of the car.
"We are finally here!" I chirped. I entwined my hand with Ian's and started walking. "When I was thirteen, it was my dream to have a full outing with my husband. I also dreamt about eating ice cream and later kissing him after watching the sunset. But you are my husband. The type of moody person you are, going shopping with you, is a huge thing for me. I don't have to fulfill other wishes. I am telling you that because I just felt like talking. What the hell did I drink in the morning?"
He chuckled. "I know the reason. You didn't eat any sweet thing today. Not even a single chocolate, which is why you are high."
My eyes looked around the entire market while we were standing in the center. I couldn't help but gasp at the beauty of the mall. The decoration was so attractive. I let out, "Wow."
"If you want, you can sit here and look at the shops, embarrassing yourself, while I go and buy something. Also, I will pretend like I don't know you."
I just simply avoided his remark and we headed to the Tommy Hilfiger store.
"Bonjour!" a man greeted us. "Welcome to our store!"
We nodded and started looking around. I could buy the entire store, but the fact was, I was very choosy when shopping.
My eyes fell on a very elegant black watch. "Excuse me? Can you please show me that watch?" I called out for an employee. He came and handed me the watch. It was perfect.
"Are you buying that for Dante?" Ian stood next to me, talking out of nowhere.
"No, it's for you." I looked at him when I got no response. He was gazing at me weirdly. I raised my eyebrows.
"Why are you buying for me? I have a pair of eyes, which works perfectly fine. I can shop for myself," he deadpanned.
I smiled. "I am your wife and I can definitely shop for you. You can do the same. That will be more exciting."
He thought for a while before answering, "Okay. Sounds cool. So, we won't tell each other what we are buying."
"We must part ways."
"Don't say it like that," he grumbled which made me roll my eyes. "We will meet at the center of the mall, from where you were gaping at the beginning, embarrassing us. Also, keep your phone with you all the time. And the cre��"
He became silent with the glare I gave him. I had my very own credit card. Why would I need his?
Knowing it was futile to make me understand, he sighed, kissing my forehead and left. I smiled at his cute gesture.
"Focus, Autumn. You must buy good stuff for him, " muttering under my breath, I started looking for things to buy for Ian.
I went to Louis Vuitton and Chanel stores after the Sunglass Hut. Ian loved wearing shades so I bought a perfect black shade for him. I also bought a watch, shoes and a few t-shirts and jeans. When my eyes fell on a suit, I couldn't help buying it.
"He will look smoking hot," I whispered to myself. I wondered what he was buying for me. What if he bought something bad as revenge for a deed that I didn't even remember? What if he just wanted to make me slice his head with his poor choice of clothes? "I swear, if he buys anything ugly, I will kill him after giving him three damn reasons."
"Wow, madame. You are beautiful," I heard a male voice. I turned around and saw a handsome teenager. Looking at his appearance, there was no doubt that he was French. His eyes were green like mine, but his hair was brown.
"Thank you."
He approached me with a smile, his dimples making him look cuter. "I am Vivian Lexico."
He extended a hand and I gladly shook it. "Nice to meet you. I am Autumn Beckett."
"Ms. Beckett, I am sorry to disturb you. I just found you beautiful. I needed an idea to paint something new. So, can I paint you? I can assure you I have no other intention."
I laughed at his words. "It's Mrs. Beckett, but you can call me Autumn, and of course, you can paint my picture. Why are you even asking?"
"I painted a picture of a woman without asking her once. When she saw that portrait, my parents took all my art materials for an entire week! Can you believe it? Only I know how I survived that week without painting."
"Coffee?" I asked. "My legs are killing me, so I really cannot stand anymore."
"Sure. I'll hold some bags for you." Before I could deny, he took some of the bags. We sat in a caf�� and ordered our drinks.
"So, you were saying. You are an artist, right? Very impressive."
He grinned. "I am glad you find that impressive. My entire family hates it, but I love drawing. I will die if I never become a famous artist. That has been my dream since childhood."
"You will definitely be able to fulfill your dream one day. Don't worry." I said as I took a sip of my coffee.
He let out with a sigh, "I hope so. Actually, I got a high school art scholarship in the United States. I didn't tell my parents yet. I don't know how they will react."
"Getting a scholarship in high school is very difficult, but you did it. It's a huge achievement. Besides, it's your dream, so your parents will understand."
"Thank you."
I kept chatting with Vivian, never realizing the time. He was a good boy. He said that he never had any siblings and I was a sister for him. We even exchanged numbers and IDs on social media. I mentally prayed for his dream to be fulfilled. He really seemed to be struggling.
After we were done talking, we parted ways. I took out my cell phone and saw that Ian called me more than ten times. Despite his warning, I kept my phone on silent. Shit.
I instantly called Ian. He picked it up. His voice held panic, "Where the fuck are you?"
"I am heading towards the center. Wait there," I said, running towards the center, carrying the shopping bags.
I saw Ian standing there as he ran a hand through his hair. When his eyes met mine, he pulled me into a tight hug.
"This is why I hate to leave you alone. You are so freaking careless! You always put me in these types of situations." I hugged him back, without saying a word. Soon enough, he started with his inquiry session. "Where the hell were you? Are you hurt?"
I rubbed his arm. "No, calm down. I just lost the track of time."
I didn't tell him about Vivian on purpose. I would tell him but later on. If he got to know about that now, he would hunt that innocent kid and God knows what he'll do.
"You will be the reason for me getting a heart attack one day," he grumbled and picked the bags up. "Let's go."
I quietly followed him. When we were inside the car, I looked at my fingernails, letting him calm down.
He was really scared. I never knew I would make Ian Beckett afraid. "So, you are afraid of losing me," I let out. He just glared at me. With a smile, I put my hand over his. "I am okay. I am sorry."
He exhaled a deep breath. "Never put your phone in silent mode. Please."
I nodded. "I won't."
"You don't know what I was going through. I was totally fucked up."
I grinned, seeing his concern. I said, "Today, I met Vivian Lexico, a teenager."
He waited for me to continue. I told him everything from the beginning. I was happy that I gave him time to calm down. He listened to everything attentively and understood.
"I will convince his parents."
I looked at him in amusement. "Really?"
"Yes. That boy must fulfill his dream. And who knows, something or someone else must be calling him from the United States?"
I laughed. "You're silly, Ian, but you may be right. May that boy get his love."
Love... I glanced at Ian. His eyes were glued on the road. He blurted out, "It's creepy. Stop staring at me like that."
"You're nice."
He gave a sly smirk. "I know, babe. Now get out of the car. It's ice cream time." Hearing him, I looked outside to see that we were in front of an ice cream parlor. He asked, "Which flavor of ice cream do you want?"
I was about to answer, but he stopped me, saying, "No, wait. You will, of course, say chocolate. But you have to know that there are a lot of other flavors in the world than chocolate. Leave it to me."
"Nothing is better than my chocolate." I pouted. He simply avoided me and got out of the car. In the meantime, I decided to text dad.
Autumn:
Is everything going okay?
Dad:
Ofc, Sweetheart. What about you?
Autumn:
Everything is going perfectly! Ian is the best person for me. Thank you so much for arranging our marriage.
Dad:
Ok. But that doesn't change my mind. One wrong step and I'll bring you back to us.
I rolled my eyes at his text. When I saw Ian opening the door, I instantly texted dad.
Autumn:
Bye!
I put the phone down. Ian handed me a Unicorn Gelato, while he had the same for himself. It indeed looked more beautiful than the pictures on the internet.
"Try this."
After I took a bite, I couldn't help but continue eating. This was really nicer than chocolate, even though I hated to say that.
"I won't even ask," Ian mumbled. "I know you liked it more than your stupid chocolate."
"Don't insult my chocolate!" I continued eating my Gelato.
After we were done, he drove towards a nice open place. He opened the car door for me. I got out and he wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me closer to him.
"Here's your thirteen years old dream, getting fulfilled." He pointed out at something. I followed his finger and looked at the beautiful sunset.
I couldn't believe he fulfilled my dream. I didn't mean for him to fulfill it. I told him because I just wanted to. Who knew he would really do that for me?
Ian made me look at his blue orbs. Without waiting for a second, he put his soft lips onto mine.He was perfect. I wanted to stay with him forever. Who said the home was just a house where we live? Wherever I stayed with Ian, it was my home. He is my home.