Chapter 443 Name Your Terms
As Daphne mulled over all this, her once shattered world started to piece itself back together.
She glanced at Benjamin and said, "When my dad talked about him and my mom, I asked why he drowned himself in booze after she passed. He said even though they didn't have some fiery romance, they were companions for decades, and that companionship was the real deal."
Her old beliefs were getting flipped upside down exactly by those words of his.
"They were in love," Benjamin said, more sure of it. "Your dad just mixed up love with routine. Or maybe, like I said before, he was scared to admit it was love."
In an arranged marriage, with each having someone else they liked, even if feelings grew, they wouldn't show it openly.
"I'll have a chat with your dad sometime," Benjamin offered, thinking it might be easier for guys to talk. "I'll get you a solid answer after."
"Okay," Daphne agreed.
Back home, they cuddled on the couch to watch TV. That earlier excuse about having something to do? Total BS.
At first, they both watched the TV seriously.
As they watched, the vibe got more intimate with the scenes on the screen.
On the screen, the movie's lead couple was making out on a boat, their desires fully lit.
Daphne instinctively hit the fast-forward button, wanting to skip the scene and dodge the awkwardness.
"Rewind it," Benjamin said slowly. Daphne had already skipped the scene and played dumb, asking, "You like watching that scene?"
"Yep," Benjamin said straight up.
Daphne wondered why he was so blunt.
She fiddled with the remote and tried to bargain, "I've already skipped it. If you wanna watch it, you can rewind after we finish the movie, cool?"
"You prefer the later scenes?" Benjamin asked, raising an eyebrow.
Daphne nodded in agreement.
Benjamin didn't push it further.
Daphne got suspicious, feeling something was off with Benjamin.
Given his playful nature, it was unlikely he'd stay quiet after she agreed, as that would contradict his earlier statement.
As she was thinking this, the movie got into an even steamier scene.
After the earlier kiss, the lead couple seemed to go back to their rooms to rest, but really, the guy locked his door and went to the girl's room to continue what they started, though the scene cut away at the crucial moment.
Benjamin's lips curved into a slow smile, his gaze meaningful as he said, "So you like this."
How was she supposed to know there was a bed scene later?
"Need me to edit that scene for you to loop it?" Benjamin teased. "I also know a few other movies with similar scenes. I can edit them all together for you."
Daphne quickly realized something was off and questioned, "Have you seen this movie before?"
Now she understood why Benjamin had been so chill after asking that question earlier; he had been waiting for this moment.
"Don't change the subject," Benjamin said, expertly steering the convo back. "You haven't answered my earlier question."
She decisively hit the return button, silently vowing, 'I'm never watching a romance movie with him again.'
"Are you pissed?" Benjamin asked, grinning.
"Come upstairs with me," Daphne suddenly said.
"Why the sudden invite?" Benjamin asked.
"I wanna have sex with you," Daphne said, her tone dripping with revenge.
This was the last thing Benjamin expected. He blurted out, "Right now?"
"Right now," Daphne said firmly, already plotting her payback.
Benjamin knew her too well, catching on to her plan with just a glance. He said, "Don't think I don't know what you're up to. You just wanna get me all worked up and then leave me hanging, right?"
Daphne was a bit taken aback. How did he guess that?
She steeled herself, walked over, and straddled him, looking him dead in the eye as she challenged, "So, you gonna do it or not?"
"Yes," Benjamin replied in a deep, slow voice.
Daphne was fuming and needed to vent, otherwise, she'd be hard to find if she bolted.
"If you don't mind, this couch works just fine," Benjamin said, his hand on her waist, rubbing her tailbone. "We can do it right here."
Daphne immediately got up and bolted upstairs without looking back.
At that moment, she realized Benjamin was incapable of feeling shy. Those words he had said earlier couldn't have come from someone who got embarrassed.
Benjamin watched her fleeing figure, secretly relieved.
Luckily, Daphne's composure wasn't as steady as his. Otherwise, he wouldn't have known what to do. After all, they had used up the last box of condoms the previous night.
Daphne ran to her room upstairs and vented in a group chat.
She basically said their advice was completely unreliable.
Emma: [Daphne, you're amazing. I never thought you'd actually dare to have sex with Benjamin.]
Zoey: [How was the experience?]
Emma: [Is Benjamin any good?]
Daphne suddenly didn't know how to respond.
Only then did she realize that they weren't giving advice; they were just watching the drama unfold.
As she was thinking this, a text message popped up on her phone.
Austin: [Daphne, please take care of Daisy for a while. I left a card in the mailbox outside the villa where Daisy is staying. I'll cover her expenses during this time. Use it as much as you need. I'll work hard to make sure she can freely marry me.]
After sending the message, Austin went to find Charles. Since he had decided to be serious, he needed to show some commitment.
When he asked Charles to help him work, Charles's usually indifferent face showed some confusion. "Are you high?"
Austin had lost his usual frivolity and seemed much more mature. He replied, "No. I talked to Daphne about Daisy yesterday. She thinks I'm not suitable for Daisy right now. After thinking it over, I realized she was right."
Charles froze, having not heard that name in almost two months.
"Teach me how to manage a business," Austin said seriously, his eyes filled with determination. "I want to prove myself to my parents and Daisy, to show them I'm capable."
Only with capability could he oppose his parents' arranged marriage plans and support Daisy against public opinion.
"As for the terms, name your price," Austin said generously.
Even if Charles wanted Austin to work for him for free for a lifetime, he would agree.
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