Chapter 12 Aaron's Secret
'Aaron's first time? So, he was a virgin? Unbelievable! He never got intimate with Erica before?' Susanna couldn't believe her own ears as she contemplated in shock.
As Susanna pondered, she glanced up and locked eyes with Aaron, sensing the awkwardness in the air. In response, he hastily rose to his feet, smoothed down his shirt, meticulously buttoned it all the way up to his neck, and assumed a serious and composed demeanor.
Feeling the tension thickening, Susanna cleared her throat awkwardly, at a loss for words to diffuse the atmosphere.
Reflecting on their three years of marriage, Aaron was indeed a highly disciplined person. He woke up at the same time every day, jogged for half an hour, showered, had breakfast, went to work, came home for dinner, then worked in his study, and went to bed at 11 PM sharp.
Not only that, Aaron had severe OCD and a cleanliness obsession. Everything in the room had to be arranged symmetrically according to his preference, or he would feel uncomfortable.
Aaron's life had been dull and monotonous. Despite this, he seemed oblivious to his virgin status! Reflecting on events from a month ago, Susanna couldn't help but chuckle a bit, realizing she hadn't missed out on much. She remembered the first time she saw Aaron naked, She couldn't help but stare, her heart skipping a beat with each flex of his bicep.
Witnessing Susanna's reaction, Aaron awkwardly remarked, "Don't read into it too much. I was just putting on a show for Grandma. You're not my type."
Susanna got up to leave. "Since the show is over, I should go. What are you doing!"
Aaron frowned and pulled Susanna back onto the bed. "What am I doing? If Grandma knows you left alone this late, how am I supposed to explain it to her?"
"That's on you! You're ready to divorce but scared to spill the beans?" Susanna yelled.
"Susanna! Have you got any conscience? Grandma treats you like gold!" Aaron spat, seething. "Are you so eager to be with your new boyfriend?"
"Aaron, what I do is none of your business anymore! Stop insulting me with your words!" Susanna angrily grabbed a pillow and threw it at Aaron, but he blocked it perfectly.
Furious but powerless, Susanna found herself at a loss. What could she do? She knew she couldn't out-argue or out-fight him. So, she simply turned away, sulking in exasperation.
After a long silence, Susanna thought of Maria and sighed, "When is Grandma's surgery scheduled?"
"Didn't you hear? She refused the surgery. We'll hold off on the divorce chat until she changes her mind," Aaron snarled.
Susanna pouted angrily. "If your family don't spread rumors, I won't do anything to hurt them, and I'll try to convince her to agree to the surgery."
Aaron's expression softened a bit. He got up and said, "Have rest."
Susanna took out her phone and messaged Madison: [Madison, I won't be back tonight. Please explain to Edward.]
After sending the message, Susanna scanned the room instinctively, hoping for a tiny sofa to perch on, but found none. The room boasted only a single bed. With a shrug, she approached the closet. "I remember there's a spare blanket. It's summer anyway; I'll just sleep on the floor."
Susanna opened the closet but found no blanket. She muttered to herself, "It's weird. There used to be one."
Aaron's voice came from behind. "Grandma arranged it on purpose."
Susanna finally realized, feeling a bit awkward. Looking at the only bed and blanket, she said hesitantly, "So, what now?"
Aaron said calmly, "Just sleep. Don't worry, if I wanted to touch you, I wouldn't have waited until now."
Susanna's eyes flashed with sarcasm. "Yeah, right."
She lay on one side of the bed without a blanket, but the AC was a bit too cold. Aaron handed her the blanket. "Take it. I'm not cold."
Without hesitation, Susanna took the blanket. Being pregnant, she couldn't risk catching a cold.
Aaron lay on the other side, unable to sleep. His eyes wandered to Susanna, her back towards him, and a myriad of emotions played across his face. Eventually, he shut his eyes, attempting to find peace in sleep. Before long, Susanna turned towards him, nestling into his embrace, a gesture that surprised him.
Gazing at Susanna, now nestled against him, Aaron noticed a softness in her demeanor, a stark contrast to the spirited woman he faced during the day. She appeared not just gentle but truly endearing.
The next morning, Susanna awoke to an empty space beside her in bed. Rising, she descended the stairs and prepared a comforting cup of milk and a plate of cookies. As she took the final bite, Aaron emerged from the gym. Without a word, he gravitated towards her, drawn by an unspoken connection.
Seeing the milk and familiar cookies on the table, Aaron's expression softened a bit, though he still maintained his dignified demeanor. But as he approached, Susanna picked up her milk and plate and walked away.
Aaron stood by the table, looking at the empty cup. He poured himself a glass of warm water, but it tasted bland. He glanced over at Susanna, who was sitting by the sofa eating, and his expression grew even more complex.
Soon, Maria also got up. With Susanna keeping her company, her appetite improved significantly.
However, Aaron's attention was drawn to Susanna's suddenly increased appetite. He couldn't help but frown. "How can you eat so much?"
"Mind your own business!" Susanna retorted, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I just feel like it!"
"Aaron, why are you so rude?" Maria chimed in. "Susanna, don't pay him any mind. Take your time with your meal. If you fancy anything else, just give me a holler, and I'll have it whipped up for you."
Susanna smiled and teased Aaron a bit before turning her attention back to her food. Aaron focused on his meal, feeling his own appetite improve.
After breakfast, Maria suddenly took out an invitation. "Susanna, I got you a spot in a competition."
Susanna's eyes widened as she glanced at the invitation: H.F. International Design Competition. Picking it up, she was taken aback. "Grandma, when did you get this?"
Maria smiled. "I remember you telling me you studied design in college and did quite well. I heard about this competition and got you a spot. Susanna, give it a try. I believe in you!"
Susanna looked at the invitation, feeling nostalgic. She had participated in this competition before, but family issues and then marriage had shifted all her focus to Aaron. Now, it felt like a distant dream, and she had to start over.
Just then, Elaine walked over arrogantly. "Grandma, You can't just walk in off the street and compete in this. Susanna's skills being what they are, it might not be the best idea for her to give it a shot. We wouldn't want her to bring any shame to the Abbott family name."
Maria immediately turned her wheelchair and scolded Elaine, "You, without even a college degree to your name, shouldn't be casting judgment on others. If anyone's brought disgrace to the Abbott family, it's been you all along!"
Elaine, feeling exposed, stormed off in anger.
