Chapter Twenty Two

He kept his words and didn't hurt her. It was different. She could feel his care for her in every sense of touch. He did not force her with his questions further, " Mia, " He emerged from the door, holding a food tray in his hands. She gazed at him and instantly looked down at her lap. She was in a yellow gown. He selected it for her after their love making. She was feeling attached to him with every passing moment.
She was staring at the food, " You all right, Love? " He asked her.
She nodded and picked the fork from the tray. His phone rang in his pocket. He pressed the green call icon and hoisted it up . He didn't say anything for a few seconds, " I'll be there soon. " He said and shoved it in his coat pocket, " You're not stepping out of the room until you finish your lunch. I've to go. " He said and bent to kiss her forehead. " No matter what, you will answer my call. " He demanded.
" Yes, " She whispered. Her eyes filled with tears. She was unable to understand her husband. He threatened her with his awful harsh voice and next he cared for her life as a perfect husband. She was struggling which side she should believe.
She felt his fingers on her chin, " Did I hurt you? " he asked her.
She shook her head, " No, " She swiped her fingers on her cheek.
" Why these tears? " He asked.
She wanted to hug him, she wasn't getting Why she wanted it. She wanted to touch him, feel him. Without any warning, he slipped his hand around her middle and tugged her at him, embracing her. Without any delay, she enveloped her arms around his neck tightly and buried her face in the crook of his neck. Her legs were straddled around him. He returned the gesture pulling her closest to her with no gap, " Is something disturbing you? " He asked.
" Can you stay with me five minutes more, please. " She requested.
" Sure, " He instantly replied.
She wasn't sure, why did she demand him to stay with her. But his presence was filling void space in her heart. She wasn't feeling alone with him anymore.
She was running her finger behind his ear on the tattoo. Her sobs ceased. She knew it had been more than five minutes, " You should go " She whispered.
" Are you sure? " He asked, gazing at her.
" Yes, " she smiled.
He pulled his face back and stared in her eyes. He tucked hair from her face behind her shoulder and ran his thumb on her cheeks. She glanced at his collar of the shirt. It was wet with her tears, " I spoiled your shirt. " She whispered.
He stood up, taking her with him. She instantly removed her legs around his waist, " It's okay. It's not more important than you. " He said and kissed her forehead. He put her on her feet, his concerned eyes were on her but face intense.
" You shouldn't hold your work for me. " She managed a smile. She was shallow breathing and was relaxed, " I'm feeling better. Thank you. " She muttered.
" Anytime, You need to eat. "
" I'm not hungry. "
" Corn soup? " He asked her in his soft voice and looked back at her with a tender glance.
She nodded at him with a huge smile. He took out his hand. He tugged her toward the door and went in the kitchen. Lana was drinking water, standing near the refrigerator. Her lips were lifted up in a huge smile. Her eyes met with her.
" What happened? " She worriedly asked, putting the glass on the counter and sprinted at them.
" Nothing, " She shook her head with a weak smile.
" No, Did Ethan.... "
She instantly cut her off, " No, Whatever you are thinking, it's not like that? " She assured her.
" Then what is it, Mia? We are friends. You can share anything with me. " Lana cupped her face.
She was feeling as Gretta was standing in front of her. There was gloomy silence in the hall. Her husband' eyes were on her. Lana was waiting for her to say something. She bit her lips as she couldn't control her tears, " I'm missing my parents. " She said with a broken voice.
Lana hugged her wordlessly. She was rubbing her hands on her back, " You have us. " She whispered.
" I know. " She pulled back.
Lana wiped her tears, " You are looking like a cute five years old girl. Now stop crying and show me your beautiful smile. I'll love to do tickles if you are not giving me that beautiful smile." Lana told her.
" Stop buttering Lana. " She smiled and felt Ethan was still holding her hand, " You should go. You are getting late. " She told him.
" I'm not going anywhere. " He bluntly told her.
Meanwhile, the maid put the soup on the dining table. Lana walked toward the dining table without any word. She was gawking at her husband unbelievingly.
" I'll be fine. Lana is here. " She said. He was looking concerned. He was gazing impassively at her. When he did not respond to her. She tiptoed and pecked on his cheek, " I promise, I'll be fine. " She smiled.
He was looking off guard with her action and gawking at her with his amber eyes.
" I'll make sure, she finished her soup. " Lana spoke loudly.
He broke the gaze and his face was expressionless once again. He nodded at both Lana and his wife. He softly patted her cheek and went out.
" Are you really missing your parents? You can share with me anything. " Lana asked.
She wanted to tell him, in which circumstances they got married. But she had started to forget worse memories, his threats. His polite behavior and courtesy had changed her point of view toward him. He pampered her and took care of her amenities and her.
" It's nothing else. " She told him with her assuring smile.