Chap 69
Flavia looked back at her grandmother. “I just don’t want you to regret and ultimately lose your beloved son.” Flavia tried to change her grandmother’s mind again. “Give me the letter. If within two months I still haven’t conceived, then I will willingly hand it over to you.
“But let me tell you again. Won’t you change your mind? Because in the end, it won’t just be me who’s hurt by being forced to step back. But you and Uncle will also bear the consequences.
“I don’t want you and Uncle to end up hating each other. Uncle’s heaven is at your feet, and I also want your blessing. But if it’s done like this…” Flavia saw doubt in her grandmother’s eyes, but it seemed Phoebe’s whisper strengthened her resolve.
Flavia smiled, taking a sheet of divorce papers. Meanwhile, the document containing her statement to give permission for Gladwin to marry Phoebe and make her his second wife remained untouched. She folded the paper and held it tightly.
“Grandma, you don’t need to worry. I won’t break my promise because I’m not someone who likes to break promises. But if you ever change your mind, you can tell me,” she said as a final attempt.
Julie didn’t say a word as she rose and left Flavia. Flavia didn’t bother to be polite by escorting her mother-in-law and her guest downstairs. It was enough; she didn’t need to seek favor because Flavia wasn’t the type to be a sycophant. Even if her grandmother were to hate her, so be it. Flavia was sure that God doesn’t sleep. If not now, then someday her grandmother’s heart would open to reality.
Flavia slipped the paper into a large white envelope and tucked it into a diary with a faded pink leather cover. An old diary that had been with her for the past seven years. A diary she received as a birthday gift from Gladwin when she turned seventeen. A diary she had hidden from everyone all this time. And Flavia was certain it would return to its owner someday.
Flavia was lost in thought after her mother-in-law’s departure when Abigail arrived. “Did Grandma come here?” she asked without preamble. Flavia smiled and nodded. “With that woman?” Flavia nodded again. “What did they talk about?”
“Not much,” Flavia replied flatly. “Just reminding me of the remaining two months I have.”
Abigail furrowed her brow. “Two months? Are they discussing your separation from Uncle?” Flavia nodded again. “What was your response?”
Flavia smirked. “What do you think?” she asked. Abigail furrowed her brow even more. “I think I want to see the house before going back to the apartment. Will you take me there?” she asked. Abigail simply nodded in silence.
In the evening, Gladwin returned to the apartment. The scent of food wafted as he entered. His beautiful wife was cooking in the kitchen while Abigail seemed engrossed in front of the TV. Ignoring Abigail, Gladwin headed to the pantry and hugged his wife from behind. “What are you making?” he asked in Flavia’s ear.
“Honey, I smell. Keep your distance,” Flavia shrugged, trying to keep Gladwin’s head away from her neck.
“What’s wrong with you smelling? I already know how your body smells,” Gladwin replied casually.
“Don’t tease me. Go take a shower first, then we’ll eat. I’m starving,” she said, pushing her husband’s back out of the pantry area.
“Wanna shower together? I’d gladly bathe you like last time,” he teased, making Flavia imagine their lovemaking in the bathroom, instantly making her face blush.
“Go away quickly,” she said embarrassedly, which made Gladwin laugh. He kissed Flavia’s forehead before heading to their bedroom.
Flavia had already prepared a change of clothes for her husband on the bed, so she didn’t need to rush to finish her work in the kitchen. After transferring the food into bowls, she chose to shower in Abigail’s room. Finally, they finished at the same time and got ready for dinner.
Light conversation about their daily lives became their dinner companions. It had become Flavia’s habit to chat during dinner, at least it was a way to bond after they had been busy with their respective activities all day.
After dinner, Abigail and Flavia washed the dishes while Gladwin returned to the bedroom to attend to some matters. Later, they gathered again in front of the TV, just watching the news or any shows that caught their attention.
A new habit Gladwin had developed after marriage was sleeping with his head on Flavia’s lap and asking her to stroke his head. Often, he would end up falling asleep due to exhaustion from taking care of patients and other work outside the hospital.
In addition to his work at the hospital, Gladwin also had his own practice at a specialized clinic. And amidst his work as a doctor, Gladwin also had a furniture business. He liked furniture, and buying and selling furniture was his sideline. What Flavia didn’t know was that Gladwin had been collaborating with several hotels, resorts, and construction companies, including Coskun Company and Quirino Hotel, companies owned by his father’s family.
By ten o’clock, Flavia felt her eyes could no longer stay open. Finally, she woke Gladwin up and asked him to move to the bedroom. Meanwhile, Abigail was still engrossed in her shows. The girl liked reading and watching TV. And if she got too absorbed, she could forget the time and stay awake all night. Sometimes Flavia worried the girl might get sick. But so far, Abigail had only experienced minor ailments. And even then, just letting her sleep all day would refresh her.
Flavia had already tucked herself into her blanket, and so had Gladwin. Automatically, their bodies moved closer, embracing over the soft pillows for support. “Darling,” Flavia whispered.
“Yes?”
“Our marriage will soon reach its first anniversary, but we’ve never been on a honeymoon. Are you sure you don’t want to go on a honeymoon with me?” It was not the first time Gladwin had sulked about this. He was so eager for them to spend time alone somewhere without anyone bothering them.
“Do you really want to go on a honeymoon? Do you even have time?” Flavia didn’t want to ignore her husband’s desires anymore. At least, as she had promised herself, she would spend the remaining time doing whatever he wished.
“I can manage my schedule if you want to.” His tone was now more enthusiastic. Flavia nodded.
“But I don’t want to go far away.” She requested, causing Gladwin to furrow his brow.
“People usually want to go far away. Foreign destinations are quite popular now. Maldives, Japan, Korea,” Gladwin offered, knowing he had the money for it, so why not?
Flavia shook her head. “Boring. The journey takes a long time. And in the end, I’ll experience jet lag,” she stated.
“In that case, where do you want to go?”
“Jekyll Island,” Flavia replied.NôvelDrama.Org owns © this.
“Jekyll?” Gladwin asked, to which Flavia nodded. “Alright, we’ll go there,” he answered. Flavia smiled and kissed her husband’s chin. “Is that it? Not anywhere else?” Gladwin teased. Flavia got up from her bed, choosing to lie on top of her husband and kiss every inch of his face. Gladwin groaned, instantly dispelling his drowsiness. His wife was now awakening the hungry stallion.
Gladwin flipped their positions so now he was on top of Flavia. Flavia laughed but didn’t reject her husband’s affection. And eventually, they spent the night with sighs and pleasurable moans.