"..I will be with you!"

Zowie woke up alone in the bed. It was already seven in the morning. She slightly rubbed her eyes and looked for her husband around but she could not find him in the room. Then, she sighted a paper bag on the bedside table.

"Get dress, I will be waiting at the living room." This was written on the note she found together with the bag.

She became thankful of his gentleness.

Akki had patiently waited her in the sofa area. He had to stay himself there to avoid trouble after what happened to last time of being with her. He was struggling to get out from Zowie's grasp that time. And when he finally did, he decided to sleep on the couch.

"Good morning, Mr. Araneta!" She happily greeted. Her face was so vibrant. She must have had a good night's sleep.

Akki gave her an ice-cold greeting. "Good morning."

'Huh? What's wrong with him now? His face is gloomy.' Then, her mind was diverted upon a delicious scent. "Hmmm! I smell something so pleasant!" She headed to the table where the delicious breakfast was set.

Akki's face with round circles under his eyes was still unmoved.

'You must pay before our breakfast! I was not able to get a proper sleep because of you! And by six in the morning I have to get out for your clothes and for your breakfast! Yet here you are, beautifully smiling at me, calling me Mr. Araneta! You are too much Zowie!'

Akki had went to one of his owned mini-malls near to the area. He did not called Lawrence. Instead, he directly called the executive manager who was also living near the area. His excuse was that he needed to have an instant checking of the condition of the mall. The executive manager almost had a nervous breakdown from his sudden and unusual visit. And Akki had requested the manager to keep his visit a secret.

"You are not allowed to eat without paying first!" He stood up after giving the demanding voice.

"Huh?" Zowie analyzing his different mood.

'What's with you now? Yesterday, you are lively, sweet and gentle, the next day you are hardly cold! Which of it is the really you?' Then, she finally realized the payment he was talking abouy.

She stepped forward to his direction, tipped toed in front of him and kissed his forehead! "I'm paid!" She said while staying at her pace.

'You're paid with that? By kissing me on my forehead? Do you think I am a stupid kid?' His eyebrows got loury.

"You never said where the k…"

Zowie's words were lost when his lips conquered hers. Her eyes widened. She wanted to give her a kiss of respect and gratefulness upon last night but he seemed not happy with it. She wanted to protest but his sweet and gentle caress was making her weak.

'You are my husband anyway.' She did not know how he was making her just follow his command. Next thing she knew, she was kissing him back!

It lasted for almost a minute. With face so close, they were both catching their breaths as Akki let go of her lips.

'There! You are paid!' Akki said to her through his eyes.

Then, they both looked away and went to the table. They were eating peacefully.

'These foods are indeed tasty and delicious but the kiss was way better than this! Ah! Shut it Zowie!'

None of them seemed wanting to talk about it until one spoke.

"When do you want to work?" Akki asked while looking at her. He was acting so normal as if nothing had happened.

'Are compensating me now?' She thought with eyes straight to the food. "As soon as possible. I don't want to be stuck in a place doing nothing."

"Okay, you'll start on Monday! But first, let me check your profile for the job." He already knew her profile towards business and finance. He just pretended he did not know her excellence on that field.

"Okay." She did not how to address him now. As her boss or as her husband?

"First , I want to go back to my house and my previous work office."

"It's not necessary. I'll buy you everything you need to start a new. You are my wife now."

"But I still have to go back to get my important belongings." She insisted.

To avoid her from any suspicion, Akki just gave her what she wanted.

"Okay, I will be with you!" His voice was giving her an order.

"You don't have to. You can just send someone to be with me. Besides D city will be a long travel from here."

"Do we really need to argue on this?" He immediately replied which gave Zowie no choice but to be obedient.

"Excuse me, I have to call Lawrence for our trip today."

She watched him went to the room. ' Does he really need to go that far just to inform him? Whatever! At least I could enjoy eating without him now.'

***

"D city? Master Akki, that city is dangerous. It's so close to A city. It's not good for you or for her to be there." Lawrence worriedly reminded him.

A city is known to be the place owned by the most notorious leader of the gang brotherhood system in the country, Lucio Salvador. He is the head of all the illegal transactions around the country. And the gang in every city is under the palm of his hand.

"I know. That's why I need to be there with her."

' I was also thinking that I might get something about her mother inside her house.' He wanted to voice it out but he was afraid she might hear him accidently.

"Listen carefully Lawrence. After we leave her house, execute plan D." He firmly said.

"Are you sure about this Master Akki?" Lawrence hesitantly asked.

"Yes." He straightly confirmed.

"And Lawrence, get someone to get rid of Alicia Han!" He added before ending the call.

Akki's mind maybe occupied by many things but he never forgot someone who dared to bully his wife without his permission.