Chapter Thirty-Four: Going away for a week

Clair glanced at him and then her eyes returned to her food. The food was cooked by the servants that had arrived this morning. Apparently, since she moved in he decided to bring some servants over.

"I will be leaving for the rest of the week. I have some matters to handle outside of the country." He informed her. Clair lifted her eyebrows. "You don't need to tell me these things." She replied and continued with her food.

Actually, she would be grateful if he informed her because that way she can leave the house and not have to appear in front of him, but since she was annoyed at him she acted like she did not care.

"By the way, I can replace the poison. It won't be the same as the original one but it's close enough." She commented hoping he would let the matter go.

"No need. Gloss offered great profit I'm fine with the partnership." He responded. "Ugh." Clair munched on her food grumpily.

The butler froze. The sight was totally unexpected. It wasn't only him but also the other servants around too. This is not the way a newly wedded couple should act. They were being so indifferent to each other….

"Sir, the security cameras are still not working. Our specialist isn't able to get rid of the virus implanted." Jace walked inside the room and showed him something on his iPad.

Clair put a piece of bacon in her mouth with a smile and she gave James a challenging stare. James glanced at the iPad and he frowned. He looked back at Clair and he sighed. "I can help you, just give me Gloss back to me." She offered.

Jace smiled gratefully.

"No. Jace have them replaced for new ones." He ordered and Jace sighed.

Clair's smile disappeared. "Like I said Gloss will bring me a lot of profits." He provoked. Clair smiled again but she was deeply annoyed. Even till now, she reminded herself that she should not regret destroying that poison.

It's a danger to herself anyways. Losing a 'small' deal would not kill her. 'Even if it brings so much profit…' She cried inside.

After their food, they stood up at the same time. They stared at each other for at least two seconds. Clair glanced away and she picked up her things.

"You are going to work?" He asked and she nodded walking towards the exit of the house. He told her that they would be leaving in the same house he brought her last time but that their home is in the palace. She did not say anything because she was too tired but slowly very slowly she started to realize just how serious the situation is.

They are married which means they would have to start acting like it…..

"I'll give you a ride." He offered and opened the door for her. "No thank you. I will head home first, I have to take care of this." She pointed at her hair. "You never show your face, why are you hiding your hair color?" He asked as they walked to their own cars.

He had informed her that he asked someone to bring her car over. She wasn't sure how he got things done so easily and fast but it did not really matter. Right now she had more things to be concerned about.

"I don't want to risk it. I feel more comfortable this way anyways." She responded. Why would she tell him the real reason? It's not even about how only her family bloodline has such special features and that someone might recognize her but it's something else. She would definitely not tell this man how many times she looked at herself in the mirror with pure hatred.

He would definitely not let anyone know just how much she loathes herself. Deep inside she still does but the warmth she received from her new family and friends convinces her otherwise, at least on the surface.

"I'll still give you a ride anyways." He insisted and opened the car door for her. "There really is no need. Besides I need my car nearby. You should go where you need to be." She rejected and opened her car door.

"Wait." He grabbed her wrist to stop her from entering. "What is it?" She asked impatiently. "Is this how you want to part? I might be gone for more than a week. Ai-" He stopped and corrected himself. "Clair, we just got married yesterday."

Clair frowned. "What do you want? A goodbye kiss?" She joked. "I don't mind." He shrugged. "Dream on!" She wanted to get inside but he kept his hand around her wrist. "I'm serious we still have things to talk about."

"We will discuss it when you come back." She replied. She would use the time while he's gone to sort out her thoughts and set her boundaries for him. If she fails to kill him then she would probably have to live as his wife for a very long time. Not that she minds because after all love isn't something she is looking for.

As long as he stays out of her business and lets her live her life she will be the most responsible and supporting wife the world has ever seen. 'I should tell him this.' She thought. 'It's best if I'm clear with my intentions. I don't necessarily want to kill him but he's fun to play with….'

"Promise?"

"Of course."

He narrowed his eyes carefully observing her smile. "I don't believe you. I will look for you myself and bring your things to this house. We will be living here until the engagement ceremony happens." He sighed.

"Yes yes now go to where you need to go." She smiled again, though she was getting impatient. 'I need to get out of this bastard's sight so I can think properly without looking at his handsome face!' She groaned internally.

How can he get so close to her face with no awareness of how he affects her? Jeez, she is a woman too okay?! She also likes handsome faces but this man is dangerous!

James looked up and met with the butler's face. 'Father.' He thought. His father must have surely sent him to spy on them. He sighed and looked back at her. "What's wrong?" She asked.

"Can you do me a favor?" He asked getting closer to her face. "Yes?" She took a step back. "Kiss me." He answered straightforwardly. Clair took a deep breath.

"You are really getting out of hand. Remember this is a marriage of convenience." She reminding him with a serious expression. "I know that. The butler is watching us." He answered.

"So?"

"You are really hard to deal with. Come here."

"No thank you." She rejected. "What would everyone say when they realize we aren't a real couple? Clair, we have to act it if we want this to succeed." He argued.

"Is it necessary?" She mused. "Hmm." James stared at her waiting for her actions. Clair sighed. She walked up to him and cupped his cheeks with her hands. 'God my life is so hard and yet blessed.' She thought.

She would have to kiss such a handsome man. What a blessing of course! But why does that man have to be so dangerous and scheming? The best is to keep a distance at all costs!

(A/N: Clair is planning to practice social distancing with James guys! lmao)

She closed her eyes and pressed his lips against his. What was meant to be a short goodbye kiss ended up being deepened by none other than the dangerous handsome man in front of her humph!

When the kiss ended she took a step back with a fake smile. "Take care LOVE." She smiled 'brightly' and entered her car.

'Damn, acting this out will not be easy for me.'  She thought.

'How ridiculous! I actually took advantage of the situation no…...of her' James shook his head and walked back inside his car. HIs 'passive' mode turned off immediately and he had a poker face.

His aura was suffocating and his eyes were sharp. He waited for her to exit the property before leaving.

He had always kept on that 'passive' mode around her because subconsciously he doesn't feel the need to be on guard with her.

"I don't know what I find more amusing, her or the way I'm acting. Tsk, tsk."