Chapter 19: Scarlet Community

Even though Claudia had decided to start trusting Harry because Harry always spoke frankly and never hid anything important from her. However, now it was her turn, Claudia was disappointed again when she saw that what Harry had been doing earlier was investigating Alice's background. Actually, what is Harry's purpose in finding out information about Alice when Alice and Harry have never had contact with each other? 

Even though Claudia was suspicious of Harry again, she still didn't act rashly. Returning to acting as a wife, Claudia wrapped her arms around her husband's neck with a spoiled look. 

"Harry, can you sleep with me now?"

"Can't you sleep alone?" Harry asked in a slightly curt tone. 

"I'm just… afraid to sleep alone. Usually when I can't sleep, I call Sarah to accompany me."

"Then why don't you want Sarah to live in our house even though you're scared yourself?"

"Because I just want to live with you. I don't like other people bothering me, including the housekeeper who helps clean our house while we are away."

Seeing his wife's behavior getting more and more spoiled, Harry rolled his eyes as he turned off the computer. Relying on his strong arms, he took the initiative to carry his wife's body like a princess, walked out of the study and then climbed the stairs to the bedroom. 

Being picked up suddenly made Claudia feel her body start to get hot. Harry usually has to be told to obey, whereas now he doesn't need to be told, he just put it into practice. Even though Harry treats her with concern, Claudia still suspects Harry. 

Now Claudia and Harry lay down on the bed. Claudia wanted to make sure that tonight Harry didn't do any activities outside the house. His left hand gripped Harry's hand tightly like glue. 

"What are you doing?" Harry asked while swallowing nervously. 

"I want us to hold hands when we sleep."

Harry laughed awkwardly seeing his wife getting more and more spoiled in front of him. "You're afraid I'll disappear?"

"After that, I often had nightmares. I dream of Harris often disappearing every time I walk with him."

"Oh, so now you still love Harris, don't you?"

Even though that was just an excuse to make Harry feel comfortable sleeping holding hands. Claudia didn't expect that Harry would easily get jealous when he heard his younger brother's name come to his dreams. Claudia laughed mischievously while stroking her handsome husband's soft cheek. 

"You don't need to be jealous. Now, I actually love you even more. That's why I want us to act as husband and wife like normal people. I don't want my love to end in one hand."

Harry was still silent with a nervous look while still holding his wife's hand. "Okay, I'll hold your hand while we fall asleep."

Claudia's eyes narrowed. "You have to promise, okay? Don't disappear suddenly."

*****

Starting today, Claudia decides she wants to save everyone who will die in the world of this novel. Before meeting the Scarlet Community members, Claudia worked at her family's hotel. What did Claudia do while at the hotel? She prepared the hotel budget, then designed a strategy for what the hotel would be like in the future. In addition, Claudia is also preparing for the hotel's anniversary event which will be held next month.

After doing her usual work, Claudia visited an elite building, where only certain people could pass through. This building is a meeting place for noble women or what people here usually call "elite people" hold gatherings. The association is called the Scarlet Community.

The noble ladies had taken their respective seats. There are two empty seats left for Alice and Princess Larissa. Regarding Alice, Claudia was a little curious because it was unusual for Alice to arrive late, even though Alice was one of the most diligent members besides herself. 

Not long after, Larissa walked into the meeting room. Spontaneously, all the members stood up and bowed, including Claudia. Among everyone, only Claudia was surprised to see the face of the princess of this world's kingdom, who was one of her closest friends from college. Not only Larissa, all members of this community are her closest friends, from high school friends to work friends. 

Larissa's eyes focused on an empty chair next to her. "By the way, who isn't here now?"

One community member named Davina raised her hand. "Alice isn't here yet, Your Majesty."

Larissa furrowed her eyebrows. "It's really surprising that Alice still hasn't come. Does she still have something to do?" Her eyes fell on Claudia. "Did you know, Claudia?"

Claudia shook her head slowly. "I don't know, Your Majesty."

At the same time, Alice ran into the meeting room while looking down at the princess. "Sorry, Your Majesty. I'm late."

"It's okay, Alice. Besides, we haven't started yet."

When Alice sat in the chair between Larissa and Claudia, Claudia gently poked her left hand. "What's wrong with you?"

Alice looked away. "There's nothing."

One thing that caught Claudia's attention was that she had just noticed that Alice's cheek was slightly bruised. Could it be possible that Alice had a fight with her secret lover? 

"By the way, why are your cheeks swollen?" Claudia whispered. 

"Ah, I accidentally hit a pole when I was leaving the house."

For Claudia, what Alice just said was a lie. According to the storyline of the novel he read, Alice was tortured by her secret lover and then disappeared mysteriously. If everything from Alice being injured to disappearing is considered, is the culprit really Harry? Then, why was Harry targeting all the beautiful women in this meeting room? 

Claudia brought her lips to Alice's ear. "After this meeting is over, I want to take you to eat somewhere."

"Aren't you busy dating your husband?"

"Dating matters can be done later. But, this important matter cannot be postponed."

"Ahem, Claudia!" Larissa scolded with a firm look. 

"Sorry for my impudence, Your Majesty!" Claudia lowered her head. 

Larissa's reaction was a faint smile as she spun the glass. "Actually, I'm curious about what your married life with Harry is like."