CHAPTER 10

"W-Why did you do that?" I mumbled, completely shocked by what he just did. I couldn't even imagine how my face must look right now. I just want to vanish.

It's not that it was our first kiss. But the fact that he kissed me publicly and in front of everyone? I never expected that. I even thought he'd let me drown in humiliation. That he'll just enjoy his rich life and not worry about me, getting into the mess he started.

"Why?" he repeated, as if it were obvious. "You're my wife, Valerie." He said it like it was no big deal.

"Aren't you ashamed of what just happened?" I asked, still trying to process it all.

He looked me straight in the eyes. "Again, you're my wife. Do I need to call a broadcast channel just to prove you that I'm not ashamed of you?"

Before I could respond, Camille gently stepped in.

"You guys should talk outside."

Without a word, he grabbed my hand and led me out of the meeting room.

His steps were fast and deliberate but not aggressive. Still, his silence screamed louder than anything he could've said. The hallway blurred around us and only the sound of my heels echoing against the polished floor, but all I could focus on was him. There was something intense about the way he moved and a weight in his posture, a intensity. Was it anger? Frustration? Or something deeper that I can't really understand.

He tightened his grip on my arm but not enough to hurt me, it's just enough to make sure I wouldn't pull away. Like he was afraid I might vanish if he loosened it even a little.

"Klein…" I whispered, trying again. "Klein, talk to me."

I receive no response...it'd just his silence. His jaw was clenched, eyes fixed forward like he's holding himself to look at me. Was he ignoring me on purpose? He had no right to be this mad because I should be the one furious. He kissed me in front of everyone, without warning then he introduced me as his wife and it's all a lie. And both he and Camille had been hiding who they really were. So why did it feel like I was the one who did something wrong?

When we finally reached the parking lot, he let go of my hand only to open the passenger door for me but he's still silent.

Yet even in his silence… he was gentle. He lifted his hand to shield the top of my head as I got in to make sure I didn't bump it. His palm hovered protectively over me while his body still close....close enough for me to smell his perfume.

My heart ached because even when he was upset, confused, or angry... whatever this emotion swirling inside him was, he was still… thoughtful and careful. Like a part of him didn't want to hurt me, even when everything between us was spiraling out of control.

He closed the door gently, then walked around the front of the car. I watched him through the windshield with his shoulders tense and heavy steps.

"Get out," he said firmly to his own driver.

"A-Are you sure, sir?" the driver asked and clearly surprised.

"Here." He handed him a thick envelope that obviously contains money. "Take the whole week off. That's a hundred grand."

"S-Sir… this is too much—"

"If it's not enough, call me. I'll send more."

"But…"

"Get. The. Hell. Out." His voice was dangerously calm but firm that made me and the driver anxious.

"Y-Yes, sir." The man quickly stepped out and still shocked.

"Good. Now go."

I blinked. Is this how he acts when he's mad? Damn. If this is him when he's angry… then maybe I wouldn't mind seeing him mad at me more often. Wait, he is mad at me right now, and I didn't get any money.

He took a deep breath before opening the door and getting in the driver's seat. For a second, he paused and then spoke softly while tapping the front seat.

"Come here."

Come where?? I just want to smacked this man because why the hell didn't he let me sit in front in the first place? I rolled my eyes and climbed into the passenger seat.

"Don't roll your eyes at me, princess," he warned in a low tone.

"Whatever."

He chuckled and reached over to pinch my cheeks. "You're such a baby, you know that?"

"Hey, you have your own cheeks."

"I like yours better."

"Just drive," I said and rolled my eyes again.

"Do that again," he said with a teasing smirk.

"Drive. You're talking too much." I rolled them again, but I swear, I didn't mean to. It's just a habit and it's fucking normal.

Then suddenly, without warning, he leaned over, cupped the back of my head, and kissed me. Deep, soft, and full of passion. It took my breath away.

When he finally pulled away, I grabbed his shirt by the collar and pulled him close. He smirked when he felt my hand on him. I smiled while catching my breath.

"You're getting good, huh?" he teased and obviously proud.

"That's because my trainer is good." I raised an eyebrow at him, and he shrugged like he was owning the praise.

I fixed my smudged lipstick and ran my fingers through my hair to fix it. I was just about to put on my seatbelt when he reached over and did it for me.

I stared at him. "Are you really Klein?"

He grinned. "Nope. This is the married version of Klein Windham." He chuckled to himself, and I just shook my head in disbelief.

We were about to drive off when his phone buzzed because someone's calling. He answered it casually, without even checking the screen and whoever is calling.

"Yes?" he said in a cheerful tone.

Then came a voice, a woman's voice from the other end.

"Babe, where are you?"