11
In the afternoon we went to a few more kid–friendly attractions. For the final stop, James pulled me onto the carousel.
I protested it was embarrassing, but my cheeks were flushed pink as I sat on the white horse that moved up and down.
Stroking the horse’s smooth surface and looking at the glittering surroundings, I couldn’t help telling James: “This is my first time at an amusement park. You probably don’t know, but I’m not some posh lady at all. I grew up eating at strangers‘ homes. When I got older I was always shart on money, working up to four jobs a day at one point”
“I had finally saved up a bit, but then my parents showed up out of nowhere demanding money for their retirement. They wanted $200,000 upfront to cut ties with me completely.”
“I didn’t have that kind of money. When I refused, they started causing scenes at my workplace. I was working at a bar then, and the owner said if I became his mistress, he’d take care of everything for me.”
“I almost agreed. But as luck would have it, that very day I overheard your conversation with the matchmaker.”
I hugged the horse’s head, turning to look at James. “I heard you say you wanted a wife, with a million dollar bride price! I was so excited! I was determined to marry you.”
James listened quietly, showing no signs of anger.
His eyes held that meaningful gaze I still couldn’t decipher.
I pursed my lips and apologized softly, “I’m sorry, I lied to you. You and Leo are both such good people. If you’re not satisfied with me, I can divorce you.”
“No divorce.”
James said firmly.
P
He was a man who didn’t fear death, doing extremely dangerous and difficult work abroad.
Leo’s parents were doctors who had once saved his life. After their deaths, James worked alone and went to great lengths to avenge them. Then he brought Leo back to the States to
S his
to take care of Leo.
But day after day watching the cameras, he became deeply fascinated by this woman.
Whenever he felt he couldn’t go on, he would turn on the cameras to see what new antics his little wife was up to that day. Seeing her laugh so slyly yet adorably, his heart softened more and more each day.
He might be quite in love with his little wife.
“Really no divorce?” I asked suspiciously.
James shook his head, taking my hand and pressing a deep kiss to it.
He’d seen those blond guys abroad do this.
I blushed again, stammering, “Then I have nothing else to hide from you. Can I ask you a few questions?”
“Go ahead.”
I narrowed my eyes slightly and asked softly, “Did you really put a lot of cameras in our house?”
James didn’t sense the danger, figuring since I had been honest with him, he had nothing to hide either. “Yes, by the bed, in the kitchen, living room, everywhere.”
I smiled kindly at him. “Surely not in the bathroom too?”
James nodded seriously. “There are. More than one.”
“Very good.”
I pulled my hand away and went to say goodbye to Leo. Then I grabbed James by the shirt and dragged him off the carousel to a secluded
corner.
I beckoned for him to lean down.
11:10 AM
