Chapter 3
A week later, Edward and I got our marriage license.
The whole process, he didn't say a word to me.
During the photo, the photographer asked us to move closer and smile.
I forced a grin. Edward stayed stone-faced, like I'd dragged him here at gunpoint.
Holding those two licenses, I didn't feel wedding joy, just the final confirmation of a work contract.
That night, I showered and sat on the massive king-size bed in silk pajamas, my heart racing.
The contract said we needed to "consummate" to get started right away.
I waited and waited. Around midnight, Edward finally walked in.
He smelled faintly of alcohol, but his eyes were clear. He wasn't drunk.
He glanced at me and headed straight for the bathroom.
My heart was pounding so loud I thought it might jump out.
I'd mentally prepared for this, but now that it was happening, I had no idea where to put my hands.
I was a total innocent. I never even had a boyfriend before.
About twenty minutes later, Edward came out of the bathroom.
He was wearing a matching silk robe, his hair still dripping wet.
Water droplets trailed down his sharply defined neck and disappeared into his open collar.
My face went bright red in a flash.
Edward had a killer body, broad shoulders, a slim waist, long legs, and abs that could make anyone swoon.
"Come here." He was drying his hair, voice low.
I shuffled over reluctantly.
He pulled back the covers, got in, propped himself against the headboard, and patted the spot beside him.
I swallowed hard and lay down stiffly, as far from him as possible.
He frowned slightly, looking impatient.
Then he reached over and pulled me right into him.
I crashed against his firm chest, nose full of his clean soap scent mixed with a hint of booze.
"Hey—" I squeaked.
"Don't move." His voice was commanding. He reached over and turned off the lamp.
The room was instantly swallowed by darkness.
I could hear my own heart thumping like a drum and his steady breathing.
I braced myself for what I thought was coming.
But nothing happened.
"You're not gonna..." I whispered.
"Sleep." His voice sounded tired in the dark. "It's late. Not the right time."
Not the right time? For work?
I was stunned. He spent all this money and effort just to... cuddle me to sleep?
I didn't get this guy.
I thought all the money he spent was to find a woman to have his children.
So why, when it really mattered, was he suddenly not in a hurry?
But honestly? I was relieved he didn't push things. I wasn't ready anyway.
That night, I lay stiff in his arms, barely sleeping.
When I woke up, his side of the bed was empty, still warm.
The days that followed were pretty much the same.
Edward was busy, with lots of business trips, so we barely saw each other.
Even when he was home, we barely talked.
He'd come back to the room at night, hold me, but that was it. Nothing more.
He was like a premium body pillow, a ridiculously handsome, ripped one.
I started wondering if something was wrong with him physically.
How else could I explain this "gentleman" act?
One day, the nutritionist brought me another bowl of dark herbal tonic for "health."
I stared at it, grimacing. My body's so healthy it's about to burst into flames, but the lead actor isn't doing his part!
I decided to take matters into my own hands. My 10 million wasn't going to earn itself.
That night, when Edward came home, I put on a new silk nightie. It was thin and innocent-looking.
I even sprayed on a bit of perfume.
When Edward walked in, I was pretending to read a book.
He paused for a second when he saw me, his gaze lingering, eyes growing noticeably deeper.
Bingo. My heart soared.
He headed straight for the shower, same as every night.
When he came out, I jumped off the bed and hurried over to him.
"You're back," I said, deliberately making my voice soft and sweet.
"Yeah." His eyes swept over me, and then he walked around me toward the closet.
I froze. What was this?
He came back out in full cotton pajamas, covered from neck to toe.
He got into bed, pulled up the covers, and looked at me calmly. "Get some rest. I'll have Lauren find you something to do tomorrow. Staying home all day must get boring."
I nearly choked.
I'd practically spelled it out, and he told me to sleep? And find me something to do? I was here to work, not vacation!
I huffed, climbed in, and turned my back to him.
In the dark, I heard him sigh softly.
"Autumn." He said my name.
"What?" I snapped.
"We're not in a rush," he said, his voice gentle. It was nothing like his usual cold self. "Focus on getting your health in order. The doctor said your foundation is good, but you've been run down. You need proper care, for you, and for the future kids."
I was stunned.
So he wasn't broken. He wasn't uninterested. He was looking out for me?
My heart softened. The irritation melted away.
Maybe he wasn't as cold and unfeeling as I thought.
I turned over, watching his silhouette in the darkness.
"Edward," I whispered, "thank you."
He didn't say a word, just reached over and pulled me back into his arms, his hand softly patting my back, soothing me like I was a little kid.
That night, I slept like a log.
I think I was starting to not hate my "body pillow."
Edward kept his word.