Chapter 8 Welcome Kiss

• My cheeks flushed in embarrassment, I quickly raised my hand in protest. "No! Not at all," I said in my defense.
• "Did he handle you well then?" She pressed. "If your moans are loud, then I guess it's the soundproof," she said, nodding her head thoughtfully.
• "Trust me, nothing like that happened," I said. "Instead, I didn't sleep all through," I added inwardly, I was tempted to roll my eyes.
• She nudged at my shoulder, with a playful smile. "You don't have to be shy. We are all ladies here. Fine, I'm a little older, but we all went through our wedding night," she said.
• "What should I help you with? I'm good at cooking," I said, cleverly diverting the topic.
• Her lips parted in surprise, she let out a gasp, covering her mouth. "I like you more. Not many people know how to cook at your age." Her voice lowered into a whisper. "I taught Jade how to cook," she said.
• "I lost my father three years ago and my mother slipped into a state of comatose. I had to learn how to fend myself," I answered.
• "That's so sad. That must be when you let Diego, right?" She clapped excitedly. "He must have given you a shoulder to rest on when you were sad. Was that when you began liking him?"
• "Huh? I didn't meet Diego...." my mind suddenly flashed back to where he said we met three years ago, damn that psychopath!
• Looking at her bright eyes, she probably was expecting me to say something good about her son. "Yeah. He helped me a whole lot and was always trying to make me smile. He is like a knight in shining armor, he came just at the right time when I needed someone to lean on." That was so smooth, I inwardly commended myself.
• "Feel free to call me mom and tell me anything. When I say anything, I mean everything. I'll be here for you," she said, caressing my hand gently.
• "Your family...ruined mine, your son did. If he hadn't killed my father, then we would be together as a family and I wouldn't be here as his wife," I imagined myself saying.
• "My family did what? You suddenly stopped talking," Scarlet said, tapping my gently.
• "Oh... your family is so nice. I just arrived yesterday, but I already feel at home," I said with a smile.
• "That's a good thing to hear. Marley can be a little problem, but we are all good," she replied.
• I walked over to Jade, who was chopping some onions. "Hi, I'm Ellie," I introduced myself.
• She turned to look at me, her gaze lingering on mine for a while. I instinctively touched my face, was there something on it? Why was she staring for so long?
• A smile slowly formed on her lips. "Nice to meet you. I'm Marley's wife, Jade," she said, turning back to what she was doing.
• Another strange one spotted.
• It was a family filled with strange individuals and psychopaths. Marley, who wants to ruin his brother. Diego, my father's killer. Chairman Fernandez, who was after money and Jade seemed a little off too.
• I couldn't help but wonder if she knew about her husband's deal with me. "Let's get along well," I said.
• "Sure, Ms. Connors," she said, chuckling over nothing. "Oh sorry. It's Mrs. Fernandez since you are married to Diego," she said, her tone hinted with mockery.
• "How did you know my name? Do you, by chance, know who my father is?" I asked, the question slipping out. I was dying of curiosity.
• "Who is he? What's special about your name or your father? Diego introduced you to us on the first day, remember?" she said.
• My brows met in confusion, I couldn't recollect, but I gave up on pressing further.
• "It's a nice thing seeing my daughters-in-law getting along," Scarlet said. "Let's set the table. Ellie, Diego will be back soon, right?"
• "Yes, I guess," I answered with a shrug. He didn't even tell me where he went, how was I supposed to know when he would return?
• "Just bear it a little, Diego can be a workaholic. I'll make sure he clears his schedule and takes you on a honeymoon," Scarlet said.
• A honeymoon with Diego Fernandez? Nah, I'll pass. The best place to gather clues on my father's death was here, at the villa.
• "There's no need for that. I totally understand, he doesn't need to clear his schedule for me," I quickly said.
• "It's Diego!" Scarlet exclaimed, making me turn. My eyes widened at once, my heart racing in fear, was it excitement? I couldn't tell. His presence sent chills down my spine.
• What if he heard everything I had said and started to get the wrong ideas? Oh no! Not the moaning part, I would just die of embarrassment
• "Son! How long have you been standing there?" Scarlet asked, as if she read my thoughts.
• "Not too long. I was looking for her," he said, pointing at me.
• Me? But, why?
• "Oh my! This is so cute! I feel like getting married again and being newlyweds," Scarlet gushed, darting her eyes between us. "Your husband can't let you out of his sight, sweetie!"
• Her eyes narrowed. "What's with the look on your face? Aren't you happy to see him? Did he offend you last night? Or by leaving so early?" she asked.
• Not again! Why does she keep mentioning "last night"? What was so special about a wedding night?
• "Diego, you should clear up your schedule and take her on a honey-"
• I interrupted her without thinking, "Welcome back, hubby. I missed you, you left before I woke up so I was a little mad at you."
• So awkward. So strange. So unusual! I could cringe at my own words!
• "What are you waiting for? Go to him, Jade and I will handle to rest," she said, gesturing at Diego, who had a smirk on his face.
• I moved closer, before she could suspect anything. Standing in front of him, my toes curled as I got nervous, not knowing what was next.
• "Do I have to tell you what to do, Diego? Not even a welcome kiss? Don't be so boring!" She snapped.
• W-wait, what? Welcome kiss?