CHAPTER 51: ANGER

The days flew by so fast. Before they knew it, it had been exactly a week since Adrian and Bianca arrived in Japan. During those seven days, besides going to Shibuya, the two of them mostly stayed inside the hotel.

However, that didn’t make Adrian and Bianca feel bored at all. Their days were filled with laughter and jokes. You could say their relationship, which used to be shy and guarded—trying to keep up appearances—had now become more open and straightforward.

Somehow, the kisses they shared brought them closer together. The bed divider they initially planned to use to keep some distance while sleeping was only used for two night. After that, Bianca always fell asleep in Adrian’s arms. Just like right now.

At first, Bianca resisted strongly. Adrian’s way of asking back then didn’t exactly make her feel comfortable.

Bianca remembered that day clearly—specifically, their fourth day in Japan. They were having a meal when Adrian casually asked, "Can I sleep holding you tonight?"

Bianca, who was in the middle of eating her udon, nearly choked. Adrian quickly helped her, rubbing her back and handing her a glass of water and tissues.

"What did you just say?" Bianca asked, wiping her lips with the tissue Adrian handed her.

Did Adrian not know it was bad manners to talk while eating? And worse, the topic he brought up was completely out of the blue. How could he ask something like that while they were in the middle of a meal?

And did I hear that right? Did Adrian just say he wants to sleep while holding me?

"I said, can I sleep while holding you tonight? I’ll give you anything you want in return—bags, a car, jewelry, you name it."

What bothered Bianca wasn’t the question itself, but the way Adrian followed it up by saying he’d give her anything she wanted. It made her feel insulted.

Seriously? What does he think I am, some kind of escort?

Sure, Bianca wasn’t a virgin anymore, and yes, she used to sleep next to Rafael. And their relationship was because of—well, never mind. Bianca didn’t want to think about it anymore.

"No," Bianca said firmly, pushing her bowl away, suddenly losing her appetite.

Adrian felt a bit flustered. Wasn’t it true that most women loved being gifted cars, handbags, or jewelry? Or maybe Bianca preferred cash instead? He still didn’t realize that his words had slightly bruised her pride.

With full confidence, Adrian said, "Oh, so you’d rather have money than gifts? How much do you want? I can give it to you, in exchange for us sharing the same room during our contract marriage and you letting me hold you while we sleep."

Then he paused, remembering something, and quickly added, "I’ll only hold you. Nothing more," afraid Bianca might take it the wrong way.

Bianca’s heart suddenly went cold. She thought Adrian had changed, even just a little. But she couldn’t have been more wrong.

"Please stop. I don’t want anything like that." Bianca replied sharply, offering no explanation as she tried to keep her anger in check.

"If not money, cars, bags, or jewelry, then what do you want? Oh... a house, maybe?" Adrian pressed, still stubborn, completely unaware that his words had already lit a fire in Bianca’s temper.

That was it. The anger Bianca had been trying to swallow burst out the moment she saw Adrian’s clueless face, looking genuinely confused yet still managing to be such a jerk with his words.

"You think I’m some kind of prostitute or someone you can just buy with your money?" Bianca asked, her eyes narrowing at Adrian.

"Do you think your money can buy everything in this world? I went along with this crazy game of yours because I felt sorry for your grandpa. And did I ever ask you for money to do it? No, right? I turned down the money you wanted to give me. So why are you insulting me like this?" Bianca snapped, her anger spilling out, unable to hold it back after hearing Adrian’s words.

Realizing his words had clearly given Bianca the wrong impression, Adrian panicked, his heart sinking the moment he saw the look on her face.

He quickly explained, "Hey, I’m really sorry if what I said came across as inappropriate or unpleasant. That was never my intention."

Bianca stayed silent, choosing not to look at Adrian. She knew that if she met his eyes while her emotions were still boiling, she couldn’t guarantee she’d be able to hold back. Bianca knew herself too well, when someone hurt her, the urge to make them feel that same pain through her words was almost impossible to resist.

"I’m sorry, Bianca. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I really didn’t see you that way," Adrian said quickly, still feeling nervous, his voice shaking a little.

Inside, Adrian cursed himself for being such an idiot. He’d forgotten Bianca wasn’t like other women. Why did he even have to bring money into this? He felt even more foolish remembering how she’d flat-out rejected his offer of money when he first proposed their contract marriage.

Bianca stayed silent.

Adrian sighed and tried to explain, "I said that because when we slept together yesterday, I woke up with you in my arms and I didn’t have any nightmares. Honestly, I often have bad dreams. When I don’t have nightmares, I usually wake up feeling cramped and heavy, like my energy is drained. But today was different. When I woke up, I had no nightmares, and my body felt fresh, comfortable, and light."

Bianca took a deep breath, looking down. "I get what you mean, Adrian. But... I still can’t."

Adrian nodded slowly, his voice gentle. "I understand, Bianca. It’s okay. Really, I do. And I’m sorry, if what I said earlier hurt you. That wasn’t my intention."

Bianca looked up briefly, giving a small nod.

"Thank you. I appreciate your apology."

But that night, Bianca suddenly woke up, hearing Adrian’s voice nearly breaking as if he was holding back tears.

"Please don’t leave. I beg you, don’t leave me..."

Bianca softly called out, "Adrian..." She gently shook his shoulder, "Adrian, wake up..."

Suddenly, she noticed a tear sliding down the corner of Adrian’s closed eye.

Bianca was certain those dreams were connected to why Adrian no longer believed in love.

Adrian woke up a few minutes later, his bangs sticking to his forehead, damp from sweat.

After that, seeing tears on Adrian’s cheeks for the first time, Bianca felt sympathy for him and decided to agree to his request.

***

"Are you awake?" Adrian gently tucked Bianca’s hair behind her ear. This habit of his still made her blush.

"Mm."

"So, how’s your ankle? Does it still hurt? Can you walk properly now? Are we still on for today?" Adrian asked eagerly, firing several questions at once.

"One at a time, Adrian. I just woke up too. I don’t really know if my ankle is fully healed yet. But yesterday, it felt better, no more swelling or pain. Maybe now it’s completely healed."

If Bianca’s ankle heals completely today, they plan to explore the city of Tokyo. Bianca moved her injured right foot, carefully checking its condition. She slowly rotated her ankle, feeling the improvement, and smiled happily.

"Looks like our plan for today will happen."

"Your ankle’s healed?" Adrian pulled away slightly and looked at her, sharing in her happiness.

"Mm, seems like it."

"Thank goodness. Finally, we can get out of this damn hotel."

"Is it annoying having to take care of me all the time?" Bianca squinted playfully.

"Nope," Adrian quickly replied. "I just want to go out with you. I want to spend time with you somewhere other than this hotel."

"Oh, I thought you’d be tired of taking care of me by now."

"I’ll never get tired of taking care of you, Bianca. Never," Adrian replied seriously, his expression matching his words.

"Cheesy." Bianca lightly punched Adrian’s arm.

"My cheesiness is only for you, Bianca." Adrian grinned.

"Tchhh..." Bianca scoffed, but inside, her heart was racing with excitement.

***