XLVII

Entering the hotel room, Noor let a tired sigh out as she taps her cheeks trying to cool down the heat .

Shameless!.

She shook her head trying to prevent her mind from thinking anything dirty because of what he just told her.

Good thing, he did not follow her back to the hotel room when she excused wanting to return, but both knew she just wanted to avoid him.

Looking at the time, it struck her that she was yet to pray the night prayer, so she went and chose a comfy clothes to change into before entering the washroom to do her ablution.

After finishing her prayer a thought struck to her mind as she nervously bite her lips looking at the room.

Are they gonna sleep on the same bed? She looked at the couch and an idea popped in her mind.

Half an hour later, Leonardo returned to the room, having a spare key with him, he unlocked the door.

The room was already dark except for the dim light coming from the balcony window . He let his gaze scan the room looking for a specific figure.

The bed was empty. A frown settled on his face seeing it. A hump on the couch caught his attention.

He walked to the bed switching on the lamp beside it as he looked at the couch.

There was a blanket. Leonardo understood who might be under that blanket on the couch.

Did she really think he will let her sleep on the couch? She is damn stubborn and if she can be stubborn he too can be.

Stubborn woman.

He slowly lifted the blanket off of her as her figure came to his sight. She was wearing a silky comfy white Pj.

It seemed thin as he noticed her body shiver at the cold air from the AC. He noticed she was still wearing her scarf , though in a loose style.

Leonardo sighed, helpless at her stubbornness. He carried her with caution, not to wake her up.

Laying her on the bed, Noor felt the base comfortable and she snuggled making her body relax .

After properly tucking her on the bed with blanket, he went to freshen up feeling himself dirty.

It did not take long as he came out wearing only sweatpants as he dried his hair with a towel.

He threw the towel on the couch as he slid himself on the bed, pulling Noor's back closer as he hugs her waist, snuggling himself on the crook of her neck, drifting in her scent as sleep take over.

The heavy weight she was feeling woke her up from the sleep as she blinked her lazy eyes. A lamp was the first thing she saw as her mind slowly wakes up to work. She tried to wake up but the grip on her waist stopped her so.

Her confused eyes trailed down and found a hand. Instantly her mind began to panic seeing a man's hand and she screamed pushing whoever was with her on the bed to the ground as a painful groan was heard.

"What the fuck!"

Hearing the voice, Noor relaxed realizing it was Leonardo who slept with her. She peeped at him, worry written on her face seeing him groaning in pain.

"A-are you okay?" she asked as Leonardo stood with his hand supporting his hips " Do I look like I am okay?"

Noor got off the bed as she went to him and carefully supported him to sit on the bed " I am sorry. I thought some random guy slept o-"

She was cut off mid-sentence by the sudden pull, as her hand hold onto the only thing that could support her from unbalance.--- his bare shoulder.

Where is his shirt?

"random guy--? Did you think I will allow anyone to touch my wife?" The possessiveness in his voice always comforts her which she was oblivious to.

" You don't even recognize your husband's hand. Shall we do something about it?"

His intense gaze showed the slight disappointment he had and Noor was speechless at his childishness.

H-he... Is he sulking right now?

" W-where were you last night?" The question came abruptly but it was a good chance to change the topic.

" Curious of your husband now?" He teased, surprised at the unexpected question.

" N-no I just-.."

Their moment was interrupted by a call coming from Leonardo's phone as Noor backed away " I-I have to pray."

Locking the bathroom door, she sighed a relief that she escaped from there, because she could literally feel her body starting to sweat--- nervously

Besides she was confused how did she ended up on the bed? She was so tired from yesterday's events that her mind blanked out.

He sighed seeing her vanish from his sight into the bathroom as he picked up his call and groaned seeing Michelle's name " Hello."

Noor was folding her prayer mat after finishing her prayer. The fresh breeze blew at her and she walked to the balcony admiring the weather that was perfect for going out.

I wanna go out.

"Do you wanna go out?" She heard the question as she felt the presence behind with the familiar musky scent.

The next thing, she felt two strong arms hug her from behind as a weight pressed down on the crook of her neck " I asked you something."

" U-um... yeah" she replied feeling the tingles everywhere his body and hands touches while her hand went to his that were on her stomach.

" Get ready then." He told her, giving a peck on her cheeks before releasing her from the hug, as a cold void replaced the warmth she was enjoying.

Though she was disappointed not feeling him anymore, the small peck was enough to trade it as a small smile curled on her lips.

" Let's go." Noor announced after changing her outfit as she looked at the person infront of her.

Leonardo changed his focus from his phone to the voice that called out to him and his breath was taken away.

Noor wore a simple crème dress with a brown scarf . He noticed the little makeup which sharpened her youthful face and a white tote bag with an outlined smile face printed on it.

Even though she was in a simple attire and covered from head to toe, he doesn't understand how she managed to be beautiful.

Every other girl will add nth kg of makeup on their face and show alot of skin to look beautiful.

" Oh! Before I forget" she said and went to her luggage opening it as she ruffled through it and her frown disappeared finding the item she was looking for.

Confusion and curiosity filled his face, seeing her rampaging through the luggage but it soon answered his questions.

A black credit card was seen in her hold as she puts her luggage away and she faced him, hesitance on her face looking at the card.

" Derek gave me his credit card and said I can buy anything with it. He said it's his wedding gift for me." She explained, fidgeting with the card.

Though she refused but with Fiona also insisting, she did not get the chance to say anything else because they left before hearing anymore of her rejection.

Dissatisfaction was clear on Leonardo's face hearing it. Using another man's credit card for her purchase? Like hell he will allow it.

" Well.. I can use it to buy some souvenirs for them?" She muttered telling herself but Leonardo also heard her.

Swiftly he snatched the card from her, annoyed that his wife is using another man's card. Even if it's his uncle.

It hurt his ego.

" I can pay for my wife's needs. You don't need to use other guys card." His hard tone clearly showed he disapproved of the wedding gift.

" But that's-"

" No buts and let's go. I will buy everything you want." He said , holding her hand and walked out of the room with Noor processing his words.

It's not lile she wanted to accept it either, so she didn't bother talking anything else about it.

Walking down the road filled with couples and kids of different ages, there were a lot of small market stalls selling food, clothing and souvenirs.

Noor was jumping on her heels, walking among the crowds, oblivious of the hand on her waist that was trying not to loose her in the crowd.

" Lets go there!" She pointed at a gaming stall as she looked at Leonardo, stretching her neck with excitement in her tone.

Before Leonardo could answer, she dragged him as she shrieked looking at the game.

" Welcome welcome! The player who wins the highest can choose any price he wants! But you have to make sure not to loose till the end!" The young man who seemed to be in his mid twenties announced.

It was a game of Dalgona, where you have to cut the outline of the shapes with a toothpick and have to be careful not to crack.

There were options given, whether you want to finish all the three shapes and win the big price or stop after doing one or two of it and get the prize accordingly.

Noor was excited because she knew the game was inspired from the K-drama Squid Games and it has went viral in the internet.

" Let's try it!" She tapped at his shoulder convincing him who seemed to be uninterested of the game thinking it's child's play.

" This is child's play. Do we have to play it?" He said and Noor looked at him accusingly.

" No one is capable of completing this game till the end. If you say it's easy why don't you do it?" The shop owner asked hearing him catching their attention.

" Oh- it's okay he is just full of himself" Noor replied trying to avoid any fight to break out if Leonardo gets angry.

" Hey-! You are my wife!" He voiced feeling betrayed seeing her side with the shop owner " I mean what I said!"

" Then shall we give it a go?" The guy dared with an innocent smile but his stare is saying otherwise.

" Are you challenging me?" Leonardo asked to which the guy simply smiled receiving a scoff " Fine!".

" You don't have to-" Noor hold him back trying to convince him to back away because judging from his opinion earlier, he doesn't seem to be familiar of the game " I can do it."

She sighed at his stubbornness and lets him do it. Good thing they have cash with them as the hotel manager advised incase if they go to any local stalls.

20 mins later....

" I t-think it's enough. Let's go." Noor pressed his shoulder indicating him to stop because he has been losing straight for the past 20 minutes.

" I am getting that fucking prize" he gritted with seriousness opt with his decision and Noor can only roll her eyes at it.

10 mins later..

"Okay buddy you can stop now, at this rate you will be called the Dalgona failure" the shop owner said as the nearby customers laughed at his statement and Noor too stifled a smile.

"Well, take this for now so your sacrifice isn't in vain" he added as he passed a set of couple trinkets of cute animals

A lion and a rabbit.

Noor was able to drag him away before he lost his cool and lash out at the poor guy who didn't know whom he was messing with.

"Why did you drag me? I said I am going to win that stupid prize!" He complained with annoyance as Noor held his arms firmly incase he went berserk; is what she thought .

" You should give chance to others too. Didn't you see there were a lot of people waiting to play too?" she replied while still pressing her lips remembering the nickname.

" Geez- you are so childish. It was just a game" she said finding his little protest cute and wants to pull on his cheeks.

At this point her stomach does that weird twists again, while feeling her heart melt at his childish expression.

The rest of the days went by really quickly, enjoying themselves with the locals and Noor bargaining with the shopkeeper.

Though she knows Leonardo is rich and could afford it but she couldn't help but bargain the price whenever it's unreasonable.

Maybe it's the Asian in her?

Amidst all, they became comfortable with each other once again and Leonardo can only hope it to last long.

A week passed by and the strain in their relationship seemed to slowly heal as they enjoy the time with each other.

Apparently, the hotel held a program twice a year to guide tourists around Bali. " The Discovery of Bali" program.

To which Noor was grateful because she was able to see so many heavenly places. She literally thought she was in heaven.

Good thing Michelle gifted her a camera to capture pictures.

Looking at the blue sky that was slowly mixing with the greys as cold wind whistled, making her shiver and her arms instantly hugged herself heating herself even if it was a little bit.

She has a hunch it was going to rain since she haven't seen the sun the whole day and the grayness in the sky only confirmed it.

Her mind took her on a long ride of thoughts. These past days she noticed how her relationship with Leonardo was. She felt like.... couples.

Real couples.

Those sudden tingles that always erupts whenever he teases, his smug smirk knowing his words has effects on her and his touches that always sent electric wave, flattering her heart.

She wasn't sure. Her mind and heart has became a mess because of those...

She became distracted from her former plan she set herself at the beginning of their marriage but.... fate always does wonders to everyone.

Is this the effect of being in a sacred relationship? Or.... was she just too oblivious to realize?

She has never felt like that when she was with Jack. Her heart never felt as if it will come out of her chest nor did she felt those tingles as if butterflies were dancing in her stomach.

" Ya Allah- why do I feel like this?" she mumbled to herself at those feelings.

 It was never an intense feeling she had towards Leonardo . She knows he likes to tease and flirt at her so being flustered and heart fluttering would be a normal reaction right?

Not too long ago she was suffocating in this relationship and now it was doing her something else.

Her phone vibrated in her pocket, notifying her, someone sent a message. She took out and checked the message that popped on her screen.

Lily

* 2 new messages.

Noor unlocked her phone as she went straight to WhatsApp, curious at the message, Leonardo sent.

She was given a new phone by him because apparently she didn't brought her phone with her. She doesn't know where at the house she kept either!

Even though she argued she didn't want a new phone since hers isn't broken or anything, Leonardo still bought it and told her to use it incase there's an emergency when he is not around.

Lily: Are you hungry?
Lily: The lunch at the hall is open. Come down if you are not ordering room service. I am at the hall.

She chuckles at the name she kept for Leonardo. She is hella sure he is going to be soo damn upset about it.

Noor thought for a while whether to go down or order room service.

Don't overthink Noor! Stop stressing! He means nothing to me.

She shook her head off the bubbling thoughts, convincing herself it's nothing to worry about.

Typing on her phone, she replied his message " I am coming down."

The Lunch hour was filled with people at the hall. Strange, because usually it isn't crowded.

Maybe the weather forecast made them stay in at the hotel till it's clear of rain. You never know how bad the weather could be.

Clenching her phone, she tip toed her height, in-search of Leonardo. She doesn't know why her heart was nervous as she thought of it.

Where is he?

As she walked through the crowds, her feet came to a sudden stop as her eyes caught the scene infront of her making her heart drop.

Leonardo was talking with a tall brunette, a frown settled on her face at their close distance.

They seemed to be having fun talking, looking at the way they whisper at each other and laugh. Noor can't even deny she is a beautiful lady.

She is tall, slim and there is no sight of acne on her long face. Her features were strong. Really strong.

Her aura screamed confidence and resolute. The black dress hugged her hour figure so perfectly its as if it was made for her as her long brunette hair cascaded behind her swaying whenever she laughs.

Noor saw the brunette placing her hands on Leonardo's chest with flirtatious movements and he wasn't budging any of it.

Somehow she was displeased by it.

" Say~ are you open tonight? How about we grab a drink?" The brunette whispered seductively while tracing his biceps.

Before Leonardo could reply to her offer, he felt a pull from his arms interrupting their conversation as two familiar hands wrapped around it

" Honey~! I was looking for you!" Leonardo was surprised hearing the nickname he was called by Noor.

" Honey? And who might you be?" The brunette asked with annoyance in her voice at the interruption.

" Oh~ Did I interrupt something? I am Noor by the way" she introduced herself flashing an innocent smile as she firmly pulled the arm she was hugging closer " His wife."

The look on the brunette's face was priceless. Noor bit her lips, stopping her laugh from escaping but Leonardo was as speechless as the lady infront.

" Wh- haha" she scoffed feeling the revelation as a joke " What are you blabbering? So are you saying me you bo-."

"We are married" Noor rested her head against his arms as she said so while Leonardo tried to cover his smile at his wife's revelation.

Well isn't this something.

Noor looked up at Leonardo waiting for him to say something as an idea popped in his mind.

" Yes. Lizzy this is Noor my wife. Noor this is Lizzy Yovetto my business partner." He introduced the two women and Lizzy was still processing the whole ordeal.

" I didn't take you for one to settle Leonardo" Lizzy commented, her arms crossed against her chest with a questioning look at them.

" Apologies for not inviting you at our wedding.  How about we have lunch together as a token?" He offered and Noor disliked the idea. A lot.

" Sure! Let's go!" She chirped and clung to his other arm as she dragged him away to find a seat, leaving Noor.

Anger would be an understatement she is feeling right now. She was baffled Leonardo let her drag away and he did nothing to stop her!

She clenched her hands into fists, glaring at their backs that were slowly going further away into the crowd.

The whole lunch Noor was ignored as the two talked with each other. Even though Noor understands she is his business partner but the interaction they have is making her think otherwise.

Aggressively, Noor was picking on her plate and munching her food with force-fulness while glaring at the man infront of her.

" Oh look at the time. I am sorry but I have a Pilate class to catch on. See you guys around" she told looking from Leonardo to Noor who gave a tight forced smile .

" By the way, how long do you think this marriage will last?" Lizzy's question was unexpected for them and Leonardo knows where she is going with it.

" What do you mean Lizzy." His orbs darkened as it stared at her with narrow lids. His hands clenched.

" Oh my, I don't mean to be rude" she said, while taking a peek at Noor whose attention was all at her while she was frozen in her seat.

" But I mean... you never fuck the same chick twice." Lizzy returned her focus at Leonardo as a smirk curled up from the corner of her lips " You are never the one to settle with one."

The atmosphere suddenly became tense but Lizzy was smiling as if she accomplished something she planned.

" Lizzy you-"

" Oh I gotta go. See ya guys around" she winked, standing up and took her phone that was on the table as she looked at Leonardo. 

" And.... Leo if you are up to my offer, call me" She pressed his shoulder indicating she is waiting for his call before walking away.

Leonardo cursed under his breath at Lizzy's words as he slowly looked at Noor who was all silent while hearing everything.

She was sitting as if she just realized something. There was no hint of emotion on her and it was worrying him shit ton.

Hearing Lizzy's words, it was like a hit of reality for Noor. She was right.

This marriage... he doesn't take this marriage serious. He married her only to sleep with her.

That's what he said to her.

She doesn't know why she even interrupted their conversation and said all those things. She has no excuse for it.

She can't deny whatever Lizzy said was false. She wishes it was a lie. How can it be a lie either when she also knew it was damn true.  

Noor felt as if someone was choking her and her body went numb to the point as if its temperature dropped.

" I-I am done with my lunch" She forcefully let those words out before walking away carrying her agonizing heart.

"Wait- Where are you going? -" he called out but Noor just kept walking out from the hall.

" Stupid heart! Stupid tingles!" She silently scolded herself , her breathing becoming difficult.

This trip has made her go crazy.  She wasn't suppose to be getting close to him! She wasn't suppose to have all those delusional flutterings! Nothing was suppose to happen between them!

Is it too late?

Noor stopped in her tracks, as she recognize she was standing infront of her room door.

Her phone suddenly ring catching her attention. She felt her heart contract the oxygen out of her seeing the contact name .

She doesn't want to talk with him right now. She doesn't want to see him either!

Her thumb slide the bar on her screen phone to the left declining the call.

But it did not stop there, Leonardo continued to call her and Noor did nothing but decline every time.

She unlocked the door with the spare keys, he got for her and she entered as a sigh of tiredness slipped from her lips.

I feel tired. I want to go back home.

As she walked away from the door, she felt a sudden pull and her chest bumped against the broad chest as the familiar musky scent filled her nostrils and she looked at the person.

Her ash orbs clashed with the coal ones.

" So you are going to ignore my calls now?" He asked, putting away his phone he was holding against his ear , into his pockets.

Noor was silent for a while before answering his question as she tried to free her wrist and kept a distance
" I w-wasnt ignoring your calls."

"You weren't?" He asked, his brows raised with a questioning look as he continued to hold her wrist.

"Y-yeah- I just... wanted to be a-alone."

"And why is that?" He observed her hesitancy as he scanned her doe eyes that were filled with pain " L-leave my hand."

He didn't know things were going to escalate this bad. He only planned to make her jealous but alas! The tables turned into an unexpected problem.

Noor really wanted to be left alone to organize her messed up thoughts. She has to return back to her former plan instead of being trapped in this delusional fantasy.

" I asked you something" He repeated, his presence and questions making her irritated that she suddenly lashed out.

"Because you seemed busy with your business partner, so I didn't want to disturb you both while you guys were talking." she frowned in displeasure.

"I mean... sure she can be your business partner but how can you allow her to also flirt with you and you did not even budge at her touches!" She rambled, letting out her infuriation, as she let's her mouth speak all it wants.

The irritation, annoyance and anger was getting the best of her that she did not realize she was rambling off.

And Leonardo seeing her talking in jealousy, pleased him as he released her wrist and a smile stretched on his sun-kissed skin.

He caressed her cheeks with Noor caught off-guard as her rambling words got stuck, feeling his touch.

His eyes soften in adoration at her jealously as she looked at him smiling attractively, long forgotten of the pain and was replaced with thode stupid flutters she described.

She felt her heart betraying her.

Leonardo bent till their eyes meet as he slightly tilted his head to the side, his smile stretching wide " Are you jealous mi fiore~?"

If this was an anime world, Noor would've poofed pink in embarrassment at his question.

" Wha- NO! I am n-not jealous!" She corrected him but he was not taking any of it as he slowly took steps forwards making her walk back.

" You are not? But it seemed to me that you are~" he teased making her flustered even more.

" I am not! I- H-how could you just allow her t-to flirt with you o-openly in front o-of me!" She complained.

" Is there a problem that she couldn't flirt with me infront of you?" He teased with a playful tone.

Noor was getting irritated at his play of words. She knew he knows what she meant but he just kept going around in circles. 

" Hmm~? I don't see any harm in it. She wa-"

" I AM YOUR WIFE !AND YOU ARE MY--! " her words got stuck in her throat realizing what she was going to say. She was going to admit him as her husband!

She casted her gaze down, feeling the pain slowly re-surfacing yet once again as he remembered his hurtful words.

"You are just my toy, a whore I want to fuck"

Right .... that's what he only ever feel for her. Lust.

In his eyes there's nothing wrong if other woman flirts with him. Because he already showed her, her place.

He moved one of his hands to her cheeks as he kissed her forehead surprising her by the act. It was as if he was trying to comfort her. 

She hates it, but yet she finds it working on her, like a secret she wasn't suppose to know. She can't believe a simple gesture from him is what it takes for her to calm down.

Separating his lips from her forehead, he leaned on it with the smile still lingering on his face.

"Don't worry mie fiore, I am yours . And you are mine. Forever."

◇  ◇  ◇  ◇  ◇

Bye~ ×-×




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