The convenient marriage - Chapter 34: Chapter 34

Just as Aria expected, being at the apartment was better.
Even though Zane was still quite attentive with her, it wasn't as excessive as it had been at the hospital. She had been frightened thinking he would be glued to her like he had been during the last two days. But realistically speaking, Zane was still the president of a large consortium... thankfully.
Though he had set his mind that he wouldn't visit the office for the whole week, how could a large group of companies properly function without its leader?
The first and second day in the hospital, it had still been quiet. The incoming calls he received had kept under an average of one or two every couple of hours.
Wednesday, the day of her discharge, they increased a bit more. Until on Friday it had gotten to the point his phone kept ringing at just about less than half an hour.
Not that Aria was complaining about it. She felt grateful each time Zane's phone would ring, and the stern man would have to leave her and go to work. Of course he wouldn't leave the apartment, he would only move to the office he had next to the living room, to check on his emails and the files he would receive. But it was still better than before.
She was even doing happy dances in her mind, each time he sighed as his phone lighted up, showing most likely another work related caller's ID. It was rude of her to actually feel happy about another person's misfortune, but she really couldn't help it.
Aria at some theoretical level had become aware that the nature of their relationship would change, but thinking of the change as real, for her was still something of the future. Thus she was still in denial that the future was actually already here.
Each time her hazel green eyes met the blue ocean ones, she would inadvertently for some reason lower her gaze until she would reach his soft perfectly shaped lips, causing her to remember the heart throbbing kiss. It also wasn't helping her the fact that after that moment, Zane's face had become brighter. The usually stone mechanical man who did not seem capable of sketching the slightest inkling of a human expression before, would now show a small smile to Aria, every time she called his name.
At first she had thought it was only a coincidence, but she soon realized that it was a deliberate act. As to how she arrived to this conclusion... well she had tested it.
It had even become a hobby of hers of sorts. Though she felt she could breathe more easily when Zane was not in the same room, and wished for him to go away when he stayed a bit more near her... at the same time, ironically when he would return after finishing his work, she would now intentionally call his name, just to see that exact smile of his.
Why would she feel compelled to do such a thing, was beyond her, but she couldn't help it. Was she becoming crazy?
She would ponder about this every time she remained alone, and would promise herself she wouldn't do it anymore. But such a vow would vanish instantly from her mind, when he would come back, and she would do it again. It was just like an unstoppable vice.
Sometimes she would even think that perhaps this was why she liked when he went away. It was just to have the chance to call his name when he came back. As her mind wandered about, pondering about this, the inquiries in her mind doubled, then tripled, confusing her more.
Was she actually enjoying the fact that he would quickly return to her side, without waiting a moment longer after he would finish his work? And this was why she liked when he went away? Did the fact that she appeared the most important to him these days, despite his workload, tickled her heart, making her feel spoiled and pampered.
Just as these questions, which she did not dare answer honestly to herself, formed inside her mind, a fleeting thought sprouted...
"Absence makes the heart grow fonder." as soon as this particular proverb came to her mind, Aria immediately tried to stifle any more thoughts. She tried to shift her attention elsewhere hurriedly. Absence would be when someone would go on a vacation or relocate to another city for an extended period of time.
What absence capable of making the heart grow fonder lasted just half an hour? And what distance... the office was just a few feet away. He would even let the door open in this time, in case she needed help with something.
She was starting to act just like a teenager who was about to fall...
Frightful of what conclusion she might reach as she thought about his actions, and more importantly her own actions and thoughts, she welcomed with open arms the presence of Anne, Marie, the caretaker of the fur ball, and Pudding.
From the first day back, the three additional presences, would accompany Aria and Zane from lunch until shortly after dinner, keeping her actively focused on chatting with the two and playing with Pudding. Taking her mind off of other thoughts at least during this time.
Because of the matter of her wandering mind coupled with the remembrance of experiencing that kind of professional kiss, using Aria's own words, she really did need other people around.
Zane, on the other hand, would have liked for nothing better than just this, a lovely time with only the two of them. A time in which he could accustom Aria even more with the idea of their relationship becoming closer to a real marriage. So, as opposed to Aria, he really did not like the company of the three disturbances, but thanks to his usual expressionless face he did not show it.
Though, were he to know that because of their presence, Aria was avoiding coming to a favorable conclusion towards how she was starting to feel about him, well one could not tell if his expression would remain as such.
He was also upset that most of the things he did for Aria when they were at the hospital were now taken care of by Anne. Caring for the scald's treatment, cutting of fruits, the walks to the bathroom, even taking care of preventing the appearance of more stretch marks was in the duty of the maid. Aria had made sure to do her entire treatment routine while Anne was in the apartment with them. The only thing he still had left were the night bathroom visits.
Not even one day for the rest of the week, did Aria forget to ask her maid to help her, disappointing Zane even more.
That was until the opportunity presented itself Sunday night.
'Aria, remove your cardigan.' Zane said, as he brought the first aid kit inside the bedroom.
'What for?' The small woman who was currently sitting upright on the bed to read a book, asked surprised, sighing mentally at the bluntness of the cold man. Last time when he had told her he wanted to apply cream on her belly, he had been exactly the same.
'What do you mean what for? To treat your scald.' He explained while he sat on the side of the bed, and was currently opening the kit.
'Ohh... It isn't necessary anymore. Anne said last night that the spot didn't seem noticeable anymore. It also doesn't hurt at all.' She replied immediately relieved.
'The doctor said to apply the cream for the full week. A full week consists of seven days, so it means that you have to have the wound treated tonight also. Now turn around and take off the cardigan.' Zane explained convincingly, and feeling the small woman would still refuse his words, he was already helping her move.
'But he just said roughly. He couldn't estimate for certain that it would heal quicker.' She reasoned.
As Zane expected, she was really trying to dismiss the treatment.
'Whenever a doctor establishes his treatment for a definite number of days, the patient shouldn't be careless about it. This is why an illness reappears when you stop taking your medicine, just because you think you are better.'
'But I am not ill.' Aria at this point was really regretting not having had Anne help with the treatment for tonight also. His reason was too persuasive for her to convince him otherwise. Though it didn't mean she wouldn't try.
'An illness or a wound it's the same. Anyway, just to pacify my worries, please let me put on the cream.'
Hearing his plea, she really couldn't insist more. And anyway if she were to think about it, it was only her shoulder. Thankfully, it was less embarrassing than her belly.
Obediently she removed the cardigan, under which she was wearing a nightdress with thin straps, so Aria did not need to also remove her dress.
Looking at the bare pale white shoulder and nape, Zane gulped inaudibly, and slowly applied the burn cream on the perfectly healthy skin.
'Just as I said, there's still a tiny little bit of redness.' He shamelessly lied, and had even wanted to say that tomorrow also it would've have been better to apply cream on her shoulder. But knowing that the cream was after all medicine, and could perhaps affect her in some way, he withheld the words that were just on the tip of his tongue.
'Really?' Aria asked frowning. She did not sense the scald hurting as Zane applied the cream to her skin.
As the small woman was standing with her back to Zane, she couldn't see for herself if Zane was telling the truth or not, so she could only trust his words.
'Yes. But it should be fine after tonight.' He spoke slowly as he smeared the cream.
The closeness of Zane and his warm breath near her ear unsettled Aria, causing her ears to redden on their tips. Thus she became even more obedient, not moving in the slightest.
An inaction that was truly welcomed by Zane, as he could admire Aria undisturbed. The long dark hair that fell on her back in slightly curled waves, the white smooth skin... how could the man not at least leave a small kiss. Especially when the guilt of not protecting Aria well enough at that time, slowly resurfaced.
Feeling the smooth moist lips on the skin where her shoulder met the nape, Aria immediately jolted in place and briskly turned around. Her inquisitive expression should have made it clear to the man, she was confused about his action. But as always, the blunt man appeared unaffected, unbothered and more importantly, unwilling to speak more.
As such, Aria was about to speak up. But before she could say anything to Zane, the man who had already sneakily put the kit on the night stand before the sneaky kiss, put his arms around her, then slowly lowered his back on the bed.
'Alright, let's sleep. It's late and it would harm your health, if you don't get enough rest.' He righteously advised, as he also covered the both of them with the blanket.
With him gently holding her in his arms, it was increasingly difficult to speak. She wouldn't utter more words, making Aria feel like Zane was actually a trickster. It seemed he was slowly learning how to handle her. It was as though the man was slowly stepping over her bottom line, then quickly retreated, going back and forth each time, lowering the line in the process.
Unfortunately for Aria, she had noticed this particular fact a bit too late. But the woman wouldn't know about it, especially with his comforting hand slowly patting the back of her head and back, calming her senses and effectively lulling her to sleep.
Zane had indeed found out the perfect way to coax Aria. He had done the same after the long kiss when they had just returned to the hospital. He had also held Aria in his arms at that time, until the latter relaxed her senses and had fallen asleep like a small kitten in comfort.
With a small smirk on his lips, the somber man also slowly fell asleep, but not before leaving another small peck on the petite woman's forehead. Because of his gesture Aria frowned, feeling her sleep disturbed, as she nuzzled a bit more against Zane, and put her hand on his chest. Another quirk of Aria that was discovered by the sly man.
Each time he kissed her or touched her face in her sleep, she would snuggle more in his arms to avoid his actions interfering with her sleep. Unfortunately, the unconscious beauty did not know she was diving even more in the wolf's lair, rather than elude his roguish attack.
The next morning, Aria found herself in Zane's arms just like how she found herself each day this week. She was not even surprised anymore, even though at first she would be stilled in place, feeling him so close.
But still, to wake up first and move about, waking the other person and staring at each other in awkwardness, this of course wasn't something Aria wanted, so naturally she closed her eyes and continued her sleep some more.
The next time the small woman got up, it was already brightened up properly. Earlier when she had woken up for the first time, the light was still quite faint.
Checking her surroundings, as she expected, Zane was no longer in bed, causing Aria to sigh in relief. And she relaxed even more when she realized another fact... today was Monday. Zane had said he would only stay to take care of her for one week, so he would be going to workthis morning.
With an improved mood, already imagining a relaxing time with the maids and Pudding, doing things she had avoided as Zane was still with them, Aria's state of mind brightened up by ten folds.
They could have another karaoke night. Wait, as the makeshift party would occur during the day, it couldn't be considered a karaoke night... alright day it was, another karaoke day. It would be a perfect well spent time.
'Aria, today I will be waiting for you at twelve o'clock. Alright?' Zane asked smiling a bit, looking towards the woman who seemed to be glowing, while she ate her sumptuous breakfast. She had already gobbled up two croissants, in a matter of two three minutes.
'At twelve? What's at twelve?' Aria asked frowning a bit, as she grabbed a muffin. She had gotten so accustomed to eating with Zane that she was now eating at her normal capacity. She wasn't restraining her meal's anymore, to maintain a lady like manner. After all, he had eaten all three meals with her for the last week. She wouldn't have been able to bear it, if she didn't. Though she was cautious enough to not burp, at least not audibly.
'What do you mean? Aren't you coming over for lunch?' Zane stated like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
An obviousness that wasn't clear to Aria in the slightest, especially after that kind of an experience.
'Ahh.. It's better if I don't' come around the office again. I don't want to disturb your work.' She replied immediately, finally understanding his meaning. Her heart thumbing a bit louder, remembering the nightmarish visit, stopped any intentions for a positive reply.
'Aria, what happened before... I assure you it will not happen again. Trust me, I have my way to ensure it with a hundred percent certainty. As for work, I also need to eat, right? It is just... I always postpone it, that's how my ulcer worsened. If you come, I will have to eat no matter what, so my health won't deteriorate again. Moreover very time I eat with you, your appetite makes me want to eat as well. Of course, if you no longer care about my ulcer because of last time...' Zane coaxed the woman gently, as he explained to her the situation.
As for finishing saying his words, of course he wouldn't. The sad face and the words left unsaid would create a bigger impact on the woman, making it easier to convince her.
'Alright.' Aria replied, still just a tiny bit unwilling. He had looked after her with such care during this last week, it wouldn't be fair to not be concerned about his health as well. Though she really did not want to visit his office.
The hours quickly passed, and soon it was almost time to leave the apartment.
Anne was already packing the cooked meals in the food containers, as Marie helped Aria brush the long locks of hair.
Looking in the mirror, at the face she now possessed, Aria no longer felt disturbed by the image reflected. Though during the first week or so of her new life, each time she saw herself in a mirror's reflection, in a window, even in the freshly polished mahogany furniture, she would shudder in place.
She would react just like how one would bump into a strange person. Sometimes at night it would be scarier. She would feel as though she saw a ghost. Though ironically, at the same time she was the said ghost.
A soul invading a lifeless body... what was she, if not a ghost?
But now, as Marie would gently detangle the strands, Aria felt that the image reflected was somewhat becoming her own. Mentally, she was starting to see herself as Aria Black.
And for some unknown reason, even stranger was the fact that lately she felt as though her current body's physical appearance had similar traits to her original one, especially her head.
The initial green eyes now seemed hazel and with just a tinge of a green hue, her lips somewhat plumper, perhaps even her cheeks were a bit lower like before. And although her hair was still long and slightly curled, the previous chestnut brown color had darkened considerably.
She couldn't say it was exactly her initial appearance, but she also couldn't recognize the image reflected as the one that appeared in the doctor's phone when he had informed her of her identity, the first day she had woken up.
She really found the transformation fascinating. Was she the only one who noticed these changes? Zane hadn't said anything about it, and it would be strange to ask the maids about such a matter. Maybe it was only her imagination. She hadn't looked much in the mirror before she died, so it could all really be just in her head. These days, her previous body's image was sometimes blurry in her mind after all.
'Don't worry, my lady. I and Anne will protect you no matter what.' Marie spoke determined. The maid had seen the pensive Aria, and thought about what Anne had informed her of their lady's first visit to the office.
Because Aria hadn't wanted to disturb the atmosphere at Zane's working place, she had only brought Anne with her the first time, so unfortunately Marie had remained home. But now, no matter what Aria thought, the two maids were dead set on both of them following her.
'Alright.' Aria responded slowly, somewhat dispirited. She hadn't thought of this just now, but Marie's words had reminded her of the lunch appointment, the maid's encouragement actually backfiring.
'Yes. Even if it is the master himself... anyone, absolutely anyone at the office who dares upset you, will meet my fists. ' Marie encouraged her again.
This time, Aria really felt a bit better. Although, Marie was also joking about, Aria knew that the girl really did have a black belt in karate, so she was really capable of beating someone up. Though, it was hard to imagine that Marie would actually hurt Zane, if the latter upset her in some way.
In another city at the same time
'The smaller shareholders, those possessing about 1 to 5 percent of the shares at the different companies in the consortium, have expressed their dissatisfaction towards Zane's ruthless retraction of Davis' shares. It seems that the man can't gracefully retreat after all.' A middle aged man's voice could be heard on the other end of the phone call.
'And the others?' Victoria asked calmly, apparently unbothered about the news.
'Well the bigger players know their own interest. They have been with us the longest after all. The smaller ones must have grouped up just because they don't know the reason behind Davis's forced removal. They are under the impression the Blacks are trying to cut loose all the smaller shareholders.' The man sighed a bit, but wasn't too particularly worried about what he was informing Victoria. It felt as though he was only irritated to have another thing on his to do list.
'Let them know that The Blacks had their own motives behind the retrieval of Davis's shares, unrelated to others, so we wouldn't ask them as well to hand over their shares. But if the latter wish this, it is not an inconvenience. If they wish to sell their shares and stop any connection with our family this is doable.
As for Davis's matter, if they speak up for him in the future, then they will share his fate. I should think this is enough to convince them to stop their foolishness.
Also, the consortium is for my son to handle how he pleases. If they try to speak to me about such matters again in the future, they should be prepared to sever immediately our connection. This is the only warning I will give them.' She calmly instructed her right hand man. The man had also resigned from the company at the same time Victoria had stepped down as CEO, to make clearer the fact that a new president would take his post. So he was now her personal assistant, unrelated to the consortium.
'Alright, don't worry. I know what to do about this. Tell me how are you holding up?' The man asked Victoria attentively. The personal question and the lighter tone showed the relationship between them was more akin to old friends, rather than boss and employee.
Victoria had quieted down at his question, as though she was introspectively checking herself, trying to give a truer answer.
'I am holding... I...' She finally voiced some words with difficulty. Her attitude miles apart from the earlier strength she had exuded.
The neither positive nor negative answer, or better said the attempted answer, caused the man to sigh once more. Though you could tell this time it was because he did not know what to say to Victoria. Perhaps it would've been better if he didn't ask, he pondered. But it was not like the situation would change if he didn't.
'Victoria, I know it is hard for you. But there were initially very few hopes, you know this better than me.' The man tried to calm her, tried to sooth her mind.
'I knew this, but at the same time I did not want to accept it. How could I?' She hoarsely spoke.
Her frowned eyebrows and hopeless expression very much resembled Zane at this moment, when the latter would be sad.
This side of Victoria was a part of her personality that she only showed to a few selected persons. Currently the man she was speaking to, unfortunately was the last one alive to see her like this. Even Zane wouldn't know of the Victoria who was now conversing with her assistant.
In the afternoon, at the Black's consortium
'Wait a minute, my lady.' Anne stopped Aria, as the latter was about to open the car's door.
Remembering that she was supposed to wait until the driver opened the passenger's door, Aria retracted the hand she had just put on the handle, and complied with Anne's words.
She had felt a lump in her throat on the whole way here, and it had distracted her so she only absentmindedly thought to exit on her own. Furthermore seeing the huge building through the car's window, her mood turned worse. So she quickly directed her gaze inside the car.
Would her visit this time really be different than before? She thought, her heart thumbing a bit louder. Zane assured her no one would bother her, and he was the president, so he was capable of making this happen, right?
As she was sighing, holding the small fur ball against her chest for comfort, Aria waited patiently, but strangely the driver did not show any intentions to alight the car.
Several minutes had passed, but he was just checking his phone. Because of this Aria was about to ask Anne what they were waiting for, as the two maids were also not saying anything about the driver's inaction. But she had barely opened her mouth when suddenly the door was opened from the outside.
Not a second later a man's hand appeared in the light that shone through the now unobstructed doorway.
The slender long fingers fit for a person who seemed to be able to play difficult piano pieces thanks to his large reach, slowly straightened themselves while the familiar arm approached Aria's hand. It was clear that the professional dressed man was politely offering his help to her.
Timidly looking up, Aria finally let go of most of her worries regarding her visit to the company today. Zane had told her that he had his way of ensuring with a hundred percent certainty that she wouldn't encounter other problems on her second visit.
No one would bother her on the way up, if the president himself was escorting her. Right?