Chapter 38
Chapter 38
Tiana blinked, momentarily thinking she must have misheard.matrimonial home for me?”
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Although she had known Enoch for over two years, she had never been to his place. She didn’t even know where he lived.
“I’m not going,” she refused outright.
They were merely in a contract marriage and set to get divorced in 6 months. She didn’t want to delve into his personal life, let alone live with him.
“Just drop me at a hotel. I’ll have an agent find me a place,” she said.
Enoch pressed his slightly pale lips together. “Ms. Schneider, I have no intention of living separately from you for the next 6 months.”
Tiana was at a loss for words.
Enoch’s chiseled face remained calm as his fingers brushed over Tiana’s lips, which had reddened from their kiss. “So, even if you don’t like me, you’ll still have to fulfill your duties as my wife.”
Tiana slapped away his wandering hands. She had no intention of fulfilling any wifely duties or entertaining him
expression was proud and aloof. If the place you Leaning back into her seat, her live in is substandard, don’t expect me to put up with it!”
Enoch smirked slightly. “I believe you’ll be satisfied.”
Tiana raised her eyebrow. “You sure are confident. The only place in Novavista that I’d consider satisfactory is the largest mansion in Wisteria Heights. Can you afford that?”
Wisteria Heights housed Novavista’s most exclusive and expensive mansions, with the most luxurious mansion there costing billions. Even Cedric might not be able to afford it.
Rumor had it that the grand mansion was bought by a mysterious buyer two years ago.
Tiana looked at the Enoch with a sly look. “Can’t afford it? Fine–ust drop me off by the roadside. I’ll head to the hotel myself
As if Enoch didn’t hear her, he started the car and made no move.
Tiana got annoyed for being ignored. “Enoch, are you not listening to me anymore?”
Enoch freed one hand from the steering wheel and grasped her small, soft one. “Don’t be mad. You’ll see when we get there
As he spoke, his fingers lightly squeezed hers, a touch laced with an almost teasing sensuality. Goosebumps rose on Tiana’s arm. She yanked her arm away and said, “Focus on driving, and top taking advantage of me
Enoch glanced at her, catching the faint blush creeping up her ears. He chuckled lowly. “Ms. Schneider, why are you so easily flustered?
Tiana shot him a glare. “Who’s as shameless as you?”
“Have you ever gotten intimate with Simon before?” Enoch aske
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“Of course! We kissed, touched, and almost went too far! Tiana replied.
Enoch’s expression darkened instantly, and the atmosphere in the car turned icy and tense.
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Tiana turned to the window, ignoring him. Her days had been nothing but nuisances, and right then, Enoch was doing the opposite of everything she said. She was truly upset.
Elodie sent Tiana a message to inform her about the upcoming works.
There were only two days left before the second season of “The Sweetest Match” was to be recorded. Elodie arranged for her to meet a few producers after the recording.
Tiana promptly replied to Elodie.
After about 10 minutes, she finally looked up and noticed that they were at the entrance of Wisteria Heights. Her long lashes fluttered slightly. “Why did you drive us here?”
Enoch was still ignoring her. She glanced at him and saw his chiseled face tensed with anger, clearly still upset with her. Feeling speechless, she said, “I was just messing with you. He never kissed or touched me, let alone got intimate, Haven’t you been my bodyguard for two years? You know our relationship was strictly platonic
Only then did Enoch’s expression soften slightly. “Half a year ago you spent the night at his condominium.”
Tiana recalled and said, “That was when he was sick, and I took care of him all night. Wait–are you bringing up old grievances now?”
“I wouldn’t dare,” Enoch said.
‘He wouldn’t dare? Such a lie, Tiara thought.
“Simon is from the past. Stop bringing him up again! Right now, I’m more worried about the security guards stopping us at the gate,” she said.
Enoch chuckled softly. “You’re overthinking it.
And it seemed that Tiana had indeed been overthinking things. The moment the security guards saw Enoch’s car, they gave a respectful salute and promptly opened the gate.
Tiana was speechless. She wondered if Enoch had bought a mansion in the expensive neighborhood.
The car slowly ascended the hill, flanked by towering maple tree Morning sunlight filtered through, casting dappled patterns that offered a serene escape from the city.
In between the maple trees, a three–story standalone mansion nestled within.
When their car arrived at the mansion’s entrance, the sleek black–and–gold gate at the entrance slid–open.
Tiana’s eyes widened in disbelief. The mansion was enormous, and it took them almost 5 minutes to drive through. As they arrived, a fountain in the center sprang to life and danced gracefully with music.
Once the car stopped, a uniformed butler hurried over to open the door for Enoch.
“You’re home, Mr. Gaston,” the butler, Ronald Bennet, greeted.
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Enoch greeted him back before going around the passenger side to open the door for Tiana. “Ms. Schneider, we’re here.”
Tiana swallowed hard. She stayed seated in the car, her fox–like eyes narrowing as she watched Enoch in a complex expression. She had always thought that Enoch was just a handsome bodyguard, but currently, she wondered if he was a secretly wealthy benefactor.
‘But why would someone like him work as my bodyguard? Sure, might be pretty, but someone this rich could have any beauty he wanted. What was his real motive? she pondered.
Enoch was far too enigmatic. He knew her through and through, but yet, she knew nothing about him.
Pressing her lips together, Tiana asked in a soft, husky voice, “Enoch, is this place yours?”
Enoch noticed the storm of emotions in her eyes. He calmly rolled up his sleeves, revealing his lean, muscled forearms. “No. A friend lent it to me.”
“Friend? Which friend?” Tiana asked.
Jasper, Enoch replied.
Tiana remembered the handsome, alluring man from yesterday. She’d even looked up the Yarrow family in Jadewick online afterward. They were one of the four elite families and obscenely wealthy.
“Why would he lend you such an expensive place?” Tiana asked.
“I saved his life once,” Enoch answered.
Tiana nodded thoughtfully. “So, is that black card of yours from him, too?”
“If that’s how you want to think about it, sure,” Enoch said.
Tiana shot him a glare. “Bringing me to live in someone else’s house doesn’t seem very appropriate… Ah!”
Before she could finish her words, Enoch bent down and scooped her up in his arms. Caught off guard, Tiana instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.
Looking up, she was met with the latter’s dark and intense gaze. With me here, no one will dare say a word against you,” he
said.
Before Tiana could say anything, he strode toward the mansion while carrying her.
Besides Ronald, there were a few other housekeepers in the mansion. Upon seeing Enoch carry her in, they all bowed respectfully and greeted him. “Mr. Gaston.”
Enoch’s voice was cold and commanding. Thi treat me!”
“Hello, Mrs. Gaston, they greeted.
is my wife. She’s the lady of the house from now on. Treat her as you would
Tiana’s scalp prickled with discomfort. She wriggled out of his arms, managing an awkward smile as she greeted them.
“Hello”
As she spoke, she pulled Enoch aside. “Isn’t this Mr. Yarrow’s mansion? Why tell them to treat me like the lady of the house?” wired the housekeepers and covered the rent, so feel free to stay.” Enoch said
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Upon noticing her still uneasy expression, he gently patted her on the head. “What do you want for breakfast? Do you want the chef to make it, or should I cook for you?”
“I want your cooking! Tiana said.
Enoch nodded softly. “Okay”
While Enoch was preparing breakfast, Tiana took the opportunity to explore around. The interior design was the modern minimalist style she adored–subtle, trendy, and attractive.
Something about the design felt eerily familiar. She quickly recalled that she had once saved a similar interior design for inspiration, even posting it on Instagram with a caption about how she’d decorate her future home if she married Simon
She almost suspected that Enoch had snuck a look at her Instagram and then sent the design to Jasper.
In the backyard, there was a rose garden, a swimming pool, and small swing made from flowering vines.
After Tiana had swung on the swing for a while, she went upstair. The master bedroom had a large floor–to–ceiling window. It felt cozy and inviting.
Inside, there was a
jewelry, and more.
walk–in closet of about 500 to 600 square feet Rows and rows were filled with women’s clothes, bags,
Tiana blinked, almost thinking she’d walked into a high–end fashion store.
Wait! Why are there so many women’s items in the room? Were they Jasper’s girlfriends? Or were they from one of Enoch’s former lovers?‘ she thought.
As she was puzzling over that, a sharp “meow” startled her. Tian looked up and saw an Exotic Shorthair cat sitting on top of the wardrobe, staring at her with suspicious eyes,
Before Tiana could react, the cat leaped toward her.
Tiana yelped, but she quickly stepped aside to dodge the cat’s leap.
She grabbed the cat by the scruff of its neck, lifting it up without any hesitation. “You little rascal, are you trying to attack
me?”
“Put Moki down!” a stern voice commanded.
Tiana looked up toward the doorway. A middle–aged woman, wearing a black business suit with her hair in a tight bun, was staring at her with a cold, piercing gaze.
The cat immediately began meowing upon seeing the woman. The woman walked over with a cold and arrogant look on her face and took the cat from Tiana, cradling it in her arms.
“The last room on the third floor is strictly off–limits. No one but Mr. Gaston is allowed inside, the woman remarked curtly before walking away with the cat.
Tiana could sense the woman’s dislike and hostility toward her.
At the entrance, a young maid quietly said to the woman, “Marth, you were out shopping earlier. Mr. Caston brought her back and sald she’s the lady of the house moving forward”
Martha Moore snorted. “If Ms. Quinn hadn’t gone missing, do you think he’d bring her here? Besides, Mr. Gaston is 25 or 26
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Chapter 38
now–having needs is perfectly normal.
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Tiana was standing not too far away and overheard their conversation, a look of disbelief spreading across her face.
“What? Is she suggesting that I’m just a tool for Enoch to release as desires? And who on earth is Ms. Quinn?‘ she exclaimed inwardly.
She wondered if Enoch’s lack of interest in women, even with a fancée like Jocelyn, was because his true love wasn’t in the country.
Was I merely a stand–in for someone else? Damn it, her thoughts continued.
That was something Tiana absolutely couldn’t tolerate. Even if their marriage was fake, she would never allow herself to be anyone’s replacement. Her expression turned cold as she grabbed her suitcase and stormed downstairs immediately.
Enoch had just finished making breakfast when he saw Tiana storm toward the entrance, dragging her suitcase behind her.
“Ms. Schneider, where are you going?” he asked.
Tiana pretended not to hear him and quickened her pace.
After seeing that she was leaving. Enoch strode after her immediately. With his tall stature and long legs, he quickly caught up to her.
Grabbing Tiana’s wrist, his dark eyes were deep and unreadable as they locked onto hers. “What’s gotten into you again?” “Again?‘ Tiana repeated the word. His words were like fuel to her fire.
Tiana’s expression was icy. “Let me go!”
But Enoch’s grip tightened instead as he pulled her closer. “What did I do to make you this angry? You’ve been giving me a cold shoulder ever since you got back from Aurora’s.”
She admitted that her earlier annoyance with him stemmed from seeing Aurora’s bruises from Caspian, but right then, it was by the attitude of Martha.
“Enoch, marrying you on a whim was a mistake. I was too impulsive that day, and now, I regret it. I want a divorce!” she said,
Enoch’s expression turned icy at the mention of divorce. “Ms. Schneider, the six–month agreement isn’t over.” The sudden sharp intensity in his demeanor left everyone feeling intimidated
Tiana’s eyes glared at him with defiance as she curled her lips in a mocking sneer. “Even if there’s no love between us, I’m still a beauty who has no trouble finding other men. Why should settle for being your stand–in?”
Enoch was speechless.
Tiana frowned in pain from the tight grip on her wrist. “You’re hurting me!”
Enoch immediately let go, but just as she was about to slip away his large hand firmly circled her slender waist and pulled her forcefully into his embrace,
Looking down, his warm breath brushed against her skin. “What did you see that made you think you’re a stand–in?”
Tiana remained silent.
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He leaned closer, lightly brushing his lips against her slightly parted ones. “Have you ever seen such a beautiful stand–in?”
Her anger suddenly faltered under his words.
Tiana was a quick–tempered person. She glanced at the entrance and saw Martha looking at her. She deliberately hooked her arms around Enoch’s neck and said sweetly, “That Martha or whatsoever wouldn’t let me touch that chubby cat of yours. She also said I’m a stand–in for Ms. Quinn. Tell me–am I?”
Enoch’s expression instantly darkened, and he glanced behind him.
Martha froze under his icy gaze. “Mr. Gaston, I…
Enoch didn’t wait for her to finish before focusing back on Tiana
With a flick of his long fingers, he playfully tapped the bridge of her nose. “Victoria Quinn was my teammate back in the special forces. We were nothing more than comrades.”
His eyes were dark and profound, yet open and sincere. He didn’t seem to be lying.
The irritation in Tiana’s heart completely disappeared. “Honestly, I don’t care who you like–just don’t fool around while we’re married, especially after being intimate with me.”
Enoch nodded softly. “You’re the only one.”
“Enoch!” Tiana exclaimed.
He picked her up in his arms. “Ms. Schneider, it’s time for breakfast.”
Like an indignant kitten soothed into submission, she let out a soft hmph” and didn’t resist.
As Enoch carried her past Martha, he gave her a cold, hard look and the latter felt a chill down her spine.
Enoch placed Tiana in a chair as she scrolled through her phone during breakfast. Upon seeing the latest trending topic, her eyes widened suddenly. “Enoch, we’re in big trouble!”
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