It's almost eight and James still hasn't showed up from office. I know sometimes he has to stay back to work late but he always informs me through a text. Carrack and Chloe are out for dinner, as usual. Sometimes I wonder how can someone stay out so much without mental exhaustion but then remember that they both have excellent social skills.

"Mrs. George, you can eat and head to bed, you know? I'm sure he'll be back any minute." I tell her as she waits with me in the living room.

"Are you sure?" She looks a little nervous and I nod, giving her a small smile.

"Yes, absolutely. You've already set the table today, you should rest."

She nods before retreating to the staff quarters and I sigh, my eyes fixed on the front door. There's no doubt that I'm pissed at him but my nerves are also starting to grow as time ticks by. I haven't called him because I didn't want to disturb him if he was busy at office but — to hell with it.

I pick up my phone and call him, hear it ring until it hits voicemail and my nerves just pick up more. I call Mark next because James's Tesla is parked in the garage. He doesn't pick up either and this time I can't seem to sit still as I stand up and start pacing in the living room.

Should I call Amy? She must know where he is, but I don't have her contact number. Wow, I can't believe I'm actually considering calling her. I practice deep breathing exactly like Dr. Wilson taught me, keeping my focus on the breaths to exhale the anxiety running through me. It helps me calm down a little before my eyes move to the front door opening.

James steps in with his jacket in his hand and I immediately rush to him. His eyes meet mine when he catches the movement and he looks a little cautious, making me stop in my track as I try to study his face while he does the same.

"Where were you?" I ask, crossing my arms across my chest and he scowls at me.

"At work. Where else?" He steps closer and my worried nerves resolve to see that he's healthy and in front of me. "What's wrong?"

"You're later than usual and you weren't picking up your call, neither was Mark. I got worried." I gulp, fumbling my fingers as my anger resolves from this afternoon, only hurt left behind.

He walks further into the room, putting his jacket on the couch as he moves towards me, pulling me to his body and I immediately wrap my arms around him, breathing him in. "I'm okay, Lil. I got stuck up with the paperwork, my phone is on silent. Mark keeps his phone on do not disturb while driving. I am fine."

I nod, taking in a staggering breath before taking a step back to look at him. "C'mon, dinner's getting cold."

We move to the dining table as he takes a seat across me and fills his plate with beans as I just stare at him, trying to introspect my own emotions. He looks a little tired and I wonder what he's thinking about. When he passes me the bowl, his eyes meet mine and he studies my face.

"Are you still mad?" He asks as he starts eating and I shrug, doing the same. "I don't know what that means, I need more than that."

I keep my eyes fixed on the plate as I move a bean with my fork. "I don't know if I am. Have you thought about what I said?"

"You really want me to hire someone else?" The surprise in his voice makes me frown as I stare up, not sure why he thinks I wasn't serious about it earlier.

"That or we can stay here." My voice is firmer than it ever has been and he gives me an incredulous look, making my scowl deeper.

"You're being extremely irrational," He says, making me drop my fork as I sit back a little in the chair. "The agency's architecture team has worked on the entire apartment, I can't just fire someone because you have a problem with them."

"I'm not asking you to fire someone because I don't like them because trust me, in that case, Amy would've been the first to go. I don't care how you draw a line between your professional and private life, Mr. Clark but a woman who has slept with you is not going to work on our home."

What is so hard for him to understand about this? I understand that I could possibly be overreacting a little but just the thought of James being physically involved with another woman doesn't sit well with me. I know it's his past so he cannot change his actions, but he can control the things he does in the present.

"I slept with her once, years back! Why does that matter now?" His voice is rising with each word and I'm not a fan of yelling, at all. I try not to let his anger make me nervous because if I get anxious and angry, I'll end up crying.

"If it had been a guy that I slept with who was designing the apartment, would you have been okay with it?" I ask because if he's not going to understand things my way, I'm going to have to play hypothetical situations.

His eyes turn into slits as he glares at me, my words making his jaw twitch. "Have you slept with someone before?"

My lips part at his question, heat rising in my cheeks because this is not the conversation I want to have right now. His question only pushes me to the edge more as I continue to gape at him before pulling myself together.

"How does that matter in this entire situation? Just answer the question." I throw my hands up in frustration, not understanding how does his thought process actually work.

This is the second argument James and I are having with me being vocal about how I feel. Earlier I have just shut up about my feelings but something tells me I can't continue to do that if I want to maintain a healthy bond.

"No, now that you put it like that, I wouldn't have been fine with it, Lillian. But you have to understand that things are finalised, do you want to start from the scratch, what all we planned today?" He sighs, his tone a little calmer.

"Just ask someone else to take over from the agency! It's that easy. I just don't want her paws where I'm supposed to be sleeping with you. She was literally drooling at your back today, James. If a guy would look at me like that, you would punch the shit out of him and don't even try denying that."

"I didn't punch the shit out of Sam." He retorts and I can't help but roll my eyes. "Yes, okay. I'll ask someone else to take over. Is that all you want, or do you want to change everything we selected today?"

Finally! A sense of relief washes over me and I relax a little in my seat, picking up my fork to resume eating. I shrug at his question, "I liked the layouts. That's upto you. Also, I would like to pitch in for these expenses since I haven't really contributed in anyway."

"No." His voice is loud and firm.

I sigh, "I know under what circumstances we got married, but I have savings of my own. It's not a lot but I was doing part-time in high school too. I told you about it, and I've earned some from the internship. Let's just not argue about this."

I had no idea how he would respond to it but I didn't expect for him to drop his fork, slide the chair back and leave the table. What?

"James!" I call out, mirroring his actions as he storms up the stairs, apparently too pissed to take the elevator. I run after him, trying to catch up but he's way too quick on his feet, making me run out of breath. "At least talk to me!"

He turns around, his eyes filled with fury, "You said we shouldn't argue about it so this is me walking away to avoid an argument."

"You're acting like a child, I hope you know that." I call out after him as he continues to climb the stairs, a frustrated groan leaving me.

Is this how relationships are supposed to be? Because I have never been in one, and this is the most ridiculous argument ever. If I was an observer, I would've probably laughed at him for storming off like a child but I can't handle him being pissed at me like this.

When I finally catch upto him, he enters his bedroom but leaves the door open thankfully. He removes his cufflinks and starts unbuttoning his shirt and his fast paced actions and body demeanour clearly indicate his anger, making me gulp a little with nervousness.

"You do know by walking away like this you're just postponing the argument, and not avoiding it, right? At least tell me what the problem is." I try to keep my tone balanced to not irk him off more.

He glares at me with a twitching jaw but I stand my ground. No one has ever pushed my buttons the way he does, and I don't understand how is it possible for him to get under my skin so damn much.

"I don't want to talk right now, just leave." He gestures towards the door and I bite back the hurt that fills me because I thought we were done with separate rooms.

"Why are you overreacting?" I ask in disbelief.

"I'm overreacting? Since lunch all you've done is exaggerate things, right now all I'm doing is avoiding an argument till the time you're able to think clearly and stop suggesting the most ridiculous things."

"Why is it ridiculous if I want to pitch in?" I ask, genuinely trying to understand where this reaction is coming from.

"Lillian. I respect you so much, and I'm so afraid that the words I say will not be interpreted well, so please let's just drop this completely." He moves to his closet space and I stand in the way of him entering the room, my arms crossed in front of me.

"Just tell me, I'll try to understand! You can't assume my response."

He chuckles humourlessly as he picks out a t-shirt and pair of sweatpants, "Given the circumstances, I can."

What the hell is he talking about? His words just leave me more confused than before because I have absolutely no idea why is he so pissed with the idea of me pitching in.

"James, please." I beg, trying to make him look at me as he stands in the closet. "Is it about how I don't have to spend my savings over this?"

"Jesus, yes! These are your savings, please just don't spend them like that. I earn enough for both of us and I know you'll be joining the company with your own potential when time comes, but please, don't argue with me over this. I respect your money, I respect you, I just don't want you to spend it like this. You haven't asked me for a penny since the day we got married, that itself bothers me but no, we aren't doing the pitch in conversation."

I stare at him, processing his words because I understand what he's saying but it also fills me with guilt to know that I'm not old enough to work full time yet and contribute. I haven't asked him for money because I have my own. We got married under the name of debt, that itself makes me feel like I owe him everything but I just want to do my part where it is possible. How can I possibly make him understand the way I feel about this?

"And you couldn't have said all this without storming off, James?" I scoff, stepping aside so he can make his way to the room. "I understand your pride, but I'd like you to extend that courtesy to me too. This shouldn't be an issue, that apartment is going to be our home, I want to pitch in a small amount, it's not like I can cover a lot of expenses and if you really do respect me, let me do this for myself."

He doesn't say anything as he gives me a look, as if saying I told you so, but I don't get it. I understand his point without misinterpreting it, why can't he understand mine? He goes inside the bathroom and I grit my teeth before leaving the room and going downstairs to clean the table. I'm done arguing over something so stupid.

After cleaning the table, I put the leftovers in the refrigerator because I don't feel hungry at all and I know he wouldn't eat either, given the way he stormed off. My anger is still there but has calmed a little as I try to understand his temper. I think with the way things have been, I forgot how easily James get pissed at things and has a habit of overreacting. But we both have to find some common ground otherwise the issues will never resolve.

I don't go to his bedroom for next couple of hours and neither does he come to mine. It hurts a little because at least I tried to understand him. The entire argument keeps me distracted from studying and I mentally curse him a little for screwing up with my head like this.

When the realisation that I can't study like this hits me, I make my way to his bedroom and surprisingly it's unlocked. In the pitch dark room I'm somehow able to make out the line of his body. How has he gone to sleep so peacefully? My frown only deepens when I approach the side table and turn on the lamp.

He turns around at the movement and his squinted eyes meet mine. "What's wrong?"

"You're a very frustrating person, you know that?" I cross my arms in front of me and he sits up in his head, no trace of sleep in his eyes which makes me realise that he wasn't asleep.

"So I've been told." He gestures towards me, making me roll my eyes which only makes him squint his in a patronising manner. "Are you coming to bed?"

"You should be thankful I'm standing inside this room at all after you showed me the way out." I convey and he sighs, running a hand through his hair before extending his hand and touching my elbow and I debate whether or not I should step back but I'm here to resolve things so I stay rooted to the floor.

He crosses his legs in front of him and pulls me to sit by his side on the bed, facing him. "Why do you want to waste your money by spending it like this?"

I mentally thank god for his calm tone because I cannot handle him being angry anymore. At least he's questioning me and trying to understand my position. "How is it wasting if I want to spend it on our home? I just want to contribute to something that's going to be for both of us."

"I don't understand it."

"When I say that I want to contribute, I don't mean that you aren't capable of paying for it because we both damn well know that's not the truth. We got married because my family was in debt, you have no idea how much I owe to you, so please just let me have this." I try to explain, my voice almost cracking because of how eventful and emotionally overwhelming this entire day has been.

His features soften a little as he brings us his hand to my face, his thumb brushing my cheeks and I lean into his touch. "I don't care what the reason was, but I wouldn't change it for the world. Also, you don't owe me anything so please don't ever say that again."

I disagree with him on the last part but don't argue back, just nodding along because he'll actually never realise how much he has done for me without even realising it. He's more considerate than anyone I've ever met before even though he doesn't have a great way of showing it.

"Let's just not argue over something so futile, please. I want to do this and I shouldn't have to seek permission for that, so I'm doing it whether or not you like it." My words are firm but my voice is soft.

He looks a little conflicted, making me cup his hand on my cheek and just move it a little so I can press a peck on his palm. I see how he relaxes at my actions, making me smile internally.

"You're right, you don't need my permission but you can't spend everything, Lil. I'm not telling you but rather requesting you to keep some of your savings, please." He breathes out and I can't help but wrap my arms around his neck from the relief that washes over me.

He just tugs me forward, pulling me into his lap and I breathe in his scent, no cologne, just him. I press a kiss on his shoulder as he moves his hand underneath my thigh, making gasp as my legs wrap around his torso.

"You know no one has ever argued this much with me in my entire life?" His breath fans over my ear and I part a little to look at his face.

"I've never argued with someone, I believe that it's stupid to argue over things and let the other person have their way if it makes them happier but you just bring out this side of me, but I only try to reason out things when I know I'm right." I express, wondering when was the last time I was this honest about my thoughts with anyone.

He smirks a little, "Good to know we both are working on communicating better."

I nod, "I didn't like how things went today, just please talk to me in future instead of storming off. If you need space, just tell me so I can provide you that, but say it out aloud. We cannot read each other's minds, you know?"

He brings his hand to my hair as he pushes them back from my side before nodding. "This is what I mean when I say that you're so much more mature than your age and handle things better than I do."

I smile at his words, my anger resolving because I appreciate how it took him time but he understood my perspective. He can be stubborn at times but I'm glad he's willing to see things my way when push comes to shove.

"You're better at so many things, it's not a competition. We learn from each other, right? That's what a relationship is about." I look into his emerald orbs and he smiles at me before leaning forward and pressing his lips against mine.

"Come to bed, please."

"I have to study." I mumble against his lips, and he parts away groaning. "Can I ask you something?"

"Only if you'll let me leave a mark." He traces his finger on my neck, making a shiver run through me from the impact.

"We talked about this. No more hickeys."

James and I had a serious conversation after Chloe pointed out the mark on my neck that he cannot leave any more hickeys on me, which actually displeased him so much that he tried to reason out with me but then decided that I'm right and he actually cannot leave any more marks.

He arches an eyebrow, leaning forward to place a kiss on my neck and I have to bite my lip to resist the moan. His dark eyes meet mine as he parts away, "You know you miss it, love."

I clear my throat, shaking my head as I compose my demeanour. "How old are you, fifteen? Teenagers are obsessed with hickeys."

"Well, you wouldn't wear your rings, so whose fault is that?" He playfully smirks making me gasp.

"Is that why you're so into it? That's ridiculous."

He chuckles, "I like you with a mark on your neck, it suits you. So, what was your question again?"

I grumble, trying to bring my mind back to what I was about to ask him. "Yes, my question. Did you not date anyone in school or University?"

"I tried dating in school but it never lasted more than two weeks, so no, I wouldn't call those relationships. By the time I was in college, I was already working part-time at the company, you know?"

"So you slept around instead." I add, not being able to resist saying it and he looks a little uncertain but nods.

"It wasn't as bad as you're imagining it in your head." He tries to reassure me, his hand around my waist drawing circles to do the same.

"How do you know what I'm imagining it to be like?" I question, frowning at him and he gives me a small smile.

"I know we weren't getting along a month ago but it doesn't mean I don't know you or haven't noticed things about you. There's a reason I felt attracted to you, baby. It's not all about this beautiful face you have."

Did he just—? He has never complimented me like that, ever. I stare at him wide-eyed as blush rises to my cheeks, making me look away a little before setting my eyes on him again. He frowns at my reaction as he sits up a little straighter, making me move with him as the distance between us pretty much evaporates.

He brings his knuckles to my cheeks, softly caressing it as he studies my expression, "You do know you're one of the most beautiful human I've ever laid eyes on, right?"

I gulp at his words, having a really difficult time believing him so I just shrug, "You're very distracting, Mr. Clark."

The fact that he noticed me the same way I noticed him all these months warms my heart. He's right, I am imagining the worst but as he looks at me like this and says the most unbelievable words, I just stare at him. He smirks at my response before leaning forward and pressing a peck on my lips again.

"It isn't as bad as you're thinking, Lil. I didn't have a lot of time, I know most people believe that I've just been handed over the CEO position because of my father, but I've tried to work my way into it otherwise he wouldn't have really given it to me and he made that clear long ago." He explains and I process his words, nodding as I continue to study his beautiful features.

"I know you deserve it, I've never thought otherwise. Although, I would like to know if there's anyone else you've slept with that I can possibly come in contact with, like I don't know Olivia from front desk?"

He freezes at my words, his face a little panicked and I feel my heart sinking as I try to free myself from his grasp. "Seriously, James? God! Is the entire office crawling with the women from your past?" I struggle against his chest but then he starts chuckling, making me stop my actions as I glare at him. "It's not funny."

"It's pretty damn easy to get to you."

What? The sudden realisation that he's just messing with me dawns upon me and I groan, finally freeing myself from his grasp and sliding away from his lap to stand by the bed with my hands on my hips.

"Still not funny." I grumble as I start to make my way out of the room but can't help the smile that breaks through my face at his loud chuckle.

"I was just kidding." He calls after me but I turn around and give him an innocent smile.

"Have a fun time spooning your pillow."