The substitute husband who has been insulted

Episode 8

Richard gaped, still in shock from the turn of events. His chest was thoroughly wet, yet he felt no disgust whatsoever. He understood his wife's condition. "Please, Sir. Let's stop for a while!" Richard pleaded with the taxi driver.

"There's a gas station up ahead, Sir! We'll stop there," the driver stated.

"Ah yes, let's give the car a wash while we're at it. Don't worry, I'll cover all expenses," Richard replied, massaging his wife's neck as she continued to try to vomit.

The car pulled up in front of the public restroom, Richard helping his wife down, wiping her face and mouth until she was clean. After they emerged, he seated Velyn on a chair. "Your clothes are still clean, wait here, okay? I'll go take a shower!" Richard excused himself to get a change of clothing as his car was still queuing for a wash.

Richard also bought some bottled water, breaking the seal before handing it to Velyn, "Here, drink this."

Velyn nodded, accepted the bottle, and sipped it gently. Meanwhile, Richard quickly cleansed himself.

Not long after, the man was back, looking clean and refreshed. He sat beside Velyn, resting her head on his shoulder as they waited for their car to be cleaned.

"Sorry, Cad," Velyn murmured softly.

"It's nothing. It didn't hurt me after all," Richard chuckled.

They resumed their journey after an hour's wait. Velyn, speaking little, fell back asleep. Her head thumped heavily.

...

Night had fallen by the time they arrived at the villa—a simple, one-story structure where Richard had once lived with his rescuing grandfather. The villa was maintained and watched over by a middle-aged couple whom Richard trusted, as the owner had passed away a year before.

"Uncle!" Richard called out as he stepped out of the car.

"What? Young Richard? Back from somewhere?" Dana—the caretaker lounging on the villa's porch—was not like ordinary servants, as he and his wife had served there for years and had become like family.

"Yes, hehe. Could you help with my suitcase, Uncle? We're staying for a few days," replied Richard, opening the trunk.

Richard settled the fare, even offering a sizable bonus to the taxi driver.

"Cad, where are we?" Velyn had just stepped out when she heard the conversation, casting her gaze around what was a very unfamiliar place.

"Who is this, Cad? She's beautiful!" Uncle Dana asked, pausing while carrying two suitcases when he saw Velyn.

Velyn clung to Richard, visibly frightened. She stood behind his strong frame.

"This is Velyn, my wife, Uncle."

Uncle Dana's eyes widened, "You're married? Why didn't you invite us?" he exclaimed, playfully hitting Richard's arm.

"It was sudden, Uncle. We'll rest now," said Richard as he sensed his wife's discomfort.

Richard led her into his old room. Modest, not as spacious as Velyn's, but meticulously clean and tidy. Aunt Conie always kept it spotless.

"Cad, would you like me to unpack these for you?" Uncle Dana offered, knocking on the door.

"No need, Uncle. Thank you. You can continue with your work," Richard said, approaching and bringing the suitcases inside.

"Cad, you're clever at finding a wife. Where did you meet her?" Uncle Dana teased sotto voce.

"In the neighboring city, Uncle." Richard smiled, not wanting to reveal details about their extreme first encounter. He didn't want anyone to judge his wife unfairly.

"Alright then, rest well. Tomorrow I'll have Conie cook a big meal for you both!"

"Thank you, Uncle," Richard replied.

Richard returned, pulling the suitcases with him. He arranged Velyn's clothes first in the modest-sized wardrobe. He didn't immediately sort his own, which contained a laptop and some documents sent by Delon. He didn't want Velyn to become suspicious.

"Get some rest! Want to eat first?" Richard suggested, grabbing a pillow and intending to take it outside.

"Where are you going?" Velyn asked.

"To sleep outside, with Uncle."

"But didn't you introduce me as your wife? Surely there will be questions. Just sleep here," Velyn said, patting the space next to her.

Richard blinked repeatedly in astonishment, recalling that they had never shared the same bed except on the night they met.

"Eee ... are you sure it's okay?" Richard sought reassurance.

"Yes!" Velyn laid down first, pulling the blanket up to her midsection.

Richard moved stiffly, lying down next to Velyn. He positioned himself at the edge, staring at the ceiling, daring not to move further.

"Vel, sorry this room isn't as big as yours. It's actually very simple. This... was my old living space," Richard spoke.

There was no response and out of curiosity, Richard turned to find Velyn already fast asleep. He smiled at his wife's peaceful face, tipping sideways and pulling the blanket closer. Eventually, he too fell asleep.

...

Birds chirped and leaves rustled in the wind, rays of sunlight piercing through the bedroom window, stirring the eyelids of the two beings now embraced in bed.

Their eyes opened, they stared in shock at the unexpectedly intimate position. "Richard!" Velyn shouted, pushing him away.

Richard quickly got up and distanced himself. "Ah, sorry! I... I didn't mean to," he said, not daring to look her way.

He rushed to the bathroom to freshen up, mentally grumbling, 'She forgot, she asked me to sleep there. Who's aware while sleeping!'

While Velyn chose to get up, opening the entirely glass-bedroom window.

Fresh, cool air rushed in, her long hair fluttering. She took a deep breath and then exhaled. It was calming. Especially the view; lush trees, mountains, and fields added to the beauty. It was a scene she had never encountered before.

However, since that incident, Richard chose to sleep on the floor with a blanket. Velyn seemed angry. He was there to help her heal, not add to her burdens. Thus, Richard yielded.

...

For a week at the Villa, Richard tended to Velyn attentively, regularly applying therapeutic massage and preparing nutritious meals with Aunt Conie's help. Velyn's condition improved, though she took no medication.

Richard also took her to visit the local lake and hot springs. Velyn adored it, embracing nature to relieve stress and lighten her mind, making her appear more relaxed.

"Vel," Richard called. Though she had calmed down during their stay at the Villa, Velyn rarely talked. Only about important things. Unlike when she was ill, when she was chatty and clingy.

That night, rain poured down, thunder echoed. The chill matched Velyn's frosty demeanor.

"Hmm?" she responded without looking up.

"Do you still hate me now?"

"Yes! Because of you, my marriage to Gerald is ruined. You wrecked all my dreams. Had you not taken advantage of me that night, I would now be happy with Gerald."

Richard took a deep breath, sitting on the floor, leaning against the bed—one knee supporting his right arm as he gazed distantly. "But, I myself don't know why that happened."

"Bullshitt! You took advantage of the situation, didn't you? Seeing me helpless, you pounced!" Velyn scolded, rolling over and closing her eyes forcefully, annoyed at recalling that night.

"Who were you with that night? How come you were alone there?" Richard pressed, curious.

"With my friends, of course. Sonia, Wirda, Nikita! I was celebrating my bridal shower! Ugh, you're so annoying, Cad!" she shrieked, throwing a pillow at Richard and pulling the blanket up over herself.

Richard turned, sensing something off in Velyn's account. He pondered it for a moment, then returned to his work. However, his mind remained unfocused that night, curious about what had happened to him then. Amidst his many problems, he forgot that he needed to investigate that.

...

Very early in the morning, Velyn's phone jangled, waking her abruptly. Squinting her eyes, she saw the caller was Stevy—her secretary.

Hurriedly sitting up, she answered, "Hello, Stev!" her voice tense, her heart pounding. It had been a week since she'd thought of work.

"Miss, sorry to disturb you. But there's good news. Dirgantara Corp has invested a substantial amount of money in our company. And what's more thrilling, several international companies want to partner with us. They say it's because of Dirgantara Corp's recommendation, Miss!" Stevy reported enthusiastically.

Velyn was speechless, absorbing her secretary's words. It seemed unbelievable. "Could you repeat that?" she asked, listening intently.

It was true, Stevy repeated the same information. Velyn beamed, "I'll come back immediately!" she said, ending the call.

"Yesss! At last! Thank you, God!" Velyn yelled, biting the blanket wrapped around her, expressing her elation. "Richard! Let's go home now!" she yelled, quickly tying her hair and hurrying out of bed.