Episode 17

Archie and Kaivan arrived home following a dinner event at Risa's place. Both entered in sheer silence, with not a single word passing from their lips.

Time and again, Archie yearned to speak, yet hesitancy and fear restrained him, reluctant to broach the matter with his husband who perpetually wore a stern expression.

"I've got a bit of work to do, you go ahead and shower first," said Kaivan, without a glance at Archie.

"I actually wanted to discuss something with you, but maybe we could talk after you finish work," Archie suggested, about to walk away, but Kaivan spoke up.

"Let's talk now, my work will take a while," said Kaivan, then he stepped towards the sofa and took a seat.

Archie cleared his throat softly and quickly followed to sit across from Kaivan. Before speaking, Archie briefly met his husband's gaze.

"You really do support me working, right?" asked Archie.

"Of course, I won't just change my decision unless you fail to fulfill your duties as a wife," Kaivan replied, his tone cold and his expression impassive.

It was typical, yet Archie hoped for a hint of a smile on his husband's face.

"Tomorrow I've been invited to an interview at a company. May I attend?" Archie inquired once more.

Kaivan raised an eyebrow but soon nodded.

"Go ahead, but what company and for what position?" Kaivan asked.

"I just want to know, and it's fine if you don't want to tell me," Kaivan quickly added.

Archie smiled sweetly, rummaging through her sling bag and pulling out her phone to read the name of the company where the interview was scheduled.

"I'll be interviewing for a director's secretary position," Archie informed him.

Her tone conveyed happiness, which allowed Kaivan to share in the sentiment. It seemed Archie was eager to work.

"What company?" Kaivan probed again.

"D'trax company," Archie answered, showing the invitation email for the interview.

Kaivan's brow furrowed, but he soon nodded in acknowledgment.

"Alright, go for it. Though it may not be a major corporation, who knows, you might carve out a career for yourself there," Kaivan responded.

Archie beamed. "Wish me luck for tomorrow. I hope the interview goes smoothly and that I get the job," said Archie.

"I'll keep you in my prayers, but is there anything else you want to discuss?" Kaivan inquired.

"No, that's all. I'm going to clean up, and you need to work," Archie replied, rising from her seat.

Kaivan merely nodded briefly, watching Archie for a moment before letting her leave him alone in the living room.

Kaivan massaged his temples, then opened his laptop on the table and began to work. His workload was substantial.

Meanwhile, in the bedroom, Archie headed straight for the bathroom without bringing her clothes, too hasty in her desire for a shower to remember.

Archie sighed, no big deal she didn't bring clothes; after all, her husband was likely engrossed in his work.

Archie stood beneath the shower, allowing the water to cascade down and soak her completely.

She made sure to lather her entire body, ensuring a thorough cleanse and a refreshing feel.

"This is so refreshing," Archie murmured, though she avoided wetting her hair.

After a few minutes, Archie stepped out of the shower, wrapped only in a towel from her chest down.

Archie opened her wardrobe and picked out a favorite nightgown, but was abruptly startled by something that scuttled across her foot.

Looking down, Archie's eyes widened and she screamed loudly upon spotting the creature she dreaded the most.

"OM!!!" Archie cried out, inadvertently calling for her husband.

Archie fled the walk-in closet, feeling queasy. As she emerged, Kaivan entered, resulting in a collision.

Archie was scared, and Kaivan was taken aback. He'd leapt from the living room at the sound of his wife's scream.

"There's a cockroach. It was crawling on my leg," Archie explained, clutching Kaivan's shirt and hugging him without thinking.

"Calm down, Archie. It's just a cockroach, don't be frightened," Kaivan soothed.

"I'm not scared, it's just... creepy," Archie pressed closer to her husband.

She'd lost control, unaware of her towel-clad appearance, pressing against her husband's body.

"I'll call someone to clean up tomorrow. I can't fathom how such a creature got into our house," Kaivan's tone grew softer.

Archie didn't respond, remaining in her position with eyes shut.

"Archiena," Kaivan called.

"Yes?" Archie opened her eyes, directly locking onto Kaivan's intense gaze.

For a moment, they simply looked at one another, and without realizing it, Kaivan's hand found its way to his wife's slender waist.

Startled, Archie quickly withdrew, even pushing him reflexively in her shock.

"Goodness! Please forgive me, I didn't mean to..." Archie stammered, covering herself with her hands.

Kaivan cleared his throat, straightened his clothing, and quickly left the room without another word.

Archie remained where she was, gripping her towel tightly; she was completely unaware out of fear.

She felt deep remorse; Kaivan must have been uncomfortable with her behavior. Truly, cockroaches gave her the creeps.

There was a bad experience with roaches, perhaps.

"What will Kaivan think of me now?" Archie pondered anxiously.

Shaking her head, she decided to dress. Fortunately, she had already found clothes, so there was no need to re-enter the walk-in closet.

After changing, Archie longed to step out of the room and make her husband some coffee, but she was too embarrassed.

She couldn't bear to face Kaivan after what had happened. It was more than just sticking close, she had been barely clothed, with only a thin towel wrapped around her.