Episode 11

Archie gazed upon the two-story house with admiration sparkling in his eyes. The design was minimalist, yet it exuded a sense of modernity.

Not only from the outside did the house impress him, but upon entering, Archie was once again awestruck by its interior design and layout.

His smile was unrelenting; the house may not have been bigger than his own, yet he believed it promised immense comfort.

"Your room is over there, and my room is here," Kaivan said, pointing out their respective rooms.

Note to self. Separate bedrooms.

Archie looked at his spouse, perplexed. As husband and wife, should they not share a room? Was this truly all right?

"We're sleeping apart, Uncle?" Archie inquired gently.

Kaivan's eyes met Archie's, taking in how the expression on the younger man's face immediately made Kaivan shake his head.

"No, we'll share a room. I initially thought you might prefer separate bedrooms, so I prepared for that eventuality," Kaivan replied.

"But hearing your question now lets me know you wouldn't mind sharing, perhaps?" Kaivan added, raising an eyebrow quizzically.

A bashful smile appeared on Archie's face, though he didn't respond right away. Instead, he looked around and started exploring their new space.

"Tomorrow, I'll look for a house assistant and a security guard, so you won't have to manage the house alone," Kaivan spoke again.

Archie turned around, his gaze settling on his husband, who stood with one hand casually pocketed in his trousers.

"Uncle, would it be all right if I worked too?" Archie asked cautiously.

"I won't stop you. Please, use your knowledge and skills to work, but I hope you'll also remember your duties as a spouse," Kaivan answered, his expression as smooth and polished as a marble floor.

Naturally, Archie was pleased to hear this. He approached his husband once more and took some items from Kaivan's hands.

"Thanks so much, Uncle. I promise I won't forget my responsibilities as your spouse," asserted Archie confidently.

"And... where exactly will we be sleeping?" Archie queried.

"Let me show you." Kaivan gestured and led the way upstairs to their bedroom.

Archie hastened to follow him. As he walked, he continued to admire the house from this new angle; the view was even more appealing from the second floor.

"So, you're not opposed to sharing a bedroom?" Kaivan asked for confirmation.

"Just as you said, I'm not a stranger, I'm your spouse. I don't mind at all," Archie responded softly.

Kaivan offered a tight smile, opened the door, and gestured for Archie to enter.

As Archie stepped inside, Kaivan stepped out. He had received a call from someone, someone of great importance in his life.

Meanwhile, Archie could feel the cool, firm aura of Kaivan's room. The dark grey wall paint seemed to signify the man's personality.

Archie placed his belongings in a corner and walked around to explore. His attention was immediately drawn to a small desk featuring a photo and a flower vase.

Archie picked up the photo, studying it attentively. It showed Kaivan playing the piano.

"Uncle Kaivan is good at playing piano?" Archie mused with a smile.

After replacing the photo, Archie looked around, spotting a walk-in closet he planned to use to organize his clothes.

"Where's Uncle Kaivan? I can't just put my things anywhere," Archie muttered to himself.

He was about to leave when Kaivan reappeared. Had Archie moved a mere inch forward, his forehead might have become intimately acquainted with the door.

"What is it?" Kaivan asked with a furrowed brow.

"I was going to arrange my things, Uncle," replied Archie.

Kaivan nodded and opened the walk-in closet to let Archie in.

He then began moving some of his shirts and suits to one side.

"Place your clothes here," Kaivan instructed.

Once again, Archie was distracted by the orderly array of shoes and watches, and even the shirts arranged by color.

"Uncle must be very meticulous and tidy," Archie surmised.

"Not necessarily; I've been careless before," Kaivan retorted bluntly and indifferently.

Archie scratched the back of his neck, feeling awkward at Kaivan's response. It was nonchalant, but his tone suggested that Archie should perhaps cease the conversation.